Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Apocalypse soon in the battle of Mosul? Brian M Downing The fight for Mosul is underway. Surrounding villages have fallen, ISIL has launched spoiling attacks, Iraqi special forces are nearing the city itself. ISIL fighters have the advantage in combat effectiveness and in fighting from defensive positions in urban areas, Read More …
The potential for Russian escalation in Syria Brian M Downing Vladimir Putin’s intervention in Syria has thus far been cautious. Russian air support allowed Syrian and allied ground forces to regain territory around Damascus and Aleppo. When the Syrian president boasted of reconquering all of Syria, and as the ineffectiveness Read More …
What to expect in the battle for Mosul Brian M Downing The campaign to retake Mosul has been promised for quite some time. Troops have been positioned, supply depots set up, and plans reworked over and over. Many surrounding towns and villages have fallen in referent weeks. Though coordinating the Iraqi army, Read More …
Turkey reaches for greater power Brian M Downing Turkey has long pursued regional interests. It has championed Kurdish autonomy in Iraq, but tries to quash it elsewhere. It has supported a slew of rebel groups in Syria. And it has established itself as an important transporter of Central Asian and Read More …
Russian leverage in the Syrian war (It’s a lot more than the US has) Brian M Downing Syria, in war and peace, has been an object in the foreign policies of several countries, including the US and Russia. Now, with the war entering a new, disturbingly violent phase, a search Read More …
Russia’s goals in Syria – and elsewhere Brian M Downing With the recent airstrikes on Aleppo, the Syrian war has taken yet another dreadful turn. Syrian and Russian aircraft, jets and helicopters, are pummeling civilian districts, relief convoys, water pumping stations, and medical facilities. World opinion, weary of the mayhem that has Read More …
Muslim Press: How do you analyze Washington’s role in Iran-Iraq war? Brian Downing: The US was in the awkward position of opposing both countries: Iran for the embassy hostage situation and its calls for revolution; Iraq for its brutal government, alignment with the Soviet Union, and hostility to Israel. The Read More …
The battle of Aleppo and the trajectory of the Syrian war Brian M Downing A battle for Syria’s once largest city has been coming for several months now. It’s been postponed by short-lived ceasefires but now seems to be on in earnest. The war has seen sectarian slaughter and harsh rule Read More …
The People’s Republic of Commodities and Central Asia Brian M Downing China recently opened a lengthy rail line winding from northern Afghanistan through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and ending at the port city of Nantong. The line strengthens China’s position in Central Asia. The region is largely undeveloped, run by aging Read More …
US policy and the future of a unified Syria Brian M Downing Secretary of State Kerry has repeated the administration’s commitment to keeping Syria a united country, as it was before public protest turned into civil war. His statement comes along with a ceasefire agreement with Russia and the announcement Read More …