Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
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 Candidate Trump campaigned on leaving the JCPOA and taking an aggressive stance toward Iran. President Trump has indeed left the JCPOA, reimposed sanctions, and supported Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria. Nonetheless, last summer he pulled back from launching strikes on Iran, which National Security Advisor Read More …
Brian M Downing The US and China are heading for a trade war, though Washington’s positions are subject to sudden change. The depth and duration of the conflict can’t be gauged but concerns are mounting that it might cause a global recession or worsen an impending one. The contest takes Read More …
Brian M Downing War seemed imminent not long ago. Not between Saudi Arabia and Iran, of course, but between the US and Iran. Saudi Arabia and its allies have been hostile toward Iran for generations and their predecessors have despised Shiiism for almost fourteen centuries. They’ve prevailed upon an inexperienced, Read More …
Brian M Downing The Trump administration’s Iran policy stumbles ahead. An attack was authorized, then suddenly called back. The president spoke of making Iran great again, then returned to threats. The only clear thing coming from last week’s step back from war is that our generals and admirals are not Read More …
Brian M Downing Late last week President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks on a US drone and several foreign oil tankers. The reprisals were called off not long before launch. The president claims he canceled them because generals apprised him of sobering casualty estimates late in Read More …
Brian M Downing Candidate Trump sounded ominous warnings toward Iran which continued into his presidency. He withdrew the US from the JCPOA, reimposed sanctions, and is trying to bring Tehran’s oil exports down to a trickle. Only Saudi Arabia, the GCC states, and Israel support the US. Fighting seemed near Read More …
Brian M Downing The Trump administration has increased the military presence around Iran. This was in response to intelligence reports that Iran was moving missiles around the Persian Gulf. American media reported the Iranian moves endangered US troops in the region. Previous administrations have made similar moves. The Obama administration Read More …
Brian M Downing Donald Trump promised to shake things up in Washington and he’s certainly done that. The complete pullout from Syria and the partial one from Afghanistan brought resignations in Washington and consternation in other capitals. National security hands are wary of what’s ahead. Most regard military interventions as Read More …
Brian M Downing Hard on the heels of announcing a complete withdrawal of the 2,000 GIs in Syria, President Trump has ordered half the 14,000 US troops out of Afghanistan. The Syrian move led to dismay in many quarters. Secretary of Defense Mattis resigned because of it, at least in Read More …