State of the World Podcast by Historyguy.com: Recent Episodes
State of the World
Bringing you the latest news on wars and conflicts around the world, and as we examine the State of the World, such as it is...
stateoftheworld.substack.com
Podcast: Does Trump’s Iran War Peace Deal Look Good or Bad?
Our commentary and analysis of the reported Iran peace deal as of May 24, 2026.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
This is the audio podcast of the text article of the same name. We look at the multiple short, sharp wars that broke out so far in 2025.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
Qatar’s Trump Security Guarantee:
After Attacks from Iran and Israel, what will the U.S. do?
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
News and commentary on the September 9, 2025 Israeli strike on Hamas leadership meeting in Doha, Qatar.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
Podcast companion to the newsletter published on Sept. 5, 2025 on Substack regarding the NY Times reported SEAL mission in North Korea during the first Trump Administration.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
Podcast companion to the newsletter published on Sept. 5, 2025 on Substack regarding the NY Times reported SEAL mission in North Korea during the first Trump Administration.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
Podcast/video version of the latest post announcing a name and theme change to this Substack newsletter.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
Podcast/video version of the latest post announcing a name and theme change to this Substack newsletter.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
This latest State of the World Podcast discusses the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as of November, 2022. This podcast discusses the new Turkish offensive in Syria against the Kurds, protests in Iran, the very complex dynamic in Syria, and the possibility of a regional conflict.
The companion newsletter article (text) is at
State of the World is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
State of the World is a free newsletter, but if you like my work and would like to contribute a few dollars a month to support this newsletter, you can do so here. Your support is greatly appreciated.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
This latest State of the World Podcast discusses the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as of November, 2022. This podcast discusses the new Turkish offensive in Syria against the Kurds, protests in Iran, the very complex dynamic in Syria, and the possibility of a regional conflict.
The companion newsletter article (text) is at
State of the World is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
State of the World is a free newsletter, but if you like my work and would like to contribute a few dollars a month to support this newsletter, you can do so here. Your support is greatly appreciated.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit warsandconflictsoftheworld.substack.com/subscribe
We discuss the Ms. Marvel Disney+/Marvel show, with emphasis on Episode 6. NO spoilers in the beginning of our show, but we do discuss spoiler details at the end. You will have warning when we get into that part.
Overall, we discuss
-
Overall impressions of the Ms. Marvel Show and Kamala Khan.
-
Diversity in the MCU-Including commentary on the online hate directed at the show and other MCU properties that dare to show divesity.
-
Ms. Marvel's Powers-compared to her powers (and origin) in the comics.
4. The Bangle (what is it REALLY?)
5. The villains of the show and the MCU "Villain Problem."
-
The last scene (spoilers)
-
The After-Credits scene (spoilers)
Thanks to:
Thanks to Aditya Rameshan (@AdityaRameshan) for pointing out (via Twitter) a good article on how Iman Vellani reacted to the big reveal at the end, and to New Rockstars for their detailed and entertaining review of Ms. Marvel Ep. 6.
Sources:
https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/ms-marvel-kamala-khan-genetics-interview
New Rockstars; Ms Marvel Episode 6 REACTION! Kamala MUTANT Confirmed & Post-Credit Scene!
Movie review of the Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) movie. We avoid major spoilers, and give you a sense of whether you should like/see it and why.
Movie Review by So Many Comics
Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/so_many_comics
NOTE: the following script for the review is the draft. The actual podcast contains more content.
Having seen Thor: Love and Thunder twice now, I can say with certainty that I LOVED it. Now, keep in mind, I consider Thor: Ragnarok the best of the Thor franchise so far, so I was already predisposed to like the new Thor. Plus, as a reader and fan of both the Gorr God Butcher and Jane Has the Hammer storylines in the comics, I was looking forward to this new film. It is not for everyone. If the comedy and camp in the last movie bugged you, expect to be more bugged here. But I loved it!
