Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
While running tests on the microprocessor that runs the world’s hi-tech, gifted chip designer Ethan Alon makes a puzzling discovery: an undocumented section with unknown functions. He and colleague Rina Hardin unravel the secret and discover a clandestine network monitoring defense systems around the world, especially those in the Middle Read More …
Brian M Downing Ties between Moscow and Damascus go back to the early Cold War. The Soviet Union sought to expand its power, and weaken the US’s, by backing secular states such as Syria and Egypt. It sold them military equipment, built infrastructure, and backed them in wars against Read More …
Brian M Downing Israel and Russia were once enemies. Moscow backed Arab states against the emerging Jewish state in 1948 and then in the 1956, 1967, and 1973 wars. Things changed. Israel and Russia now have important ties based on trade and geopolitics. The Ukraine crisis, though seemingly beyond Israel’s Read More …
Brian M Downing Concerns of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites are on the rise once again. They come after the US, at Israel’s behest, broke with the JCPOA and imposed sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran has cranked up its centrifuges and enriched its uranium stores, though not yet Read More …
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 Israel’s relationship with the Soviet Union and Russia have changed markedly over the years. Moscow sent arms to Haganah as it fought the British in the early days of the Cold War. After that, however, Moscow backed Arab states. More recently Israel and Russia have built good Read More …
Brian M Downing Part one argued that Netanyahu’s crackdown on Palestinians is endangering his country’s security arrangements with Arab allies, especially Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. He’s also endangering Israel’s position in the world, weakening US support, and gravely weakening his own country’s cohesion. He’s doing more damage to Israel Read More …
Brian M Downing Protests over the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem escalated into violence and more recently into widespread fighting. The outcome isn’t in doubt. The Palestinians have only inaccurate homemade rockets and light weapons. The IDF has armor and airpower. Israeli intelligence has infiltrated Hamas and Read More …
Brian M Downing The Emirates and Bahrain have recently recognized Israel and hinted at meaningful ties. Other Sunni monarchies may soon follow. Jerusalem’s effort in the Gulf has been one of the most remarkable diplomatic feats since Nixon established relations with China almost a half century ago. What might rapprochement Read More …
Brian M Downing In coming decades Saudi Arabia could be much more powerful than it is today. Its young ruler, Mohammad bin Salman, has ambitious plans for himself and his kingdom. Israel and the US are helping him, for now. Those three states may gravely weaken Iran in coming years. Read More …