Does this remind anyone of Saddam Hussein situation.
Yes. You would tend to think (rationally) of these dictators as putting their own survival as the top priority, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Saddam had 9 months to withdraw and make some concessions that would virtually guarantee his survival and continued power. All that time watching a massive buildup of coalition forces. If he withdrew from Quate and offered some concessions he would robbed the coalitions will to invade. But no, Saddam chose to hide and hand dug hole under a small house in some little village. Did he take his sons? No. Did he care what happened to even his sons? Probably not.
I think it might be better to model such dictators more like serial killers, which they are -btw. Each conquest is ever darker and the risks taken
are incrementally greater. Enjoying the press and even attempting to create the greatest possible spectacle (Ted Bundy defending himself in court).
Ultimately, I think Kim would be the type to take everyone down with him. If he can’t deliver a nuke, he’ll use it on his own soil. The two fission reactors he has will be made into Chernobyl’s. The question is would this military follow such orders.