Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
US plans a network of bases from N Africa to Afghanistan to counter ISIL As ISIl continues to expand by attracting Islamist groups throughout the Islamic world, the US will likely build a network of bases to counter them. Afghanistan will be a hub to fight not only in Afghanistan Read More …
Iraqi troops retake parts of Ramadi After many months of sluggish efforts, the Iraqi army, combined with Shia militias and backed by US airpower, has finally entered Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province which fell to ISIL last spring. ISIL has the best troops but they cannot stand up to Read More …
The Afghan War is seasonal. Most ground fighting takes place from spring to early winter, after which intermittent bombings and terrorist strikes occur. The Taliban showed considerable strength in this year’s fighting season, more than thought possible by many observers (yes, including me). The Taliban nonetheless face critical fissures that Read More …
Islamist militant leaders killed by US The ISIL commander in Libya and an al Shabab leaders in Somalia were killed in separate US strikes. While such moves are welcome, they do not constitute a serious loss to either ISIL or al Shabab. In order to disrupt the command and control of Read More …
Majority of Americans now favor ground troops against ISIL A recent CNN poll shows that 53% of Americans favor sending a US ground force to fight ISIL. This of course comes shortly after the San Bernardino attack and months of frustration in fighting ISIL in Syria and Iraq. Furthermore, a Read More …
ISIL assassinates governor in S Yemen The governor of the southern port of Aden has been killed in a car bombing. ISIL has claimed responsibility. The civil war between north and south is weakening government across the country and killing a governor further weakness the South’s already precarious government. This Read More …
ISIL claims 1600 recruits in eastern Afghanistan The Taliban is splintering and ISIL is picking up support. The claim of 1600 newcomers may not be accurate but ISIL has found support. It is noteworthy that the area of success is in eastern Afghanistan where a slew of internationalist jihadis have long Read More …
ISIL strikes back near Ramadi Iraqi forces gathering around the ISIKL-held city of Ramadi have been struck by a series of car bombs. iISL is trying to throw off plans to take the city. Immense car bombs were what devastated the Iraqi forces defending the town last spring. The US Read More …
The grisly executions of last year and the recent Paris attacks have brought increased commitment from major powers to fight ISIL. The US, France, Germany, and Britain are conducting or supporting airstrikes in Syria and Iraq. Russia purports to be doing the same in Syria, and occasionally does. The agreement Read More …
Reports of Taliban leader’s injury or death Mullah Mansour, the new leader of the Taliban, may have been wounded or even killed in a meeting of the movement’s leadership council. This comes shortly after a faction broke away, apparently in disagreement over the succession following the death of Mullah Omar. Read More …