https://podcasts.groong.org/categories/russia/Recent content in Russia on Groong PodcastHugoen-usTue, 12 May 2026 02:33:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Strong Armenia’s national security doctrine</li> <li>Diplomacy from a position of strength</li> <li>Armenia’s current military and political vulnerabilities</li> <li>Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory</li> <li>Strategic and economic risks for border communities</li> <li>Sotq gold mine and border-region insecurity</li> <li>TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor debate</li> <li>Built-in security guarantees for regional connectivity</li> <li>Rights of Artsakh Armenians</li> <li>Threats to Armenian heritage in Artsakh</li> <li>Stepanakert Cathedral and Azerbaijan’s cultural destruction</li> <li>Armenia’s foreign policy fundamentals</li> <li>Regional risks from a wider Iran war</li> <li>EPC summit optics and national insecurity</li> <li>Election integrity and opposition coalition politics</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How does Mikael Darbinian’s background as a former U.S. diplomat shape his view of Armenia’s current vulnerabilities?</li> <li>What would a Strong Armenia administration do to rebuild Armenia’s national security system, armed forces, and diplomatic leverage?</li> <li>How can Armenia mobilize national potential in a divided political environment?</li> <li>What role should the Armenian Diaspora play in rebuilding Armenia’s security capacity?</li> <li>What are the strategic implications of Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s internationally recognized borders?</li> <li>How does the occupation of Armenian territory affect border villages, roads, infrastructure, and local economies?</li> <li>What are the risks to operations such as the Sotq gold mine and other border-region assets?</li> <li>Is TRIPP a path toward useful regional connectivity, or does it function as the Zangezur Corridor under another name?</li> <li>What would real security guarantees for TRIPP require while Azerbaijani forces remain close to the proposed infrastructure?</li> <li>How does Strong Armenia’s view of TRIPP differ from Robert Kocharyan’s proposals?</li> <li>What would “sober judgment” and “cold calculations” mean in Armenian foreign policy?</li> <li>How should a Strong Armenia-led government handle the rights of Artsakh Armenians?</li> <li>How should Armenia prepare for the risk of a wider Iran war, especially one involving Turkey or Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How should Armenia respond to Azerbaijan’s destruction of Armenian heritage, including the Stepanakert Cathedral?</li> <li>Do high-level summits such as the EPC meeting in Yerevan create real security gains for Armenia, or mostly serve as public relations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="slides-from-mikael-darbinians-strong-armenia-presentation">Slides from Mikael Darbinian&rsquo;s Strong Armenia presentation</h2> <h3 id="strong-armenia-conference-presentation-video">Strong Armenia conference presentation video</h3> <div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share; fullscreen" loading="eager" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yIbVwwCkHjI?autoplay=0&amp;controls=1&amp;end=0&amp;loop=0&amp;mute=0&amp;start=0" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border:0;" title="YouTube video"></iframe> </div> <h3 id="slide-1">Slide 1</h3> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/540/darbinian-maps/slide1.webp" alt="Slide 1 from Mikael Darbinian&rsquo;s Strong Armenia presentation" title="Slide 1" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260506-transcript-540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260506-transcript-540-mikael-darbinian-strong-armenia-security-doctrine-azerbaijani-occupation-tripp-zangezur-corridor-artsakh-stepanakert-cathedral-election-integrity/This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/540/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260428-transcript-536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260428-transcript-536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-28</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 536</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/536">https://podcasts.groong.org/536</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU">https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran war reshapes regional balance</li> <li>TRIPP corridor faces uncertainty</li> <li>Peace narrative vs reality</li> <li>Armenia–Turkey normalization limits</li> <li>Russia’s role in Iran talks</li> <li>Genocide commemoration narratives</li> <li>Artsakh continuity debate</li> <li>Flag burning controversy</li> <li>EU summits and election timing</li> <li>Armenian election dynamics</li> <li>Kocharyan–Sargsyan split</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Has the Iran war stalled TRIPP?</li> <li>Can peace exist without corridors?</li> <li>What role does Russia play?</li> <li>How should Armenia prepare?</li> <li>Is Genocide memory a liability?</li> <li>How to interpret April 24 messaging?</li> <li>Is flag burning effective protest?</li> <li>Are EU events political theater?</li> <li>Has real peace been achieved?</li> <li>What shapes election outcomes?</li> <li>Can opposition unify?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248278">EU–Armenia engagement and political messaging</a></li> <li><a href="https://verelq.am/hy/node/172405">Regional political developments and analysis</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We examine 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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260425-transcript-534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260425-transcript-534-dmitry-suslov-russia-geopolitics-armenia-iran-war-ukraine-usa-trump-israel-nakhichevan-drones-uav/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/534/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/25/2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-25</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 534</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/534">https://podcasts.groong.org/534</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk">https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/dsuslov">Dr. Dmitry Suslov (Дмитрий Вячеславович Суслов)</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/dsuslov">Dr. Dmitry Suslov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p><strong>Prof. Warwick Powell</strong> discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more distributed computing, and focusing on larger nuclear power plants to generate the electricity needed for such information infrastructures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Prof. Warwick Powell discusses his thermoeconomic view of world politics, where energy, money, and information form a single system. We connect the war on Iran to declining U.S. energy efficiency, the limits of airpower, de-dollarization, and the rise of alternative financial and information architectures. We also bring the conversation back to Armenia, asking what TRIPP, SMRs, and large AI data centers could mean for a small state trying to protect its energy and information sovereignty. We close by reflecting on considerations for Armenia in implementing centralized data infrastructure, more distributed computing, and focusing on larger nuclear power plants to generate the electricity needed for such information infrastructures.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260423-transcript-533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260423-transcript-533-warwick-powell-thermoeconomics-iran-new-geopolitical-economy-armenia-data-centers-ai/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/533/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Warwick Powell - ThermoEconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/23/2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-23</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 533</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/533">https://podcasts.groong.org/533</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE">https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Dr. Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> The war on Iran is not just about missiles, oil, or even the Middle East. According to our guest today, it is also about who controls energy, money, technology, and the rules of the next world order. And as the dollar weakens, supply chains shift, and new power blocks take shape. Where does that leave small states like Armenia?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In 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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In 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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260421-transcript-532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260421-transcript-532-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-antalya-diplomatic-forum-armenian-parliamentary-elections/<p>In 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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260416-transcript-531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260416-transcript-531-hrant-mikaelian-us-iran-talks-in-islamabad-viktor-orban-loses-hungary-elections-armenian-elections-mpg-polls/<p>This Week in Review examines how foreign shocks and internal political pressures are converging for Armenia. We look at the breakdown of US-Iran talks and the threat of a new naval blockade, Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary and what it may mean for the region, and fresh polling in Armenia on security, war, free speech, voter participation, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. The episode also explores whether the Abkhaz railway could offer Armenia a real alternative to routes that deepen dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest polling says about the opposition’s position.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260404-transcript-529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260404-transcript-529-pietro-shakarian-iran-war-trump-armenia-russia-relations-parliamentary-election-2026/<p>Dr. Pietro Shakarian joined us to discuss the state of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the shrinking chances for a diplomatic off-ramp, and how the conflict is shifting wider Eurasian politics. The conversation then turned to Armenia, including the likely freezing of TRIPP amid the Iran war, Pashinyan’s contentious visit to Moscow, and the deeper low point in Armenia-Russia relations. The final section focused on Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, public sentiment toward Pashinyan, fears over election integrity, and the evolving opposition landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/527-armenian-catholicos-karekin-ii-banned-from-georgian-catholicos-ilia-ii-funeral-iran-war-armenia-parliamentary-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Arthur 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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/522-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-effect-on-armenia-parliamentary-election-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Arthur 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.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the expanding war on Iran and what it could mean for the region. We took a close look at the latest IRI poll and its disputed methodology and findings, and the emerging shape of Armenia’s parliamentary race. Hrant Mikaelian argued that Iran’s leadership transition signals greater resolve rather than collapse, that Azerbaijan is still constrained from direct action against Iran unless the Iranian state seriously weakens, and that the IRI poll raises major methodological and interpretive questions. The discussion then turned to the opposition field in Armenia, where newer forces may have room to grow, but where media imbalance and weak opposition reach remain major structural obstacles.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/521-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-iri-poll-survey-armenian-political-landscape-for-2026-parliamentary-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the expanding war on Iran and what it could mean for the region. We took a close look at the latest IRI poll and its disputed methodology and findings, and the emerging shape of Armenia’s parliamentary race. Hrant Mikaelian argued that Iran’s leadership transition signals greater resolve rather than collapse, that Azerbaijan is still constrained from direct action against Iran unless the Iranian state seriously weakens, and that the IRI poll raises major methodological and interpretive questions. The discussion then turned to the opposition field in Armenia, where newer forces may have room to grow, but where media imbalance and weak opposition reach remain major structural obstacles.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>On this Week in Review, we discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, how it began, what the first days suggest about objectives, and how Iran has responded across the region. We also explore what an Iranian weakening or collapse could mean for Armenia, including how Turkey and Azerbaijan might behave if Iran becomes distracted or destabilized. We close with the commemoration of the Sumgait pogroms in 1988, and what Hrant describes as the through-line from Sumgait to later anti-Armenian violence.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/520-hrant-mikaelian-iran-war-usa-israel-armenia-turkey-azerbaijan-russia-china-sumgait-pogroms/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On this Week in Review, we discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, how it began, what the first days suggest about objectives, and how Iran has responded across the region. We also explore what an Iranian weakening or collapse could mean for Armenia, including how Turkey and Azerbaijan might behave if Iran becomes distracted or destabilized. We close with the commemoration of the Sumgait pogroms in 1988, and what Hrant describes as the through-line from Sumgait to later anti-Armenian violence.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/<p>This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran war fears, the state of US-Iran talks, and Israeli pressure for maximal demands</li> <li>Armenia-Iran ties, senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and how TRIPP affects trust</li> <li>June 7 parliamentary elections, rule changes, and claims of an uneven playing field</li> <li>Opposition landscape and how major blocs are forming ahead of June 7</li> <li>Escalating clash between the government and the Armenian Church</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How likely is a near-term war on Iran, and what are the red lines in the talks?</li> <li>Where do Trump’s instincts differ from Israel and US hardliners on Iran?</li> <li>Why the recent stream of senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and what is Iran watching for?</li> <li>How has TRIPP changed Iran-Armenia trust and risk perceptions?</li> <li>What does the current opposition lineup suggest about June 7 scenarios?</li> <li>Is the Church conflict targeted at Karekin II, or aimed at the institution itself?</li> <li>Who benefits from a weakened or divided Armenian Church?