Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing National security bureaus worry. That’s what they’re paid to do and they look for threats day and night. Sometimes they overstate dangers, often they seize upon worst-case scenarios. Israeli security figures must be looking on events in the US and wondering if fiscal and political problems will Read More …
Brian M Downing Protests are jarring many countries. In recent days, after an election gave a suspicious win to a longstanding ruler, Belarus is now in the rapids. Once part of the Soviet Union, and situated between Russia and the EU (geographically and geopolitically), Belarus is closely watched by western Read More …
Brian M Downing The US effort to weaken Iran is failing. It has alienated longstanding allies, strengthened authoritarian rule in Tehran, and shown the limits of American power. The US may now be holding secret talks with Iran that will allow the US to climb down from escalation. If so, Read More …
Brian M Downing The US full-spectrum pressure on Iran has thus far not gotten Iran out of Syria, isolated Hisbollah, fomented an uprising, or brought down the regime of mullahs and generals. The policy seems counterproductive, solidifying the guardians in Tehran, weakening Washington’s respect in the world, and strengthening Beijing’s Read More …
Brian M Downing Tensions between the US and China are deepening as they vie for influence, markets, and military bases in many parts of the world. Iran, with its oil wealth, strategic position, and large population, is clearly leaning toward China. It has recently signed an agreement on trade that Read More …
Brian M Downing As noted in previous articles, political, fiscal, and generational dynamics may one day undermine the US’s long-standing reliability as a strategic partner. Worries must be strong in Eastern Europe. Countries that were once part of the Soviet Union, such as the Baltic states, might be especially concerned Read More …
Brian M Downing President Trump has worried major NATO allies by his ill treatment of their leaders, general inattentiveness, and strange apologies for Russian actions. They wonder if his policies are based on sage counsel or business hopes after leaving office. Last week they were dismayed by his order to Read More …
Brian M Downing Arms race with US China knows that the US will respond to the rise of its navy and assertiveness. That’s global politics. But just how will the US respond? China may be playing the US here. Washington is unlikely to build more carriers than already in the Read More …
Brian M Downing China has been building up its navy for many years. Army budgets are relatively static but naval vessels continue to roll into the sea from bustling shipyards. Amid rising tensions with Washington, Beijing is hastening construction of its third and fourth aircraft carriers, at least one of Read More …
Directed by Elia Kazan 10/10 This is a truly great film. Using no stars, Elia Kazan (A Streetcar Named Desire, East of Eden) tells the story of his ancestors’ hard lives in what’s now central Turkey ca 1900. Greeks and Armenians, both Christian, live as oppressed minorities under Ottoman/Islamic governance, Read More …