Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
We don’t take an oath to a king, or a queen, or to a tyrant or dictator, and we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator. We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea Read More …
Brian M Downing It’s thought that Prigozhin’s rebellion damaged Putin and change may be coming in Moscow. Prigozhin certainly made Putin look foolhardy for supporting him so long, despite his sharp criticisms of the war and its generals. But Putin will only face serious trouble if one or more pillars Read More …
Brian M Downing Russia is headed for defeat in Ukraine. Sanctions are weakening the economy and even choking off arms production. The army is being attritted by a more disciplined and better equipped adversary. Money’s drying up and default looms. By year’s end Russia may be struggling to hold on 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 Donald Trump will leave the White House on January 20th, perhaps a bit sooner. Even he now says he will depart, albeit reluctantly. There’s hope that the country will return to at least a modicum of comity. The trials are behind us, a new day is dawning. Read More …
Brian M Downing Unrest is spreading across many parts of the world. The most violent case might be Iraq where a large youth population is calling for reforms and enduring high casualties for it. Prominent in their demands is a call for the end of Iranian meddling in the country’s Read More …
Brian M Downing President Trump has taken the extraordinary step of stepping into the military justice system. He has countermanded a demotion and granted clemency to military personnel convicted of war crimes. Further, he has delved more deeply into military administration by insisting that a convicted NCO be allowed to Read More …
Brian M Downing A second Arab Awakening is underway. Mass protests have continued in Algeria and the Sudan. The protesters are numerous and determined – even in the face of harsh repression that’s killed hundreds. The Hong Kong opposition to Beijing’s hovering fist is another case in point outside the Read More …
Brian M Downing Last spring youthful demonstrators filled the streets to protest Beijing’s effort to consolidate its grip. The population of the former British colony is accustomed to representative government and the rule of law and sees Beijing determined to impose its authoritarian will. Democratic movements are also taking Read More …
Brian M Downing This week marks thirty years since the remarkable student demonstrations in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. The movement is often seen as a pivotal moment in China’s history. A potent democratic opposition challenged a statist leadership. It was crushed by the People’s Liberation Army. Estimates vary but at least Read More …