Podcasts about nagorno karabakh

Week in Review - August 9, 2026In this week's Groong episode, the hosts examine Pashinyan's confrontation with the Armenian Church, Armenia's strategic positioning between Russia and the EU, and the geopolitical implications of TRIPP. We discuss the trial of Catholicos Garegin II, Iran's military leadership realignment, the Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact, and how these shifts reshape Armenia's role in the South Caucasus.Topics:Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi AllianceIran War UpdateCatholicos on TrialEAEU Meeting in Cholpon-AtaCorruption & PersecutionsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 576 | Recorded: August 10, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/576VIDEO: https://youtu.be/F5o0rNBgbJU#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmenianChurch #GareginII #TRIPP #ArmeniaRussia #SouthCaucasus #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - August 8, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about Armenia's Western pivot and the opening of the new parliament. We discuss Ruben Rubinyan's appointment as speaker, Armenia-Russia-EAEU relations, lessons from the 44-Day War, European aid for Armenia, the role of the Armenian Church in national identity, and Armenia's economic direction amid geopolitical pressure.Topics:New Armenian ParliamentArmenia-Russia-EAEU RelationsEUropean Aid for ArmeniaChurch & National IdentityArmenian EconomyGuest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 575 | Recorded: August 4, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/575VIDEO: https://youtu.be/RqKRA70wRLc#Armenia #Russia #EuropeanUnion #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaRussia #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasus #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - August 2, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Armenia's new parliament sworn in on August 2, 2026, and the Armenia Alliance's direct challenge to Civil Contract over Tigranashen. We examine the government's evasive responses on territorial red lines, Armenia's challenge to Russia's railway concession, and how TRIPP reshapes regional power dynamics in the South Caucasus.Topics:New parliament is sworn inTigranashen and Armenia's territorial red linesCivil Contract's evasive enclave answersArmenia challenges Russia's railway concessionTRIPP reshapes regional power and transitHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 574 | Recorded: August 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/574VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dSzzQC3-ECA#ArmenianNews #Tigranashen #ArmenianRailways #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #ArmeniaRussia #ZangezurCorridor #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - August 3, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Pietro Shakarian about memory, repression, and state power in Armenia across Soviet and contemporary periods. We discuss the Great Purge in Soviet Armenia, the assassination of Aghasi Khanjyan, the suppression of Armenian national institutions under Stalin and Beria, and the parallels between Stalinist erasure and current efforts to control public memory, symbols, and mourning in post-Artsakh Armenia under the Civil Contract regime.Topics:Erasing memory across YerevanGreat Purge in Soviet ArmeniaKhanjyan's assassination and BeriaRepression of Armenia's national institutionsRemembering Stalinist repressionHistorical parallels with modern ArmeniaAttacks on memory and ChurchOpposition strategy after the electionGuest: Pietro ShakarianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 573 | Recorded: July 31, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/573VIDEO: https://youtu.be/njuZiy8goyU#Armenia #GreatPurge #AghasiKhanjyan #PietroShakarian #Artsakh #ArmenianChurch #PoliticalRepression #MemoryUnderSiege #Authoritarianism #SovietArmeniaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Top headlines for Monday, August 3, 2026Marriott faces backlash over genocide tourism packages through Nagorno-Karabakh. A Mississippi pastor who preached the Bible in 96 straight hours hears from a witch who cursed him, and converted. Texas orders the university that gave Chris Brown a doctorate to stop granting degrees. Plus, fire strikes a Knoxville megachurch.0:11 Marriott Bonvoy accused of 'genocide tourism'1:02 Pastor who preached Bible for 96 hours says witch cursed him1:45 Ryan Bomberger bashes 'absurd' court ruling against school worker2:40 Ancient biblical-era Cyprus coin found on Israeli beach3:28 Texas agency orders HCU to stop offering degrees4:13 Mexican megachurch building $1.13M 'clergy home'5:07 Church that gave free gas to hundreds of commuters suffers fireSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsMarriott Bonvoy accused of ‘genocide tourism' | BusinessPastor who preached Bible for 96 hours says witch cursed him | Church & MinistriesRyan Bomberger bashes ‘absurd' court ruling against school worker | EducationAncient biblical-era Cyprus coin found on Israeli beach | WorldTexas agency orders HCU to stop offering degrees | EducationMexican megachurch building $1.13M ‘clergy home' | Church & MinistriesChurch that gave free gas to hundreds of commuters suffers fire | U.S.

