Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Turkey shoots down drone over its territory After Russian aircraft strayed into Turkish airspace, Ankara was keen on delivering a stern warning to Russia. At present. it’s unclear whose drone it was but the surmisal is that it’s Russian. Arson attack on Joseph’s Tomb Palestinians have set fire to a Read More …
Last month, under the weight of rebel pressure, the Syrian army pulled back from northern Syria. Since then Russia has deployed scores of attack aircraft and begun an air campaign, mostly on non-ISIL factions. Iran, too, has increased its support for a beleaguered ally. IRGC advisers have been in country for Read More …
US to extend troop presence in Afghanistan The Obama administration will keep about 5,000 troops in Afghanistan beyond next year. In the wake of recent Taliban offensives in the north and east, which have generally failed but inflicted high casualties on the ANA, the US will keep trainers and air Read More …
Iranian ground troops in Syria prepare for offensive Reports of Iranian troops (not just IRGC advisers) have been coming in for months. There seems to be reliable ones now. They will be used alongside Syrian army troops and Hisbollah militias in an impending offensive around Aleppo which is currently the Read More …
Russian embassy in Damascus comes under fire Two rounds landed near the Russian embassy today. It is uncertain who fired them and what sort of round they were. Clearly, they are a response to Russia’s intervention in the civil war. The position expressed here last week is that Russia will Read More …
Suspicion falls on ISIL for Ankara bombing No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing but ISIL is suspected. Turkey is bombing ISIL in Syria and must expect retaliation. This was the view presented here two days ago. Some Turks are criticizing their government for not preventing the bombing. Others Read More …
Violence in Israel and the West Bank has picked up since late last summer. In recent weeks, casualties have gone up markedly, and ominously. Most troubling is the turmoil centering at the Temple Mount, or Noble Sanctuary as it’s known in Islam. A Third Intifada may be in the offing. The region is Read More …
Turkish capital rocked by blasts Two explosions have killed at least eighty-six people in Ankara. No one has yet claimed responsibility. Ordinarily, a blast in Turkey would lead to suspicion of Kurdish involvement. However. these blasts were at a pro-Kurdish rally and in any case the PKK has been targeting Read More …
US drops program to train Syrian rebels After much failure and embarrassment, the US is halting its program to build a rebel force. At the outset of the program rebel commanders voiced their reluctance to serve in a US force. Any force trained, armed, and paid by the US will be seen Read More …
Russia has sent aircraft and support personnel to hold up the faltering Assad regime. Its fighters and cruise missiles have attacked rebel positions, chiefly non-ISIL ones. Russian troops are defending bases along the Mediterranean and “volunteers” ground forces are being organized though not yet deployed. The US and NATO are Read More …