Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Iraqi troops encircle Ramadi Ramadi fell to ISIL a few months ago. Iraqi troops, the army and Shia militias, are prepared to take the city itself. ISIL is likely well prepared with mines, snipers, and interlocking positions. The fighting could be costly, especially on the frail Iraqi army. Think tank Read More …
Army complains that budget cuts are too deep After two costly, fruitless wars, defense cuts are about to begin. Has a general ever not complained of inadequate funding? Perhaps the generals, retired and active-duty, should have seen the difficulties that would follow invading Afghanistan and Iraq. Saudi-Russian talks on Syria The Read More …
Attacks hit Turkey One attack in southeastern Turkey is in a Kurdish area and blame naturally leans toward the PKK. Turkey is bombing PKK positions in Kurdistan and Syria; the PKK has responded. The second attack was in Istanbul and it targeted an American consulate. A leftist organization known as Read More …
The world wars of the last century brought new heights of savagery and destruction. They also brought significant advances for women, who entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers and produced the armaments used on most fronts. Some women served near those fronts. After the wars, in victorious countries, discontent with traditional roles Read More …
Sunnis continue to advance in Yemen The Houthis continue to give up ground to the southerners backed by the Sunni monarchies. It was unwise of the Houthis to press too far out of the Shia north, though their intent might have been to position themselves for negotiations favorable to them. It’s Read More …
Arab states reluctant to express opposition to Iran deal An analyst says Arab states oppose the deal but do now want to show their alignment with Israel. Not so sure about this. it’s been pretty clear for years that Israel and Saudi Arabia were on the same page in regard to Iran. Read More …
US-backed unit in Syria refuses to fight al Qaeda/al Nusrah The unit is small, no more than fifty now. They claim they joined to fight ISIL, not al Nusrah. Furthermore, they oppose US airstrikes on al Nusrah. The US should have detected the lack of numbers in the program and also Read More …
Bomb blast in Saudi mosque Another Saudi mosque has been bombed. Previous ones have been Shia and ISIL is thought to have executed them. This blast, however, targeted Saudi security forces in southwestern Saudi Arabia, not far from the Yemeni frontier. ISIL has claimed responsibility for it. How many supporters does Read More …
Locusts swarm in Southern Russia Crop damage is extensive. Along with low oil prices and sanctions over the Crimean anschluss, another blow to the Russian economy. Israel arrests settler extremists and places them under administrative hold This is in response to the firebombing of a Palestinian house which killed a Read More …
The black flags of ISIL have spread from Iraq and Syria to many other parts of the Islamic world, from North Africa to Central Asia. In recent months they have been seen in Afghanistan, or Khorasan as it is known in Islamic apocalyptic texts – the land where the Read More …