Panzerabwehr aller Waffen
Panzerabwehr
The Samson Heuristic
While running tests on the microprocessor that runs the world’s hi-tech, gifted chip designer Ethan Alon makes a puzzling discovery: an undocumented section with unknown functions. He and colleague Rina Hardin unravel the secret and discover a clandestine network monitoring defense systems around the world, especially those in the Middle Read More …
The Freedom of Russia Legion crosses the border
Brian M Downing This morning ethnic Russian soldiers of the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL), backed by Kyiv, crossed into Russia’s Belgorod region, north of central Ukraine. The force, perhaps two battalions of ethnic Russians, claim to be establishing a buffer area just south of Belgorod to push Russian artillery Read More …
Ukraine strikes near Bakhmut
Brian M Downing The long-awaited Ukrainian offensive may have begun near Bakhmut. It comes after weeks of attacks on Russian depots in the east and inside Russia itself. Expectations vary. Kyiv cautions that the offensive might not be as formidable as thought. Many outside analysts think it will be highly Read More …
Things to look for in the war by year’s end
Brian M Downing A Ukrainian offensive is coming. When and where aren’t known. The view here has been that, after probes and feints, a drive into the land bridge will come. This could split Russian forces in the south in two, force a major battle, and endanger the Crimean peninsula. Read More …
The Israeli Right in a changing Middle East
Brian M Downing Benjamin Netanyahu has returned to power astride a stridently majoritarian religious-nationalist bloc. His initial acts were harsh crackdowns on Palestinians, dire warnings to Iran, and attempts to weaken the judiciary. In so doing he’s created fierce civil unrest, alienated a good deal of American-Jewish support, and threatened Read More …
American support for the Ukraine war
Brian M Downing Russia and China now see the war isn’t ending soon but feel time is on their side. They believe democracies are deeply flawed and no longer have the will and martial spirit of modern authoritarian governments, especially those in Moscow and Beijing where dissent and diversity aren’t Read More …
Ukraine’s spring offensive
Brian M Downing Russia’s winter offensive continues. Wagner Group and airborne forces are pressing attacks around Bakhmut – north and south of it as well. They are seizing little ground but taking high casualties. Last year Ukraine took Russian punches in a manner likened here to Muhammad Ali’s “rope-a-dope” strategy Read More …
Skirmishes in Syria and the new geopolitics
Brian M Downing US and aligned forces in Syria have come under intermittent attacks over the years – by ISIL, government and rebel groups, Iranian militias, and even Putin’s Wagner Group. The attacks stepped up last week as Iranian drones hit US positions in the east. The US responded quickly Read More …
China advances in the Gulf
Brian M Downing The view here has long been that China, along with Russia, would gain influence in the Persian Gulf at the US’s expense. Beijing took an important step last week when it brokered an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to reopen diplomatic ties. The UAE, another Sunni Read More …