Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Donald Trump takes on Saudi Arabia – and foreign policy Brian M Downing Throughout the presidential campaign Donald Trump has spoken freely and often harshly of many individuals and groups. He recently bluntly noted Saudi Arabia’s AWOL status in the ISIL War, even though it takes place not far from Read More …
Putin pulls back in Syria Brian M Downing As unexpectedly as it sent forces into Syria last fall, Russia is now withdrawing them – or least it has begun to. Monday’s announcement referred to the “main part” being pulled out. What has the short-lived deployment accomplished? What lies ahead for Read More …
Ebb tide for democracy in the world? Brian M Downing Democracy was on the rise not long ago. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and democracies replaced politburos. Twenty years later, authoritarian regimes across North Africa and the Middle East were jarred by the Arab Spring. While democracy has endured Read More …
Many states have been supporting various sides in Syria. This has contributed to the stalemate of the last few years. Last fall Russia upped its position by introducing airpower, and Iran did the same by sending in IRGC troops and militias it recruited from the Shia world. It’s tempting to Read More …
Secretary of State Kerry and Foreign Minister Lavrov have come to a tentative agreement on a ceasefire in Syria which will allow humanitarian aid to reach hapless civilians. The timing is unclear, as are the likely effectiveness and duration. Optimism in recent days has faded. Whatever comes of it will shed Read More …
Riyadh has announced it would participate in coalition ground operations in the Syrian civil war. The statement loses boldness when it’s noted that there are no such ground operations in the offing. The Saudis have accomplished two things with the proclamation. First, they have, to some extent, countered the Read More …
Saudi Arabia’s execution of a respected Shia figure has led to outrage in the Shia world and concern in western capitals and human rights organizations. Protesters in Iran, upholding a venerable tradition, attacked and partially burned the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Sunni powers have broken or reduced diplomatic ties with Read More …
Massacres in Paris and San Bernardino have underscored the slow progress in the ISIL War. The Islamist army’s defeats at Kobane and Sinjar barely register. Nor is it remembered that last summer Generals Dempsey and Odierno cautioned that the war would be a long one, lasting decades. Yet, many Americans Read More …
The Iran nuclear deal led many to think that Iran was opening up to the world, including the West, especially the US. Theocracy would give way to reform. This, it would appear, was a false hope. Americans have been detained and convicted under unclear circumstances. Iranian troops have deployed to Read More …
The war in Syria is a stalemate and disaster. Civilian casualties are appalling, cities lie in ruins, and people flee the desolation by the tens of thousand. The former country is a training ground for jihadis and terrorists from Morocco to China. Preliminary talks are underway but any agreement is months away, at Read More …