Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Iraq gravely worsened Sunni-Shia animosities by invading Iran in 1980. Though unsupportive at first, the Sunni states funneled support to Saddam Hussein to stave off defeat and a triumphant Shia republic. The war lasted eight years and killed hundreds of thousands. Today, Iraq is trying to use Read More …
Brian M Downing Rewards Hegemony in the Gulf, should China achieve it one day, would be an important step forward in the march to power. It would secure sources of oil and gas, which though of lessening importance to the US and EU, remain critical to China’s booming economy. The Read More …
Brian M Downing In coming years the US and China will be vying for power throughout the world. This will be especially so in the Persian Gulf owing to its strategic and symbolic importance. Diplomacy in Yemen may lead the way to bolder efforts. China cannot allow the US to Read More …
Brian M Downing China’s march to global preeminence has become bolder in recent weeks. Its “militia fleets” are anchored in disputed areas of the South China Sea. North Korea’s missile tests and Myanmar’s crackdown almost certainly have been approved in Beijing. The recent meeting with American emissaries in Alaska was Read More …
Brian M Downing Iraq and Syria The axis states, China, Russia, and Iran, want the US out of Gulf. Iran, convinced another anti-Iran presidency may be only four year off, doesn’t wants US troops on its borders. China wants to to secure oil sources and wants to become, along with Read More …
Brian M Downing All presidents are tested early on. Problems sometimes emerge on their own, sometimes they’re contrived. China tested Bush the Younger early on by knocking down a US surveillance plane. North Korea did the same with Trump four years ago. China, Russia, and Iran form a powerful three-power Read More …
Brian M Downing Success brings complications. Britain’s ascendance led to intensified rivalries with European powers and in time, resentments from the colonies. After World War Two, America found itself burdened as Europe decolonized and deeply resented for its economic and cultural dominance. China is eager to become number one. Read More …
Brian M Downing Eighty years ago, the American Century began. America had been rising for decades but the global context offered a propitious moment for the country to reach the top. Most European countries soiled soon be in ruins. Their publics would lose the money and will to rule far-flung Read More …
Brian M Downing Myanmar had been making strides toward becoming democracy, until the military stepped in last month. Spirited demonstrations against military rule soon followed. The army followed a pattern established in Russia, Belarus, Thailand and several other continues. Soldiers arrest hundreds each day in the hope detaining much of Read More …
Brian M Downing The Biden administration has three alternatives for Yemen: increase US involvement, step back and let the war proceed as it will, or press hard now for negotiations. Decisive military action The US may assess the present situation as one that can be remedied by immediate, forceful action. Read More …