Christian Bale is perfect as Gorr the God Butcher! His husky villain voice (sort of like his Batman voice), lends itself to the creepy aspects of Gorr’s villainy. His reasons for wanting to kill gods is made clear early on, and it fits with the original comics storyline.
Tessa Thompson, reprising her role as Valkyrie, is again, amazing. I think a Disney+ show with her in the lead as Val would be a good move for Marvel/Disney. We need to see more of her work as King of New Asgard, and maybe get more Sif action in such a show. My only criticism of her character (not the actor), is that after stating to Jane that she wanted to die in battle and go to Valhalla, she then decides not to go the final battle, because…she might die! Seems a bit out of character, BUT, (big but here), she did say she would die, and that would not help Thor save the kids or beat Gorr. So maybe King Val was just being practical.
The Kids! Without giving away any major spoilers here, the kids did a great job of acting both scared and heroic. Only after my first viewing of the movie, did I realize that among the passel of kids in the movie (the kids are a major plot point, by the way), are the actual children of Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale. That is cool!
Natalie Portman is again, and always, great. From her iconic role in Star Wars as Princess Amidala/Padme, to her great take on Jane Foster, she steps into what is now a co-starring role as the new Mighty Thor perfectly!
Chris Hemsworth! Again, the perfect (male) Thor! He has genuine comedic chops, and director Taika Waititi uses Hemsworth to great effect in this movie. Hemsworth can turn in a funny performance, and then turn it around to be the inspiring hero that we all need.
Also, the GOATS! In both actual Norse mythology, and modern Marvel mythology, Thor’s chariot is pulled by two giant, magical goats, named Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder. In the comics, they first appeared in Thor Annual #5 (1976). While not named in this movie, they are great comic relief (they like to scream a lot), and a good plot device. Love the Goats!
The Guardians of the Galaxy! We see them working with Thor in the early part of the movie, but they soon depart. Star-Lord’s words to Thor are actually an important part of the story, but the actual heroes are not in the movie very long. In a sense, that is too bad, but, again, this is really the story of the two Thors, not the “Asgardians of the Galaxy.”
Mjolnir and Stormbreaker: For two CGI objects, these two nordic weapons almost stole the show…again, not giving away major spoilers, but they had great interactions with each other and Thor. IDEA: There should be a Marvel Short about a love triangle between Mjolnir, Stormbreaker, and Dr. Strange’s cape. Directed and narrated by Korg, of course.
Welcome to our Introductory Podcast of So Many Comic Books,, So Litttle Time. In this episode, we go over:
- Why we are making this show
- What will be in the show
- How we will run the show
- Who we are
We explain that our content will include:
- Comic Book Story Arc Reviews and commentary
- Comic Book/Superhero Movies and TV Shows reviews and commentary
- Reviews and commentary on new and old Star Trek, Star Wars, and other Geekish content
We hope you enjoy this journey into the depths of comic book and sci-fi geekery!
Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/So_Many_Comics
Podcast on the potential for ongoing conflict in Afghanistan absent American forces and since the fall of the Kabul regime to the Taliban. Recorded prior to the ISIS-K terror attack on the Kabul airport that claimed over a dozen American lives. This episode discusses anti-Taliban resistance movements in Afghanistan, with a bit of history.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
Enjoy our Podcast episode on the recent loss of Afghanistan and, how, in our opinion, it is best for the U.S. in the long-term.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
A look back at the Iraq War's beginnings, and the course of conflict there from 2003 to the 18th anniversary in 2021. We also look at the controversial AUMF that provided the legal pretext for the American and Coalition invasion of Iraq.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
China and Russia vs. U.S.-Is the Biden Administration Responding to These Threats?
As of today, March 20, 2021, Joe Biden has been President of the United States for two full months. Given recent developments in America’s relationships with China and Russia, the two nations closest to the U.S. in near-peer status as world powers, we can see some distinct patterns emerging.
To put it bluntly, and to quote Biden, “America is back!” Events of the past couple of weeks show that, at least in dealing with China and Russia, Joe Biden seems to be channelling the ghost of Ronald Reagan, for which we say, “It is about time!”
