Hey – It’s Fulong.
A new week has been born, and now it’s time for a jam-packed issue.
Estimated read time: 2 minutes 45 seconds
Let’s get started…
One Thrilling Story
I.
Genghis Khan Does The Seemingly Impossible
In 1220, Genghis Khan and his general, Subede, were planning the conquest of the Muslim Empire of Shah Ala ad-Din Mohammed (his Khwarezmian Empire encompassed modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and large swathes of Central Asia).
After crossing the Pamirs Mountains, Genghis entered the eastern edges of the Shah’s empire in the Fergana Valley where he split his army into three divisions.
Two divisions continued west to attack Kokan. When the Shah heard that two Mongol columns were marching towards Kokan, he rushed all remaining reserves to secure this area.
Meanwhile, Genghis’ own column quietly turned north and, in a legendary feat of endurance, crossed 300 miles through the reputably impassable Kyzyl Kum Desert.
Three months later, they emerged at Bokhara, deep in the heart of the empire and well behind enemy lines.
With no one to oppose them, Genghis’ troops were able to cut the Shah’s communications preventing him from calling in reserves and supplies from the western provinces.
All three armies then converged on the Shah’s splendid and opulent capital, Samarkand. The Shah, cut off from his reinforcements, realized the situation was hopeless and escaped south with his remaining troops.
He lived as a fugitive being hunted down by the Mongol forces from town to town until he died one year later.
Two Warfare Lessons
I.
The Element Of Surprise
In any battle the element of surprise can provide an overwhelming advantage. Even when face-to-face with an enemy, surprise can still be employed by attacking where he least expects it.
To do this you must create an expectation in the enemy’s mind through the use of a feint.
If you plan to attack his right flank, you first move your left; if you wish to invade, you first pretend to improve your defenses; if you intend to hold your ground, make a display of packing up.
II.
Attack The Weak
Where the enemy expects you to attack, he will reinforce. When he does so, a part of his army will be strengthened, and another will be weakened. Then, with your full strength, attack his weakened forces.
Genghis Khan did just this. He had two of his columns create trouble in the east, which caused the Shah to send most of his forces there. When Genghis Khan appeared seemingly like magic from the desert and then marched towards the capital, there was no one there left to stop him.
Three Favourite Quotes
I.
Sun Tzu on concealing plans:
“The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known, for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at different points and his forces will then be spread out too thin. For, if the enemy should strengthen his vanguard, he will weaken his rear. Should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his vanguard.”
II.
An ancient Chinese proverb on attacking the weak:
“When a tiger is sick or wounded, jackals gather nearby.”
III.
Charles de Gaulle on the element of surprise:
“A true leader always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless.”
See you sooner or later — Fulong
