Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Two remarkable events took place in recent days involving the war against the Taliban, the Pakistani Taliban, and al Qaeda. Neither event augurs well for US/NATO efforts in Afghanistan, though important opportunities may arise. In any case, recent events signal a new phase in the war in Read More …
Brian M Downing Pakistan might collapse. It faces regional insurgencies, political failures, rising Islamism (in the public and army alike), and reprisals from India over the Mumbai attacks of last November. The trouble in the US’s principal though duplicitous partner in the war on terror is all the more worrisome Read More …
Brian M Downing The war in Iraq and almost all foreign policy issues are usually seen in partisan terms. Accordingly, the GOP is now the party of reckless wars, the Democrats the party of thoughtful diplomacy. A look at our foreign policy over the last several decades, however, will reveal Read More …
Brian M Downing As the Russian presence in Georgia continues, the countries of Eastern Europe should be deeply concerned over their security situation vis-à-vis their former occupier and imperial ruler. They should not only be alarmed by a resurgent Russia flush with oil wealth and restored military prestige, but also Read More …
Brian M Downing The US and Iran could be allies again. Angry verbal exchanges notwithstanding, geopolitical dynamics present both countries with common interests and enemies, as they did many years ago when Washington and Tehran cooperated closely in the region. Elites and ideologies pose obstacles to renewed cooperation, but if Read More …
Brian M Downing The Russian invasion of the S. Ossetian enclave in Georgia should call into question a basic component of US foreign policy – the integration of Eastern Europe and former Soviet republics into NATO. This policy has been pursued by Democratic and Republican administrations, but with no public Read More …
Brian M Downing The “surge” of General David Petraeus, the commander of United States forces in Iraq, is widely credited with bringing down violence in Iraq to a level that allows for political development and the withdrawal of some US troops. In an interview published on Tuesday, following a series Read More …
Brian M Downing As the war in Iraq drags on, much as a previous American war did, one might be forgiven for wondering just how unpopular and seemingly inconclusive wars are ever brought to a close. Some thought on the Vietnam War might provide some insight. The Vietnam War, Read More …
Brian M Downing Last week, reports surfaced that Israel has been conducting large-scale and long-range attack simulations over the Mediterranean. Inasmuch as the exercises included aerial refueling, they are interpreted as preparation for a strike on Iran, specifically its nuclear facilities. Though the US’s National Intelligence Estimate of last fall Read More …
Brian M Downing Senator Barack Obama has repeatedly assured the public that, if elected to the presidency, he will withdraw US troops from Iraq, and in a manner more cautious than the way in which the US went in. He is unclear as to how many troops he would withdraw, Read More …