Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Saudi mosque bombed A Shia mosque in the Eastern Province has been bombed, killing two and wounding seven according to early reports. No one has taken responsibility, but suspicions naturally falls on ISIL. The Eastern Province is home to most of the Kingdom’s Shia population and ISIL would dearly love Read More …
I remember MAD Magazine more and more fondly these days. It wasn’t just a funny magazine for kids. It tried to teach us something about modern America and to instill critical ways of thinking about the not-so brave new world we were growing up in. If cultivated, those ways of Read More …
Former National Security Advisor sees deepening US involvement Former NSA Ton Donilon sees the US getting more deeply involved in the ISIL War, especially in the upcoming battles for Mosul and Reqaa.He also sees poyrntial for greater US involvement in fighting ISIL in Libya. ISIL forces there are expanding from coastal Read More …
Report finds al Nusrah Front more dangerous than ISIL The conservative Institute for the Study of War and American Enterprise Institute have issued a report calling the al Nusrah Front, the al Qaeda affiliate in Syria, a greater threat than ISIS and an “existential threat” to the US. Neither group is an Read More …
Biden signals possibility of military solution in Syria On a visit to Turkey, VP Biden expressed hope in a political solution but left the door open to a military one, presumably one with US support. This is likely a warning to Russia and Iran which may be pursuing a military Read More …
Weak oil prices, and the prospect of protracted weakness, have pleased motorists but concerned many states. Venezuela may be on the brink of political ruin. Gulf monarchies wonder if their populations’ loyalty is based mainly on legitimate government or generous disbursements. Observers look for signs of unrest in Russia Read More …
Iran recruits Shia fighters for Syrian War It has long been known that Iran has been recruiting Shia Hazaras from Central Afghanistan to fight in Syria. The numbers might be much higher than thought some 20,000. This of course reduces potential manpower in the Afghan army which has been taking Read More …
US increases anti-ISIL effort in Afghanistan ISIL has established itself in eastern Afghanistan and in response the US is allocating more of its anti-terrorism resources to fighting it. Eastern Afghanistan is where ISIL was predicted here to have its best opportunity. Significantly, the US is limiting its strikes on the Taliban, Read More …
Terrorist strike at northern university Islamist militants attacked a Pashtun university this morning, killing 19 at the expense of 4 dead. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is naturally suspected but there are conflicting statements coming out of that group. The TTP, however, is a loose umbrella organization. It has been argued here that Read More …
Qatar and Russia discuss Syria This is welcome though not especially promising. Russia of course is the most powerful backer of the Assad government; Qatar is an important backer of the Muslim Brotherhood and several rebel groups backed by the Brotherhood. It’s difficult to see any formula for peace. The Read More …