Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
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 …
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 …
Two months ago, after a string of defeats in both Syria and Iraq, ISIL seized control of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Sunni-dominated Anbar province. The fall of Ramadi once again underscores the power of ISIL and the weakness of the Iraqi army. The expected counterattack, to the surprise Read More …
After many months of trying to build an effective force to fight in the Syrian civil war, the US has trained only sixty troops. Most Syrians are reluctant to serve in a unit that will be seen as controlled by the US. They likely will be regarded with suspicion by other rebel 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 The dialog between the US and Iran has moved ahead. Opposition comes from important groups in both Tehran and Washington – as well as in a few Middle Eastern capitals. In Washington, the issue is decried as a sign of the administration’s naivety regarding world affairs Read More …
Brian M Downing As the Iranian nuclear talks neared preliminary agreement, and as the Houthis drove into southern Yemen, world leaders and commentators warned that Iran is on the rise in the Middle East. This, they continued, had to be stopped by imposing tougher sanctions and opposing the Houthis, perhaps Read More …
Brian M Downing Islamist State forces have been blunted since their offensive into Iraq last summer. ISIL troops enjoy a considerable qualitative edge over the various Iraqi forces arrayed in front of them but are badly outnumbered by Iraqi army, Kurdish troops, Shia militias, and Sunni tribal fighters. ISIL has Read More …
Brian M Downing The Iranian nuclear talks ended without agreement, except to extend the deadline on negotiations until next July. Over the next few months, world events may change the positions of the powers involved. The pause also offers time to better understand each power’s viewpoint. Each country, including Iran, Read More …
Brian M Downing Kurdistan will stay within an Iraqi political framework, at least for now. After years of conflict, including being on the brink of war, Iraq and Kurdistan have signed an agreement for sharing oil revenues. The deal allows the Kurds to export their oil and gives them a Read More …