So, give references to international law about what exactly qualify as a war -- and what does not?

Because obviously, the top law specialists don't agree with you -- presidents aren't above the law.

Edit: Here is the US law about unlawful combatants: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Commissions_Act_of_20... It came after a decision from the US Supreme Court. (Another Supreme Court decision says the unlawful combatants are protected by the Geneva protocols.)

Edit 2: I asked for references and got nothing in the answer below. Enough for me.

You mean just like when 9/11 allowed for the idea of pre-emptive strikes to be legalized?

Law specialist have no understanding of what is the right law, they have an understanding of how you can interpret the law.

These are two very different things you don't need to be a law specialist to have an informed opinion about the definition of what constitutes war.