I do didn't want to over criticize past actions being as I am too young(that's fun to say), to have experience the true global conflicts of the world wars.   Actions taken in limited conflicts were thought to short circuit larger global Armageddon.   Maybe it worked?   My first adolescent awareness was Vietnam, which I opposed.

It's just difficult to understand human behavior, or human institutions without understanding the emotional context.   Fear creates some very irrational decisions.   Fear sets off both our flight and fight reactions and neither is a rational reaction, but are also important to our survival. 

I'm just cautious not to be quick to judge.   I agree with you on all the subversive actions of our nation you mentioned.  I'm not sure they match the gory results of conventional warfare?