Conversations on GroongIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Christine Arakelian about American foreign policy fractures, Iran war risks, and Armenia's pivot to the West. We discuss whether the United States has coherent foreign policy, the collapse of the MAGA coalition over Forever Wars, NATO 3.0 and Europe's militarization, and how Pashinyan's post-2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election government is navigating TRIPP amid global instability.Topics:US Foreign Policy & the Fracture of MAGAIran and the Risk of Forever WarsNATO 3.0 and Europe's MilitarizationPost-2026 Election ArmeniaTRIPP and Pashinyan's Pivot to the WestGuest: Christine A. ArakelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 572 | Recorded: July 29, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/572VIDEO: https://youtu.be/aFGknXV57a4#Russia #IranWar #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus #Armenia #TRIPP #Geopolitics #EurasiaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - July 26, 2026In this week's edition of the Armenian News podcast, Hovik and Asbed analyze escalating regional tensions as Ukraine expands operations into the Caspian Sea, striking Iranian and Russian assets. We examine how this merger of the Northern and Southern conflicts affects Armenia, Kazakhstan's energy security, and Pashinyan's diplomatic positioning amid new pressure from Western capitals following Aliyev's recent visits to Germany and Berlin.Topics:Ukraine expands its war into the CaspianIran warns of a wider regional responseRussia and the West test stalled diplomacyAliyev positions Baku as a geopolitical hubArmenia faces pressure over EU alignmentBaku POW abuse and their deteriorating healthHousing policy expose domestic failuresHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 571 | Recorded: July 27, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/571VIDEO: https://youtu.be/boe2261X_bM#Armenia #UkraineWar #Iran #CaspianSea #SouthCaucasus #MiddleCorridor #ArmenianPOWs #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - July 27, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about Russia's shifting strategy in the South Caucasus and Armenia and Georgia's diverging paths. We discuss Moscow's assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process developments, Georgia's widening dispute with Europe, Armenia's shift away from Russia, and how regional transit corridors reshape geopolitical competition between Moscow, Brussels, and Washington.Topics:Russia's changing South Caucasus strategyGeorgia's widening dispute with EuropeArmenia's shift away from RussiaGeorgia's role in regional transitArmenia-Georgia ties under pressureGuest: Archil SikharulidzeHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 570 | Recorded: July 24, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/570VIDEO: https://youtu.be/_Cr0HFioCfA#Armenia #Georgia #Russia #EuropeanUnion #SouthCaucasus #GeorgianDream #NikolPashinyan #MiddleCorridorSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - July 25, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Anthony Barsamian about Armenian Diaspora advocacy, Armenia-Diaspora relations, and the next phase of Armenian-American activism. We discuss decades of work securing U.S.-Armenia relations and aid packages, the achievement of U.S. Armenian Genocide recognition and what comes next, and the role of the Armenian Republic in promoting international genocide recognition-including recent developments with Israeli recognition efforts.Topics:Armenian-American advocacy and its next phaseGenocide recognition, justice, and reparationsChurch-state conflict and national unityGuest: Anthony J. BarsamianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 569 | Recorded: July 21, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/569VIDEO: https://youtu.be/DZe1ltgELys#ArmenianDiaspora #AnthonyBarsamian #ArmenianGenocide #ArmenianChurch #ArmeniaDiaspora #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - July 19, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed break down escalating tensions across the Middle East as the US-Iran war intensifies following the collapse of the June ceasefire. We examine the strategic implications for Armenia and the South Caucasus, the role of TRIPP advocates like Konstantin Sokolov, and how regional instability intersects with Pashinyan's political vulnerabilities at home, including charges against Archbishop Galstanyan and ongoing Armenian POW cases.Topics:US-Iran War ContinuesSummer Lull in Yerevan PoliticsKonstantin Sokolov: Master of TRIPP & TeghutUN: Abp. Galstanyan Charges UnjustifiedArmenian POW Slams Pashinyan from BakuHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 568 | Recorded: July 20, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/568VIDEO: https://youtu.be/zx2g2_dWLGc#IranWar #TRIPP #Teghut #Armenia #PoliticalPrisoners #ArmenianPOWs #KonstantinSokolovSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Da Erevan, le voci dei ragazzi che hanno combattuto nella guerra per il Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh). Le loro storie - di sofferenza e riscatto - sullo sfondo dello storico voto armeno dello scorso giugno. ---Insert dell'episodio: Interviste dell'autrice (Erevan, giugno 2026)Валентина Легкоступова "Ягода малина" (1987), Советское телевидение, YouTube«Գնայիր, զոհվեիր, դու խի ես կենդանի, ռադդ քաշի, համբալի մեկը». Փաշինյանը՝ արցախցի Արթուր Օսիպյանին, Radio Free Liberty/@azatutyunradio, YouTubeTranssib è un progetto indipendente fatto con amore, che scrivo, registro e produco interamente da sola. Se ti va, puoi offrirmi un caffè per sostenerlo. Puoi farlo cliccando qui:https://buymeacoffee.com/transsib

