Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
The battle for Aleppo shapes up In response to Russian and Iranian actions to help the Syrian army retake the northern region from which it withdrew recently, the US and other countries have upped their support for rebel forces there. Anti-tank weapons are coming in which will make Syrian armor Read More …
Fighting continues in Israel The ongoing attacks and killings became sharper in recent days, but still fall short of what could be called a Third Intifada. Palestinians seem to be targeting Israeli military and security personnel more than in past conflicts. World opinion is focused elsewhere but the Israeli actions Read More …
The consequences of the 2003 Iraq war have been disastrous – for the US, the Middle East, and most of all, Iraq itself. Surprisingly, even GOP presidential candidates now agree the war was a mistake, even though their standard bearer launched it, albeit with support of many from across the Read More …
Saudis punish Russia over Syrian move As noted here recently, Saudi Arabia would use oil prices to punish Russia for his big move into Syria. The Saudis are not boosting supply as I suspected, but they are offering oil to Poland at reduced prices. Note that Poland is a NATO Read More …
Turkey shoots down drone over its territory After Russian aircraft strayed into Turkish airspace, Ankara was keen on delivering a stern warning to Russia. At present. it’s unclear whose drone it was but the surmisal is that it’s Russian. Arson attack on Joseph’s Tomb Palestinians have set fire to a Read More …
Last month, under the weight of rebel pressure, the Syrian army pulled back from northern Syria. Since then Russia has deployed scores of attack aircraft and begun an air campaign, mostly on non-ISIL factions. Iran, too, has increased its support for a beleaguered ally. IRGC advisers have been in country for Read More …
US to extend troop presence in Afghanistan The Obama administration will keep about 5,000 troops in Afghanistan beyond next year. In the wake of recent Taliban offensives in the north and east, which have generally failed but inflicted high casualties on the ANA, the US will keep trainers and air Read More …
Afghanistan’s prominence in the news is subject to sudden change. The 9/11 attacks vaulted it into our attention. Iraq pushed it aside for years, until the Taliban reasserted itself and reconquered parts of the south and west. The rise of ISIL in Syria and Iraq pushed it aside once more, until Read More …
Iranian ground troops in Syria prepare for offensive Reports of Iranian troops (not just IRGC advisers) have been coming in for months. There seems to be reliable ones now. They will be used alongside Syrian army troops and Hisbollah militias in an impending offensive around Aleppo which is currently the Read More …
Russian embassy in Damascus comes under fire Two rounds landed near the Russian embassy today. It is uncertain who fired them and what sort of round they were. Clearly, they are a response to Russia’s intervention in the civil war. The position expressed here last week is that Russia will Read More …