Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Rulers often establish their power prestige through military victory. Alexander, Charlemagne, and Napoleon stand out. Communism might not have long endured in Russia had Stalin’s rule not been infused by defeating the Third Reich. The same is true of the House of Saud’s rule. Abdul Aziz vanquished Read More …
Brian M Downing Escalation in the Saudi-Iranian conflict reached a new high last week with aerial strikes on Saudi oil facilities. The US immediately blamed Iran and expectations were that punishing retaliation was coming. Thus far, however, the US has only imposed more sanctions on Iran and sent an air Read More …
Brian M Downing The Houthis claim of responsibility for the attacks on Saudi oil assets is in doubt. The distance, directionality, and complexity of the strike, which included sophisticated cruise missiles, point away from the fierce but technically-limited Yemeni movement. Washington and Riyadh are predictably blaming Tehran but other capitals Read More …
Brian M Downing Tensions in the Gulf are once again high. Last week the president was hanging fire and pondering talks with Iran. Saturday’s attacks on Saudi oil facilities have him locked and loaded. The attacks he unexpectedly halted last month might take place this week. Repeated tensions and troop Read More …
Brian M Downing The Yemen war has been stalemated for over a year. The southern Sunnis, despite strong foreign backing, have failed to take the Shia north. The Houthis have occasionally fired missiles into Saudi Arabia and skirmished along the northern frontier. Over the weekend, however, Houthi drones struck a Read More …
Directed by: Martin McDonagh Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell 7/10 This was a much ballyhooed film last year that tells the story of a mother’s (McDormand) determination to get the police to solve her daughter’s rape and murder. The police had little evidence to Read More …
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 …