Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has held its first elections since the inking of the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions. The results indicate a significant increase of reformers in the national assembly. Reformers are also doing well in the Assembly of Experts which will likely appoint a new Read More …
Four out of five stars This is a slow-paced but intriguing Iranian film about a young woman from a city on the mainland sent to a small island to collect votes for the national election. She is accompanied on her mission by a local soldier who is initially baffled by Read More …
The Project for a New American Democracy © 2016 Brian M Downing A Washington think tank, the Project for a New American Democracy, plans to turn the crisis-ridden country around by supporting an outspoken, recently-retired general in a presidential bid. His election will be a precursor to a military takeover Read More …
The Project for a New American Democracy © 2016 Brian M Downing Genre Political thriller/social commentary (85,000 words) Tagline Seven Days in May, again. Synopsis A Washington think tank, The Project for a New American Democracy, plans to turn the crisis-ridden country around by supporting an outspoken, recently-retired general in Read More …
Modern War and the Decline of the Old Regime, 1763-1856 © 2001 Brian M. Downing The basis of democratization is everywhere purely military in character. . . . Military discipline meant the triumph of democracy because the community wished and was compelled to secure the cooperation of the non-aristocratic masses 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 …
Russia’s deployment of fighter aircraft and troops to Syria has overshadowed similar moves by Iran. The Islamic Republic, a longstanding Syrian ally, has sent about four thousand Shia fighters recruited from Afghanistan’s Hazara people and Iraq’s Arab majority, and reportedly a small contingent of its own ground troops as well. Read More …
Not long ago, American power and beliefs appeared unchallenged in the world. The Soviet Union was gone, generals in developing nations were heading back to the barracks, and democracy was everywhere on the rise. We had, in the famous words, reached the end of history. Open economic and political systems Read More …
The recent nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 brings hope for political reform in Iran. This is especially so among the middle classes of Tehran and other urban areas. The impending end to sanctions by much of the world, they believe, will bring greater prosperity and an easing of Read More …
Brian M Downing Wars bring formidable changes to countries, even if they are fortunate enough not to have fighting on their own soil. The US was transformed by the Second World War and Vietnam, both politically and culturally, in the course of only a few years. The Middle East was Read More …