# LXX explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

> Chapter companion for Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

## What happens

Lawrence plans a raid to cut the Yarmuk Valley bridges, isolating the Turkish army in Palestine from Damascus. He assembles a force including Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein, the Abu Tayi, and Indian volunteers, while dealing with the problematic Emir Abd el Kader el Jezairi, whom Bremond warns is a Turkish spy.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

The planned raid on the Yarmuk bridges exemplifies guerrilla warfare aimed at cutting enemy supply lines.

### Honor and Deception

Lawrence's cautious handling of Abd el Kader, suspected as a spy, highlights the tension between trust and suspicion.

### Colonialism and Imperialism

The Arab Movement operates under Allenby's authority, reflecting British imperial control over the revolt.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Plans and leads the Yarmuk bridge raid, coordinating with Allenby and Feisal.

### Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein

Brought from the Beni Sakhr to lead the raid; described as courageous, strong, and reckless.

### Emir Abd el Kader el Jezairi

Offers his Algerian villagers for the raid but is suspected by Bremond of being a Turkish spy.

### Emir Feisal

Loans Ali to Lawrence and advises using Abd el Kader despite his madness.

### General Allenby

Requests the bridge operation by November 5th to support his advance.

### George Lloyd

Rides with the party to Jefer before going to Versailles.

## Key lines

> However, the Arab Movement lived on Allenby’s good pleasure, so it was needful to undertake some operation, less than a general revolt, in the enemy rear: an operation which could be achieved by a raiding party without involving the settled peoples; and yet one which would please him by being of material help to the British pursuit of the enemy.

The Arab Revolt depended on Allenby's approval, so they needed a raid that would help the British advance without stirring up the local population.

_Lawrence explains the political necessity of the raid._

> To cut either of these bridges would isolate the Turkish army in Palestine, for one fortnight, from its base in Damascus, and destroy its power of escaping from Allenby’s advance.

Destroying one of the Yarmuk bridges would cut off the Turkish army in Palestine from Damascus for two weeks, preventing their retreat.

_Strategic goal of the operation._

> His courage, his resource, and his energy were proven. There had never been any adventure, since our beginning, too dangerous for Ali to attempt, nor a disaster too deep for him to face with his high yell of a laugh.

Ali ibn el Hussein was fearless and energetic, always ready for any dangerous mission.

_Lawrence praises Ali's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters