Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Decades of Israeli diplomacy, conducted by centrist and Likud governments with help from both US parties, laid the foundations of a stable Middle Eastern order. Egypt and Jordan inked agreements with Israel. Saudi Arabia and the Emirates shared Israel’s concern with Iran and moved closer. Embassies opened, Read More …
Brian M Downing The signs have been there for over a year. President-elect Trump promised to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. President Trump backtracked but recently announced recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and also the intention to move the US embassy there. Benefits Read More …
Netanyahu builds up his majority – and the “iron wall”? Brian M Downing Last week Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu replaced his defense minister with Avigdor Lieberman – a conservative who has found a niche to the right of the PM. Lieberman’s public support is in the Russian immigrant community and Read More …
Violence in Israel and the West Bank has picked up since late last summer. In recent weeks, casualties have gone up markedly, and ominously. Most troubling is the turmoil centering at the Temple Mount, or Noble Sanctuary as it’s known in Islam. A Third Intifada may be in the offing. The region is Read More …