Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Russian fighters spotted over Syria No surprise here, given recent events. Putin is showing his country’s renewed activism in work affairs and showing commitment to an ally. Look for Putin to stress his role if fighting ISIL and to call for international cooperation. RAND study shows rising Chinese power in Read More …
US will talk with Russia on Syria After Russia solidified its support for the Syrian government, US Sec of State Kerry has announced talks with Russia on the war in Syria. This may take two forms: First, Russia will make a case for a united effort against ISIL and the al Read More …
US-trained Syrian force almost none-existent The US hoped to build a moderate force and insert it into the Syrian civil war. The program has been a disaster. A force of about 60 troops was deployed last month and it is now down to “four or five.” Syrians do not want Read More …
Not long ago, American power and beliefs appeared unchallenged in the world. The Soviet Union was gone, generals in developing nations were heading back to the barracks, and democracy was everywhere on the rise. We had, in the famous words, reached the end of history. Open economic and political systems Read More …
Campaign to retake Ramadi continues to stall Four moths after the capital of Anbar province fell to ISIL, the Iraqi counteroffensive still languishes. The Iraqis have advantages in numbers and firepower (including airpower) but do not have the spirit to launch a concerted offensive. ISIL moves into northern Syria Meanwhile Read More …
Houthi losses continue Southern Sunni forces continue their advances in Marib province, which is in S Yemen and home to the country’s oil fields. Clearly, the Northerners blundered by driving on Aden earlier this year. Aden is Sunni and hostile to the Shia northerners. Will the Sunni forces make a Read More …
PKK attacks persist Three more security troops were killed by Kurdish guerrillas. Note that thus far PKK attacks have not struck civilians, which is a sign that the Kurds are trying to avoid being labeled as terrorists. Sunni forces shin peace talks, continue offensive The Houthi offensive has been halted Read More …
President Putin has raised the Russian profile in Syria. He has sent in new armored vehicles, deployed advisers alongside government troops, and ordered work on a housing compound for several hundred more troops – the latter move setting off speculation about the scope and intent of the Read More …
Saudi Arabia has taken in 2.5 Syrian refugees After being criticized for not taking in Syrian refugees, Saudi Arabia has announced it has taken in a leaf number of them. Why the delay in the announcement? Will the Saudis seek to build a Sunni force out of that 2.5 million? Read More …
Russia calls for greater world support for Syrian government This is a propaganda move to disarm opposition to his recent deployments in Syria. However, it’s difficult to see anything good coming from the defeat or collapse of the Syrian government. British Labour Party chooses Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn represents a return to Read More …