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According to tradition, St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew evangelized the region of Armenia in the first century. In the year 301, it became the first nation to declare itself Christian. Through centuries of warfare and oppression, its Christian identity has endured as part of Armenian culture, despite repeated attempts by neighbors to stamp it out. In 1915, the Turkish Ottoman Empire killed an estimated 1.2 million people during what has become known as the Armenian Genocide. Under the pretext that they were insufficiently loyal to the empire, Ottoman authorities shot entire villages, forcibly converted families to Islam, and marched hundreds of thousands of women and children into the Syrian desert to die. The brutal campaign of extermination led to a significant diaspora of Armenians to other countries. Even after Armenia emerged from Soviet dominance and declared itself an independent republic at the end of the 20th century, peace has remained elusive. Armenia has faced decades of conflict over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, where some 100,000 Armenian Christians now live but which Muslim-majority Azerbaijan sees as its territory. In 2020, as the world was preoccupied with the global pandemic, Azerbaijan waged war against Armenia. Seven thousand lives were taken, and the region has remained in the shadow of a fragile ceasefire since. Today, most Armenians exist in a state of uncertainty. Given their control over the region, it may be that Azerbaijan is poised to commit a second Armenian genocide. According to University Network for Human Rights researcher Thomas Becker, Over the past decade, Azerbaijani officials have invoked language used in the Rwandan genocide and the Holocaust, referring to Armenians as a “cancer tumor” and a “disease” to be “treated.” More recently, the country's authoritarian leader Ilham Aliyev has threatened to “drive [Armenians] away like dogs.” The situation seems dire with Russia, Armenia's ostensible security guarantor, bogged down in its own war against Ukraine, and with Iran, Armenia's southern neighbor eager to fill the security vacuum. However, an unexpected recent development is that a significant number of Armenia's diaspora population has been returning to their homeland. After a hundred years of exile and living in places like Russia, France, and the United States, an estimated 50,000 Armenians repatriated prior to 2020, with thousands more joining them every year since. For some, the motivation to return is economic. For others, it's about standing with fellow Armenians in the face of war. However, for many, the calling is about their faith. As the dean of Armenian Apostolic seminary put it, “We as a nation are called to witness to Jesus Christ in a very difficult region. … Our very existence is a testimony of Christianity.” Lara Setrakian, an Armenian American journalist, moved back with her family at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. In a recent podcast, she put it this way, I am doing what I'm called to do … and it is to be a helper like Mr. Rogers would say. It is a catastrophe. There are crises. But I want to be among the helpers. … We're not interested in not being Christian ... For Christians … this country is one big test of faith. And people I see are rising to the occasion. And they are finding strength, and they … have not ever given up. … They haven't given up the cross; they haven't given up their language, their love, their dance. They embody the resilience that we're all looking for. Another repatriated Armenian mused, “In America, I had a good life: a big house, a good car. But when I say, ‘good life,' I mean something else.” As so many in the West reel from a crisis of meaning, Armenian Christians have found joy in the face of severe hardship. In that way, we have much to learn from our Armenian brothers and sisters, even as we ask God to bless them, to strengthen their faith, and to bring peace to the nation they are rebuilding. This Breakpoint was co-authored by Kasey Leander. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org.
ANN Groong Week in Review - May 7, 2023Topics:May 9: The “Triple Holiday”Mirzoyan, Bayramov, Washington DCLatest IRI Armenia Poll ResultsArmenian Census 2022 - Preliminary ResultsGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 251 | Recorded May 9, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
ANN Groong Week in Review - Apr 30, 2023Topics: Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin CorridorUpdate on Armenian-Azeri NegotiationsDrug Use Epidemic in ArmeniaGuest:Dr. Arthur KhachikyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 251 | Recorded May 1, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Ukraine without Hype is joined by Armenian political scientist Karena Avedissian. Karena specializes in governance, access to justice, social movements, and new media/communications in Eurasia. We asked her about the background of the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, recent developments of Baku tightening their grip on the region and Yerevan looking like they may give in, and the role of civil society in either country. TwitterKarena: @KarenaAv Anthony: @BartawayRomeo: @RomeoKokriatskiUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charitieshttps://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype MusicHey Sokoli (Traditional)
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Apr 28, 2023Topics:Lachin/Berdzor Corridor Blocked on April 23 So-called “Eco-activists” Have Left. Armenian Rejects Discussions on Corridor Conditions Does the Government have a plan?Lentsov Replaces VolkovArtsakh Farmers Fired Upon - AgainWould Artsakhtsis accept Azerbaijani Citizenship?Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 250 | Recorded: Apr 28, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYjIn this episode, Adam and Aga recap some of the developments in the region including a new Azerbaijani check point installed at the Lachin corridor in Nagorno-Karabakh as well as the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Hungary.During the main interview of the episode, Adam interviews Victoria Leukavets, a researcher with the Stockholm Centre for Eastern Europeans Studies. They go through most recent developments related with Belarus, discuss the probability of Belarusian entry into the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin pressure being exerted on the Lukashenka as well as the current situation facing the civil society in the country and in exile. Cited Sources in the podcast:“Ukrainian civil society as one of the key players in the Russo-Ukrainian War”, by Andrii Kutsyk, New Eastern Europe, 18 April 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/18/ukrainian-civil-society-as-one-of-the-key-players-in-the-russo-ukrainian-war/“The fall of Milo Djukanović heralds an uncertain new dawn for Montenegro” by Kenneth Morrison and Srdja Pavlović, New Eastern Europe 24 April 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/24/the-fall-of-milo-djukanovic-heralds-an-uncertain-new-dawn-for-montenegro/“Bulgaria's election spiral: the anatomy of disappointment” by Radosveta Vassileva, New Eastern Europe, 21 April 2023: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2023/04/21/bulgarias-election-spiral-the-anatomy-of-disappointment/Belarusians in Poland, Lithuania and Georgia. [Report in Russian]: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/belarus/19480.pdf
