Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Jordan may establish a “safe zone” in Syria If Turkey does the same, and if Israel establishes a protectorate over the Druze population east if the Golan Heights, this will be an important part of the fragmentation of Syria into statelets. Add in the Kurds. Syria doesn’t exist anymore. Battle for Read More …
Downing Reports: Brian M Downing and the world at war Syrian missiles inflict harsh casualties on civilians Fighting near the capital of Damascus is up as government positions in the north fall to rebels. Over fifty civilians were killed. Damascus has great significance in the apocalyptic thought that guides some Read More …
Downing Reports Israeli jets bomb targets inside Syria In response to rocket fire on Galilee, Israeli warplanes have bombed targets just east of the Golan Heights. The Israeli government blames an Iranian-backe group known as Islamic Jihad. The small Palestinian group denies doing it and insists it has no Read More …
Downing Reports ISIL claims responsibility for Cairo bombing It’s unclear if ISIL or ISIL-inspired actors are truly responsible. If true, ISIL is making inroads with young Egyptians angered over the coup that ousted the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013. The Egyptian army remains strong, so ISIL has little if any chance of Read More …
Bomb attack in Cairo Egyptian security forces building is hit. ISIL takes claim but under different name than usually used. Since the Muslim Brotherhood was ousted from the presidency and outlawed, parts of the MB have splintered off into violent groups, some of which have tied in with tribal fighters Read More …
IMU pledges loyalty to ISIL The Islamic State of Uzbekistan was driven from Uzbekistan about fifteen years ago, It then served with the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and it fled with al Qaeda to eastern A-stan and the tribal region of Pakistan. Their numbers are small, probably no more Read More …
Russian economy still trending down As a result of sanctions and plummeting oil prices, the Russian economy continues to weaken, down 4.6% last spring. Pensions may no longer be pegged with inflation. Putin continues to do well. It may take years of hard times to hurt Putin politically. Reports continue to Read More …
Iraqi inquiry in the Mosul disaster In the spring of last year, ISIL swept into northern Iraq. The Iraqi political and military leaders fled in panic. A still secret study is apportioning blame. Don’t look for sweeping reform, though. Allocating offices to the well-connected is just how things are done there. And Read More …
Downing Reports: Brian M Downing and the world at war Shortly before leaving his position atop the army high command, and after many years in Iraq, General Ray Odierno gave a candid and insightful presentation. He stated that it it might one day be necessary to place US personnel alongside Read More …
Southern Yemenis continue advances to the north The Sunnis of southern Yemen, backed by Saudi airstrikes, continue to move northward into territory the northern Houthis took a few months ago. The Houthis, a Shia group, clearly overextended themselves in that offensive. Southern Sunnis may make the same mistake in their Read More …