Week in Review - July 12, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed cover the 36th NATO summit in Ankara, escalating Iran war developments, and Armenia's removal of murals honoring fallen soldiers. We discuss NATO's defense spending surge, Trump's shift on Turkey and F-35 access, Ukraine aid commitments, and what these geopolitical shifts mean for Armenia and the South Caucasus amid ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations.Topics:NATO summit in AnkaraIran War UpdateTaking Scissors to ArmeniaShaping the ParliamentOSCE vs. Garegin IIHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 567 | Recorded: July 13, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/567#ArmenianNews #NATOSummit #IranWar #TRIPP #ArmeniaAzerbaijan #ArmenianParliament #GareginII #OSCESubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - July 11, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about Russia's strategic position across multiple fronts: the Ukraine War, Armenia's post-election Western pivot, TRIPP and Syunik, and Europe's rearmament against Russia. We discuss the long-term confrontation between Russia and NATO, Pashinyan's Western alignment after the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how transport corridors in the South Caucasus may reshape regional containment lines.Topics:Ukraine's long war and endgameNovorossiya and a landlocked Ukraine?Europe rearms against RussiaNATO 3.0 and containmentArmenia's post-election Western pivotEU promises versus EAEU dependenceTRIPP, Syunik, and Russian red linesGuest: Dmitry SuslovHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 566 | Recorded: July 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/566VIDEO: https://youtu.be/NFS46vZ039Q#Russia #UkraineWar #NATO #Europe #Armenia #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Syunik #EAEUSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Hello! Welcome to another episode of LEGACIES. My name is Justina Poskeviciute, Advocacy Ambassador at Legacies of War. Today we have the sincere pleasure of welcoming our friend, Luca Steinmann.Luca Steinmann is an Italian-Swiss journalist, war reporter, geopolitical analyst, and author. Luca has reported extensively from crises, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Nagorno-Karabakh, and other conflict regions, where he has been speaking directly with civilians, fighters, and local actors.He writes in both German and Italian and has contributed to major international news outlets and publications, and gained particular attention during the Russia-Ukraine war beginning in early 2022. On February 18, 2022, he entered the Donbass region just before borders were closed and remained among the few Western journalists able to report from within areas controlled by Russian and pro-Russian forces for months. His first-hand accounts explored life on the ground amid military operations and civilian suffering, providing insights that went beyond typical Western media narratives.https://www.legaciesofwar.org/

Conversations on Groong - July 10, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about Russia's strategic position amid the Ukraine War and its implications for Armenia. We discuss why Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine despite its military superiority, how the war of attrition shapes Russian bandwidth for the South Caucasus, the geopolitical role of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, and Pashinyan's Western pivot following the June 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election.Topics:Ukraine's war of attritionRussia's strategic bandwidth problemTRIPP and Iran's red linesIsrael's Armenian Genocide moveArmenia's Western pivot after electionsGuest: Sergey MarkedonovHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 565 | Recorded: July 8, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/565VIDEO: https://youtu.be/YqsHd8TSyHQ#ArmenianNews #SouthCaucasus #UkraineWar #Russia #Armenia #EAEU #TRIPP #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - July 5, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for July 5, 2026, Hovik and Asbed analyze Armenia's Constitutional Court ruling upholding the disputed 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election results. We examine the disqualification of Prosperous Armenia votes, Civil Contract's three-fifths majority, the opposition's parliamentary leverage, and what these outcomes mean for Armenian sovereignty amid ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process negotiations and regional pressures.Topics:Court rubber stamps stolen electionsVon der Leyen in the South CaucasusEU connectivity push in CaucasusRubinyan vs. SimonyanPost-election opposition raids beginIMEI or IMEI notHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 564 | Recorded: July 6, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/564VIDEO: https://youtu.be/oSgxiwpIwWw#Armenia #ArmenianNews #Pashinyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #ConstitutionalCourt #SurveillanceStateSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - July 3, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian about the Iran-Israel conflict, Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election aftermath, and Israeli recognition of the Armenian Genocide. We discuss whether the US-Iran MOU represents genuine de-escalation or a tactical pause before renewed confrontation, the Constitutional Court's review of election fraud allegations against the Civil Contract regime, and Russia's warnings to Armenia amid regional instability.Topics:US-Iran MoUElection AftermathRussian Warnings to ArmeniaIsraeli Recognizes the Armenian GenocideGuest: Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 563 | Recorded: July 1, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/563VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vgl4sRDGiTY#ArmenianNews #IranWar #DziunikAghajanian #ArmenianElections #RussiaArmenia #SouthCaucasus #ArmenianGenocideSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - June 28, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Israel's historic recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Russia's ongoing warnings toward Armenia, and the political uncertainty following the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine the geopolitical context behind Israel's decision, Pashinyan's measured response, and what these developments signal about Armenia's regional position amid shifting US-Turkey relations and broader Middle East tensions.Topics:Israel Recognizes the Armenian GenocideRussian Warnings ContinuePost Election LimboHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 562 | Recorded: June 29, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/562VIDEO: https://youtu.be/35N6GqdKnLk#ArmenianGenocide #Armenia #Israel #Pashinyan #RussiaArmenia #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - June 21, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed examine the fallout from Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Elections, the ongoing US-Iran War ceasefire negotiations and their regional implications, and escalating political persecutions following the vote. We discuss how six opposition parties-including Strong Armenia, Armenia Alliance, Prosperous Armenia, and others-have challenged the election results at the Constitutional Court, Russia's continued criticism of Pashinyan's government amid an economic embargo, and Armenia-Azerbaijan telecommunications developments