Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing The situation in Iraq is worsening. The government is unpopular and struggling to form a coalition amid public unrest from militias, young people, and a burgeoning women’s movement. And the US and Iran are staring each other down there, at least when the issue comes to the Read More …
Brian M Downing This week the US opened its embassy in Jerusalem, moving it from Tel Aviv as President Trump promised. The relocation signaled the president’s disinterest in a two-state solution and support for the Israeli Right’s assimilation of the West Bank. Along the Gaza Strip in the west, Palestinian Read More …
Brian M Downing As the Iranian nuclear talks neared preliminary agreement, and as the Houthis drove into southern Yemen, world leaders and commentators warned that Iran is on the rise in the Middle East. This, they continued, had to be stopped by imposing tougher sanctions and opposing the Houthis, perhaps Read More …
Brian M Downing In June, well equipped Iraqi troops trained by the US and other powers collapsed before a smaller and less well equipped force led by men who had little military experience until they plunged into wars in Iraq and Syria. Shadows of doubt have been cast on the Read More …
Brian M Downing Iran has recently offered to assist in a new probe of the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Argentina – an event often attributed to Iran and its Hisbollah ally. Iran has hinted at exculpatory evidence, but this, while interesting, is unlikely. Another motive might Read More …
Brian M Downing It’s been clear for several years now that the neoconservatives want to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities and probably much of its military and infrastructure as well. The recent National Intelligence Estimate that concluded Iran abandoned its nuclear weapons program several years ago seemed to have thwarted the Read More …