Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Here was a new generation . . . grown up to find all Gods dead, all wars fought, all faiths in man shaken. – F Scott Fitzgerald Baghdad falls to US forces. – 2003 headline When Saigon fell and the last Huey was pushed overboard into the Read More …
Brian M Downing As the Russian presence in Georgia continues, the countries of Eastern Europe should be deeply concerned over their security situation vis-à-vis their former occupier and imperial ruler. They should not only be alarmed by a resurgent Russia flush with oil wealth and restored military prestige, but also Read More …
Brian M Downing Over the last few decades, the image of the veteran has undergone numerous pendulum-like changes. The changes reflect the public’s unfamiliarity with military service and war. Even when positive, the mythic images are more often than not harmful, to both the soldiers and the nation. When Read More …
Brian M Downing Every war draws upon myths of past conflicts. World War One drew upon the myths of the Civil War. Vietnam did the same with the myths of World War Two, at least until they lost their vitality. And during the present war in Iraq, our first war Read More …
Brian M Downing But we in it shall be remembered – We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. – William Shakespeare, Henry V We’re stuck over here God knows how long, just waiting and sweating it out, and finding out things about yourself that, by God, it don’t pay Read More …
Brian M Downing Divisions between red and blue America and between rich and poor are well known. But another one, related but not quite identical, exists as well. There is a deep divide between those who honorably live the traditions surrounding war and those who dishonorably capitalize on them, between Read More …
Brian M Downing The war in Iraq has raised serious fiscal, social, and constitutional problems. Politicians are generally unwilling to mention, let alone deal with them, but their urgency will require attention soon enough. A tax – one specifically tied to warmaking – may help all three problems. Offering such Read More …