Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
BBC urges caution in Sinai plane crash Thank goodness someone is. Thus far we have evidence of a midair breakup and a heat flash. A bomb may have been responsible, but the evidence is also consistent with a fuel tank explosion and an engine explosion. Investigators will look for shrapnel, traces of explosives, and Read More …
The Iran nuclear deal led many to think that Iran was opening up to the world, including the West, especially the US. Theocracy would give way to reform. This, it would appear, was a false hope. Americans have been detained and convicted under unclear circumstances. Iranian troops have deployed to Read More …
Syrian army makes some headway After weeks of Russian air support, the Syrian army is making limited advances in the north, taking a key town linking Aleppo to the south. All in all, however, the recent offensive has not met with great success. Rebel backers are increasing their arms to anti-government Read More …
Iraqi parliament blocks reform In the wake of ISIL’s offensive into northern Iraq last year, PM Abadi tried to weed out ineptitude and graft in the army and state. Parliament, where corruption and graft are rife and whose members are part of the network of corruption, has blocked Abadi’s reforms. US effort Read More …
Russia rules out pilot error and structural flaws in Sinai crash With little if any examination of the wreckage, Russian air authorities have claimed that the crash was not due to pilot error or structural problems. They have referred vaguely to “external” causes. Sounds like Russia has an agenda here, Read More …
The war in Syria is a stalemate and disaster. Civilian casualties are appalling, cities lie in ruins, and people flee the desolation by the tens of thousand. The former country is a training ground for jihadis and terrorists from Morocco to China. Preliminary talks are underway but any agreement is months away, at Read More …
US to deploy special forces to advise Syrian rebels The Obama administration, in response to Russian actions, is sending 20-30 advisers to Syria. It is not yet clear which rebel groups will host the SF advisers or if they will direct airstrikes. The ongoing Russian/Iranian-backed offensive isn’t gong very well. ISIL Read More …
Syrian-Russian-Iranian offensive not succesful yet The introduction of fresh troops and airpower was expected to change the war, but it hasn’t. It’s still too early to judge the Russian move a failure, though. If in coming weeks it is clear that to has, Russia and Iran will face the question Read More …
ISIL expanded suddenly over the last year and a half, from half-forgotten bombing outfit in western Iraq to regional danger. It has won the allegiance of unaffiliated Islamist groups as well as those formerly bound to al Qaeda. Attention is on North Africa and the Middle East, but conditions conducive to Read More …
US ponders deeper Syrian involvement The Pentagon has signaled willingness to increase airstrikes in Syria and also to place special forces personnel with rebel forces. This is driven in part by frustration over the slow pace of the ISIL war but also out of feeling need to respond to Russian actions Read More …