Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Candidate Trump campaigned on leaving the JCPOA and taking an aggressive stance toward Iran. President Trump has indeed left the JCPOA, reimposed sanctions, and supported Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria. Nonetheless, last summer he pulled back from launching strikes on Iran, which National Security Advisor Read More …
A Star is BornDirector: Brad Cooper (a fellow Hoya!)Stars: Brad Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott7/10Not sure why I wanted to see this. Big movies seldom appeal to me anymore. But it was free on Amazon. It’s the story of a worn-out country/rock star who comes upon a young aspiring singer-songwriter. Read More …
Brian M Downing Diplomatic history knows of the Zinoviev letter and Zimmerman telegram. One day President Trump’s tweets may be recorded. Over the weekend he scuttled impending talks with the Taliban, apparently because of a recent terrorist attack. No one can be sure that in a day or two he Read More …
Brian M Downing The US and China are heading for a trade war, though Washington’s positions are subject to sudden change. The depth and duration of the conflict can’t be gauged but concerns are mounting that it might cause a global recession or worsen an impending one. The contest takes Read More …
Brian M Downing Democratic presidential contenders have conducted four debates so far. On game show-like sets they gave their positions on healthcare, education, and other domestic issues. Spirited remarks, carefully crafted and tested by consultants, flew at the incumbent and each other. Despite the several hours of airtime almost nothing Read More …
Ryan’s Daughter (1970) 10/10 Director: David Lean Starring: Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, Christopher Jones, Trevor Howard, John Mills, Leo McKern Critics didn’t care for Lean’s follow-up to Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. I did. If there’re any flaws it’s the similarity with Zhivago and the soundtrack, which while enjoyable Read More …
Brian M Downing The war in Yemen has been stalemated for two years now. Shia-Houthi forces drove swiftly to the south but were halted and driven back. Sunni forces, indigenous and foreign, have made very little headway, despite significant advantages in airpower, logistics, foreign backing, and numbers. The war Read More …
Brian M Downing Presidents Trump and Xi have bickered over trade for two years. The US claims China has excessive trade surpluses, manipulates its currency, and steals intellectual property. The bickering seems to be escalating into a trade war. However, there’s so little consistency in Washington today that a Read More …
Brian M Downing Last spring youthful demonstrators filled the streets to protest Beijing’s effort to consolidate its grip. The population of the former British colony is accustomed to representative government and the rule of law and sees Beijing determined to impose its authoritarian will. Democratic movements are also taking Read More …
Brian M Downing Venezuela is important to the Trump administration, at least occasionally. There is no discernible strategy on what to do and focus comes and goes, as with many things. Focus seems to have lessened significantly since the US called for Maduro’s ouster, set up food distribution points on Read More …