[boomboomsubban]

>And given that the alternative involves killing people it's probably the best path we have

This argument pretends sanctions don't kill people. Limiting trade with a country makes it difficult for people in that country to get access to affordable drugs, killing many people with treatable diseases. We have seen this in Iran, where people with diabetes struggle to get insulin, haemophiliacs die unable to find necessary medication, and treatable cancers kill victims of all ages.

Further, lowering the wealth of a nation will make it harder for the poor to get the basic necessities like food and shelter.

Targeted sanctions may work differently, but they're far less proven than you claim.