In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight series, Jenna Dolecek delves into the evolving landscape of open source intelligence (OSINT) and its growing relevance in human rights investigations. Drawing on over a decade of experience, she reflects on the ethical dilemmas, the influence of artificial intelligence, and widespread misconceptions that continue to shape the field. Jenna joins Qais Alamdar in a wide-ranging conversation that explores the discipline’s demands — from the emotional toll of secondary trauma to the practical realities of verifying content in complex environments.

Together, they unpack the balance between speed and accuracy, the pitfalls of bias, and the quiet power of patience in OSINT work. From the misuse of terminology to the critical role of tools like reverse image search, this episode offers both a sharp critique and a grounded look at the investigative process, including the often-ignored crisis of missing Indigenous people in North America and the urgent need for support systems for those on the frontlines of digital investigations.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Open Source Intelligence and Jena Dolecek

03:07 The Role of OSINT in Legal Accountability

05:58 Ethics in Open Source Investigations

08:50 Navigating Trauma in Investigative Work

11:48 AI's Impact on OSINT

14:56 Misconceptions in Open Source Intelligence

17:59 Terminology and Definitions in OSINT

25:16 The Importance of Patience and Credibility in Investigations

26:10 Balancing Speed and Accuracy in Open Source Investigations

30:07 Understanding Bias and Its Impact on Investigative Work

32:30 Underrated Tools in OSINT: The Power of Reverse Image Search

37:20 Addressing the Epidemic of Missing Indigenous People

41:02 The Significance of Secondary Trauma Awareness

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In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight series, Qais Alamdar and Alicia Alamillos delve into the complexities of conflict reporting. They discuss the critical role of journalists in war zones, the ethical dilemmas they face, and the importance of storytelling in conveying the human experience of conflict. Alicia shares her personal experiences from the field, highlighting the challenges of navigating disinformation and the impact of her field experience on her editorial decisions. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of journalism and offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists.

Chapters

00:00 The Reality of Conflict Reporting

03:34 Alicia Alamillos: A Journey Through Conflict Zones

08:38 The Importance of Context in Storytelling

11:51 Ethical Dilemmas in Conflict Journalism

18:08 Navigating Disinformation and Propaganda

21:00 The Crisis of Trust in Journalism

24:04 Challenges of Reporting in Conflict Zones

26:46 The Role of OSINT in Modern Journalism

28:37 Field Experience Shaping Editorial Decisions

35:18 Navigating the Future of Journalism

In this episode of The Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar hosts Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, Afghanistan’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs. From his early dream of becoming an architect to navigating the highest corridors of diplomacy, Ambassador Saikal shares personal reflections and political insights that cut through the noise. The conversation spans the meaning of soft power in a post-conflict state, the Afghan diaspora’s fragmented efforts, the enablers of effective diplomacy, and the painful lessons of missed opportunities during the Republic era. Saikal underscores the need for strategic resistance, internal legitimacy, and a sober review of the past 20 years to avoid repeating old mistakes. Through calm conviction, he reminds us that Afghanistan’s future must be built through resistance and a commitment to governance, unity, and people-centred strategy.