Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing [T]here is no such thing as an independent terrorist group and there never has been. [A]ll terrorism is the product of one or another regional powers meddling in the affairs of its neighbors. – former Iranian president Bani Sadr. Iran’s southeastern region is home to a restive Baloch population. The Read More …
Brian M Downing Backed by western advisors, the Syrian Democratic Forces, an amalgamation of Kurdish-Arab militias, has launched an offensive on a remaining ISIL position in eastern Syria. Reports indicate that, despite ISIL’s heavy losses and string of defeats over the last 4 years, resistance is fierce. The position here Read More …
Brian M Downing The US is trying to oust Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from power. Though the US presently has little goodwill around the world, the effort has broad international support as Maduro’s government is becoming as repressive as it is incompetent. Several countries in and out of the region Read More …
Brian M Downing There’ve been signs of progress in the on-and-off talks to end the Afghan war. President Trump, applying a business-like approach, wants to liquidate the war and has mentioned halving the US presence there. The Taliban note progress in the Doha parleys and have sent an important figure Read More …
Brian M Downing This series has considered a few scenarios of Saudi Arabia in 20 years or so: a liberalizing monarchy, internal turmoil and disintegration, a regional economic and military power, and conflict with Israel. A strong kingdom could try to expand its power in the Middle East and avenge Read More …
Brian M Downing Candidate Trump promised to break from the JCPOA and press hard on Iran. He asserted that Tehran was expanding its power in the Middle East, supporting terrorism, and continuing to develop nuclear weapons. President Trump has kept his word in this regard. The US has left the Read More …
Reviewed by Brian M Downing Director: François Ozon Stars: Pierre Niney, Paula Beer Rating: 8/10 A year after the end of World War One, a German town is grieving over the casualties and defeat. Most families have lost a family member or two. A young Frenchman, Adrien, is seen placing Read More …
Brian M Downing The Maduro government is facing increasing, concerted opposition from within and without. Unemployment and emigration are high. Inflation has reached Weimar levels. Despite holding the world’s highest oil reserves, production has been falling for years. Today, North Dakota alone produces more oil than all of Venezuela. In Read More …
Brian M Downing In coming decades Saudi Arabia could become more powerful than today. It already has considerable oil wealth and it may become an industrial power too as the crown prince diversifies his economy. Furthermore, he could transform the army into an effective professional forces which in conjunction with Read More …
Brian M Downing Some wars ignite with little warning. The First Gulf War is a case in point. Others are seen from far off. Britain had long allied with Prussia/Germany but became wary as Germany became an industrial and naval power. Alliances shifted, war came. After that war, many diplomats Read More …