Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Israel’s usefulness to Russia isn’t what it once was. Russia’s economy is stronger. China, now an ally, has modernized and developed a hi-tech sector. Both powers want to weaken the US and make their axis the most powerful and respected bloc in the world. The Islamic world, Read More …
Brian M Downing Iraq gravely worsened Sunni-Shia animosities by invading Iran in 1980. Though unsupportive at first, the Sunni states funneled support to Saddam Hussein to stave off defeat and a triumphant Shia republic. The war lasted eight years and killed hundreds of thousands. Today, Iraq is trying to use Read More …
Brian M Downing In coming years the US and China will be vying for power throughout the world. This will be especially so in the Persian Gulf owing to its strategic and symbolic importance. Diplomacy in Yemen may lead the way to bolder efforts. China cannot allow the US to Read More …
Brian M Downing China’s march to global preeminence has become bolder in recent weeks. Its “militia fleets” are anchored in disputed areas of the South China Sea. North Korea’s missile tests and Myanmar’s crackdown almost certainly have been approved in Beijing. The recent meeting with American emissaries in Alaska was Read More …
Brian M Downing Iraq and Syria The axis states, China, Russia, and Iran, want the US out of Gulf. Iran, convinced another anti-Iran presidency may be only four year off, doesn’t wants US troops on its borders. China wants to to secure oil sources and wants to become, along with Read More …
Brian M Downing All presidents are tested early on. Problems sometimes emerge on their own, sometimes they’re contrived. China tested Bush the Younger early on by knocking down a US surveillance plane. North Korea did the same with Trump four years ago. China, Russia, and Iran form a powerful three-power Read More …
Brian M Downing The Biden administration has three alternatives for Yemen: increase US involvement, step back and let the war proceed as it will, or press hard now for negotiations. Decisive military action The US may assess the present situation as one that can be remedied by immediate, forceful action. Read More …
Brian M Downing The war in Yemen has been dragging on since 2014, creating famine, deepening sectarian hatreds, embarrassing Western backers – but solving nothing. Initially, the Houthis of the Shia north drove deep into the Sunni south, probably in the hope of seizing Aden and establishing a commanding bargaining position. Read More …
Brian M Downing The Biden administration’s plans to return to the JCPOA are not proceeding well. Obstacles were expected from congress, K Street, and Middle Eastern allies but the most serious one is, paradoxically, from the power with the most to gain – Iran. Tehran has refused to enter talks Read More …
Brian M Downing Late Thursday, President Biden ordered airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias in Syria. Early reports indicate the bombs killed seventeen troops. Washington said the strike was in response to rocket attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq. There was more at work than just that. It sent signals, as they Read More …