On the China front, the U.S. is now actively engaging with our Indo-Pacific partners, Australia, India, and Japan, who, together with the U.S., forms The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), which is quickly developing into a viable alliance whose goal is to contain China’s increasingly aggressive military and diplomatic moves in the area. The recently ended Trump Administration made a lot of noise about opposition and confrontation with China, but usually in more of a lone-wolf way, often ignoring or antagonizing traditional allies. Biden and his foreign policy team are righting that boat, and are actively working with regional allies to remind China that there are limits to Beijing's behavior.
Let’s look at recent Chinese actions that are troublesome:
Ongoing military buildup and modernization
Threats to Taiwan (a democracy)
Border clashes with world’s biggest democracy, India
South China Sea tensions
Chinese expansion in SCS islands
Naval aggression against Philippines, Vietnam
Increased repression of minorities, especially against the Uighers of Xinjiang-Genocide
Continued and increasing cyber attacks on U.S. and allied targets. China maintains an active and growing cyber offensive capability in PLA Unit 61398
The diplomatic summit held in Alaska on March 18 and 19th between high-level diplomats from the U.S. and China made headlines for the very un-diplomatic words of anger exchanged there. Both sides criticized each other publicly, showing that they are far apart on a variety of issues.
This is actually a good thing. The Biden Administration’s opening dialogue with a Chinese government that is showing increasing aggression on multiple fronts in the Indo-Pacific theater, as well as increasing internal repression of her own minority populations, while also engaging in cyber-attacks against her foes. This is the sort of aggression and bad behavior by an authoritarian regime that demands America stand up to it and show the world that, yes, America is back!
On the Russia front, the recent comments by President Biden in an interview, in which he agreed that Vladimir Putin is a “killer,'' appeared to irritate Mr. Putin, and sparked some harsh talk from Russian media. Considering that the past four years under Biden’s predecessor, Russia got a pass for a lot of bad behavior, it is refreshing that the U.S. is showing a stony face to Russian adventurism, and calling out Putin for the authoritarian thug that he is.
Recent Russian aggression and concerning actions:
Attacking Ukraine and annexing the Crimea (over the past 7 years)
Propping up the bloody Assad regime in Syria in concert with Iran and Hezbollah
Intervention in the Libyan Civil War
Russian bounties on American troops in Afghanistan
Aggressive statements and actions that worry eastern NATO members in the Baltics and Poland
Recent treats to Bosnia, warning them against joining NATO.
Increased cooperation (military, diplomatic, in space) with China against the West.
Cyber attacks on U.S. and European targets
Russian meddling (often in cyber attacks, hacks, and disinformation campaigns) against U.S. elections in 2016 and 2020, and in European political campaigns.
Looking at all of the actions of China and Russia, it is clear that they see themselves in conflict with the West and with “liberal democracies,” and it is time that the U.S. and the West recognize this for what it is: the opening shots of a new Cold War/great power competition.
As the U.S. re-engages with our allies in both Europe and in Asia, and we start to see signs that the American military is retooling for potential confrontations with China, (especially in light of recent statements by U.S. military officials that they see China possibly attacking Taiwan in the next few years), it is critical that the American people understand that Great Power competition is back, and is a real threat. America enjoyed a brief respite after the end of the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War as the world’s only true superpower, but that era is now ending. Both China and Russia are now flexing their muscles internationally, and are making very aggressive noises toward their neighbors (all U.S. allies, by the way), and the U.S. must meet this challenge. Will the new Biden Administration stand up and meet this challenge? So far, based on the Biden-Putin interactions, and the recent Alaska summit with China, and the ongoing work with the Quad and NATO, it looks like American policy is at last heading in the right direction. Hopefully, this means that indeed, America IS back!