In this Episode... 1:00 - Combat Update: Ukraine pushed back to the last few neighborhoods in Bakhmut, while a raid in Kherson Oblast gains attention as paving the way for the coming offensive. 12:05 - Putin visits occupied Kherson Oblast...maybe 17:05 - Wagner fighters blow the whistle, having been given extermination orders against Ukrainians (https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/18/wagner-mercenary-admits-tossing-grenades-at-injured-ukrainian-pows) 25:12 - Ukraine's EU neighbors block Ukrainian agricultural imports in order to protect domestic markets, the EU is trying to negotiate a resolution. International News 39:50 - Washington Post reports on deep Russian influence campaigns in Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany Party and left-wing Die Linke Party. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/21/germany-russia-interference-afd-wagenknecht/ 47:35 - Azerbaijan closes down Nagorno Karabakh, and the next conflict looms closer. 57:35 - Civil War in Sudan is another conflict where the Wagner Group is showing its influence. For Sudan: @YousraElbagir For Armenia: @KarenaAv TwitterAnthony: @BartawayRomeo: @RomeoKokriatskiUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraine Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHype Resources and Charitieshttps://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthype MusicHey Sokoli (Traditional)
April 24th marks the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This year, commemorations take on a new meaning as Armenians continue to face hostility as Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, continues its monthslong blockade of the only route into Artsakh, the Armenian-governed enclave in Nagorno-Karabakh, cutting off food, water, and gas. Aram Hamparian, the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss why this year's commemoration of the Armenian Genocide takes on a new sense of urgency, look at the US response to Azerbaijan's aggression, and explore the steps Congress is taking to give meaning to the words Never Again. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Biden Must Go Beyond A Cut-And-Paste Job On Armenian Genocide RecognitionCongress Marks Armenian Genocide by Warning of Second Genocide against ArtsakhArmenian Genocide Education Act IntroducedPresident Biden's April 24 Statement Silent on Azerbaijan's Genocidal Actions Against ArtsakhMilitary plane traveling to Egypt to collect Greeks evacuated from SudanDendias raises concerns over EU handling of Sudan crisisGreek president approves PM request for May 21 electionMitsotakis stresses need for political stability after May 21 vote
On today's program, sponsored by HII, Sam Bendett of the Center for Naval Analyses discusses Ukraine's drone attack today on Russia's Black Sea Fleet base in Sevastopol, what to expect from Kyiv's upcoming offensive and defensive Russian preparations, Moscow's latest “manly” recruiting campaign, and comments by Armenia's president that suggest trading Nagorno-Karabakh to secure the country's territorial integrity on the 108th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide; Laura Winter, the host of The DownLink podcast, on key takeaways from the National Space Symposium and SpaceX's Starship launch; and Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners with highlights from last week's congressional hearings, outlook on raising the debt ceiling as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy put's his plane for a one-year extension and spending cuts to a vote, Lockheed Martin's first quarter 2023 earnings, and a look at the week ahead with Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian.
Today, most agree that the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the war that followed was a major misstep. But in the leadup to the invasion and early months of the conflict, a majority of Americans, as well as our media and political leaders, stood in favor. What happened? Guest Babak Bahador is a scholar who studies the relationship between peace, conflict, and the media – kind of like the academic version of this podcast. He teaches at George Washington University, where he directs the Media and Peacebuilding Project, and he founded the Peace News Network in 2015. Babak has analyzed American news coverage of armed conflicts from World War II through the 2003 Iraq War, and he's noticed a pattern in the way politics, public opinion, and the media inform each other over the course of each war. In this wide-ranging conversation, Babak and host Jamil Simon begin by discussing coverage of the Vietnam War and the 2003 Iraq War. They also highlight the positive role of the media in Northern Ireland's Good Friday peace agreement; touch on Ukraine, and reflect on how journalists can attract more attention to reconciliation and rebuilding efforts. LEARN MORERead Babak Bahador's research and analysisMapping the Enemy Image through Different Conflict Stages, University of Canterbury, 2011Did pictures in the news media just change U.S. policy in Syria? Washington Post, 2017Peacenews.comListenPeace Journalism: at least don't make matters worse, our 2022 episode on Peace Journalism and the importance of language with Steve YoungbloodSlow Burn: The Road to the Iraq War, a podcast from Slate that explores the people and ideas that propelled the country into the Iraq war, and the institutions that failed to stop itMaking Peace Visible is a project of War Stories Peace Stories. Our mission is to bring journalists and peacebuilders together to re-imagine the way the news media covers peace and conflict, and to facilitate expanded coverage of global peace and reconciliation efforts. Join the conversation on Twitter: @warstoriespeaceMaking Peace Visible is hosted by Jamil Simon, and produced by Andrea Muraskin, with hello from Faith McClure. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions, Xylo-Ziko, and SF Music. HOW TO RATE AND/OR REVIEW MAKING PEACE VISIBLEIn Apple Podcasts on iPhone Tap on the show name (Making Peace Visible) to navigate to the main podcast pageScroll down to the "Ratings and Reviews" sectionTo leave a rating only, tap on the starsTo leave a review, tap "Write a Review"In Spotify(Note: Spotify ratings are currently only available on mobile.)Tap on the show name (Making Peace Visible) to navigate to the main podcast pageTap on the star icon under the podcast description to rate the showIn Podcast Addict(Note: you may need to sign in before leaving a review.)From the episode page: On the top left above the show description, click "Post review."From the main podcast pageTap "Reviews" on the top left.On the Reviews page, tap the icon of a pen and paper in the top right corner of the screen.Making Peace Visible is a project of War Stories Peace Stories. Our mission is to bring journalists and peacebuilders together to re-imagine the way the news media covers peace and conflict, and to facilitate expanded coverage of global peace and reconciliation efforts. Join the conversation on Twitter: @warstoriespeace.Making Peace Visible is hosted by Jamil Simon, and produced by Andrea Muraskin, with help from Faith McClure. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions, Xylo-Ziko, and SF Music.
