Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Israel’s usefulness to Russia isn’t what it once was. Russia’s economy is stronger. China, now an ally, has modernized and developed a hi-tech sector. Both powers want to weaken the US and make their axis the most powerful and respected bloc in the world. The Islamic world, Read More …
Brian M Downing Israel’s relationship with the Soviet Union and Russia have changed markedly over the years. Moscow sent arms to Haganah as it fought the British in the early days of the Cold War. After that, however, Moscow backed Arab states. More recently Israel and Russia have built good Read More …
Brian M Downing Part one argued that Netanyahu’s crackdown on Palestinians is endangering his country’s security arrangements with Arab allies, especially Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. He’s also endangering Israel’s position in the world, weakening US support, and gravely weakening his own country’s cohesion. He’s doing more damage to Israel Read More …
Brian M Downing Protests over the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem escalated into violence and more recently into widespread fighting. The outcome isn’t in doubt. The Palestinians have only inaccurate homemade rockets and light weapons. The IDF has armor and airpower. Israeli intelligence has infiltrated Hamas and Read More …
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 This week a bomb exploded on a train in St Petersburg, killing eleven people and wounding many more. Initial reports point to a suicide bomber. It’s not clear what his motives were or if he was part of a network. Terrorism has struck Russia often in the Read More …
Downing Reports: Training missions in foreign lands [I wrote this article on the training program in Iraq a little over seven years ago. The poor performance of Iraqi troops over the last year makes me think it is still relevant. BD.] In recent weeks we’ve seen numerous supporters of the war Read More …