With the average population age in the Arab world under 28, I'm not sure which sextogenerians' memory you are talking about. Selective memory is a vice shared by many. The US has certainly undertaken much less draconian measures than the Caliphates and Ottomans did to enforce peace, law and order in their respective domains.
The purpose of swift and resolute military action is to avoid attrition and wanton destruction of life and property. Taking no action and let trouble fester would certainly lead to more costly remedies.