With the conclusion of the offensive and defensive battle for Andkhoy, the Russian Army had finally gained a foothold in Afghanistan, taking a temporary lead.
By the time the news reached Vienna, half a month had already passed. Franz, who had been closely following the Afghan War, was now studying a map of Central Asia.
He admitted that Andkhoy was quite scenic. Every valley was a sight to behold: snow-capped mountains when one looked up, green fields when one looked down, waterfalls in the distance, and fruit trees close at hand.
But the Russians had traveled thousands of miles to fight there; they could not possibly have gone to Andkhoy merely to enjoy the scenery, could they?
Besides its pleasant scenery, the area's natural conditions were relatively favorable. It could be considered one of the more prosperous regions of Afghanistan.
As for its strategic value, Franz frankly did not think it was particularly important.
From a strategic perspective, whether the Russians seized Herat to the west or the Wakhan Corridor to the east, either would be more valuable than Andkhoy.
The Wakhan Corridor in particular—cross it, and one reached British India.
As a qualified spectator, the most important thing was to possess a curious heart. Franz was no exception.
His own military expertise was too limited to discern the Russians' true intentions, so he would ask people who could. Austria kept a whole host of staff officers; this could serve as a temporary assessment.
At Vienna Palace, Franz had summoned several rising stars from Austria's General Staff.
"The Anglo-Russian War has been underway for nearly a month. The Russians, who struck first, did not mass heavy troops to seize the strategic locations of Herat and the Wakhan Corridor. Instead, they captured Andkhoy. What do you think the Russian Army commander's