Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Former national security advisor Brent Scowcroft supports Iran deal Scowcroft is one of the more savvy people in the security field. He and a group of his peers have signed a letter expressing their support. Iranian Kurds clash with IRGC troops There’s been a low-level insurgency in northwestern Iran as the Read More …
SIGAR looks at waste in Afghan development programs SIGAR is the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. It ably documents incredible waste in the effort to rebuild the country and bring it into the modern world. It is part of the US government. Polish president criticizes NATO’s weak response to Read More …
The 2016 election is a year and a quarter away. The issues are immigration, income inequality, shrinking opportunity, email accounts, and thoughtless comments. The Iraq War surfaced several weeks ago in an interview with then-front runner Jeb Bush in which he said that knowing what he knows now, he still thinks the war Read More …
Iraqi troops encircle Ramadi Ramadi fell to ISIL a few months ago. Iraqi troops, the army and Shia militias, are prepared to take the city itself. ISIL is likely well prepared with mines, snipers, and interlocking positions. The fighting could be costly, especially on the frail Iraqi army. Think tank Read More …
Army complains that budget cuts are too deep After two costly, fruitless wars, defense cuts are about to begin. Has a general ever not complained of inadequate funding? Perhaps the generals, retired and active-duty, should have seen the difficulties that would follow invading Afghanistan and Iraq. Saudi-Russian talks on Syria The Read More …
Attacks hit Turkey One attack in southeastern Turkey is in a Kurdish area and blame naturally leans toward the PKK. Turkey is bombing PKK positions in Kurdistan and Syria; the PKK has responded. The second attack was in Istanbul and it targeted an American consulate. A leftist organization known as Read More …
The world wars of the last century brought new heights of savagery and destruction. They also brought significant advances for women, who entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers and produced the armaments used on most fronts. Some women served near those fronts. After the wars, in victorious countries, discontent with traditional roles Read More …
Sunnis continue to advance in Yemen The Houthis continue to give up ground to the southerners backed by the Sunni monarchies. It was unwise of the Houthis to press too far out of the Shia north, though their intent might have been to position themselves for negotiations favorable to them. It’s Read More …
Arab states reluctant to express opposition to Iran deal An analyst says Arab states oppose the deal but do now want to show their alignment with Israel. Not so sure about this. it’s been pretty clear for years that Israel and Saudi Arabia were on the same page in regard to Iran. Read More …
US-backed unit in Syria refuses to fight al Qaeda/al Nusrah The unit is small, no more than fifty now. They claim they joined to fight ISIL, not al Nusrah. Furthermore, they oppose US airstrikes on al Nusrah. The US should have detected the lack of numbers in the program and also Read More …