Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing The crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s unexpected rise to power brought hope to outsiders who wanted the kingdom to liberalize, for its own good. Inside the kingdom, especially within the ranks, there were expectations of professionalizing the senior officer corps and turning the army into a capable Read More …
Brian M Downing Saudi Arabia has been accustomed to immense export revenue since at least the 1973 embargo. MBS, scion of the ruling House of Saud, was raised in limitless opulence and has ruled in the manner of a Bourbon or Romanov, though not an especially judicious one. The young Read More …
Brian M Downing The apparent murder of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi at the direction of the crown prince has been disastrous for the kingdom. Western publics are horrified and voicing their concern to elected officials. Members of the US congress are calling for sanctions. Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) wants Mohammed Read More …
Brian M Downing Mohammed bin Salman, the 33-year-old heir apparent to the Saudi throne, has been aggressively consolidating his power. Though initiating welcome reforms, he has come down hard on dissent and continued wars in Syria and Yemen. Neither conflict is going well, but the prince has skillfully maneuvered other Read More …
Brian M Downing Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist critical of his government, disappeared shortly after visiting a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He is not the first Saudi to disappear after criticizing his government. Some have resurfaced, others haven’t. Mohammed bin Salman, the young ruler of the Kingdom, is consolidating his Read More …