Типично по-киселевски выдергивать предложение из контекста и трактовать его на свое усмотрение. Полностью абзац: So far there is no clear answer to the question: which side will be first to incur the local residents' hostility? The rebels, whose appearance will be a signal of impending clashes? Or the regular troops, whose use of heavy weapons will cause civilian casualties and destroy homes? Either way, there is no early end in sight.