Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing This series has considered a few scenarios of Saudi Arabia in 20 years or so: a liberalizing monarchy, internal turmoil and disintegration, a regional economic and military power, and conflict with Israel. A strong kingdom could try to expand its power in the Middle East and avenge Read More …
Brian M Downing The US has entered into an alliance with Saudi Arabia, Israel, and several Gulf states to weaken Iran. The project is based less on American security interests than on those of the partners. It aims to weaken Iran by imposing sanctions, supporting insurgencies, and encouraging internal opposition Read More …
Brian M Downing The war in Syria has eased considerably. Rebel positions along the periphery remain but Assad controls most of the country. Two interesting events have taken place in recent weeks. Delegates from Sunni Gulf states, key backers of Syrian rebel groups, have visited Damascus, and today President Trump Read More …
Brian M Downing The US-led campaign in Iraq booted out Saddam Hussein, disbanded his army, and set up elections. A frail democracy has been in place for over a decade. The position here is that Iraq is not fertile soil for democratic government. Sectarianism, factionalism, tribalism, and corruption pose serious Read More …
Brian M Downing Over the last decade, Vladimir Putin has embarked on a program of reasserting his country’s power prestige, often at the expense of the United States. Russian naval and air assets menace US ships and planes. The Crimea has been invaded and annexed, the eastern Ukraine is halfway Read More …
Brian M Downing Conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been underway for decades. It’s on the verge of becoming more intense as the US and Israel are siding with the Saudis. All three countries are legitimizing their position by claiming Iran is the leading supporter of terrorism and expanding Read More …
Brian M Downing The apparent murder of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi at the direction of the crown prince has been disastrous for the kingdom. Western publics are horrified and voicing their concern to elected officials. Members of the US congress are calling for sanctions. Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) wants Mohammed Read More …
Brian M Downing The Khashoggi affair has caused a rift between the US and Saudi Arabia. It’s also shown that the partnership is not based on shared heritage and values, but on sales of oil and weapons. President Trump cautioned that the affair might cost the US many billions in Read More …
Brian M Downing Mohammed bin Salman, the 33-year-old heir apparent to the Saudi throne, has been aggressively consolidating his power. Though initiating welcome reforms, he has come down hard on dissent and continued wars in Syria and Yemen. Neither conflict is going well, but the prince has skillfully maneuvered other Read More …
Brian M Downing Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist critical of his government, disappeared shortly after visiting a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He is not the first Saudi to disappear after criticizing his government. Some have resurfaced, others haven’t. Mohammed bin Salman, the young ruler of the Kingdom, is consolidating his Read More …