Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
North Korea detonates nuclear explosion International monitoring organizations report a large explosion centered at North Korea’s nuclear test site. The same organizations cast doubt on Pyongyang’s claim that it was a hydrogen bomb. The explosion, whether thermonuclear or not, is part of an intentional effort on the part of Russia, China, Read More …
Saudi Arabia’s execution of a respected Shia figure has led to outrage in the Shia world and concern in western capitals and human rights organizations. Protesters in Iran, upholding a venerable tradition, attacked and partially burned the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Sunni powers have broken or reduced diplomatic ties with Read More …
Gulf tensions grow over cleric execution The execution of Sheikh Nimr and subsequent attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran continue to cause trouble in the already Gulf region. Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Bahrain, and UAE have broken ties to Iran. Outright war is unlikely. More likely is an intensification of proxy war sin Read More …
ISIL conquered a large amount of territory in June 2014, scattering Iraqi troops and startling the world. Its fighters were the best in the region, perhaps the best the region has seen in centuries. However, after their impressive offensive they were overextended and outnumbered. Since then, they have suffered setbacks Read More …
Saudi execution causes outrage The beheading of a respected Shia cleric has caused international criticism, from human rights groups to heads of state. The Saudi embassy in Tehran was attacked and parts of it burned. The event was downplayed on Iranian news, perhaps because it was not authorized by the state. Read More …
Saudi Arabia executes 47, including top Shia cleric The case of Sheikh Nimr al Nimr has been simmering in the region for many weeks. He was accused of organizing Shia demonstrations during the Kingdom’s short-lived and weak Arab Spring in 2011. Shia are demonstrating in the Eastern Province and Iran Read More …
China is leading foreign investor in Afghanistan The NY Times reports that 79% of foreign investment in Afghanistan come from China. Nonetheless, China has no troops in the country but it has obtained the rights to much of the country oil, iron, copper, and rare earths. It seems that the US Read More …
Iran fired missile near US carrier An IRGC missile, likely fired from a small ship, came within a mile of the US aircraft carrier Truman as it navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The missile was not a ship-killer like the Klubs and Sizzlers; it was much smaller and with a Read More …
ISIL took Ramadi last May, after swiftly overwhelming the Iraqi troops there. Now, seven months later, the Iraqi army has retaken most of the city. What does the battle tell us about the current capacities of Iraqi forces? Unimpressive performance Despite overwhelming numerical superiority and relentless air support, the Iraqi Read More …
US claims major damage on ISIL leadership American airstrikes have killed ten ISIL leaders, inclusion one figure thought to have been behind the November 13 Paris attacks. Killing or capturing leaders of ISIL or al Qaeda here and there isn’t significant, but ten in the last months constitutes a significant blow Read More …