amid broader geopolitical uncertainty in the South Caucasus.Topics:US-Iran NegotiationsRussian EmbargoElection AftermathPersecutions ContinueArmenia-Azerbaijan Telco AgreementHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 561 | Recorded: June 22, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/561VIDEO: https://youtu.be/UYNTds7GVGE#ArmenianNews #Armenia #Iran #USIranTalks #ArmenianElections #SouthCaucasus #NikolPashinyan #TRIPPSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - June 23, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about US-Iran negotiations and Armenia's contested post-election landscape. We discuss the prospects for a US-Iran agreement, its implications for TRIPP and Iran-Russia relations, the aftermath of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how shifting great-power dynamics reshape the South Caucasus.Topics:US-Iran negotiations and regional risksTRIPP and shifting regional powerArmenia's contested post-election landscapeOpposition failures and future strategyRisks of another parliamentary electionGuest: Arman GrigoryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 560 | Recorded: June 22, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/560VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SU6w4phqqGk#ArmeniaElections #USIranNegotiations #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #Iran #ArmanGrigoryanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week in Review - June 14, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, we analyze the aftermath of Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, shifting Armenia-Georgia relations, and a landmark interim US-Iran agreement that reshapes regional stability. We discuss the ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and how the Iran war's resolution affects Armenian security, energy markets, and the broader South Caucasus landscape.Topics:Armenian Election AftermathArmenia-Georgia RelationsUS-Iran Interim AgreementHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 558 | Recorded: June 15, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/558VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ioSlOhVsLFo#Armenia #ArmenianNews #ArmenianElections #CivilContract #Pashinyan #ArmenianConstitution #Referendum #ProsperousArmenia #SouthCaucasus #CECSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Nikol Pashinyan's sweeping re-election in Armenia has raised fresh hopes that the border with Turkey could finally reopen after three decades of closure. The Armenian prime minister campaigned on restoring ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as moving Armenia closer to Europe – but constitutional reform remains a major obstacle. The vote on 7 June gave Nikol Pashinyan a clear victory over the opposition. But his success could prove bittersweet after he fell short of the parliamentary majority needed to change the constitution. Changing the constitution is part of Pashinyan's peace efforts with Azerbaijan, brokered last year by United States President Donald Trump. “This government is committed to passing what the Armenian opposition would refer to as 'the Aliyev referendum',” said Eric Hacopian, a Yerevan-based political consultant. “The problem is, now they have no votes to bring it up because you need to get a two-thirds vote to change the constitution.” Armenia PM Pashinyan wins vote, cementing pro-Western shift Constitutional hurdles On the back of the Washington peace talks, “Armenia and Azerbaijan had an understanding that, after the election in Armenia, there would be certain constitutional amendments”, explained Hikmet Hajiyev, chief foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Baku insists Armenia must remove claims to Nagorno-Karabakh from the preamble to its constitution. The two countries have clashed repeatedly over the contested territory. In 2023, Azerbaijan retook the breakaway enclave, causing more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee. “We are looking forward to Armenia completely eliminating elements of its territorial claims,” Hajiyev said. “Then we will not have any stumbling blocks or hurdles on our agenda to move forward.” Constitutional reform is also seen as important for normalising Armenia's ties with Turkey, according to Hajiyev. “It's not directly linked, but indirectly,” he said. “Once the Azerbaijan-Armenia agenda is solved, then Turkey will also act in a synchronised manner, opening the borders and also establishing a closer relationship.” Armenia election: what the vote could mean for Russia, the West and Azerbaijan Border hopes Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993, siding with Azerbaijan after ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence and seized Azerbaijani lands. Efforts to restore ties are now gathering pace, said Zeynep Alemdar, an international relations professor at Dogus University in Istanbul. “They've already declared in May 2026 that the border is going to be opened up, and all the bureaucratic, paperwork-type obstacles are actually being dismantled,” Alemdar said, noting that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is believed to get on well with Pashinyan. Pashinyan's Turkey visit signals new chapter as Ankara eyes Caucasus shift But energy-rich Azerbaijan remains crucial to Ankara, Alemdar said. “Economically, comparing Azerbaijan versus Armenia for Ankara, of course Azerbaijan always wins... Of course Azerbaijan is going to be more influential,” Alemdar said. Erdogan congratulated Pashinyan on his re-election, while the Turkish foreign ministry urged Yerevan in a statement to embrace “bold reforms” – seen by many as a call for constitutional change. Cautious steps Pashinyan's lack of decisive parliamentary support and uncertainty over a possible referendum mean Ankara's role could be important in securing lasting peace, said Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center think tank in Yerevan. “For Turkey this is a slow, gradual process of retaking the initiative with Armenia, away from Azerbaijan,” Giragosian said. “Because in many ways, at every round it's been the Azerbaijan factor that's the key determinant. And according to sources in Ankara, they only have a yellow light of caution from Azerbaijan – it's not a red light, but it's not yet a green light to proceed.” Reopening the Turkish-Armenian border would be welcomed by the European Union and Washington, as Ankara seeks to deepen its ties with both. But with Azerbaijan acting as a major investor and economic lifeline, Turkey is moving cautiously to avoid upsetting its powerful neighbour.

