Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Downing Reports ISIL claims responsibility for Cairo bombing It’s unclear if ISIL or ISIL-inspired actors are truly responsible. If true, ISIL is making inroads with young Egyptians angered over the coup that ousted the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013. The Egyptian army remains strong, so ISIL has little if any chance of Read More …
Bomb attack in Cairo Egyptian security forces building is hit. ISIL takes claim but under different name than usually used. Since the Muslim Brotherhood was ousted from the presidency and outlawed, parts of the MB have splintered off into violent groups, some of which have tied in with tribal fighters Read More …
IMU pledges loyalty to ISIL The Islamic State of Uzbekistan was driven from Uzbekistan about fifteen years ago, It then served with the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and it fled with al Qaeda to eastern A-stan and the tribal region of Pakistan. Their numbers are small, probably no more Read More …
Russian economy still trending down As a result of sanctions and plummeting oil prices, the Russian economy continues to weaken, down 4.6% last spring. Pensions may no longer be pegged with inflation. Putin continues to do well. It may take years of hard times to hurt Putin politically. Reports continue to Read More …
Iraqi inquiry in the Mosul disaster In the spring of last year, ISIL swept into northern Iraq. The Iraqi political and military leaders fled in panic. A still secret study is apportioning blame. Don’t look for sweeping reform, though. Allocating offices to the well-connected is just how things are done there. And Read More …
Downing Reports: Brian M Downing and the world at war Shortly before leaving his position atop the army high command, and after many years in Iraq, General Ray Odierno gave a candid and insightful presentation. He stated that it it might one day be necessary to place US personnel alongside Read More …
Southern Yemenis continue advances to the north The Sunnis of southern Yemen, backed by Saudi airstrikes, continue to move northward into territory the northern Houthis took a few months ago. The Houthis, a Shia group, clearly overextended themselves in that offensive. Southern Sunnis may make the same mistake in their Read More …
Former national security advisor Brent Scowcroft supports Iran deal Scowcroft is one of the more savvy people in the security field. He and a group of his peers have signed a letter expressing their support. Iranian Kurds clash with IRGC troops There’s been a low-level insurgency in northwestern Iran as the Read More …
SIGAR looks at waste in Afghan development programs SIGAR is the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. It ably documents incredible waste in the effort to rebuild the country and bring it into the modern world. It is part of the US government. Polish president criticizes NATO’s weak response to Read More …
The 2016 election is a year and a quarter away. The issues are immigration, income inequality, shrinking opportunity, email accounts, and thoughtless comments. The Iraq War surfaced several weeks ago in an interview with then-front runner Jeb Bush in which he said that knowing what he knows now, he still thinks the war Read More …