Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel are collaborating to gravely weaken or even fragment Iran. The view here is the alliance cannot last long, especially if it succeeds against Iran. A triumphant Mohammad bin Salman would likely turn on Israel. His Wahhabi creed is deeply hostile Read More …
Brian M Downing The US has officially recognized Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, the narrow strip of elevated land overlooking western Syria. Israel took control of it in the Six-Day War of 1967 and battled for it again six years later in the Yom Kippur War. The US has Read More …
Brian M Downing Whistleblowers this week released information on the Trump administration’s keen interest in selling nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. The deal was being pushed ahead without adequate scrutiny by Congress or the public – despite, or because of, considerable mistrust of Saudi Arabia. Congress and the public are Read More …
Brian M Downing Mohammad bin Salman, heir apparent to the Saudi throne, is using his petrodollars to isolate and perhaps destroy Iran. He’s already won the support of the US defense industry and Washington. They are backing his war in Yemen and ignoring his murder of Khashoggi in Turkey. This Read More …
Brian M Downing In coming decades Saudi Arabia could become more powerful than today. It already has considerable oil wealth and it may become an industrial power too as the crown prince diversifies his economy. Furthermore, he could transform the army into an effective professional forces which in conjunction with Read More …
Brian M Downing Some wars ignite with little warning. The First Gulf War is a case in point. Others are seen from far off. Britain had long allied with Prussia/Germany but became wary as Germany became an industrial and naval power. Alliances shifted, war came. After that war, many diplomats Read More …
Brian M Downing Saudi Arabia is likely to emerge from the ongoing conflict with Iran as master of the Gulf. The US and Israel are seeing to that, though they may rue the day. In coming years Mohammad bin Salman, the 33-year-old heir apparent, may make his realm vastly more Read More …
Brian M Downing ISIL has been driven from large tracts of land which it boasted to be a restoration of an Islamic empire – a romantic idea that inspires many in the region. The twin capitals of Mosul and Reqaa have fallen to local forces supported by American advisors and 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 President Trump enjoys being unpredictable. Consistent with that penchant, he’s ordered a withdrawal of the 2,000 US troops in Syria. They’ve been there several years in support of Kurdish and Sunni forces that pushed ISIL out of most of its holdings. Reactions have begun. James Mattis is Read More …