On this edition of Parallax Views, Peter Bahlwanian, producer of Mariam Avetisyan's documentary The Desire to Live, to discuss the secret ethnic cleansing of Armenians by Azerbaijan. In this conversation we'll discuss a territorial and ethnic dispute that has become known as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well as the history of Armenian persecution dating back to the Armenian genocide of 1915 (which has often been called the first genocide of the 20th century). We'll also delve into how Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, plays a key role in the Azeri persecution of Armenians. In this regard we'll discuss Erdoğan's geopolitical aspirations and his consolidation of power in Turkey. Also covered is Turkey's relationship to the United Nations (UN), NATO, the United States, UNESCO, and Russia. Moreover, Peter and I delve into oligarchy, the attempted coup d'état against Erdoğan in 2016. Additionally, Peter and I will also discuss: - The Khojaly massacre of 1992 and claims of Armenian atrocities against Azeris - Parallels between Israeli treatment of Palestinians and the Azeri treatment of Armenians in the Republic of Artsakh - The Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020 - The Turkish Lobby and the Azeri Lobby's influence in Western politics - Why did it take 100 years to recognize for the U.S. to recognize the Armenian genocide of 1915? - Is the conflict between Azeris and Azerbaijan a conflict between Muslims and Christians? - Pro-Armenian activism by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and the rock band System of a Down - Human rights and U.S. credibility/loss of credibility on a global scale; democracy vs. autocracy - Why has the U.S. often been silent on the issue of the Azeri persecution of Armenians?; assessing President Joe Biden's record on this issue - The Israel Lobby and U.S. silence on Armenian persecution - The role money plays in buying off politicians, media, and institutions from speaking about the persecution of Armenians - Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan's culture - The strength and perseverance of Armenians and the people of the Republic of Artsakh; the Armenian diaspora; hope in times of war and despair; the power of the human spirit - Azeri fears that Armenians will seek revenge against them if a reconciliation is attempted; the attempted erasure of Armenian identity - And more!
DryCleanerCast a podcast about Espionage, Terrorism & GeoPolitics
On todays podcast Chris is joined by Eldad Ben Aharon who is a researcher of Israeli intelligence and geopolitical history. We discuss the challenges of researching intelligence history in Israel and the importance of first person interviews with intelligence community members. You can connect with Eldad on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/EldadBenAharon You can read the following papers by Eldad via the links below Interview with Efraim Halevy https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02684527.2022.2095600 'Doing Oral History with the Israeli Elite': https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00940798.2019.1702467 (free ungated access to the content). Research project bout Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: https://www.hsfk.de/en/publications/publication-search/publication/between-geopolitics-and-identitiy-struggle-why-israel-took-sides-with-azerbaijan-in-the-nagorno-karabakh-conflict You can read more from Eldad via his website here: https://hsfk.academia.edu/EldadBenAharon For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg * Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies * You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/ Check out Chris's short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4 Secrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/
Raising FlagsAlison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across ArmeniaIn this episode, we'll be talking to Alison Tahmizian Meuse, about the recent worrying incidents in Armenia. Just a few days ago, Azerbaijan attacked Armenian troops inside Armenia near Tegh village, killing four and injuring six, while Azerbaijani soldiers have also been reported crossing into Armenian territory through the Nakhichevan border. Alison will provide insights into these events and the implications for Armenia. We'll also discuss the importance of raising flags in troubled times, including an organization she's involved with that goes around border regions of Armenia raising flags.Topics:Aghavno / BerdzorApril 11 Azeri Aggression Near TeghRaising FlagsAzeri Infiltrations into ArmeniaGuest: Alison Tahmizian Meuse, veteran journalist who has reported for major international publications including Agence France-Presse and NPR. She is currently a senior advisor at the New Delhi-based consultancy DeepStrat, and co-director of Aknandakan, an investigative documentary platform. She's based in Armenia.Hosts: - Asbed Bedrossian - Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 247 | Recorded: April 14, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Apr 12, 2023Topics:Azeri Aggressions of April 11 near TeghEffect on the Blockade of the Lachin/Berdzor corridor What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open?Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri AggressionWho is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life?Reactions of the Armenian GovernmentAbout the EU Mission and its Role and EffectivenessStepanakert Invites Baku to TalksArtsakh Farmers to Work in Russian PresenceGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 246 | Recorded: Apr 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Turned Away at Kornidzor PostA conversation with Naira MelikyanIn this Conversations on Groong episode, we'll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.Guest: Naira Melikyan, mother to fallen hero Hayk Melikyan and a member of Miatsum (together) movement. Host: Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
China Emerging on the Global StageA conversation with Benyamin PoghosyanIn this Conversations on Groong episode, we'll be talking about Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow in March, and put it in context of China's emergence on the global stage as a major player in the new world order, as it shapes through the war in Ukraine.Topics:What agreements were reached between China and Russia?What is the role of India in the new world order?Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?China as peacemaker in UkraineChina as peacemaker in the Middle EastChina's role in Iran and South CaucasusHow should Armenia navigate world order changes?Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan, is the Chairman of the Yerevan based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Apr 4, 2023Topics:The Current Living Conditions Complete gas cutoff for 2 weeks Weather clearing, rolling blackouts alleviate Young farmer hits landmineAzeris Tighten Blockade on March 25Situation with the Sarsang ReservoirArtsakh FM meets French Delegation in Yerevan What do Western Statements mean to us? What do they signal to Azerbaijan? Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 243 | Recorded: Apr 4, 2023https://podcasts.groong.org/243Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