Sources and Notes:
https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/541133-bidens-america-is-back-pledge-leaves-the-world-unimpressed
https://www.rand.org/blog/2020/07/the-quad-is-poised-to-become-openly-anti-china-soon.html
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/19/china-usa-alaska-477267
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/16/977987292/pentagon-pushes-for-bigger-effort-to-deter-chinas-growing-military-might
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/15/china-growing-threat-taiwan-476170
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
Al-Asad Air Base Rocket Attack March 3, 2021
(below is the outline of our unscheduled podcast episode on the attack, today, on U.S. forces in Iraq by Shiite Militias).
The same Iraqi base that was attacked by Iran in January, 2020 is hit again
Attackers are ‘unknown” but the MO points to the Iraqi Shiite militias, again.
About a week after U.S. retaliatory strike hit militia facilities in eastern Syria
This new attack:
Ten rockets, fired from a truck later found east of the base
No U.S. Military casualties
One American civilian contractor died of a “cardiac episode”
The base’s Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) missile defensive systems engaged enemy rockets
This is clearly a response to the U.S. retaliatory strike we discussed in our last podcast episode.
WHAT will the Biden Administration do? All of this is a test on Biden by the Iranians. This comes along in the same venue as the recent drone and missile attacks on Saudi facilities, and the attack on an Israeli civilian ship in the Gulf. Biden and the U.S. MUST respond forcefully!
Sources and Notes:
DOD Press Release on Al-Asad Attack at https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2522600/dod-statement-on-rocket-attack-at-al-asad-by-pentagon-press-secretary-john-f-ki/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
State of the World Podcast episode on:
Biden’s Attack on Shiite Militias in Syria-Background and Analysis
Below you will see the outline of what we talk about today in the State of the World podcast. We hope you like it and find it informative. Please subscribe to our podcast and our newsletter today!
Intro
What happened and why
I will go over what happened, why it happened, and how this matters
Background
We are there, officially, against ISIS
Also, our troops are in Syria against both ISIS and Assad
Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Shiite militias support Assad, btw
Harken back to last year-tit-for-tat clashes
Militias attacked U.S. bases, killing troops
U.S. retaliated with airstrikes
Shiite militia attack on U.S. embassy
U.S. assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Major General Qasem Soleimani and leader milita Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis
Soleimani behind many Iranian and Iranian proxy attacks on Western and Israeli targets over the years
Attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq
Relatively unknown militias launched rocket attacks on Iraqi bases with U.S. personnel on Feb. 15
One U.S. contractor was killed, servicemember wounded, others wounded
Iran is the sponsor for these militias. They act as proxies (in place of, under Iranian direction) in their attacks
U.S. retaliation
Feb. 25, 2021-U.S. Airstrike on Shiite Militia in eastern Syria (near Iraq border)
Some reports have 17 militia killed
What next?
Not happening in a vacuum
Houthi attacks on Riyadh
Biden Administration took Houthi off terrorist list
Biden ended U.S. support for Saudi war in Yemen
This week, attack on an Israeli cargo ship in the Persian Gulf
Israel blames Iran
Iran rejects offer of direct talks with the U.S. on the nuclear issue
The Saudi complication
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
Introductory episode to the State of the World Podcast! In this episode (length 7:59) we introduce the theme and goals of this show. If you like it, please sign-up for the podcast and the newsletter!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
Detailing the war in Mali against Jihadist al-Qaida aligned militants and the announcement that the British Army is becoming more heavily involved in this aspect of the international war on Jihadist militancy. See also the Historyguy.com article on this at https://historyguy.com/war-in-mali-the-british-are-coming.html
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
Detailing the Israel-Hezbollah Clash on July 27, 2020 that occurred on the Lebanon-Golan Heights border area. See also our article on this event at https://historyguy.com/israel-hezbollah-clash-in-lebanon-golan-area-july-27-2020.html.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
We introduce the HIstoryguy.com War and Conflicts News Update Podcast and tell who we are and what this podcast will look like going forward.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
A look at the anniversary of the Korean War's Armistice and how the war never ended.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com
Detailing the many players in the Syria War in July 2020 and how their actions can start a regional conflict. Based on our article at https://historyguy.com/war-on-multiple-fronts-in-syria.html
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stateoftheworld.substack.com