What the heck is a hybrid war?

"Where would the world be right now without Putin in Russia, the IRGC in Iran, Xi in China, and Kim in North Korea? Pretty darn close to peace and tranquility in my book. But of all the baddies listed, Putin is the worst. He will drag this region (maybe even the world) into another conflagration if it suits his needs and desires."

It seems that some of the world leaders who just happen to reside in Europe, are sounding the alarm right now about the rapidly approaching hybrid war. A what kind of war? I am finally getting accustomed to the other new kind of war called asymmetrical. Some of the leaders in Europe think that Russia has already started a hybrid war against some of the Euro NATO countries. Not a declared war, not a kinetic war (so to speak), but a slow drip, "accidental" incursion on unsuspecting countries. But here is the problem for Mother Russia - very few countries are unsuspecting. Remember? Never trust a Russian.

What is a hybrid type of war? An accidental drone here, a wayward cruise missile there, a random cyber-attack anywhere - all that under the guise of a "Whoops - sorry about that". But why bother if you are Putin? Why not skip the subterfuge and just send in a volley of missiles and drones against a NATO country and get the ball rolling? We all know it is coming, so be on with it. Here is the "why" - putting Putin's nukes aside, NATO can beat Russia to a pulp each and every day of the week, and twice on Sunday.

Okay - I know many with a strong logic streak are bound to ask the same question - why? Here is the "why" according to some who pay attention to what is going on in Russia. Ukraine. The war which Putin promised his country would be over in a matter of days, has changed into a long and bloody struggle. And what used to be fun to watch for some in the Russian public, is no longer fun now that Ukraine has learned how to punch back. All of a sudden, there is damage and death inside of Russia, compliments of the innovative thinkers in the Ukrainian Army.

Putin needs a win. He is scared to death right now that the Ukraine debacle will bring about his own death. Or overthrow. What a better way to get redemption with the masses in Moscow, than to give NATO a black eye or two. And if kinetic war comes instead of this hybrid mess, Russia needs to vanquish his new foes. Take them down a notch. Reshape Europe (again). Only a megalomaniac would think this way, and when it comes to megalomania, Putin is one of the best - ever.

Where would the world be right now without Putin in Russia, the IRGC in Iran, Xi in China, and Kim in North Korea? Pretty darn close to peace and tranquility in my book. But of all the baddies listed, Putin is the worst. He will drag this region (maybe even the world) into another conflagration if it suits his needs and desires. But here is the thing about wars, even hybrid wars - the blade cuts both ways. Be careful of what you start Mr. Putin - NATO stands ready to finish it.