ANN Groong Week in Review - Apr 2, 2023Topics:Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan "Explains"Armenia at the Democracy SummitArmenia and the Rome StatuteIran FM in Moscow, Azeri FM in IsraelGuest:Suren Sargsyan - TW/@S_A_SargsyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 242 | Recorded: April 3, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Netanyahu suspends his judicial overhaul plan after mass protests and nationwide strikes rock the country. Plus, the battle against terror heats up in the city of Jenin and Azerbaijan tightens its blockade on Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Netanyahu suspends his judicial overhaul plan after mass protests and nationwide strikes rock the country. Plus, the battle against terror heats up in the city of Jenin and Azerbaijan tightens its blockade on Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
ANN Groong Week in Review - March 19, 2023Topics:Pashinyan's Press ConferenceNegotiating with Belligerent AzerbaijanMirzoyan in MoscowMayoral Politics in YerevanGuest: Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 240 | Recorded: March 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYjIn this episode, Adam and Aga start by discussing the ongoing battle for Bakhmut, first pledges of jet fighters for Ukraine and the, at the time of recording, upcoming visit of Xi Jinping to Moscow.The discussion then moves to the situation in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, where the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor - the sole link between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia - has caused a humanitarian crisis and is increasing tensions in the region. Helping us understand why the blockade is taking place and what is the role played by the many actors involved is Tom de Waal - senior fellow with Carnegie Europe, specialising in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region.You can find out more about Tom and his publications on https://carnegieeurope.eu/experts/479. You can also follow him on Twitter @Tom_deWaal.Follow us as well! @areichardt @AWidlaszewskaFor further reading:"The South Caucasian dimension of the war in Ukraine: Russia's declining influence is giving the West a role in the Karabakh peace process" by Nino Chanadiri. New Eastern Europe 7 November 2022: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2022/11/07/the-south-caucasian-dimension-of-the-war-in-ukraine-russias-declining-influence-is-giving-the-west-a-role-in-the-karabakh-peace-process/
The show's roots are local but it wanders wherever my interests happen to lead. Since moving to Abu Dhabi, I have had the opportunity to visit several countries I never would have considered visiting prior....
20230320 - PlightCAST - Day 99 Of The Siege In Nagorno Karabakh by Kevin McCullough Radio
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 19, 2023Topics:The Current Living ConditionsDaily Ceasefire Violations Shooting at Civilians Heightened Threat of War Process of Constitutional Amendment Is Arayik Harutyunyan Planning to Resign? Will the Amendment Go Through? Negotiations with Azerbaijan Invitation to Negotiate “Integration” in Baku Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 239 | Recorded: Mar 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 12, 2023Topics:Gas cutoff again.Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh PolicemenPotential for New AggressionNo “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 236 | Recorded: Mar 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
The deteriorating humanitarian condition in the Armenian-majority breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Lachin corridor, the only road that connects the region to the outside world, has been blocked by a military campaign limiting food and other essential supplies and trapping 120,000 people. We explore the legal, political and military implications of this campaign.How are international … Continue reading Scholars' Circle – Humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh from blockade at Lachin Corridor – March 12, 2023 →
Subscribe to Prevail: https://link.chtbl.com/prevail Greg Olear is joined by consultant, commentator & writer Cliff Schecter, of the Blue Amp Channel. They discuss the current political climate, Nazis in Ohio, why the Dems would be crazy to not run Joe Biden again in ‘24, and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Plus: Evita Without Charisma. Follow Cliff: https://twitter.com/cliffschecter Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/cschecter Sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter: https://gregolear.substack.com/about Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Olear is joined by consultant, commentator & writer Cliff Schecter, of the Blue Amp Channel. They discuss the current political climate, Nazis in Ohio, why the Dems would be crazy to not run Joe Biden again in ‘24, and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Plus: Evita Without Charisma. Follow Cliff: https://twitter.com/cliffschecter Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/cschecter Sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter: https://gregolear.substack.com/about Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Baku 1862 #Azerbaijan: #SouthCaucasus: Gun violence in Baku, Tehran, Nagorno Karabakh, Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan Ambassador to the United Kingdom. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-urges-restraint-after-shootout-nagorno-karabakh-97662452