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-evaluating-potential-measures-event-iran-us-conflict-source-says-2026-02-25/">Turkey evaluating potential measures in event of Iran-US conflict, source says (Reuters)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/azh-yntroutyounneroum-koalitsia-kazmelou-sahmanapakoum-chi-lini-i-nch-popokhoutyounner-en-ouzhi-mej-mtel/33685523.html">Higher bar for electoral alliances (Azatutyun)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1243011">Pashinyan announces pension increase starting April 1 (Armenpress)</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/519/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/<h3></h3> <h1 id="summary">summary</h1> <p>Philippe Raffi Kalfayan argues that “America First” has turned the U.S. into a harder, more transactional power toward Europe, and that Europe is exposed because it still lacks unified defense and foreign policy capacity. The discussion then moves to JD Vance’s reported Armenia stop and the TRIPP, which Kalfayan frames as a long-horizon corridor project that may be “secured” without securing Armenia, with unclear beneficiaries and success conditions Armenia does not fully control. The episode also covers Azerbaijan’s leverage, pressure tied to “returns” narratives, hostages in Baku, and the broader strain between Pashinyan and the Armenian Church, all set against Europe’s limited willingness to pay real costs for Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/516-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-europe-america-jd-vance-in-armenia-pashinyan-vs-armenian-church/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A European View of America. JD Vance in Armenia. Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church. Europe and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/516/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/<p>This episode features political scientist Andrei Tsygankov on his new book <em>Canceling Russia</em>, the Western shift from “containment” to “coercive transformation,” and how the “towers of the Kremlin” shape Russian foreign policy. The discussion also examines the “state-civilization” concept, civilizational competition around Russia, and whether today’s “might makes right” climate could push Russia toward a more unilateral, jungle-rules approach.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>“Canceling Russia” as a mass-scale political and cultural campaign</li> <li>Western strategy shift: containment to coercive transformation</li> <li>The “cancel Russia lobby” and the role of think tanks</li> <li>Trump’s approach to Russia and Europe’s burden-sharing</li> <li>The Russian Orthodox Church as a geopolitical and information battleground</li> <li>How Russian foreign policy is made (the “towers of the Kremlin”)</li> <li>“State-civilization” and civilizational discourse</li> <li>Degradation of the international order into “law of the jungle”</li> <li>Whether Russia could adopt a more unilateral style</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How did “Canceling Russia” begin, and how is it sustained?</li> <li>How has canceling affected academia and scholarship, including the guest’s experience?</li> <li>What explains the West’s policy trajectory from containment to coercive transformation?</li> <li>When and why did the window for coexistence close, if it did?</li> <li>Who makes up the “cancel Russia lobby,” and how does it function?</li> <li>What role do think tanks play in shaping the agenda and narrative?</li> <li>How should Trump’s Russia policy be read, real shift or tactical adjustment?</li> <li>How does pressure on the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine serve wider aims, and what risks follow?</li> <li>How do “towers of the Kremlin” shape policy signals and red lines?</li> <li>In Ukraine, were Moscow’s red lines misread, dismissed, or judged irrational?</li> <li>What does “state-civilization” mean internally vs. externally?</li> <li>Is it compatible with Huntington-style civilizational blocs?</li> <li>Why has “international order” weakened into raw power politics?</li> <li>Could Russia evolve toward a more unilateral “might makes right” posture beyond Ukraine?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li>Prof. Tsygankov&rsquo;s recent books: <ul> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/0izauT7T">“Canceling” Russia (2026)</a></li> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/07NNNT6d">Russia’s Foreign Policy (2025)</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://unn.ua/en/amp/fifa-president-infantino-added-to-myrotvorets-database-over-calls-to-reinstate-russia-in-football">FIFA President Infantino added to Myrotvorets database (UNN)</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:30:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/514-andrei-tsygankov-canceling-russia-ukraine-war-rise-of-western-hawks-towers-of-kremlin/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode features political scientist Andrei Tsygankov on his new book Canceling Russia, the Western shift from “containment” to “coercive transformation,” and how the “towers of the Kremlin” shape Russian foreign policy. The discussion also examines the “state-civilization” concept, civilizational competition around Russia, and whether today’s “might makes right” climate could push Russia toward a more unilateral, jungle-rules approach.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/514/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/<h3></h3> <h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>At Davos, Mark Carney’s blunt comment that the “rules-based international order” is a myth set the tone for a wider discussion about how small states survive in a system where rules get enforced selectively. From there, our discussion with <strong>MP Arthur Khachatryan</strong> moved to Washington’s announced visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan by VP JD Vance and the TRIPP framing, including what it signals for Armenia’s strategic direction, and how Iran and Russia may react. In further topics, we focused on Armenia’s Church-state crisis (including the bishops’ assembly moving to Austria and the Talin liturgy incident), the last known Armenians leaving Artsakh, and the emergence of a new opposition force tied to the Mer Dzevov movement ahead of the June elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/510-arthur-khachatryan-no-peace-davos-jd-vance-armenia-ethnic-cleansing-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Memorial Day vs. Army Day. JD Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenian Church Developments. Strong Armenia - New Political Party.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/510/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This episode examines major geopolitical shifts affecting Armenia and the wider region, focusing on Syria’s rapidly changing battlefield, the postponed but unresolved Iran war scenario, the growing controversy around the TRIPP corridor, and intensifying foreign involvement ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <h2 id="syria">Syria</h2> <ul> <li>Rapid Turkish-backed advances following the apparent U.S. abandonment of Kurdish allies</li> <li>Pressure on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to disarm, integrate into the Syrian army, and extradite PKK members</li> <li>A serious rollback of Kurdish autonomy in northeast Syria</li> <li>Strategic implications for Armenia, viewed through historical parallels</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="iran-crisis">Iran Crisis</h2> <ul> <li>Externally instigated protests escalating into deadly riots across Iran</li> <li>The U.S.