Retaliation is my choice. I view my stance as ethical, but it's not a simple one:

Because I exists, you exist -- the fact that I and people like me would pull the trigger enables you and people like you to negotiate in utter and fearful sincerity. You are the good cop, I am the bad cop. If there was any question of my intent and ability to follow through on my threats, you would left without anything of value to offer your counter-party.

But, while I am aware of the dichotomy -- sincerely intending destruction in order to prevent it -- I am in no way insincere in my willingness to destroy human life. There is rage and hatred within me. I restrain it because there are those whom I love, and who also love me. If they are dead, only rage and hatred remain. Why, in my dying days, should I deny myself the expression of it? For some mythical "innocent civilian" who, when all is said and done, has rendered service in the murder of those I love?

No. Let there be death. If any witnesses survive, they will know better how to live.