Support the podcast, become a patron, get additional benefits: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYjIn this episode Adam and Aga start by discussing the latest updates from Bakhmut and the ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. We then tackle Russia's most infamous private military company and its powerful and ambitious chief Yegveny Prigozhin. Helping us understand the way in which the Wagner Group operates and manages to get away with its many crimes and human rights violations is Catrina Doxsee - an associate director and associate fellow for the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).In the bonus section of the interview for our patrons, Catrina discusses Wagner's adventurism in African countries, something less covered in international media. Join our patreon page and listen to the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3JlRfNPYou can find Catrina's research and recent publications on:https://www.csis.org/programs/transnational-threats-projecthttps://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/wagner-cornerstone-russias-strategy-africa-37141https://www.csis.org/analysis/massacres-executions-and-falsified-graves-wagner-groups-mounting-humanitarian-cost-malihttps://www.csis.org/analysis/tracking-arrival-russias-wagner-group-malihttps://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-corporate-soldiers-global-expansion-russias-private-military-companiesCheck out the latest from New Eastern Europe: www.neweasterneurope.eu
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 6, 2023Topics:Azerbaijan Attack Kill 3 Artsakh CitizensArayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further AggressionHow are people responding?About the international responseRussian peacekeeper report and responseOn the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 235 | Recorded: Mar 6, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 5, 2023Topics:Turkey Politics after the EarthquakeArtsakh Blockade and DevelopmentsArmenian Diplomatic DevelopmentsEgyptian President's Visit to ArmeniaGuest:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 234 | Recorded: March 5, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 2, 2023Topics:Day to day ConditionsMeeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani RepsWhat is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting What Concessions are being Discussed? New State Minister Gurgen NersesyanMore Azeri Shootings in Martakert and AskeranGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 233 | Recorded: Mar 2, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
About the Speaker Ambassador Morse H. Tan served as the first Asian-American Ambassador at Large in U.S. history. A unique position in world history, Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice Tan pursued preventative, mitigating and accountability-seeking justice throughout the world for mass atrocity crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The top policy position in the entire U.S. government in this area, Ambassador Tan advanced this mission in places such as Rwanda, Kosovo, Syria, Burma, China, Iraq, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Nagorno-Karabakh, North Korea, Sudan, Lebanon, and El Salvador. The foremost legal scholar on North Korea, Ambassador Tan published “North Korea, International Law and the Dual Crises” (Routledge) and more law review articles on this subject than any other scholar. Named “Korean-American of the Year” and an Emerging Leader by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, he has participated in a range of media engagements, such as the National Law Journal and United Press International (UPI). His speaking invitations include Cornell Law School, the Tiffany Memorial Lecture and the National Press Club. Ambassador Tan has worked in legal academia for close to two decades. His journey in legal academia began as a founding faculty member at the first American Juris Doctor program in Asia, Handong International Law School. Ambassador Tan has served as a visiting scholar at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and the University of Texas Law School, and Professor of Law at Northern Illinois University College of Law, and he currently serves as Dean at Liberty University School of Law. Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=18
In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with President of the Applied Policy Research Institute Armenia Lara Setrakian about the origins of the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, why the current situation is so dangerous, and what can be done to resolve this situation. Website- https://www.apri.institute/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/Lara If you like the podcast, leave a review at: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/root…ty/id1466338710 Follow Roots of Reality on Social Media: Facebook- facebook.com/RootsofReality Twitter- twitter.com/_RootsofReality Instagram- instagram.com/rootsofreality/?hl=en YouTube- youtube.com/channel/UCvmG6sKFW9…isable_polymer=true (Views and memories stated by guests in interviews do not represent Roots of Reality)
It's Thursday, March 2nd, A.D. 2023. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Ugandan police rescued 50 children Praise God! Police in Uganda rescued 40 Christian children last month from a Muslim posing as a Christian charity leader. Officials arrested two people in connection with the kidnapping. The children were lured into a hotel. They would likely have been sold to a rebel militant group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A local pastor helped uncover the scheme. Speaking to Morning Star News, he said, “I appeal to the whole body of Christ in Uganda to be vigilant towards strangers who come in the name of helping children. We thank God for rescuing our children.” Jesus said in Matthew 18:10, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in Heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven.” United Nations to Azerbaijan: Reopen access to Armenian Christians The United Nations' International Court of Justice issued a binding order last Thursday in a conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The court ordered Azerbaijan to do everything in its power to reopen access to a region disputed by the two countries. The Nagorno-Karabakh region is in Azerbaijan but is inhabited and controlled by ethnic Armenians. Since December, Azerbaijani protestors have blocked access to the area. This has created a humanitarian crisis for tens of thousands of Armenian Christians there. Baroness Caroline Cox from U.K.'s House of Lords warned, “This could be another stage of genocide, destruction of Christian people, destruction of Christian heritage. And we need to pray.” Christian college v. Biden over dorms On Monday, a Christian college in Missouri filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court against a Biden administration rule that violates the college's religious beliefs. A directive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would require College of the Ozarks to open sex-specific campus dorms to people of the opposite sex. Alliance Defending Freedom is representing the college. Attorney John Bursch said, “We hope the Supreme Court will take this case to halt the government's inappropriate order targeting religious institutions and to respect the privacy, dignity, and safety of female students.” Florida looks to ban taxpayer