Downing Reports: Brian M Downing and the world at war
Syrian missiles inflict harsh casualties on civilians
Fighting near the capital of Damascus is up as government positions in the north fall to rebels. Over fifty civilians were killed. Damascus has great significance in the apocalyptic thought that guides some rebel groups, especially ISIL. It is the supposed site of a great final battle between good and evil. In some texts Jesus descends from the heavens to lead the Islamic forces.
This will hurt the finances of many oil-producing countries that have not diversified their economies. Saudi Arabia may be foremost here. Its finances will be worsened by its foreign policy which lavishes money on countries in its fold, especially, Egypt.
Egyptians are anxious over their future, look to the past
The country is beset by population pressures, underemployment, political turmoil, and terrorism. Many Egyptians are looking back to they past, their monarchal past, and sentimentalizing it.
Saudi women vote in municipal elections
The Saudi autocracy allows its subjects, men and women, to vote in local elections. Many outsiders see this as a step in the direction of democracy. The House of Saud probably looks on it as a token reform that will preserve autocracy.