Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
The coming ISIL dispersal – Iraq and Syria Brian M Downing In coming weeks, or months, ISIL’s prestigious holdings, Mosul and Raqqa, will have been retaken. ISIL will have only a handful of smaller towns and expanses of land – most of it wasteland. Several thousand ISIL fighters are in Read More …
The coming battle for Raqqa – and the future of Iraq and Syria Brian M Downing Iraqi and Kurdish troops are on the outskirts of Mosul, ISIL’s prized holding in Iraq. The battle will be long and costly and will entail a slew of political complications involving various foreign powers, especially the Read More …
The potential for Russian escalation in Syria Brian M Downing Vladimir Putin’s intervention in Syria has thus far been cautious. Russian air support allowed Syrian and allied ground forces to regain territory around Damascus and Aleppo. When the Syrian president boasted of reconquering all of Syria, and as the ineffectiveness Read More …
US policy and the future of a unified Syria Brian M Downing Secretary of State Kerry has repeated the administration’s commitment to keeping Syria a united country, as it was before public protest turned into civil war. His statement comes along with a ceasefire agreement with Russia and the announcement Read More …
Russia moves even closer to Iran Brian M Downing Upheaval in the Middle East has caused great concern in many capitals. Some states see opportunity. Saudi Arabia, for example, has brought Egypt and its formidable army into its sphere, and hopes to do the same with Sunni regions of Syria, Read More …
Escalation and attrition in the battle for Aleppo Brian M Downing A major battle for Aleppo has been coming for many months, delayed by a short-lived ceasefire and preliminary negotiations. There will not be a lasting ceasefire or meaningful talks until the fate of Syria’s once largest city, now in ruins, Read More …
Is a Saudi-Russian rapprochement in the works? Brian M Downing Russian foreign minister Lavrov and his Saudi counterpart Adel Al-Jubeir met recently and called for cooperation against ISIL and better relations in general. This would represent a return to the portentous dealings that were put on hold when Russia deployed Read More …
The al Nusrah Front breaks from al Qaeda – and aligns with what? Brian M Downing The al Nusrah Front has long been one of the most formidable rebel groups in Syrian civil war. Its Salafi creed establishes cohesion in combat units, respect for its chain of command, and an effective Read More …
Can the US and Russia cooperate in Syria? Brian M Downing Secretary of State Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov have met several times in recent weeks, giving rise to talk of the two powers cooperating in easing the war in Syria. Two issues are being discussed: cooperating in attacking Read More …
Obama’s foreign policy and the Nixon Doctrine Brian M Downing Politicians and the public at large are voicing frustration at the slow pace of the ISIL War. Some claim the administration doesn’t have a strategy. Many are eager to see more US troops sent back into the Middle East. Owing Read More …