Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing Putin’s war on Ukraine was supposed to be swift and victorious. He probably had a lavish victory celebration all arranged – one modeled on Stalin’s 1945 display. The war, however, is entering a third year. The Russian army has performed poorly, casualties are high. Nonetheless, Putin is Read More …
Panzerabwehr
Brian M Downing The view presented here in parts 1-3 is that the Russian army is flawed. Some 25% of its troops are poorly-trained and indifferently-motivated conscripts who do not fit well with dedicated regulars. Promotions from field grade to general staff are often based on political loyalties not professional Read More …
Brian M Downing Secretary of State Pompeo, in the last days of the Trump administration, has accused Iran of harboring al Qaeda. The allegation is far more serious than past ones. Pompeo asserts that al Qaeda has a large. above-ground presence in the Islamic Republic and it has the protection of Read More …
Brian M Downing Director: Alex Winter Superbly made documentary of the eccentric musician using footage of his youth, professional work, family life, political activity, and illness and death. It gives a well-crafted and intriguing look at Zappa’s eccentricities, creativity, abrasiveness, and devotion to making music his way. Zappa comes across Read More …
Brian M Downing The military is a powerful national institution that traditionally stays out of politics. Generals and admirals respect institutional norms almost as much as they do the Constitution. One of the norms says to avoid criticizing presidents, especially while on active duty. There’ve been notable exceptions. MacArthur had Read More …
Brian M Downing Sustained fighting short of all-out war In this scenario the Iraqi state doesn’t collapse, but neither does it expel pro-Iran forces and US military personnel. The US and Saudi Arabia are unable to marginalize Iranian-backed militias and political parties. Iran continues to spar with US and Saudi-backed Read More …
Brian M Downing The war in Yemen has been stalemated for two years now. Shia-Houthi forces drove swiftly to the south but were halted and driven back. Sunni forces, indigenous and foreign, have made very little headway, despite significant advantages in airpower, logistics, foreign backing, and numbers. The war Read More …
Brian M Downing The people of the Kurdish region in northeastern Iraq voted on independence this Monday. Turnout was high and authorities report a 92% yes vote. The Kurdish government will decide whether to formally declare independence or remain an autonomous part of Iraq – a highly autonomous part. The Read More …