–Israel–Iran war narrative postponed rather than cooled</li> <li>Russia reportedly serving as a backchannel to prevent immediate escalation</li> <li>War hawks framing the debate as limited versus large-scale strikes</li> <li>Iran’s post-2025 military rebuilding with Russian and Chinese assistance</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="tripp-trap">TRIPP Trap</h2> <ul> <li>Protests outside the Iranian embassy in Yerevan and Tehran’s warning signals</li> <li>Pashinyan dismissing Iranian concerns over anti-Iranian activity in Armenia</li> <li>New TRIPP agreements signed in Washington emphasizing sovereignty language</li> <li>Armenia locked into a long-term minority ownership position</li> <li>Regional consequences of sidelining Iran and Russia</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="elections-2026--foreign-influence">Elections 2026 – Foreign Influence</h2> <h3 id="turkish-support">Turkish Support</h3> <ul> <li>Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s public endorsement of Pashinyan</li> <li>Questions of election interference and geopolitical double standards</li> <li>Turkey’s potential leverage over Armenia’s political process</li> </ul> <h3 id="russian-support">Russian Support</h3> <ul> <li>Armenia’s sharp decline in trade with Russia and increased borrowing</li> <li>Western and Turkish efforts to marginalize Russia in the South Caucasus</li> <li>Russia’s continued strategic interests despite the Ukraine war</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Why did the U.S. abandon its Kurdish allies in Syria?</li> <li>What lessons should Armenia draw from the Kurdish experience?</li> <li>Why was war on Iran postponed, and for how long?</li> <li>Is Iran militarily prepared for renewed conflict?</li> <li>How committed are Russia and China to preventing regime change in Iran?</li> <li>Does TRIPP represent a structural loss of Armenian sovereignty?</li> <li>Are Iran’s warnings driven by protests or corridor geopolitics?</li> <li>What is at stake in Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections?</li> <li>How do Russia and Turkey view Pashinyan’s role going forward?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/19/syria-live-government-forces-take-control-after-heavy-fighting-with-sdf"><em>Syria live: Government forces take control after heavy fighting with SDF</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33647962.html"><em>Iranian ambassador warns Armenia over protests</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33648959.html"><em>Pashinyan rejects Iranian concerns</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33647278.html"><em>Mirzoyan and Rubio sign TRIPP-related agreements in Washington</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33650776.html"><em>Hakan Fidan comments on Armenia’s elections and Pashinyan</em></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33646125.html"><em>Armenia–Russia trade decline and borrowing figures</em></a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/508-sergei-melkonian-syria-iran-unrest-israel-tripp-armenia-parliamentary-elections-june-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode examines major geopolitical shifts affecting Armenia and the wider region, focusing on Syria’s rapidly changing battlefield, the postponed but unresolved Iran war scenario, the growing controversy around the TRIPP corridor, and intensifying foreign involvement ahead of Armenia’s 2026 elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/508/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian joins us to look at the riot-level unrest in Iran, Trump’s threats and pressure tactics, and what this could mean for Russia–Iran coordination, Armenia’s security environment, and corridor politics in the South Caucasus, including TRIPP. They also discuss Vladimir Solovyov’s recent comments on Armenia and post-Soviet Eurasia, then close with the release of four Armenian hostages from Azerbaijani captivity and what it may signal.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/506-pietro-shakarian-iranian-protests-alliance-with-russia-usa-armenia-tripp-azerbaijan-israel-alliance/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian joins us to look at the riot-level unrest in Iran, Trump’s threats and pressure tactics, and what this could mean for Russia–Iran coordination, Armenia’s security environment, and corridor politics in the South Caucasus, including TRIPP. They also discuss Vladimir Solovyov’s recent comments on Armenia and post-Soviet Eurasia, then close with the release of four Armenian hostages from Azerbaijani captivity and what it may signal.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Recorded on January 13, 2026, this Week in Review episode with Arthur Martirosyan examines how the prolonged Ukraine war has reshaped Russia’s leverage and long-term strategy, why a US–Israel–Iran confrontation now appears increasingly likely, and how Iran’s internal unrest and external pressure could open new risks for Armenia. The discussion also marks the anniversary of the Baku pogroms, reflecting on their long-term consequences, before turning to Russia–Armenia tensions and Nikol Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/505-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-ukraine-iran-baku-pogroms-armenian-church-clash/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Recorded on January 13, 2026, this Week in Review episode with Arthur Martirosyan examines how the prolonged Ukraine war has reshaped Russia’s leverage and long-term strategy, why a US–Israel–Iran confrontation now appears increasingly likely, and how Iran’s internal unrest and external pressure could open new risks for Armenia. The discussion also marks the anniversary of the Baku pogroms, reflecting on their long-term consequences, before turning to Russia–Armenia tensions and Nikol Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Venezuela, U.S. power projection, and what Russia can (and cannot) do in response</li> <li>Greenland and U.S. territorial rhetoric, viewed from Moscow</li> <li>Ukraine war endgame, Europe’s posture, and Russia-West negotiations</li> <li>Russia-Iran relations after the June 2025 Israel-Iran war, and prospects of a second round</li> <li>TRIPP, “Zangezur Corridor,” Nov. 2020 point 9, and Russia’s expectations in Armenia’s south</li> <li>Armenia’s June elections and foreign influence narratives</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <h2 id="venezuela">Venezuela</h2> <ul> <li>What is Russia’s perspective on the U.S. abduction of Nicolás Maduro?</li> <li>How does Moscow interpret “our hemisphere” thinking and open U.S. coercion?</li> <li>What is Russia’s reaction to U.S. and UK-backed seizures of Russian-flagged tankers at sea?</li> <li>Are there parallels between U.S. claims in the Americas and Russia’s position on Ukraine?</li> </ul> <h2 id="greenland">Greenland</h2> <ul> <li>Does Moscow see Trump’s Greenland rhetoric as serious, or as political theater?</li> <li>Does Greenland matter to Russia’s Arctic security calculus?</li> </ul> <h2 id="ukraine-war">Ukraine war</h2> <ul> <li>Why is the war still going on as it approaches year four?</li> <li>Where do Russia-West negotiations stand right now?</li> <li>Does Putin see Trump as negotiating in good faith?</li> <li>What would “closure” actually require, and what are the realistic off-ramps?</li> <li>Has the war made Russia more dependent on China, and did it open space for the West in places like the South Caucasus and Central Asia?</li> </ul> <h2 id="russia-and-iran">Russia and Iran</h2> <ul> <li>Is a second Israel-Iran war inevitable, and is Iran more prepared this time?</li> <li>Has the Venezuela episode changed Russia’s calculus on how far it should go to help Iran?</li> <li>If Russia will not intervene militarily, what non-military tools does it still have?</li> </ul> <h2 id="tripp-and-russian-armenian-relations">TRIPP and Russian-Armenian relations</h2> <ul> <li>What does Russia expect regarding east-west “unblocking” in Armenia’s south and the wider “Middle Corridor” debate?</li> <li>Why might Russia be re-engaging in the South Caucasus now?</li> <li>How important is the Armenia-Iran border and the north-south corridor to Russia’s interests?</li> <li>Does TRIPP risk inserting U.S. or Israeli assets near Iran, and does Moscow view that as a strategic problem?