Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Over the last eighteen months the territory ISIL controls in Iraq and Syria has shrunk significantly. The Kurds have driven its forces out of most of their autonomous region. The Iraqi army, despite egregious corruption and a dearth of fighting spirit, has retaken Tikrit and is encircling Ramadi. ISIL, and Islamist militancy Read More …
ISIL claims to kill four Egyptian policemen ISIL continues to establish itself in Egypt. It has already ensconced itself with restive tribes in Sinai. However, it is also striking in and near major cities as well. This is in large part owing to the military coup that ousted the Muslim Read More …
ISIL in Bangladesh? Gunmen attacked a Shia mosque in northern Bangladesh. ISIL has claimed responsibility. It isn’t entirely clear if this is true, especially in the sense of operational responsibility. The ISIL call to arms is being heard around the Islamic world. Saudi women to vote in municipal elections Women Read More …
Germany sends assets to ISIL war Breaking a longstanding reluctance to use its military, Germany is sending aircraft to perform reconnaissance and refueling missions. This comes as part of a European reaction to the Paris attacks two weeks ago. Deutschland uber ISIS! Russian will production not as central to GDP as Read More …
Russia retaliates for Turkish shootdown In response to Turkey’s shootdown of a Russian jet a few days ago, Russia has restricted food imports from Turkey. Russia may restrict energy exports to Turkey, but in an age of oil/gas surpluses the end result may be the loss of markets for Russian Read More …
Russia simmers over loss of jet The shoot down of a Russian jet yesterday continues to swirl about the region. Turkish engineering contracts inside Russia are imperiled. The Jerusalem Post reports that US intelligence believes the Russian fighter was indeed in Syrian airspace when to was struck by an air-to-air Read More …
Turkey shoots down Russian jet Turkey has shot down a Russian SU-24 which it says had strayed into Turkish airspace. Putin insists the jet never left Syrian airspace and has called the indigent a “stab in the back.” Russian aircraft have crossed into Turkish airspace in the past and received warnings. Read More …
French aircraft carrier poised to strike ISIL; generals urge caution The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is positioned in the eastern Mediterranean. British PM Cameron has offered France the use of an RAF field on Cyprus. French generals are urging caution about meeting with success in the near term. This Read More …
Study of Kunduz calamity TheTaliban’s seizure of Kunduz city two months ago shocked Kabul and Washington alike. A report directed by former Afghan intel chief Amrullah Saleh faults “poor leadership, misuse of resources and bad communication between Afghan security forces.” This calls into question the ability of ethnically and religiously Read More …
US and Sunni powers wooing Russia away from Iran Iran is Assad’s strongest supporter. Russia is thought more amenable to removing Assad. The US and Sunni powers are trying to convince Putin to help get rid of Assad then cooperate against ISIL – and to limit Iranian influence in Syria. Read More …