Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
General Ivashov challenges President Putin, part one Brian M Downing Vladimir Putin is riding high. Oil prices are way up. His alignment with China is posing trouble for the US around the world and restoring Russia’s prestige. His position at home looks solid. A recent event, however, suggests disquiet in Read More …
Brian M Downing Western policies can weaken the Russian economy. Speeches and broadcasts can underscore Putin’s accumulation of Romanov-like wealth. The West can also point out problems with his China alignment and the concentration of power in his hands. What comes after him, a smooth succession or years of tumult Read More …
Brian M Downing Containment II An obvious response to Putin is to strengthen the system of alliances and bases that surrounded the old Soviet Union. George F Kennan called for containment in his 1947 Foreign Policy article. NATO, SEATO, CENTO, and the rearmament of Germany quickly followed. Kennan, however, came Read More …
Brian M Downing Spirited demonstrations are rocking Moscow. The crowds are angry over the summary arrest of Alexei Navalny. The formidable critic of Putin’s autocracy was almost certainly poisoned at Putin’s decree yet he returned to build opposition. The demonstrators are courageous. The jarring youth movements in many parts of Read More …
Brian M Downing Last month, the Maduro government appeared to be on the way out. Millions of Venezuelans were hungry and demonstrating angrily in the streets. Juan Guadio, a prominent opponent, declared himself interim president and urged his fellow Venezuelans, especially officers and soldiers, to rally to his side. Foreign 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 A Sunni-Shia conflict has been underway at least since Khomeini took power in Iran in early 1979. Fearing Shia uprisings and Sunni ones as well, Saudi Arabia and its allies formed a league to oppose Iran. They supported Iraq against Iran in the 80s and have aligned Read More …
Brian M Downing The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 portended favorably for world peace, at least to some. Others saw the source of Russian-Soviet actions based not in communist ideology but rather in a national security ideology and string of ambitious rulers, both of which predate Marx and Read More …
Brian M Downing The Pentagon admits to about 2,000 troops in Syria, though it declines to give a precise number. The GIs range along the northern border with Turkey and extend down the eastern bank of the Euphrates. They serve as trainers, advisors, air support spotters, logistics personnel, artillery support, Read More …
Brian M Downing A year ago, after Syria used chemical weapons on its civilians, President Trump retaliated within 72 hours with a cruise missile strike on a Syrian airfield. Unfortunately, it had no deterrent effect on Assad. Attacks on civilians have continued, most recently in Douma, near Damascus. It’s been Read More …