Conversations on Groong - June 10, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur G. Martirosyan about Armenia's contested 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election and Pashinyan's path to a third term. We discuss whether the vote was free and fair, how state pressure and Western backing shaped the outcome, the razor-thin thresholds that determine parliamentary representation, Pashinyan's post-election crackdown against the Established Opposition, and what a Civil Contract supermajority would mean for Armenia's governance and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process.Topics:Contested results and thresholdsPashinyan's post-election crackdownWestern backing and interferenceRussia's delayed pressure campaignOpposition choices after the voteGuest: Arthur G. MartirosyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 557 | Recorded: June 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/557#ArmenianElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #ArmenianOppositionSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

It's war in our time. After flirting with peace for a few miserable hours, the US and Iran are back to what they know best: taking uneven chunks out of each other amidst the world's prime oil pathway. This week, Iran levelled a terminal of Kuwait's airport, and attacked the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Then there was that mysterious Apache helicopter crash off Hormuz. Now, after the crisp kinetic strikes of the first few weeks – then the tentative tests of strength – the war is entering a new phase.One in which Iran shows that the US will not be able to achieve on the negotiating table what it did not achieve on the battlefield. Meanwhile, it's a thriving Asian tiger, the skyscraper skyline of its capital shows the bustle and optimism of the Rising East. Mobile phones. Electric cars. That's right — North Korea is this year's big economic success story, according to a new piece in the Wall Street Journal. Turns out the Hermit Kingdom is less hermetic these days. North Koreans have made good money providing weapons to Russia in Ukraine, and China has turned on the trade taps. Pyongyang no longer rations electricity to a few hours every day. So what happens when North Korea is no longer a Potemkin village but a Potemkin megalopolis? Meanwhile, lose a war, get voted back in. Three years after the catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh, what inspired the Armenian people to re-elect Nikol Pashinyan? Perhaps it was precisely because of how vulnerable the country feels itself to be. The strategy is to buy off and shore up: peace with Azerbaijan, EU candidacy, and normalisation with old enemy Turkey. But how low can you lie in a region that Russia sees as its backyard?Do check out our Substack if you can - https://multipolaritypod.substack.com/

Week in Review - June 7, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we analyze the disputed results of Armenia's June 7, 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine Civil Contract's contested majority, alleged irregularities and invalid ballots, the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report, the last-minute exclusion of Prosperous Armenia, opposition arrests and pressure, and what a three-fifths majority could mean for Armenia's courts, institutions, and foreign policy.Topics:Disputed mandate, unresolved majorityElection-day irregularities in plain sightODIHR's mixed preliminary verdictBribery replaced by state spendingOpposition's next steps uncertainHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 556 | Recorded: Jun 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/556Try the Groong Podcast App#ArmenianElections #ArmenianNews #CivilContract #Pashinyan #Election2026 #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Spotlight on Silence - June 6, 2026In this Spotlight on Silence episode, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about selective justice and state pressure ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss wiretaps and leaks targeting opposition figures, abuse of hate speech laws against government critics, military service summons used as political coercion, and Pashinyan's threats against political opponents and Artsakh Armenians.Topics:Selective law enforcement before electionsWiretaps, leaks, and campaign pressureHate speech laws against criticsOfficial threats without consequencesMilitary summons as political coercionGuest: Rafael IshkhanyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 555 | Recorded: June 4, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/555VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wSZ7eO3JIKQ#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HumanRights #PoliticalPersecution #Artsakh #RafaelIshkhanyan #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - June 4, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan about Armenia's deteriorating democratic conditions ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss IODA's second election observation mission, widespread arrests of opposition figures, state intimidation of voters, selective prosecution, and the serious threats to electoral legitimacy and civil rights under the Civil Contract regime.Topics:Arrests of government criticsState pressure on votersPublic resources used for