But such an assessment is quite mis

But such an assessment is quite mistaken. The withdrawal, we know, will not be immediate, unopposed, or successful. Demosthenes' false confidence invites the reader to view this section from an ironic perspective. Thucydides immediately provides the details about Demosthenes' operation, and rather than distracting us from the known outcome of the expedition, these reinforce our foreknowledge and increase our awareness of the dangers confronting the Athenians.The difficulties are of two sorts: divisions of counsel within the Athenian command, and the growing determination of the Syracusans to prevent the withdrawal. The first of these becomes clear in another council of the commanders, reminiscent of the debate in book 6 (chs. 46-50) about the best strategy of attack. The earlier council led directly to the implementation of the plan backed by a majority of the commanders: Alcibiades' diplomatic offensive. In this council two of the three commanders agree that a swift withdrawal is required, but Nicias' pleas induce hesitation and delay. Nicias is now heir to Alcibiades' belief (6.17.4) that Syracusan factions will ensure Athenian success.