Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Eastern Syria has been the scene of intermittent skirmishes between American and American-backed forces on one hand and Syrian and Russian troops on the other. In the last month Russian vehicles bumped US counterparts, probably deliberately, injuring several GIs. There’ve been far more serious incidents. Two years Read More …
Brian M Downing Rumors of war with Iran have been circulating for years. Bush the Younger and the neoconservatives branded the Islamic Republic a key part of the Axis of Evil, called for regime change, but got bogged down in Iraq. The Obama administration, too, seemed on the brink of Read More …
Brian M Downing The Emirates and Bahrain have recently recognized Israel and hinted at meaningful ties. Other Sunni monarchies may soon follow. Jerusalem’s effort in the Gulf has been one of the most remarkable diplomatic feats since Nixon established relations with China almost a half century ago. What might rapprochement Read More …
Brian M Downing Twenty years ago, only specialists had heard of al Qaeda. Since then, it has grown in numbers, inspired rivals, aligned with separatists, and spread into Nigeria, the Maghreb, Sinai, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, East Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Both AQ and ISIL have havens Read More …
Brian M Downing The September 11 attacks brought overwhelming unity to the American people. Comparisons were drawn to the spirit that followed Pearl Harbor and led to determined campaigns in Europe and the Pacific. Victory came in less than four years. The al Qaeda attacks killed three thousand Americans and Read More …
Brian M Downing Concern with immense, sinister forces working behind the scenes has been with us since the country’s founding, if not before. Richard Hofstadter sketched some manifestations in The Paranoid Style in American Politics (1964) – the Bavarian Illuminati, Freemasonry, Roman Catholicism, and World Communism. Hofstadter noted a few Read More …
Brian M Downing In coming decades Saudi Arabia could be much more powerful than it is today. Its young ruler, Mohammad bin Salman, has ambitious plans for himself and his kingdom. Israel and the US are helping him, for now. Those three states may gravely weaken Iran in coming years. Read More …
Brian M Downing The monarchies in opposition The Saudi monarchy adamantly opposed creation of a Jewish state. Abdul Aziz made that clear to FDR when they met on a US warship in the Suez Canal back in early 1945. Nonetheless, the US recognized the new state soon after it Read More …
A review by Brian M Downing Ford vs Ferrari (2019) 8/10 Director: James Mangold Stars: Matt Damon, Christian Bale The film tells the story of Texas maverick Carrol Shelby’s collaboration with the suits of Ford Motors to compete in the World Sportscar Championship races, which included Sebring. Daytona, and Le Read More …
Brian M Downing The hostile era The Soviet Union provided limited support to the Jewish revolt against British rule after WW2 – anything to weaken an opponent in the emerging Cold War. Moscow quickly shifted to Arab states, and Britain and France backed Israel. Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and others Read More …