Hi Kurt,

On Thu 2039-Jan-13 11:35, Kurt Weiske (1:218/700) wrote to BOB KLAHN:

KW> Others agree, but for differing reasons:

KW> III. Attack by Stratagem

KW> 1. Sun Tzu said: In the practical art of war, the best thing of all
KW> is to take the enemy's country whole and intact; to shatter and
KW> destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an
KW> army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment
KW> or a company entire than to destroy them.

Indeed.  And then we snip to ...
KW> 4. The rule is, not to besiege walled cities if it can possibly be
KW> avoided. The preparation of mantlets, movable shelters, and various
KW> implements of war, will take up three whole months; and the piling
KW> up of mounds over against the walls will take three months more.

KW> 5. The general, unable to control his irritation, will launch his
KW> men to the assault like swarming ants, with the result that
KW> one-third of his men are slain, while the town still remains
KW> untaken. Such are the disastrous effects of a siege.

YEp, and here in the new world we have "remember the alamo!" a perfect example
of this.


Regards,
           Richard
--- timEd 1.10.y2k+
 * Origin:  (1:116/901)