Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
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 …
Brian M Downing Serious negotiations have been underway to find a settlement for the eighteen-year war there. Actually, wars have been going on there since 1979 when local insurrections brought instability and Soviet intervention. All sides are weary of war. China wants stability to better exploit the country’s mineral wealth Read More …
Tess (Roman Polanski, 1979) – 8.5/10 I’ve wanted to see this since it came out, in part because my gf back then looked a bit like Nastassja Kinski and had the somber demeanor of the title character. Well, lo and behold, I relinked with her a couple years ago after Read More …
Brian M Downing War seemed imminent not long ago. Not between Saudi Arabia and Iran, of course, but between the US and Iran. Saudi Arabia and its allies have been hostile toward Iran for generations and their predecessors have despised Shiiism for almost fourteen centuries. They’ve prevailed upon an inexperienced, Read More …
Brian M Downing Last week President Trump halted strikes on Iran which he ordered in retaliation for attacks on a US drone and several foreign tankers. He avers it was because of last-minute casualty estimates from generals, but this is unlikely. More likely it was because of opposition from the Read More …