I think you're mixing up the motivations and sentiments of those in power and the general public. US foreign policy is not motivated by an empathetic response

I think you're mixing up the motivations and sentiments of those in power and the general public. US foreign policy is not motivated by an empathetic response to address "bombings, massacres, civil wars". That's only relevant in the calculus of managing the public narrative. Empires don't enter military conflicts to save or better lives. They do it to control resources and counter regional or global imperial competitors.