</li> <li>How does Russia view disputes around Russian Railways and Armenia’s rail concession?</li> </ul> <h2 id="armenian-elections">Armenian elections</h2> <ul> <li>Does the outcome of Armenia’s June elections matter to Russia?</li> <li>How does Russia view EU-funded programs framed as countering “foreign influence,” especially “Russian influence”?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan’s administration still a workable partner for Moscow?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166698">US actions in Venezuela ‘constitute a dangerous precedent’: Guterres</a> <em>(news.un.org)</em></li> <li><a href="https://press.un.org/en/2026/sc16271.doc.htm">United States Action in Venezuela Puts Sovereignty of States, International Law at Stake, Many Speakers Tell Security Council (SC/16271)</a> <em>(press.un.org)</em></li> <li><a href="https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-confirms-military-support-for-u-s-seizure-of-tanker/">UK confirms military support for U.S. seizure of tanker</a> <em>(ukdefencejournal.org.uk)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/01/06/robust-security-guarantees-for-a-solid-and-lasting-peace-in-ukraine-statement-of-the-coalition-of-the-willing-issued-by-france/">Paris Declaration: “Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine,” statement of the Coalition of the Willing issued by France</a> <em>(consilium.europa.eu)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33641496.html">Aliyev Confident About ‘Zangezur Corridor’ Through Armenia</a> <em>(azatutyun.am)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33632866.html">Pashinian Insists On Repairs Of Armenia’s Rail Links With Azerbaijan, Turkey</a> <em>(azatutyun.am)</em></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33623764.html">Armenian Government Seeks Pre-Election ‘Help’ From EU</a> <em>(azatutyun.am)</em></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful, and you will SHARE OUR SHOWS with your friends on Social Media. That is a great way to support us.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/502/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260109-transcript-502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260109-transcript-502-fyodor-lukyanov-venezuela-greenland-ukraine-iran-israel-tripp-armenia-azerbaijan/<p>Fyodor Lukyanov joins Groong to discuss how Moscow reads a fast-shifting global landscape, from the U.S. raid in Venezuela and maritime seizures at sea, to Trump’s Greenland rhetoric, the stalled endgame in Ukraine, the likelihood of a renewed Israel-Iran war, and how TRIPP and “unblocking” disputes in Armenia’s south fit into Russia’s regional priorities.</p> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/502/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia in Evolving Global Geopolitics | Ep 502, Jan 9, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - Recorded: January 8, 2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-01-09</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 502</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/502">https://podcasts.groong.org/502</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/d1XxQHSZUEE">https://youtu.be/d1XxQHSZUEE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this milestone 500th episode of <em>Groong Week in Review</em>, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where each participant evaluates their 2025 predictions from a year ago (in <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/403">Episode 403</a>), and presents high-, medium-, and low-probability forecasts for 2026.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/500-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-iran-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-tripp-review-and-outlook/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this milestone 500th episode of Groong Week in Review, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where each participant evaluates their 2025 predictions from a year ago (in Episode 403), and presents high-, medium-, and low-probability forecasts for 2026.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/<p>In this <strong>Groong Week in Review</strong>, Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian are joined by Dziunik Aghajanian to examine a volatile week marked by escalating confrontation between the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church, deepening fractures inside Europe over the Ukraine war, and controversial developments around Armenia–Azerbaijan trade and regional transport corridors. The discussion focuses on state power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical tradeoffs shaping Armenia’s present and future.</p> <hr> <h1 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h1> <h2 id="ukraine-war-update">Ukraine War Update</h2> <p>Ukraine’s battlefield situation continues to deteriorate, with reports of Ukrainian withdrawals from key positions amid shortages of weapons, manpower, and electricity. European leaders are increasingly divided on how to proceed, as French President Emmanuel Macron shifts toward dialogue with Moscow while blocking German efforts to seize Russian assets for Ukraine and lobbying to restore nuclear fuel cooperation with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Groong Week in Review, Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian are joined by Dziunik Aghajanian to examine a volatile week marked by escalating confrontation between the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church, deepening fractures inside Europe over the Ukraine war, and controversial developments around Armenia–Azerbaijan trade and regional transport corridors. The discussion focuses on state power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical tradeoffs shaping Armenia’s present and future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/<p>In this Week in Review, we examine Armenia’s mounting strategic, political, and economic pressures. The discussion focuses on Pashinyan’s dual-track signaling toward the EU and Russia, rising tensions with the Armenian Apostolic Church, renewed controversies around Artsakh and the right of return, NSS raids on Artsakh institutions in Yerevan, and troubling indicators from Armenia’s 2025 economic performance, including declining trade, underexecuted capital spending, and rising state debt.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <h3 id="armenia-between-the-west-and-russia">Armenia Between the West and Russia</h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s official visit to Germany followed by a working visit to Russia for the EAEU Intergovernmental Council</li> <li>Western framing of peace, EU alignment, and transport corridors as a single package</li> <li>Public signaling toward EU membership while remaining inside the EAEU</li> <li>Russia’s growing unease over Armenia’s strategic ambiguity</li> </ul> <h3 id="eu-engagement-and-informal-pressure">EU Engagement and Informal Pressure</h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s statement that EU membership is a goal, even if leaving the EAEU is not</li> <li>Ararat Mirzoyan’s informal participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels</li> <li>Reports that Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections were discussed during an informal EU breakfast</li> <li>Questions around EU expectations, including sanctions on Russia</li> </ul> <h3 id="churchstate-confrontation">Church–State Confrontation</h3> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s shifting justifications for confronting the Armenian Apostolic Church</li> <li>Proposal for Catholicos Garegin II’s resignation and appointment of a caretaker vicar</li> <li>Government-driven canon law reform, clergy vetting, and political restrictions</li> <li>Constitutional implications of state interference