campaignsSelective prosecution before electionsElection legitimacy under serious doubtGuest: Philippe Raffi KalfayanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/554VIDEO: https://youtu.be/L9vKGO5Ezr4#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #DemocracySubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Week In Review - May 31, 2026In this episode of Groong's Week in Review, hosts Hovik and Asbed examine Armenia's May 28 Independence Day parade as campaign theater, Marco Rubio's push for critical minerals deals, and the strategic risks of TRIPP in Syunik. We discuss how Pashinyan's military parade coincides with Armenian prisoners of war held hostage in Baku, the questionable financing of weapons through $8 billion in external debt, and the broader geopolitical pressures from Russia and Iran as Armenia heads into the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election.Topics:May 28 and StatehoodParade as Campaign TheaterRubio's Armenia AgreementsMinerals Without GuaranteesTRIPP Risks in SyunikRussia and Iran PushbackElection Climate and RepressionHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 553 | Recorded: June 1, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/553VIDEO: https://youtu.be/oO5kbg6B_Q8#Armenia #May28 #MarcoRubio #TRIPP #Syunik #CriticalMinerals #ElectionFraud #RussiaArmeniaSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - June 1, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hovik and Asbed speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about the sharp decline in Russia-Armenia relations before Armenia's June parliamentary elections. The discussion explores whether the vote is only a domestic contest, or a broader struggle over Armenia's identity, security, and geopolitical direction after Artsakh. Topics include Pashinyan's "Real Armenia" project, TRIPP and regional balance, Russia's warnings over Armenia's EU pivot, pressure on Armenian exports and energy pricing, the role of the Armenian Church, and whether the EU offers Armenia a real strategic alternative or only short-term political support.Topics:TRIPP and Regional BalanceArmenia's Geopolitical ElectionPashinyan's "Real Armenia"Russia's Economic PressureGuest: Sergey MarkedonovHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 552 | Recorded: May 31, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/552VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5K3xqqYouKs#RussiaArmenia #SergeyMarkedonov #ArmeniaElections #Pashinyan #RealArmenia #TRIPP #EAEU #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 31, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media control, and competing pressures from the United States, EU, Russia, and regional actors including Turkey and Azerbaijan.Topics:Free and fair electionsPolls and opposition unityHayastan Dashinq platformTRIPP and foreign policyEconomy and Russian pressureGuest: Arthur KhachatryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/551VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uQn81n-zHcw#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In this episode of Peace Matters, we discuss Armenia's upcoming parliamentary elections and the country's changing geopolitical orientation at a time of regional uncertainty.For decades, Armenia was considered one of Russia's closest allies in the post-Soviet space, relying heavily on Moscow for economic cooperation and security guarantees. But the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh war of 2020, growing disappointment with Russia, and increased engagement with the European Union have started to reshape Yerevan's foreign policy priorities.How democratic is Armenia's political system today, and what is at stake in the upcoming elections? Is Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan likely to stay in power, and how are the elections influenced by the unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan? We also examine the growing role of the EU in Armenia, Russia's reaction to Armenia's gradual westward shift, and whether the country can realistically balance relations between Moscow and Brussels.Guests:Christoph Bilban has been researcher in the Institute for Peace Support and Conflict Management at the Austrian National Defence Academy since 2016. Since June 2024 he is co-chair of the Regional Stability in the South Caucasus Study Group of the Partnership for Peace Consortium. His research covers Russian foreign policy and conflicts in the area of the former Soviet Union, with a focus on the conflict in Ukraine and the conflicts in the South Caucasus. He is an officer in the Austrian Armed Forces' active reserve.Hannes Meissner is a Managing Partner at LM-PRISK consultancy firm. His expertise relates to the post-Soviet space – a region that he has travelled extensively due to both business projects and scientific field research. Hannes regularly gives talks on political risk, most recently at the Chinese Economic Summit in Hong Kong, the Astana International Financial Centre, the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael and the University of Cambridge. Hannes holds a PhD in political science from the University of Hamburg. He is also a member of the research group Eastern Europe at the University of Vienna.Moderation:Marylia Hushcha, Researcher and Project Manager at the IIPThe episode was recorded on 18 May 2026.