money from abortion mills Last Wednesday, Ashley Moody, Florida's Republican Attorney General, filed a motion for reinstating a law that bans taxpayer funding from going to abortion mills in the state. A district court halted the 2016 law from going into effect. Now that Roe v. Wade is overturned, Moody argues the law should be reinstated. In an interview with LifeSiteNews, the office of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis said, “We support this move to fully defund Planned Parenthood from any taxpayer support.” Mississippi bans “sex-change” surgeries for kids On Tuesday, Mississippi became the seventh state in the U.S. to ban so-called sex-change surgeries on minors. The state's legislature passed the bill on February 21. Republican Governor Tate Reeves signed it this week. In a press conference, Reeves labeled transgender ideology as a dangerous movement that Mississippi was standing against. REEVES: “In a world that's upside down, when it comes to doing right by our kids, Mississippi will once again fight to keep our state right side up. And that's why Mississippi will also follow the science and keep our kids safe.” Poll: 7.2% of Americans identify as sexually perverted A new survey from Gallup found 7.2% of adults in America identity with a sexually perverted lifestyle as of 2022. That percentage is double what it was ten years before when Gallup first measured it. Eighty-six percent of Americans still identify as heterosexual. Nearly 20% of adult members of Generation Z, those born since 1997, identified as homosexual, bisexual, or transgender. It's the largest proportion of any generation. Only 4% of Americans have a Biblical worldview The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University recently released the first study on Biblical worldview in America since the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 4% of Americans have a Biblical worldview now, down from 6% in 2020. The study found nearly every demographic subgroup experienced a decline in adherence to a Biblical worldview. The study noted, “The only exception to the trend was a single percentage-point increase among Blacks, rising from 3% in 2020 to 4% in 2023. The most noteworthy declines across the three years were recorded among born-again Christians (down six percentage points).” The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum top 2 religious museums And finally, USA Today released their 10 Best Poll of best religious museums in 2023. Attractions run by Answers in Genesis in Kentucky ranked at the top. The Ark Encounter, a life-sized Noah's ark, came in first, and the Creation Museum came in second. Ken Ham with Answers in Genesis said, “I'm thrilled that more and more families have been discovering and enjoying our wholesome, God-honoring attractions in our constantly changing culture.” God said in 1 Samuel 2:30, “Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” Close And that's The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Thursday, March 2nd in the year of our Lord 2023. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 26, 2023Topics:Sumgait: 35 yearsTurkey After EarthquakeUkraine One Year LaterArmenia - AzerbaijanGuest:Arthur KhachikyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 232 | Recorded: February 28, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 24, 2023Topics:Rouben Vardanyan sacked in StepanakertSamuel Babayan in ArtsakhAzeri and Artsakh reps meet to resume Gas & Electricity Further Azeri demands, Artsakh red lines Medical topicsGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 231 | Recorded: February 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
This week the UN's highest court ruled that Azerbaijan needs to take all steps at its disposal to lift the blockade on the only highway that connects Nagorno-Karabakh, or Artsakh, with the outside world. This comes after months of Azerbaijan's blockade, and as the situation for people living in Nagorno Karabakh has become increasingly desperate. Azerbaijan has argued that there is no blockade and that the protesters are engaged in grassroots environmental demonstrations. Simon Maghakyan, a visiting scholar at Tufts University and a Ph.D. student in Heritage Crime at Cranfield University, joins Thanos Davelis to look at this latest decision by the ICJ and break down how Azerbaijan is weaponizing environmentalism to justify ethnic cleansing. Read Simon Maghakyan's latest piece in TIME: How Azerbaijan Weaponized Environmentalism to Justify Ethnic CleansingYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:UN court calls for end to Nagorno-Karabakh roadblockCyprus' new president scopes out peace talks resetChristodoulides: 'Open and constructive' first meeting
On today's Quick Start podcast:NEWS: Major developments surrounding Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Biden admin's reported plans to declare an abortion emergency, and newfound Islamic State fearsMAIN THING: CBN's John Stolnis spoke with Jake Denton, research associate at the Tech Policy Center for the Heritage Foundation, to learn more about the Supreme Court hearing surrounding Section 230 and what it could mean for the future of the internet.LAST THING: Philippians 1:6 Email us! QuickStartPodcast@cbn.org
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 21, 2023Topics:The Politics Around Ruben VardanyanGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 227 | Recorded: February 21, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 19, 2023Topics:35th Anniversary of the Karabakh MovementRussia Warns the EU and ArmeniaArmenian Azerbaijani Negotiations ContinueGuest:Anna Karapetyan - TW/@Karapetyan_AnnHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 17, 2023Topics:Latest Gas & Electricity up downsOn the Food Stamp programWhy are schools reopening?Deprivation from educationGev loses powerThe pain of the blockade is realGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 225 | Recorded: February 17, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan blockaded a narrow road into Nagorno-Karabakh, creating a disastrous situation for the region's 120,000 Armenian residents. The blockade is the latest in a bloody, post-Soviet conflict flying under the radar. Journalist Lara Setrakian and political scientist Artak Beglaryan join Ray Suarez to explain the stakes of the crisis, the role of regional powers Russia and Turkey and hopes for democracy's survival in the region. Guests: Artak Beglaryan, advisor to the state minister of Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenian government Lara Setrakian, journalist Host: Ray Suarez If you appreciate this episode and want to support the work we do, please consider making a donation to World Affairs. We cannot do this work without your help. Thank you.