in church affairs</li> </ul> <h3 id="artsakh-concessions-and-right-of-return">Artsakh, Concessions, and Right of Return</h3> <ul> <li>Post-2020 and post-2023 concessions culminating in the loss of Artsakh</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s demand for the “return” of 1990s Azerbaijani refugees to Armenia</li> <li>Armenia’s effective closure of the Artsakh Armenians’ right of return</li> <li>Pashinyan’s proposal to drop Artsakh return claims in exchange for Azerbaijan abandoning the “Western Azerbaijan” narrative</li> </ul> <h3 id="nss-raids-on-artsakh-institutions">NSS Raids on Artsakh Institutions</h3> <ul> <li>Raids on Artsakh offices in Yerevan without detailed public justification</li> <li>Timing coinciding with renewed advocacy for Artsakh Armenians’ rights</li> <li>Broader concerns about rule of law and political pressure</li> </ul> <h3 id="armenias-economy-in-2025">Armenia’s Economy in 2025</h3> <ul> <li>Sharp decline in trade and reexports with Russia</li> <li>Severe underperformance in capital expenditures, including defense, schools, roads, and infrastructure</li> <li>Rising state debt exceeding $14 billion</li> <li>Weak execution across multiple strategic development programs</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Can Armenia realistically pursue EU membership while remaining in the EAEU?</li> <li>What does the EU expect from Armenia in return for political and electoral support?</li> <li>Are sanctions on Russia under serious consideration in Yerevan?</li> <li>What constitutional limits exist on government intervention in church affairs?</li> <li>Can the rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians be negotiated away?</li> <li>Do NSS raids signal a breakdown in rule of law?</li> <li>Why are economic failures and rising debt not central to political debate ahead of elections?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Arthur Khachatryan:</strong> Structural weaknesses of the opposition and the cult-like dynamics of Pashinyan’s political system.</li> <li><strong>Hovik Manucharyan:</strong> Reflections on Mikayel Minasyan’s recent Facebook post and its broader political implications.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li> <p>Pashinyan visit to Germany <a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/foreign-visits/item/2025/12/09/Nikol-Pashinyan-visiting-Germany/">https://www.primeminister.am/en/foreign-visits/item/2025/12/09/Nikol-Pashinyan-visiting-Germany/</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/496-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-week-in-review-eu-russia-eaeu-church-crackdown-artsakh-nss-economy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, we examine Armenia’s mounting strategic, political, and economic pressures. The discussion focuses on Pashinyan’s dual-track signaling toward the EU and Russia, rising tensions with the Armenian Apostolic Church, renewed controversies around Artsakh and the right of return, NSS raids on Artsakh institutions in Yerevan, and troubling indicators from Armenia’s 2025 economic performance, including declining trade, underexecuted capital spending, and rising state debt.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/496/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/<p>In this episode of <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>, we examine why Venezuela has returned to the center of global geopolitics. The discussion focuses on oil, sanctions, and military pressure, and how a potential revival of Venezuelan production could reshape energy markets, weaken Russia and Iran, strain OPEC+, and alter the dynamics of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p> <hr> <h3 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h3> <ul> <li>Harry Istepanian’s background and expertise in global energy markets</li> <li>Venezuela’s oil reserves and the collapse of production after sanctions</li> <li>The role of US sanctions, expelled oil companies, and low US strategic reserves</li> <li>Washington’s pressure campaign on Venezuela and regional reactions</li> <li>Trump’s push for oil prices below 50 dollars per barrel</li> <li>OPEC+ price discipline and the threat of Venezuelan supply returning</li> <li>The impact of cheaper oil on Russia’s war budget in Ukraine</li> <li>Consequences for Iran, Iraq, and Gulf state economies</li> <li>Risks of escalation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz</li> </ul> <hr> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Why did Venezuela’s oil production collapse so sharply over the past decade?</li> <li>How low is the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and why does it matter now?</li> <li>Why does Trump see Venezuelan oil as a strategic problem rather than a commercial one?</li> <li>What prevents US oil companies from returning to Venezuela quickly?</li> <li>How would a surge in Venezuelan oil challenge OPEC+ and global price controls?</li> <li>What happens to Russia’s economy and war financing if oil prices fall sharply?</li> <li>How would Iran and Gulf states respond to sustained price pressure?</li> <li>Could new Venezuelan supply change the balance in global conflicts?</li> <li>What Middle East risks could still override a rise in oil supply?</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/495-harry-istepanian-venezuela-usa-oil-world-geopolitics-russia-iran-middle-east/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we examine why Venezuela has returned to the center of global geopolitics. The discussion focuses on oil, sanctions, and military pressure, and how a potential revival of Venezuelan production could reshape energy markets, weaken Russia and Iran, strain OPEC+, and alter the dynamics of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/495/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review with Benyamin Poghosyan looks at Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the arrest of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan on a narcotics “distribution” charge rooted in a 2018 incident, and the security services’ seizure of Gyumri’s Seven Wounds Church to stage a December 7 Divine Liturgy without mentioning the Catholicos. We discuss what these moves reveal about the regime’s goals toward Etchmiadzin, while polls show strong public support for both the Church and the Armed Forces. We also examine the new Armenia-EU “Strategic Agenda,” calls for Yerevan to join anti-Russia sanctions, EU funding against “Russian hybrid war,” Pashinyan’s selective publication of OSCE Minsk Group documents, and fresh polling on where Armenians see their main strategic partners and the Russian base in Gyumri.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/494-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-war-on-armenian-church-eu-armenia-nagorno-karabakh-negotiation-documents-arar-poll/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review with Benyamin Poghosyan looks at Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the arrest of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan on a narcotics “distribution” charge rooted in a 2018 incident, and the security services’ seizure of Gyumri’s Seven Wounds Church to stage a December 7 Divine Liturgy without mentioning the Catholicos. We discuss what these moves reveal about the regime’s goals toward Etchmiadzin, while polls show strong public support for both the Church and the Armed Forces. We also examine the new Armenia-EU “Strategic Agenda,” calls for Yerevan to join anti-Russia sanctions, EU funding against “Russian hybrid war,” Pashinyan’s selective publication of OSCE Minsk Group documents, and fresh polling on where Armenians see their main strategic partners and the Russian base in Gyumri.