Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire had performed poorly militarily due to various constraints, Russia was no better. The problems plaguing the Austro-Hungarian Empire also existed in Russia. Moreover, the Eastern Front battlefield differed from the Western Front: there, Russia faced both Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire at once.
With Russia tied down by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the German army had displayed tremendous might on the Eastern Front battlefield. This gave the Central Powers camp an advantage on both the eastern and western fronts, and the Ottoman Empire, Russia's hereditary foe, made its choice at this moment.
"The Basra Railway!" After learning the purpose of the three nations' visit, Crown Prince Friedrich began calculating in his heart.
The Basra Railway was the unfinished section of the 2B Railway and held immense strategic significance. Once completed, it would greatly strengthen the Central Powers' ability to obtain supplies, inevitably further amplifying their advantage.
After all, the Central Powers already held the overall advantage on the battlefield. With the Basra Railway backing them, their odds of victory would rise even further.
The Basra Railway's extraordinary value did not lie merely in its great significance to Germany, but in its importance to the entire Central Powers camp.
It could extend across the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Germany, and Bulgaria—the "Prussia of the Balkans"—linking the four Central Powers members into a single line.
Of course, railways were not sea transport. Even if the Basra Railway were fully connected, its boost to the four nations would still be relatively limited. Besides, constructing a railway several hundred kilometers long and completing it in a short time imposed rather demanding requirements.
"This matter still requires discussion within our East African government. Naturally, I will directly report your views to my father. Whether we can reach an agreement will depend