I was in Iran when Khomeini replaced the Shah. Khomeimi killed off many of his opponents using Stalinist war trials. Assad is fighting for his life as are many of his supporters.
So many will continue to die....Remember...Middle Easterners do not see life as we do...they belong to death cults so it’s honorable to die...better then life.
I spent five years in Saudi Arabia including during Desert Shield/Storm and two years in Iran. Personally, I believe that this death cult and willing to die rather than capitulate is overblown. The Iraqis surrendered en masse including to newsmen. They didn't want to die for Saddam, And the mullahs in Iran do not want to commit suicide either by attacking Israel or us. The leaders of these countries want to survive and will do whatever is necessary to do so.
My son was in Desert Shield/Storm...
But my reference is that of the Jihadists and terrorists....but even as you say....right now there are those who have stated on both sides in Syria and among their military ready and willing for suicide missions against the US and any who come into their line of fire.
I disagree that the idea of dying isn’t formost among the people...they see death as a reward.....no matter how many troops in Iraq surrendered.....Syria is not to be compared...different war...different groups fighting...
We are going to have to disagree....I think.... when it comes to the motives of the Syrians and fighters in Syria, in how they see death.