Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing There’s no evidence Iran has a nuclear weapons program. The US intelligence community hasn’t budged from its assessment of 2007, though politicians and media outlets cling to what they want to believe. However, today Iran is avoiding JCPOA talks, increasing enrichment levels, closing off snap inspections and Read More …
Brian M Downing The Biden administration’s plans to return to the JCPOA are not proceeding well. Obstacles were expected from congress, K Street, and Middle Eastern allies but the most serious one is, paradoxically, from the power with the most to gain – Iran. Tehran has refused to enter talks Read More …
Brian M Downing Withdrawal usually means defeat, failure, and shame. However, the US will gain quite a bit from leaving Afghanistan. The US should withdraw in short order and leave the deteriorating region in the hands of the four powers presently working so diligently against our efforts. Withdrawal would be Read More …
Brian M Downing Late Thursday, President Biden ordered airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Syria. Early reports indicate the bombs killed seventeen troops. Washington said the strike was in response to rocket attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq. There was more at work than just that. It sent signals, as they Read More …
Brian M Downing The US has responded to the failing effort by sending in more troops, asking the Afghan government to reform, shifting to counterinsurgency operations, demanding cooperation from Pakistan, sending in more advisors, and increasing the number of airstrikes. They have all failed to halt the Taliban. It has Read More …
Brian M Downing The American effort in Afghanistan has been dragging on for almost two decades. It’s generally comprehended as a conflict between the US and government forces on the one hand and the Taliban on the other. Over the last ten years, however, the war has become much Read More …
Director: J Blakeson Starring: Rosamunde Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Dianne Wiest 7/10 Though labeled a dark comedy, the humor is so low-key and intermittent that the film’s more of a psychological thriller and action film. Marla Grayson is a lawyer who’s built a lucrative business out of placing people Read More …
Director: Chloé Zhao Starring: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn 9/10 Well made semi-documentary of a woman from a small Nevada town that’s disappearing after a mine closing. The USPS has dropped its Zip Code. She lives in her van and travels to places where she does short term work. One such Read More …
Brian M Downing Rapprochement or revenge? Iran wants sanctions relief but there’s presently a good deal of diplomatic folderol in the way. Iran wants the sanctions lifted immediately and will return to JCPOA enrichment levels later. The US wants to hold off lifting sanctions until Iran complies with the JCPOA. Read More …
Brian M Downing Donald Trump came to office four years ago determined to gravely weaken Iran. He promptly withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed harsh sanctions. At times airstrikes seemed imminent. His foreign policy, however, was erratic, incoherent, and unsuccessful, whether toward Iran, Venezuela, N Korea, or even China. All Read More …