Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Russian leverage in the Syrian war (It’s a lot more than the US has) Brian M Downing Syria, in war and peace, has been an object in the foreign policies of several countries, including the US and Russia. Now, with the war entering a new, disturbingly violent phase, a search Read More …
Russia’s goals in Syria – and elsewhere Brian M Downing With the recent airstrikes on Aleppo, the Syrian war has taken yet another dreadful turn. Syrian and Russian aircraft, jets and helicopters, are pummeling civilian districts, relief convoys, water pumping stations, and medical facilities. World opinion, weary of the mayhem that has Read More …
The battle of Aleppo and the trajectory of the Syrian war Brian M Downing A battle for Syria’s once largest city has been coming for several months now. It’s been postponed by short-lived ceasefires but now seems to be on in earnest. The war has seen sectarian slaughter and harsh rule Read More …
The People’s Republic of Commodities and Central Asia Brian M Downing China recently opened a lengthy rail line winding from northern Afghanistan through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and ending at the port city of Nantong. The line strengthens China’s position in Central Asia. The region is largely undeveloped, run by aging Read More …
US policy and the future of a unified Syria Brian M Downing Secretary of State Kerry has repeated the administration’s commitment to keeping Syria a united country, as it was before public protest turned into civil war. His statement comes along with a ceasefire agreement with Russia and the announcement Read More …
The Iranian nuclear agreement, American elections, and Israeli generals Brian M Downing Last year’s nuclear deal with Iran occasionally appears in the rintresidential campaign. The GOP candidate decries it as one of many mistakes made by his Democratic opponent, who was Secretary of State in the lead-up to the agreement. Read More …
Uzbekistan takes the world stage Brian M Downing The world will not mourn the passing of Uzbekistan’s despotic ruler Islam Karimov. Foreign powers, however, will watch anxiously as a successor takes power in Tashkent, or tries to. Authoritarian rule often entails difficult a succession process, as with Stalin and Brezhnev. Read More …
The Turks move into Syria Brian M Downing After years of avoiding direct engagement in the Syrian civil war, Turkey has sent armor and fighter aircraft across the border. Their mission is to drive ISIL from a limited area but also, and more importantly, to drive out Kurdish militias. The Read More …
Iranian militarism and the coming elections Brian M Downing It was once hoped that the Iran nuclear deal would lead to less hostility between the US and Iran and to an easing of the mullahs’ and generals’ authoritarian rule. Months prior to the signing of the deal, however, Iranian leaders Read More …
Cold War Two flash points from Syria to Afghanistan Brian M Downing Both the US and Russia have deepened their involvement in the chaotic Islamic world. The US, after withdrawing its troops from Iraq in late 2011, has gradually reinserted some 5000 troops, including artillery units. Advisers serve with Kurdish Read More …