Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing One of government’s most important and sacred duties is protecting the nation from foreign threats. That’s accomplished by a strong military, domestic unity, and reliable allies. The Trump administration strode back into Washington determined to cut government and lower taxes. Tremendous economic growth, we’re told, will ensue Read More …
Brian M Downing Donald Trump, political and business elites, and a fiercely loyal base will try to bring fundamental political change to the United States. Lincoln, Wilson, and Roosevelt curtailed certain democratic principles such as free speech but only as temporary wartime measures. Trump, however, seeks permanent change in the Read More …
Brian M Downing Wall Street is doing quite well. Inflation is heading down and indexes are reaching new highs. Analysts believe the market is factoring in a second Trump presidency next January. It may be a miscalculation – one based on assurances of continuity and stability. However, the public mood Read More …
Brian M Downing Isolationism was once essential to the American identity. We had two oceans to protect us and trade opportunities across both. Isolationism has come and gone over the years. A new form, a counterfeit one, is taking hold in Washington. Our allies see the new isolationists as dangerous. Read More …
We don’t take an oath to a king, or a queen, or to a tyrant or dictator, and we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator. We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea Read More …
Brian M Downing The new administration takes over following the erratic previous one. Trump dropped out of the JCPOA, the Paris climate agreement, and the TPP. He opted not to fill numerous positions in State and Defense, leaving decisions in the hands of inexperienced colleagues and family members. The administration, Read More …
Brian M Downing After a week of speculation, President Trump has ordered significant troop reductions in Afghanistan and Iraq. No word on Syria yet. Orders and rumors of orders have been with us since Candidate Trump called for an end to unwinnable wars. Afghanistan fits the bill. However, at Read More …
Brian M Downing The Emirates and Bahrain have recently recognized Israel and hinted at meaningful ties. Other Sunni monarchies may soon follow. Jerusalem’s effort in the Gulf has been one of the most remarkable diplomatic feats since Nixon established relations with China almost a half century ago. What might rapprochement Read More …
Brian M Downing President Trump has worried major NATO allies by his ill treatment of their leaders, general inattentiveness, and strange apologies for Russian actions. They wonder if his policies are based on sage counsel or business hopes after leaving office. Last week they were dismayed by his order to Read More …
Brian M Downing The contest with China is on. But how much domestic support can Washington mobilize, especially compared to what Beijing can command? Anti-Chinese sentiment There’s been considerable antipathy toward what was once called Red China since the days of the Cold War. Back then “Beiping” was deemed a Read More …