Show Notes

Summary

This 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.

Main Topics Addressed

Karekin II Blocked from Attending Ilia II Funeral

Ilia II’s death marked a major event in Georgian religious and public life.
Karekin II was blocked from attending the funeral amid Yerevan’s conflict with the Armenian Church.
Armenia was represented by state officials, while the Church sent bishops from abroad.

Iran War Update

Trump threatened strikes on Iran’s civilian energy infrastructure.
Iran warned it could retaliate against regional states backing the U.S.
Trump then announced a five-day pause tied to supposed negotiations.
The hosts said the war still reflects a failed regime-change effort.
They also discussed market pressure and the lack of an easy off-ramp.

Comparing Scott Horton, Eldar Mamedov, and Varuzhan Geghamyan

All three guests broadly viewed the war as a failed, Israel-driven regime-change project.
All three linked the war to possible pressure on Iran’s northern front.
Eldar stressed Azerbaijan as a real but risky pressure point.
Varuzhan stressed why Turkey and Azerbaijan may avoid direct war with Iran.
Scott focused more on the larger regional architecture behind the war.

Possible Fallout for Armenia

The hosts said Armenia faces serious strategic and economic risk from the war.
They criticized the government for downplaying possible spillover.
They raised concerns about refugees, trade shocks, and wider regional destabilization.
They argued Armenia is not visibly preparing for severe scenarios.

Israel’s Lebanon Operation

Israel’s new ground move in southern Lebanon was treated as a possible occupation step.
The hosts argued Israel never truly withdrew after the ceasefire.
They said annexationist rhetoric is now open and explicit.
They noted Lebanon’s humanitarian toll is being overshadowed by Iran coverage.

Political Prisoners and Media Freedom in Armenia

The hosts discussed a prosecution over a private Facebook message.
They said several opposition and Church-linked figures remain jailed or under house arrest.
They noted Armenia’s poor standing on jailed journalists.
They questioned the credibility of Armenia’s “partly free” label.

Armenia’s June Elections

Civil Contract, Hayastan Dashinq, and Strong Armenia were treated as the main contenders.
Smaller parties and possible alliances were also discussed.
Robert Kocharyan leads Hayastan Dashinq.
Samvel Karapetyan remains the face of Strong Armenia despite legal restrictions.

Civil Contract Campaign Tactics

The hosts criticized Civil Contract’s bus tour and staged campaign optics.
They focused on Pashinyan’s confrontations with women voters.
One exchange with a woman from Artsakh was treated as especially revealing.
They said Civil Contract is running a fear-based campaign centered on war warnings.

Strong Armenia, Mario Nawfal Interview, and Security Messaging

The hosts discussed Narek Karapetyan’s role in presenting Strong Armenia.
They said the Mario Nawfal interview seemed aimed at an external audience.
Strong Armenia appeared to support TRIPP if security guarantees are added.
The use of retired Israeli General Zvika Haimovich drew sharp criticism.

EU Hybrid Rapid Response Team

The hosts treated the EU mission as political interference ahead of the election.
They argued “disinformation” can be used as a tool against the opposition.
They said the mission weakens trust in a free and fair vote.

Key Questions Discussed

Why was Karekin II prevented from attending Ilia II’s funeral?
What does that say about the government’s conflict with the Church?
Was Trump’s five-day pause a real diplomatic move or a tactical retreat?
Is Israel trying to end the war with Iran, or widen it?
Could Azerbaijan or Turkey be drawn into a northern front against Iran?
How exposed is Armenia to economic, refugee, and military spillover?
Is Israel’s Lebanon operation about Hezbollah, or long-term occupation?
What does the private-message prosecution reveal about Armenia’s political climate?
Why are opposition figures and clergy still under arrest during an election season?
Is Civil Contract running on peace, fear, or intimidation?
Who are the real contenders in the June election?
What is Strong Armenia actually promising on TRIPP and security?
Can any outside-backed security guarantee be credible right now?
What does EU anti-disinformation involvement mean for election fairness?

Referenced Articles & Sources

Georgia, Church, and Karekin II

Armenian Catholicos Karekin II’s presence at Georgian Patriarch Ilia II’s funeral remains uncertain

Iran War

Armenia and Possible Spillover

Lebanon

Political Prisoners, Media, and Elections

Strong Armenia and Opposition Campaigning

Wrap-up

Links and Resources

That’s our Week in Review, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can find us on most social media and podcast platforms.

Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.

Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II & Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Elections | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026 [EP527]

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