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/<p>This Conversations on Groong episode features <strong>Eldar Mamedov</strong>, former Latvian diplomat, non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute, and member of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pugwash_Conferences_on_Science_and_World_Affairs">Pugwash Council on Science &amp; World Affairs</a>.</p> <p>We discuss rising global tensions following Israel’s war on Iran, Azerbaijan’s expanding geopolitical ambitions, Europe’s unclear foreign policy, and the risks Armenia faces while trying to reposition itself in a turbulent neighborhood.</p> <hr> <h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Breaking developments around Venezuela and U.S. military signaling</li> <li>The potential for a renewed Iran–Israel conflict</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s Middle East strategy and ties with Israel</li> <li>Europe’s fragmented and reactive geopolitical posture</li> <li>Armenia’s uncertain turn toward Europe amid regional instability</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What does Washington’s move on Venezuelan airspace signal?</li> <li>How likely is a new Iran war, and what did the June fighting reveal?</li> <li>How does Azerbaijan’s partnership with Israel shape Iran’s threat perception?</li> <li>What role might Turkey or Azerbaijan play in a worst-case scenario inside Iran?</li> <li>What is Baku trying to achieve in the Middle East?</li> <li>Why is Europe resistant to diplomatic off-ramps in Ukraine?</li> <li>Can Europe act as an independent geopolitical force?</li> <li>What can Europe realistically offer Armenia in security terms?</li> <li>What posture should Armenia adopt amid rising regional risks?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Armenia’s Self-Defeating Path</strong> <a href="https://www.theamericanconservative.com/armenia-treads-a-self-defeating-path/">https://www.theamericanconservative.com/armenia-treads-a-self-defeating-path/</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/492-eldar-mamedov-geopolitics-armenia-azerbaijan-south-caucasus-europe-russia-iran-israel-ukraine/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US and Venezuela. Potential for New War on Iran. Is Azerbaijan a “Middle Power”? Europe’s Confused Geopolitical Identity. Armenia’s Confused Geopolitics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/492/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/491-matthew-hoh-what-happened-to-america-first-tripp-armenia-ukraine-war-gaza-venezuela/Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/491-matthew-hoh-what-happened-to-america-first-tripp-armenia-ukraine-war-gaza-venezuela/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This episode looks at Trump’s foreign policy ten months into his term. We discuss the widening gap between the America First promise and the reality of new foreign fronts, including Venezuela, Ukraine, Gaza, and the TRIPP project in Armenia. Matt Hoh joins us to explain how these issues connect and what they reveal about Washington’s strategic direction.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Trump’s move to shut down Venezuelan airspace and the risk of escalation</li> <li>The shift in the Ukraine war and the gap between battlefield reality and media coverage</li> <li>The Gaza ceasefire, Trump’s 20-point plan, and the growing divide inside the America First base</li> <li>The TRIPP route in Armenia and the long-term strategic cost for the region</li> <li>How these foreign engagements challenge the core idea of America First</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Why is Washington pushing toward confrontation with <strong>Venezuela</strong>, and what strategy is behind it?</li> <li>Why is there a major disconnect between official warnings on the <strong>Ukraine war</strong> and what appears in mainstream coverage?</li> <li>What is Trump’s actual goal in <strong>Gaza</strong>, and do these actions serve any defined U.S. national interest?</li> <li>Why is the <strong>America First</strong> movement splitting over foreign involvement?</li> <li>Does the <strong>TRIPP</strong> deal align with America First, and is the U.S. prepared for a 50 or 100-year commitment in the South Caucasus?</li> <li>Does Armenia matter to Washington beyond its value in pressuring Russia and Iran?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h1> <h2 id="venezuela"><strong>Venezuela</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Trump announces closure of Venezuelan airspace (Reuters): <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/trump-says-airspace-above-surrounding-venezuela-be-closed-its-entirety-2025-11-29/">https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/trump-says-airspace-above-surrounding-venezuela-be-closed-its-entirety-2025-11-29/</a></li> <li>The Intercept on U.S. logistics planning for a Caribbean buildup: <a href="https://theintercept.com/2025/11/25/trump-caribbean-venezuela-military-troops/">https://theintercept.com/2025/11/25/trump-caribbean-venezuela-military-troops/</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ukraine-war--progress-in-the-war"><strong>Ukraine War – Progress in the War</strong></h2> <ul> <li>NBC News on Dan Driscoll’s warning of “imminent defeat”: <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/us-army-secretary-warned-ukraine-imminent-defeat-pushing-initial-peace-rcna245704">https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/us-army-secretary-warned-ukraine-imminent-defeat-pushing-initial-peace-rcna245704</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ukraine-war--negotiations"><strong>Ukraine War – Negotiations</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Putin reiterates territorial demands (Sonar21): <a href="https://sonar21.com/president-putin-reiterates-june-14-2024-conditions-for-ending-the-war-with-ukraine/">https://sonar21.com/president-putin-reiterates-june-14-2024-conditions-for-ending-the-war-with-ukraine/</a></li> <li>Yermak rules out concessions (The Atlantic): <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2025/11/ukraine-zelensky-russia-trump-peace-land-red-line/685090/">https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2025/11/ukraine-zelensky-russia-trump-peace-land-red-line/685090/</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/491-matthew-hoh-what-happened-to-america-first-tripp-armenia-ukraine-war-gaza-venezuela/Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/491-matthew-hoh-what-happened-to-america-first-tripp-armenia-ukraine-war-gaza-venezuela/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Venezuela. Ukraine War. Gaza. TRIPP in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/491/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This episode covers shifting Ukraine negotiations, Kazakhstan’s diplomatic moves, Armenia’s tightening political climate, the government’s pressure on the Church, the debate over impeachment vs elections, the seizure of Armenia’s power grid, and the continued arrests of political opponents and media figures. We speak with Hrant Mikaelian about what these developments reveal about Armenia’s political direction and its place in a volatile region.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Trump’s shrinking Ukraine peace plan and the Geneva reduction to 19 points</li> <li>Kazakhstan’s diplomatic balancing act and Pashinyan’s visit</li> <li>Wheat shipments, Russia’s “Kiss of Yerevan” statement, and the political backlash</li> <li>Vagharshapat election aftermath and the run-up to 2026</li> <li>Impeachment vs elections and whether they can happen in parallel</li> <li>The ENA license revocation and the power grid takeover</li> <li>Expanding political detentions</li> <li>Pressure on the Armenian Church and independent institutions</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Is the new proposal a Minsk 3?</li> <li>Which elements make the peace plan unacceptable to Russia or Ukraine?</li> <li>Why is Kazakhstan rising diplomatically and how does Armenia fit into its strategy?