The Take

Jonah Hull, an Al Jazeera English correspondent with deep insights on Arctic security, shares his expertise on the implications of Trump’s recent claims about Greenland. He discusses the potential impact of mineral wealth and missile defense ties on Greenlanders’ future. Hull analyzes European reactions to the U.S. framing, highlighting the urgency for EU strategic autonomy. He also addresses local sentiments around independence from Denmark and reflects on the rich culture of Greenland and misconceptions about its people. A thought-provoking dive into geopolitics!

Angela Palumbo, a Technology Reporter for Barron's, dives into the seismic shifts in viewing habits as she discusses the Oscars' move to YouTube in 2029. She highlights how Nielsen data and changing audience preferences drive this change. Angela also critiques traditional networks for stalling innovation and explains how platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts disrupt attention. She points out the rise of targeted ads and the challenges older viewers face with online viewing, all while pondering if traditional TV is dying or merely evolving.

Nour Odeh, an Al Jazeera correspondent with extensive experience in the Gaza conflict, dives into the controversial reconstruction plans for Gaza. She reveals how a billion-dollar initiative called the 'Board of Peace' excludes Palestinians from crucial discussions. Odeh critiques the roles of figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner in this privatized vision of Gaza’s future. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between the grim realities on the ground and the detached political frameworks being proposed, raising questions about who really gets to shape Gaza's destiny.

In this discussion, Sara Olsvig, an advocate for Inuit rights and former parliamentary member from Greenland, delves into Trump's controversial threats about Greenland's annexation. She reveals how these threats are perceived as colonial and insulting by its Inuit residents. Sara emphasizes the strategic significance of Greenland amid climate change, while addressing historical colonial harms and the ongoing push for self-determination. She highlights public resistance to foreign control and reinforces the Inuit commitment to cultural identity and empowerment.

Omar Yaghi, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and Professor at UC Berkeley, shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a Palestinian refugee family to revolutionizing scientific research. He reveals the inspiration behind his groundbreaking work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which can capture carbon and harvest water from desert air. Yaghi explains how MOFs function like 'molecular hotels' and emphasizes their potential for addressing global water scarcity and climate challenges, urging collective action for a sustainable future.

Michael Appel, an Al Jazeera correspondent in the occupied West Bank, shares the heartbreaking story of a 14-year-old boy killed near Ramallah, highlighting family and community impacts. Osama Bin Javid discusses the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, focusing on disarmament and reconstruction, while illustrating Palestinian concerns over ongoing violence and aid blockages. The conversation exposes the grim realities in Gaza, where strikes continue despite promises of safety, and details about new Israeli settlement plans that threaten Palestinian statehood.

Murtaza Hussain, a national security reporter and investigative journalist, dives into the intriguing world of Israeli intelligence veterans shaping U.S. tech. He discusses how Unit 8200, Israel’s elite cyber-intelligence division, has influenced major U.S. corporations and their data practices. Murtaza reveals over a thousand veterans are now embedded in tech, impacting privacy and surveillance. He highlights significant deals like the Palo Alto Networks–CyberArk takeover and explains the military roles of Unit 8200 that affect global security.

Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council focusing on Iran, joins Marc Owen Jones, an expert on digital disinformation. They dive into the bold protests led by Gen Z in Iran following Mahsa Amini's death, highlighting how young activists smartly harnessed social media. Discussion includes the human cost of these protests with tragic accounts of young vloggers, the rise of hashtag wars, and the challenges posed by government censorship. They also explore the complexities of online narratives and the importance of following credible sources.

Anneke Ball, an independent journalist from Caracas with deep expertise in Venezuelan politics and oil, dives into why oil giants deem Venezuela 'uninvestable.' She explores the risks of asset seizures and legal uncertainties that frighten investors. Ball discusses the shaky stability under Delcy Rodríguez and contrasts U.S. expectations with reality. The conversation touches on historical nationalizations, the heavy crude challenges, and the impact of green energy trends on future investments. Ultimately, she emphasizes the urgent need for a political transition in Venezuela.

Negar Mortazavi, a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast, offers critical insights into the escalating protests in Iran. She discusses how these protests, initially sparked by economic concerns, have morphed into calls for systemic change amid a deadly crackdown. Mortazavi examines the implications of U.S. military rhetoric under Trump and how Iranians perceive this intervention. With a focus on historical U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for regional fallout, she provides a nuanced look at a volatile situation.