January Threats, February Forecasts: Analyzing Al Qaeda's Inspire Video and Unfolding Middle East Risks

Great powers look increasingly Eastward. The perception of Chinese ambitions - and threats - in the Indo-Pacific has led the US, UK, and Australia to form the AUKUS partnership in 2021. A strategic defense alliance that includes the joint development of cutting-edge military systems, including nuclear ones, and joint programs on emerging sectors including quantum technologies, deep space, and AI. But AUKUS goes beyond the domain of tactics and operations. Talks about Japan joining the alliance have animated recent analyses. What could Tokyo bring to the AUKUS table? In this episode, Agathe Labadi and Mrinmoy Routh join Arnold Koch to provide us with a deeper understanding of the alliance, helping us understand the operational and strategic dynamics of the AUKUS deal and what comes next for the Indo-Pacific region.

In this episode, host Derrick T. Dortch talks with Cara, a former Counterterrorism Group (CTG) Watch Officer who now works as an open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigator focused on conflict and political dynamics in West Africa. Cara shares her experiences dealing with mental health challenges related to her work as an intelligence analyst. Her challenges are common in the intelligence sector but oftentimes not discussed.  In her work at CTG and other places, Cara was routinely exposed to traumatic images and videos in the course of her counterterrorism analysis work. Over time, this constant exposure to graphic, disturbing content takes a psychological toll. The intelligence community (government, military and private/NGO sector) often promotes a "suck it up" attitude and stigmatizes seeking mental health support. Analysts fear that admitting to psychological struggles could jeopardize their career opportunities. Resources exist but are limited and geared more towards those who experience direct trauma from deployments. Cara shares how and why she is an advocate for mental health in the career field of intelligence analysis. She urges the intelligence community to invest more in the mental health of its workforce. Cara transitioned to her current OSINT role after completing a Master's in Terrorism and Security Studies in 2023. Her insights shed much-needed light on a critical challenge affecting many intelligence professionals today.

This episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast with your host Derrick T. Dortch focuses on the National Hurricane Center’s experimental update on the Cone of Uncertainty storm tracking tool set to launch in August 2024. Jennifer Radlinsky and Jayde Dorland from the Counterterrorism Group’s Emergency Management, Health, and Hazards (EMH2) and Counter Threat Strategic Communications (CTSC) teams discuss the importance and benefits of the tool while exploring the dangers of misinformation circulating serious weather events and the best practices to access legitimate information during critical events.

Haiti is undergoing one of the biggest crises in its history. A tragedy of violence, hunger, and instability has engulfed the country in large civil unrest, perpetuating its status as the poorest state in Latin America and the Caribbean region. But what are the origins of this crisis? In order to understand where Haiti is heading, we need to assess what led to the violence, and what role, if any, other countries played in the country's history. In this episode, Samuel Pearson and Eamon Kobel join Arnold Koch to help us gain a comprehensive understanding of Haiti's history and the social, political, and economic issues that have led to massive turmoil.

In this episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast, Arnold Koka joins the team as a new host alongside Derrick T. Dortch, focusing on various cyber espionage threats that The Counter Terrorism Group has been tracking.  Cyber espionage is an increasingly hot topic. Who spies, how, and why? The United States and the United Kingdom have recently imposed sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals accused of being involved in a large cyber espionage campaign that allegedly targeted millions of lawmakers, academics, journalists, and businesses. But how do we navigate the realm of digital espionage? In this episode, Janthe Van Schaik and Mihai Marian Calinoiu help us understand the tangible dynamics of cyber espionage, offering us a better look into best practices for the public and private sectors.  

This episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast with your host Derrick T. Dortch focuses on the various threats The Counter Terrorism Group has been working on in the month of January and what we should expect as we go into February. The focus of this episode is the recent Inspire Video released by Al Qaeda and the threat people need to be aware of. At the time of taping of this episode, the attack on the U.S. Base in Jordon that resulted in the deaths of 3 U.S. military service members had not occurred. The Counter Terrorism Group and The Counter Threat Center continues to monitor this situation as the risk of escalation in the Middle East grows.  

In this episode, Derrick T. Dortch joins members from the Women's Protection Group, a specialized team within The Counterterrorism Group to discuss a recently published report that reveals invaluable insights into Femicide and Gender-Based Violence. Tune in for a high-level discussion that aims to drive awareness and address this pressing issue.  

NATO has become an active topic today on the global stage. It has been focused on peaceful solutions and democratic values since its beginning. According to NATO’s website, “Security in our daily lives is key to our well-being. NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.” However, the topic of an alliance has received the attention of those who oppose the entity. But what exactly is NATO? What does it do? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of today’s topic.  

The Israel-Hamas war has continued to impact the stability of the region. This destructive war that has left thousands dead has become the arena where both sides have displayed their military capabilities, whether covertly or overtly. Both sides have made it their mission to meet their challenges with the strength of their forces whether through weapons or personnel. Today, we will discuss the weapons, strategies, and tactics used during the Israel-Hamas war and why it should matter to everyone. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Arnold Koka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of today’s topic.

On October 12, 2022, Juraj Krajcik killed two people and injured another outside an LGBTQ+ bar in Bratislava, Slovakia. At the time, Prime Minister Eduard Hegar called Krajcik a “radicalized teenager” after the attack. Shortly after the attack, Krajcik wrote “feeling no regrets, isn’t that funny?” on X. He published his manifesto on X before the attack. On the anniversary of Krajcik’s death, supporters on Terrorgram circulated a special issue describing him, his attack, and his manifesto, “A Call to Arms.” The issue is included in “Terrorgram’s Hometown Newspaper” titled “Daily News,” in which Krajcik was hailed as the first Saint. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Megan Khalife, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of today’s topic.