Week in Review - May 13, 2026In this Week in Review, we discuss the fallout from the EPC summit in Yerevan, Armenia's role as a platform for anti-Russian messaging, and Putin's warning about a possible “separation” if Armenia moves toward the EU. They examine the Armenia-EU declaration, focusing on TRIPP, Ukraine, hybrid threats, security cooperation, visa liberalization, and the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The episode then turns to Armenia's election campaign, Pashinyan's claim that Artsakh was “never ours,” Aliyev's parallel messaging from occupied Artsakh, pressure on opposition figures, the Swiss Peace Initiative, and sharp divergence between election polls.Topics:EPC fallout and Russia responseArmenia-EU declaration controversiesPashinyan's Artsakh campaign narrativeAliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messagingSwiss Peace InitiativePollsters diverge on election forecastsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/545VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pLYUk6q9Wx4#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #ArtsakhSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 11, 2026Anna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia's June 7 parliamentary election and the start of the official campaign. The conversation examines the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, EU political and financial support for Pashinyan, Aliyev's remote demarche, and opposition protests around Artsakh rights, Armenian prisoners, and democratic backsliding. The episode also covers opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq's 8% bloc threshold, Strong Armenia's lead among opposition forces, possible post-election governing formulas, and the risks of a falsified vote. Grigoryan also discusses Armenia's foreign policy direction, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, TRIPP and Syunik amid the Iran war, education as a national priority, and Hayastan Dashinq's core message to voters.Topics:Election campaign and opposition strategyEPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influenceForeign policy, security, and regional risksDomestic priorities and election integrityGuest: Anna GrigoryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/544VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SV2I8iBr9ss#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #ArtsakhSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - May 3, 2026This Groong Week in Review examines a volatile week across Armenia and the region. Asbed and Hovik discuss Trump's declared ceasefire with Iran, the failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the continuing naval blockade, and the wider political pressure shaping Washington's war posture. The episode also covers “Operation Kochari,” the secret visit of Azerbaijani deputy prime minister Shahin Mustafayev to Armenia, border demarcation, TRIPP, and the political theater around trade with Azerbaijan. The discussion turns to Azerbaijan's destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, the muted international response, and Pashinyan's comments on the issue. The hosts also analyze the latest MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud concerns, the EPC meeting, legal pressure on the opposition, mass surveillance, and Armenia's falling press freedom ranking.Topics:Iran WarMustafayev in ArmeniaDestruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by AzerbaijanElection politicsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 539 | Recorded: May 2, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/539VIDEO: https://youtu.be/eIIg1IWYm1w#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - May 3, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict & Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia's June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience.Mr. Balian's book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891Topics:US-Iran war and failed diplomacyTRIPP and Armenia's security risksKarabakh negotiations and missed chancesPashinyan's Artsakh policy reversalArmenia's June elections and monitoringGuest: Hrair BalianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/538VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5ubpIoBjAI0#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElectionsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - Apr 30, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia's June 2026 parliamentary elections, opposition politics, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus. The discussion covers recent arrests of Strong Armenia members, political pressure on the opposition, and concerns about democratic processes under Pashinyan. We also examine the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, including rights, return, voting access, and living conditions in Armenia. The episode explores competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, the implications of the Zangezur Corridor or TRIPP project, and how regional dynamics involving Iran, Russia, and Turkey shape Armenia's security and political future. Topics:Strong Armenia and election dynamicsNew arrests and political pressureArtsakh Armenians and their rightsTRIPP corridor and regional securityGuest: Arega HovsepyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 537 | Recorded: Apr 28, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/537VIDEO: https://youtu.be/G2lysDT6SSQ#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026This Week in Review on Groong examines how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia's geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The episode also covers Armenia's 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.Topics:  - TRIPP hinges on Iran war outcome  - Armenian Genocide commemoration  - Peace narrative vs corridor reality  - Parliamentary electionGuest: Arthur G MartirosyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/536VIDEO: https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU#Armenia #IranWar #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Elections2026 #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics #GroongSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - April 19, 2026In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey's posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia's lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia's shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures.TopicsIran War UpdateAntalya Diplomatic ForumArmenian Parliamentary ElectionGuestHrant MikaelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 532 | Recorded: April 20, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/532Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - April 12, 2026In this episode, we examine a fast-moving regional and political landscape, from the collapse of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad and the threat of a new naval blockade, to Viktor Orban's election loss in Hungary and what it may signal for Armenia and the wider region. We also dig into new polling from Armenia, including public views on security, the Iran war, free speech, voter turnout, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. Along the way, we look at the Abkhaz railway as a possible alternative trade route, questions around TRIPP and Armenia's growing dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest numbers may reveal about the strength, weakness, and strategy of Armenia's opposition.Topics: US-Iran Talks in PakistanOrban Loses Hungary ElectionsArmenian Parliamentary ElectionsPolls: MPG, IRI, ARAR, EVNGuest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 531 | Recorded: April 14, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/531VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ZzhV5xsXFks#Armenia #IranWar #ArmenianPolitics #HungaryElections #ArmeniaPollsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - April 5, 2026Topics:Iran War Update2016 April WarAftermath of Pashinyan in MoscowDomestic Politics & ElectionHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/530VIDEO: https://youtu.be/QAkX9PiR484#Groong #Armenia #IranWar #Pashinyan #ArmenianNewsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - March 29, 2026Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia's election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan's claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis' rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1's continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan.TopicsIran war escalation and spilloverPashinyan's Fake “peace” narrativesElections built on fear-mongeringSilencing talk of ArtsakhGuestAnna KarapetyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/528Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - March 22, 2026This Week in Review featured Asbed and Hovik without a guest. We discussed the death of Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the Armenian government's blocking of Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II from attending the funeral; the latest turn in the Iran war and what it could mean for Armenia and the wider region; Israel's renewed ground operation in southern Lebanon; and Armenia's June elections, including political prisoners, media freedom, Civil Contract's campaign tactics, the opposition field, EU involvement, and Strong Armenia's messaging on TRIPP and security.TopicsKarekin II travel-banned from attending Catholicos Ilia II FuneralIran War updateArmenian June ElectionsHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 527 | Recorded: March 23, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/527Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026South Korean travel blogger YoungMin visited Artsakh after Azerbaijan's 2023 ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh, becoming one of the few independent foreign visitors to document conditions on the ground after more than 100,000 Armenians were forced from their ancestral homeland. In this episode, YoungMin discusses what motivated his trip, what he saw in Stepanakert, Askeran, Agdam, and the surrounding areas, how Azerbaijani state narratives try to frame post-war tourism, and what the empty towns, damaged infrastructure, and erased Armenian presence reveal about the aftermath of the 44-Day War and the destruction of Artsakh.Topics:  - YoungMin's journey into post-2023 Artsakh  - Controlled access, guided narratives  - Erasing traces of Armenians  - In Agdam, Askeran, and Stepanakert  - Memory, loss, and the aftermath of ethnic cleansingGuest: YoungMinHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan  - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 526 | Recorded: March 21, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/526VIDEO: https://youtu.be/j9QYiYFnj68#artsakh  #Armenia #YoungMin #NagornoKarabakh #EthnicCleansingSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - March 15, 2026Arthur Martirosyan examines the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran and its uncertain trajectory, focusing on escalation risks, strategic objectives, and potential diplomatic offramps. The discussion then turns to regional spillover effects, particularly the risks for Armenia amid Iran–Azerbaijan tensions and broader geopolitical shifts. We conclude with an analysis of Armenia's upcoming parliamentary elections, including the fragmented opposition landscape, concerns about electoral fairness, and contradictions in public opinion reflected in recent polling.TopicsIran WarEffect on ArmeniaJune Parliamentary ElectionsGuestArthur G MartirosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/522Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - March 1, 2026TopicsUS and Israel launch war against IranDecapitation strikes, mass civilian casualtiesIran retaliates region-wide, war expandsArmenia leadership silentSumgait rememberedGuestHrant MikaelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 520 | Recorded: March 2, 2026#IranWar #EpicFury #MiddleEastWar #ArmeniaForeignPolicy #Sumgait1988 #IranIsraelConflictSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Groong Week in Review - February 22, 2026Topics:Iran War FearsJune Parliamentary ElectionsAttacks on the Armenian ChurchGuest: Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 519 | Recorded: February 25, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/519VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1FFkLOeY2lI#Armenia #Iran #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

A UK by-election that could spell trouble for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a wrap-up of the Munich Security Conference, a look at the Berlinale and whether it's still political, and France's last newspaper hawker. Then: efforts to rebuild Aghdam, US trans people seeking asylum in the Netherlands, and a pagan tradition seeing a revival — wassailing. + film.macht.kritisch https://shorturl.at/OTkz1 +?maca=en-podcast_inside-europe-949-xml-mrss

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Nina and Alexandra run through the week's key stories, from renewed diplomatic manoeuvring around Russia's war in Ukraine (and fresh EU support for Kyiv) to political turbulence in Bosnia and Hungary and concerns over media independence in Europe. The second half features an interview with political scientist and NEE contributing editor Tatevik Hovhannisyan on Armenia's upcoming June elections, the post–Nagorno-Karabakh political landscape, and Yerevan's tricky balancing act between Russia, the EU and the US. The hosts also share details on an upcoming Patreon-onlyfilm screening and discussion connected to Srebrenica. Want to learn more – join us on patreon: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeFurther reading:“For Armenia, peace dividends are finally starting to show up. In 2026, they need to keep coming” by Nicholas Castillo. New Eastern Europe 10 Feb 2026: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/02/10/for-armenia-peace-dividends-are-finally-starting-to-show-up-in-2026-they-need-to-keep-coming/

Groong Week in Review - February 8, 2026TopicsA European View of AmericaJD Vance in ArmeniaPashinyan vs. The Armenian ChurchEurope and ArmeniaGuestPhilippe Raffi KalfayanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/516Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, is a historic Armenian area located in the Caucasus Mountains. In 2023, Azerbaijan invaded and ethnically cleansed the millennial-old Armenian population. The so-called civilized West looked the other way. Looking away has been harder to do in Gaza because of the enormity of the Israeli attack and the sheer scale of death and destruction. The Israeli goal in Gaza and the Azerbaijani goal in Artsakh is cultural and physical erasure. Both Artsakh and Gaza are reported as though they are just happening in a vacuum. By not providing context and background, journalists are guilty of media malpractice. The recording was taken from a National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)/ Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues webinar, co-hosted and co-moderated by Marc A. Mamigonian, Director of Academic Affairs at NAASR, and Henry Theriault, PhD, Associate Provost at Worcester State University.