> What will a dictator do when he realises that he cannot win the war by conventional means but by other means? That remains the most terrifying question today.

> What will a dictator do when he realises that he cannot win the war by conventional means but by other means? That remains the most terrifying question today. The scenario you're describing is basically the one they can't afford, it's simply too costly in men and weapons, without guarantees of outcome, military is not concentrated is the cities, and can expect a lot of help from the west. The level of incompetence display is incredible, which increases the danger of worse scenario, that don't make sense either.