Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Turkey gets NATO political support for ISIL war Turkey has begun airstrikes on ISIL positions in Syria. This comes in response to attacks inside Turkey that were probably done by ISIL. Turkey, however, is also bombing PKK positions in Kurdistan. This points out major differences between Turkey and the US. The Read More …
Two months ago, after a string of defeats in both Syria and Iraq, ISIL seized control of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Sunni-dominated Anbar province. The fall of Ramadi once again underscores the power of ISIL and the weakness of the Iraqi army. The expected counterattack, to the surprise Read More …
Two Israeli security chiefs support Iranian nuclear deal Former Mossad and Shin Bet leaders have come out in support of the deal. Look for J Street, the less hawkish pro-Israel group, to use them to garner support in congress. It’s going to be a tough sell. Syrian president admits to manpower Read More …
Iraqi offensive to retake Ramadi to begin. Former Likud cabinet member calls for replacing Netanyahu. Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision-making style under criticism. Turkey takes steps to aid in the ISIL War.
The Khorasan Group is a small group of experienced al Qaeda fighters and bomb makers dedicated to attacking western targets. The name comes from an old name for a region covering modern-day Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, This reflects al Qaeda’s ambitions for the area which would then serve as a Read More …
After many months of trying to build an effective force to fight in the Syrian civil war, the US has trained only sixty troops. Most Syrians are reluctant to serve in a unit that will be seen as controlled by the US. They likely will be regarded with suspicion by other rebel Read More …
From AL Monitor This is one of the benefits of the opening to Iran: the US can play one of against the other and better manage the animosities in the Gulf. The sectarian hatreds may get out of hand and endanger world oil supplies and economic growth. A smart Read More …
The recent nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 brings hope for political reform in Iran. This is especially so among the middle classes of Tehran and other urban areas. The impending end to sanctions by much of the world, they believe, will bring greater prosperity and an easing of Read More …
Little surprise that there is a sizable ISIL following inside Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s Wahhabi understanding of Islam is militant and anti-western and meshes fairly well, though not precisely, with jihadi thought. Many of the fighters in ISIL and the several al Qaeda franchises come from Saudi Arabia and a Read More …
Brian M Downing The dialog between the US and Iran has moved ahead. Opposition comes from important groups in both Tehran and Washington – as well as in a few Middle Eastern capitals. In Washington, the issue is decried as a sign of the administration’s naivety regarding world affairs Read More …