Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Negotiation and escalation in the Syrian civil war after Aleppo Brian M Downing The war in Syria is entering its sixth year. Various rebel groups, backed by Sunni powers, had the upper hand until Hisbollah, Iran, and Russia intervened on the government side. Over the last year government forces developed a tactic Read More …
Muslim Press: How do you analyze Washington’s role in Iran-Iraq war? Brian Downing: The US was in the awkward position of opposing both countries: Iran for the embassy hostage situation and its calls for revolution; Iraq for its brutal government, alignment with the Soviet Union, and hostility to Israel. The 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 …
Over the last eighteen months the territory ISIL controls in Iraq and Syria has shrunk significantly. The Kurds have driven its forces out of most of their autonomous region. The Iraqi army, despite egregious corruption and a dearth of fighting spirit, has retaken Tikrit and is encircling Ramadi. ISIL, and Islamist militancy 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 …
Brian M Downing Sunni Arab Gulf states have great wealth, spend immense amounts on defense, and command large numbers of troops. They have nonetheless depended on foreign powers, chiefly the United States, for their security. Paradoxically, their arms purchases seek to obligate Western powers to defend their big Arab customers, Read More …
Brian M Downing The Islamic State (IS) offensive in Iraq has been blunted. Kurdish troops and the Iraqi national army have even made slow progress in pushing IS back. US and allied airpower has played an important role, hitting IS positions and convoys hard. However, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Read More …
Brian M Downing The unexpected Islamic State offensive into Iraq has rattled capitals and altered political dynamics in the Gulf. Led by Saudi Arabia, the Sunni monarchies were moving away from the United States owing to its support for democracy in the region and its effort to reopen ties with Read More …
Brian M Downing The Islamic State’s fearsome offensive in northern and central Iraq has stalled owing to indigenous ground troops and Western airpower. In some places, IS has been forced to retreat, beginning a new phase in its effort to bring unification to Muslims of the world, whether they want Read More …
Brian M Downing Recent events have shown the ineffectiveness of armies in the Middle East, from Libya to Iraq, and extending beyond the region into Afghanistan. Training missions can teach troops to shoot and march and salute, but not to hold up under fire. Several armies have struggled or collapsed Read More …