In this latest episode of Headlines and History we continue our series on my time in Iraq by discussing pre-deployment training at Fort Dum, NY, while considering why President George W. Bush sent us in the first place. I'll discuss some interesting stories like living in World War II barracks with moldy bathrooms, lieutenants tellings senior enlis…

In this episode of Headlines and History, I discuss the call to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005. The story beings with my joining the New York Army National Guard, what the political zeitgeist was, and how a National Guard Division Headquarters (42d Infantry Division) took command in combat for the first time since the Kore…

This week's episode is all about TikTok. I conducted a YouTube live event on Saturday, June 22nd, and am republishing the talk here. In it I discuss why TikTok is not alone (that potentially all Chinese-owned technology companies are a problem), how the United States is not the only country concerned with its data collection strategies, and how Ame…

In this episode we explore Niger's latest military coup, what it means for Africa and relations with Russia, China, and the United States. We discuss why Niger is prone to military coups--seven constitutions in about 60 years--and what, if anything, can be done about it, and if the United States will maintain relations with Niger in the coming year…

In this episode I speak with LTC Stephen Totter, the senior Joint Intelligence Officer for Joint Task Force Empire Shield in New York City, a senior Intelligence Mentor for the New York Army National Guard, a civilian attorney, and real estate investor. LTC Totter shares his experience in Iraq, his thoughts on Iraq's future, how to lead intelligenc…

LTC Lisa Bennett is currently the Senior Intelligence Mentor for the New York Army National Guard. She recently spent three years in Germany, as both an Intelligence Planner and Analysis and Control (ACE) Chief, working for U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command. Our conversation focuses on Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against the Russian invasi…

In this episode of Headlines and History we discuss the helicopter crash that killed Iran's President and Foreign Minister last week, who or what was responsible for the crash, what happens next, and who the next president might be. Check out https://headlinesandhistory.com for more! Visit https://spanglerforge.com for all your outdoor knife and bl…

What is the connection between China and America's current fentanyl crisis? Is the Chinese Communist Party involved? Does the Taliban play a role? In this episode we tackle this challenging topic and hope to shed light on what the "crisis" really is. For more be sure to visit https://headlinesandhistory.com…

LTC Shawn Tabankin is the deputy operations officer (G3) for the New York Army National Guard. During his over 25 years of service, LTC Tabankin has served in numerous combat roles and brings a wealth of experience to a conversation on foreign affairs from multiple perspectives. In this episode we discuss his time in Djibouti, Afghanistan, and Iraq…

In this episode we discuss the potential ceasefire deal on the table between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Both sides have acknowledged a deal is pending, however, neither has agreed officially. We discuss what led to the negotiations, what may come of them, who Hamas is as an organization, and why a ceasefire is even a possibility. For more be sure to…

In this episode we examine Secretary of State Antony Blinker’s most recent trip to China, learn what was discussed, and identify why this trip is important. We also look into the Chinese Communist Party’s behavior with other nations, particularly the United States, and whether they are “playing by the rules.”…

Iran and Israel have been at odds over religion and politics, arguably, for millennia. In this episode we discuss the most recent attack by Iran on Israel in response to an assassination of 7 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders in Damascus and attempt to predict where the feud is headed. Also, we dive into the history of both nations a…

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) turns 75 this April. In this episode we explore NATO's origins, its history, and discuss why NATO is so relevant to today's foreign affairs landscape.By Jon Molik

This episode we discuss the terror attack at the Crocus Music Center in downtown Moscow which left almost 140 dead. We will compare and contrast those likely possible, landing on the obvious, ISIS, and discuss who ISIS is and why they would conduct such a gruesome assault.By Jon Molik

This episode we discuss the origins of Yemen's Houthi movement, or Ansar Allah, and how a local civil war morphed into an international concern.By Jon Molik

This episode we will be discussing the major points found within this year's Office of the Director of National Intelligence's threat assessment: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. How much of a threat are they and what what is the U.S. doing to mitigate the threats?By Jon Molik

This episode we discuss the gang crisis in Haiti, compare it to others, and predict a solution.By Jon Molik

The German military made a mistake this week when they didn’t encrypt a private conversation with multiple senior military leaders discussing Ukraine. What is the fallout? Has it happened before?By Jon Molik

A brief discussion of why we’re are here. Enjoy!By Jon Molik