Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
In 1970, way back in the 20th-century, I applied for a part-time position at the White Oak Sears. I filled out a form and was asked to come back the following Saturday morning. So I did. Might have even put on a tie. Young Brian was directed to a room Read More …
Director: Michael Cimino Stars: Kris Kristofferson, Isabelle Huppert, Christopher Walken, Jeff Bridges 6.5/10 Finally got around to seeing this film. It’s well known that it was a box office flop that almost ruined the studio. Fresh from his success with The Deer Hunter, Michael Cimino was given free hand to Read More …
Brian M Downing Saudi Arabia is likely to emerge from the ongoing conflict with Iran as master of the Gulf. The US and Israel are seeing to that, though they may rue the day. In coming years Mohammad bin Salman, the 33-year-old heir apparent, may make his realm vastly more Read More …
Brian M Downing The US has been aligned with Saudi Arabia since the 1940s when Washington determined it had expended too much domestic oil in World War Two. Saudi oil was coming on line and deemed an attractive alternative to further depletion of tracts at home. Ties continued for several Read More …
Brian M Downing The US has entered into an alliance with Saudi Arabia, Israel, and several Gulf states to weaken Iran. The project is based less on American security interests than on those of the partners. It aims to weaken Iran by imposing sanctions, supporting insurgencies, and encouraging internal opposition Read More …
Brian M Downing ISIL has been driven from large tracts of land which it boasted to be a restoration of an Islamic empire – a romantic idea that inspires many in the region. The twin capitals of Mosul and Reqaa have fallen to local forces supported by American advisors and Read More …
Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen Stars: Liam Neeson, Tom Waits, Tim Blake Nelson, Tyne Daley 8/10 This is a six-part anthology available on Netflix. I add parenthetically that there’s probably more interesting material on services like Netflix and Amazon Prime than in first-run theaters. The first episode is a satire Read More …
Brian M Downing Donald Trump promised to shake things up in Washington and he’s certainly done that. The complete pullout from Syria and the partial one from Afghanistan brought resignations in Washington and consternation in other capitals. National security hands are wary of what’s ahead. Most regard military interventions as Read More …
Brian M Downing Hard on the heels of announcing a complete withdrawal of the 2,000 GIs in Syria, President Trump has ordered half the 14,000 US troops out of Afghanistan. The Syrian move led to dismay in many quarters. Secretary of Defense Mattis resigned because of it, at least in Read More …
Brian M Downing President Trump enjoys being unpredictable. Consistent with that penchant, he’s ordered a withdrawal of the 2,000 US troops in Syria. They’ve been there several years in support of Kurdish and Sunni forces that pushed ISIL out of most of its holdings. Reactions have begun. James Mattis is Read More …