Nagorno-Karabakh is an ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan. In the early 1990s Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a bloody war resulting in Armenia's de-facto control of Nagorno-Karabakh. For most of the last 30 years this was a frozen conflict with occasional flareups only fitful progress towards a diplomatic and political resolution. Then, in September 2020 Azerbaijan launched an offensive resulting in the rout of the Armenian army and the capture of large swaths of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shaken up a ceasefire agreement and over the course of 2022, Azerbaijan has expanded its control of key strategic territories in the region. According to my guest today Olesya Vartanyan there is a high risk that Azerbaijan may press its military advantage and resume a full scale conflict in the region. Olesya Vartanyan is the International Crisis Group's Senior Analyst for the South Caucasus region. We kick off discussing a worsening humanitarian crisis in parts of Nagorno Karabakh, sparked by a blockade of a key corridor linking Armenia to key parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. We then discuss the trends in the conflict and diplomacy, including a hopeful move by the European Union to approve a civilian monitoring mission.
Kate Adie presents stories from Syria, Nigeria, Romania, Armenia and Pakistan Leila Molana-Allen has spoken to anxious friends and relatives in the Syrian diaspora who are preparing for the worst as roads are blocked and airports closed. Many relief workers are running low on supplies as they battle to reach those stranded. Mayeni Jones has been in the midst of the chaotic fall-out from the Nigerian Central Bank's decision to replace the high denomination bank notes, which led to fights breaking out in banks and long queues forming as the new notes became scarce to find. Paul Kenyon visits the Romanian home of former championship boxer and social media influencer Andrew Tate, who's been detained in the country due to allegations of people trafficking and rape. He finds the house wasn't quite what he expected for someone who boasts about a glamour lifestyle - and went to hear what the locals make of him. A group of teenagers got stranded on the Armenian border after they travelled to Yerevan from Nagorno-Karabakh for the Eurovision Junior Song Contest. Azerbaijani political activists staged a sit in on the only road connection Armenia to the breakaway region and have stopped all civilian traffic from passing. Gabriel Gavin spoke to the children caught in the middle of the conflict. And finally, over this past year, Pakistan has marked the 75th anniversary of its formation. There were many individual stories of communities and families who were split or who chose to relocate and the reverberations of that partition are still felt today. Ash Bhardwaj reflects on his first visit to Pakistan as someone who is half Indian and grew up in England. Producers: Serena Tarling and Louise Hidalgo Editor: China Collins Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross
It's Thursday, January 26th, A.D. 2023. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark 100,000 Armenian Christians facing genocide Over 100,000 Armenian Christians are facing a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, a landlocked region between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Last month, Azerbaijani protestors blocked the only road into the region, cutting off the area from food, supplies, and medicine. Christian aid and humanitarian organizations signed a joint statement of concern, warning conditions are now present for genocide. The statement said, “The current Azerbaijani aggression against the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh conforms to a long pattern of ethnic and religious cleansing of Armenian and other Christian communities in the region.” Japan facing population crisis Japan's prime minister issued a dire warning to the country's lawmakers on Monday regarding their population crisis. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said it is “Now or never when it comes to policies regarding births and child-rearing. … Japan is standing on the verge of whether we can continue to function as a society.” Japan has the second highest proportion of people aged 65 or older of any country in the world. And their births last year fell below 800,000 for the first time. Kishida hopes to double funding for child-related programs as the nation of 125 million faces demographic decline. Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” Canada drops charges against pastor who held “drive-in” services during COVID lockdown Last Monday, prosecutors in Canada dropped charges against an Ontario pastor for holding worship services during COVID-19 lockdowns. Pastor Henry Hildebrandt led his congregation in drive-in services during a stay-at-home period in 2021. Police gave him an $800 ticket, claiming he did not have the right to do this despite there being exceptions for drive-in religious services. Hildebrandt said, “There comes a time when we as Christians have to stand for what is right regardless if it is popular.” Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than men.” Connection between decline in church attendance and despair deaths The National Bureau of Economic Research released a new study on the connection between declining American church attendance and despair deaths. Deaths by drugs, alcohol, and suicide are known as deaths of despair. The researchers wrote, “We show that the initial rise in deaths of despair in the US was preceded by a large decline in organized religious participation … states with high levels of religiosity have suffered less from mortality due to alcohol, suicides, or drug poisonings. … The impact that we witness seems to be driven by the decline in formal religious participation. … These results underscore the importance of cultural institutions, such as religious establishments, in promoting well-being.” Dept. of Justice arrested two pro-abortion vandals The U.S. Justice Department announced yesterday it finally arrested abortion activists following hundreds of attacks on churches and pro-life centers last year. A federal grand jury indicted 27-year-old Caleb Freestone and 23-year-old Amber Smith-Stewart for vandalizing pregnancy centers in Florida. The two of them spray-painted threats on the centers including, “If abortions aren't safe, than neither are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” and “WE'RE COMING for U.” If convicted, they could face up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $350,000. Ecclesiastes 8:11 says, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.” The monarch butterfly reflects God's creativity Have you ever seen the tiny yet beautiful monarch butterfly and marveled at the colors and the grace of this little creature? Kayla White, the author