There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.
Great results, can be achieved with small forces.
Who can determine where one ends and the other begins?
If the mind is willing, the flesh could go on and on without many things.
If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding.
Every battle is won before it is fought.