of the 78-page hardback entitled Melody: A Monarch Miracle, captured the dramatic transformation from caterpillar to butterfly with vivid pictures and detailed descriptions. Stay tuned for a Worldview Special Report immediately following the newscast. A slight increase in U.S. children living with married mom and dad And finally, a report from the Institute for Family Studies identified a positive trend for families following the COVID-19 pandemic. The share of children living in a married, two-parent household is up slightly. The percentage of kids living in intact families fell from over 85% in the 1960s to under 65% by the 2010s. However, that proportion has increased by about 1.5 percentage points since 2014. The report noted, “All in all, the decline in intact families in America appears to have bottomed out for now. The reasons for this are many [including] declining divorce and falling nonmarital fertility.” Close And that's The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Thursday, January 26th in the year of our Lord 2023. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. A Worldview Special Report: A closer look at the monarch butterfly Time now for a Worldview Special Report by Emily Munday. I'm Adam McManus Have you ever wondered how a monarch butterfly came to be? The Worldview spoke to Kayla White, the author and photographer of Melody: A Monarch Miracle about this glorious representation of God's creation. WHITE: “One of the things I learned about the wonder of who God is through writing Melody is that the Lord can create a very ‘simple' creature, yet it can confound the smartest human minds on Earth. The monarch alone displays enough of the genius of our Creator to keep men busy mining the depths of His design for literally decades. We still don't understand or know everything there is to know about the monarch!” She marvels at the intricate details which God fashioned in the monarch butterfly. WHITE: “One of my favorite surprising facts about the monarch butterfly is that parts of the butterfly such as its wings proboscis (what it uses to drink nectar), and eyes actually start growing inside the caterpillar. We call them imaginal discs at this stage, and they finish developing inside the chrysalis.” Taking the photographs of the monarch butterfly's transformation herself transformed White spiritually. WHITE: “Taking pictures of the butterflies taught me more patience—I had to wait for quite a while to get some of the pictures, especially of the butterfly emerging from the chrysalis. Taking pictures of each stage of the butterfly's lifecycle also illustrated the power of prayer to me again. “I had several friends praying for me and the chrysalis that is used in the book as I worked on getting the pictures. It only takes a few minutes for the butterfly to emerge, so I had a very short window to get good photographs. The lighting and focus must be exactly right for them to turn out well since I only had one chance!” She said that she wanted to convey the power of God to children through her documentation of this tiny butterfly with a four-inch wingspan. WHITE: “One thing I want to convey to children about God is His power to create something from nothing, to make a new creation. He is the God who works miracles. Watching the caterpillar form a chrysalis is something unlike anything I've ever seen—it literally completely changes form before your eyes, with the change being fully completed once it emerges as a butterfly. “A beautiful butterfly that flies thousands of miles and drinks nectar is so completely different from a worm that can't travel very far, inches around, and spends its whole life chewing on leaves. It really is truly a miracle.” White revealed how she captured the vivid pictures of the butterflies. WHITE: “I use a variety of methods for photographing the butterflies at the various stages of development. Most of my pictures of the egg, the larval, and the pupal stages come from raising them in captivity. I captured the caterpillar as it emerged from the egg while indoors because the egg is so small that the only possible way obtain such shots is by being in a very still environment. “I bring the caterpillars to special photography sites once they start molting or forming a chrysalis to capture those stages. The easiest way I've found to photograph the butterflies is to take a few pictures just after releasing them into the wild.” Pick up a copy of Kayla White's 78-page hardback book entitled Melody: A Monarch Miracle. It's on sale this week for $16.14. This has been a Worldview Special Report. I'm Adam McManus.
Scott speaks with Ara Sanjian, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. This is an excellent interview for listeners unfamiliar with the situation. Scott and Sanjian go over the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict more broadly before focusing on the flare-up over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and the state of things today. The conflict also has notable international implications with the Russian government backing Armenia and the Turkish government backing Azerbaijan. Scott and Sanjian explore the international ramifications of this dispute on an already messy world stage. Ara Sanjian is an Associate Professor of History and the Director of the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He received his master's degree in history from Yerevan State University (1991) and PhD in Modern History of the Middle East from the School of Oriental and African Studies, the University of London in 1996. This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom; ExpandDesigns.com/Scott. Get Scott's interviews before anyone else! Subscribe to the Substack. Shop Libertarian Institute merch or donate to the show through Patreon, PayPal or Bitcoin: 1DZBZNJrxUhQhEzgDh7k8JXHXRjY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Russia brokered a cease-fire agreement in 2020 between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two were engaged in a bloody six-week war, the deadliest in the region in decades. Conflict between the two countries has recently escalated again. Azerbaijan set up a blockade of the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, causing a shortage in food, medicine, and energy. The roughly 120,000 people who live there are at increasing risk of famine. To break down the situation, Ryan Grim is joined by freelance journalists Joshua Kucera, Lilit Shahverdyan, and Alison Tahmizian who cover the area.If you'd like to support our work, go to theintercept.com/give, where your donation, no matter what the amount, makes a real difference.And if you haven't already, please subscribe to the show so you can hear it every week. And please go and leave us a rating or a review — it helps people find the show. If you want to give us additional feedback, email us at Podcasts@theintercept.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.