</li> <li>What did Pashinyan’s award in Astana actually represent?</li> <li>Was the wheat shipment meaningful or only symbolic?</li> <li>What do the Vagharshapat results signal for 2026?</li> <li>Can impeachment efforts and election planning proceed together without weakening the opposition?</li> <li>Why did Armenia ignore the Stockholm Arbitration ruling on ENA?</li> <li>How will the power grid seizure affect investor confidence?</li> <li>What do current political detentions say about the state of civil liberties?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles-and-sources"><strong>Referenced Articles and Sources</strong></h1> <h3 id="ukraine-peace-plan-and-geneva-talks"><strong>Ukraine Peace Plan and Geneva Talks</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://niccolo.substack.com/p/to-end-a-war">To End a War (Niccolò Substack)</a></li> <li><a href="https://korybko.substack.com/p/analyzing-all-28-points-of-the-leaked">Analyzing the 28 Points (Korybko Substack)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/24/ukraine-peace-plan-europe-russia/">Washington Post on Geneva Reduction to 19 Points</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="kazakhstan-wheat-shipments-and-pashinyans-visit"><strong>Kazakhstan, Wheat Shipments, and Pashinyan’s Visit</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://astanatimes.com/2025/11/tokayev-trump-deepen-ties-with-17-billion-agreements/">Tokayev–Trump Meetings and Agreements</a></li> <li><a href="https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russia-kazakhstan-november-2025-presidential-meetings-strategic-partnership-agreement-npp-financing/">Kazakhstan–Russia Strategic Agreement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2025/11/21/Nikol-Pashinyan-Kassym-Jomart-Tokayev/">Pashinyan’s Official Visit to Astana</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2025/11/21/Nikol-Pashinyan-Kazakhstan/">Tokayev Awards Pashinyan the Order of the Golden Eagle</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33586213.html">Shipment of Russian Wheat to Armenia</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="russias-accusation-and-armenias-response"><strong>Russia’s Accusation and Armenia’s Response</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://svr.gov.ru/smi/2025/11/potseluy-erevana.htm">SVR Statement “Kiss of Yerevan”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33588226.html">Pashinyan Denies Allegations</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="electric-networks-of-armenia-and-power-grid-seizure"><strong>Electric Networks of Armenia and Power Grid Seizure</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://arminfo.info/full_news.php?id=93606">Stockholm Arbitration Ruling</a></li> <li><a href="https://mirrorspectator.com/2025/11/18/armenias-regulator-moves-to-strip-karapetyans-firm-of-power-grid-license/">PSRC Revokes ENA License</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="political-prisoners"><strong>Political Prisoners</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33598388.html">Lydia Mantashyan Pre-Trial Detention Extended</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>High-Stakes Ukraine Talks. Armenia’s Growing Political Detentions. Pashinyan Honored In Kazakhstan. Rising Pressure On The Church. Impeachment vs. Elections. Pashinyan Seizes Power Grid.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/488/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>We spoke with Dr. Sergei Melkonian about the shifting fronts in the Ukraine war, Russia’s winter strategy, and how these dynamics tie into Trump’s post-Alaska summit ceasefire diplomacy. We also discussed the rising risk of an Iran–Israel war, Iran’s view of the TRIPP (Trump Route) corridor in Armenia, and the strategic opening the U.S. is making in Central Asia with the C5+1 summit. Finally, we reviewed the Vagharshapat municipal election, reports of administrative resource abuse, the role of state-affiliated NGOs, and what this vote may or may not signal for Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/486-sergei-melkonian-ukraine-iran-israel-c5-1-washington-armenia-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine and Iran-Israel Conflicts. C5+1 in Washington DC. Vagharshapat/Etchmiadzin Municipal.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/486/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Five years after the 44-Day War, we take stock of what changed and what did not. Arthur Martirosyan reviews lessons Armenia still has not learned, then looks at the <strong>Ukraine war</strong>’s likely path and the risks of an <strong>Iran-Israel escalation</strong> for Armenia. We discuss key claims from <strong>Serge Sargsyan</strong>’s long interview on the Imnemnimi Podcast and <strong>Robert Kocharyan</strong>’s interviewon Channel 5, including alleged missed ceasefire windows, and we cover <strong>Narek Karapetyan’s appearance on Tucker Carlson</strong> about church persecution and Armenia’s drift toward rule by law.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/484-arthur-martirosyan-44-day-war-ukraine-iran-israel-sargsyan-kocharyan-interviews-narek-karapetyan-on-tucker-carlson/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Five years after the 44-Day War, we take stock of what changed and what did not. Arthur Martirosyan reviews lessons Armenia still has not learned, then looks at the Ukraine war’s likely path and the risks of an Iran-Israel escalation for Armenia. We discuss key claims from Serge Sargsyan’s long interview on the Imnemnimi Podcast and Robert Kocharyan’s interviewon Channel 5, including alleged missed ceasefire windows, and we cover Narek Karapetyan’s appearance on Tucker Carlson about church persecution and Armenia’s drift toward rule by law.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/<h1 id="groong-week-in-review-ep-483--show-notes">Groong Week in Review, Ep 483 — Show Notes</h1> <h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan joins us and We cover the Ukraine war’s trajectory and why a simple “freeze” only defers conflict, review US–Russia dynamics under Trump, and consider how a China focus and possible Venezuela moves could affect Armenia. We examine Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Armenian Church and the wave of opposition detentions, then dig into border demarcation, possible enclave trades, and Baku’s “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric. We also discuss a second-track meeting in Yerevan that included Artsakh-blockade figures, and Pashinyan&rsquo;s new “Police Guard” plan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:20:32 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/483-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-war-pashinyan-persecution-of-armenian-apostolic-church-and-opposition-intensifies/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine war status and U.S.–Russia dynamics. Church–state tensions and religious prosecutions. Opposition arrests, trials, and civil liberties. Border demarcation, enclaves.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/483/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We spoke with MP Arthur Khachatryan about three fronts shaping Armenia’s near term, Euronest politics and what EU rhetoric vs. executive policy means for Yerevan, Aliyev’s transit announcement and the TRIPP push, and a deepening domestic clampdown that now targets the Armenian Church and elected local officials. We also covered the Gyumri mayor’s detention and new “Article 422” speech charges, how these moves feed into the 2026 elections, and why real de-blocking requires practical, two-way access rather than headlines.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/481-arthur-khachatryan-euronest-aliyev-armenia-transit-move-tripp-gryumri-mayor-arrest-pashinyan-attacks-church/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We spoke with MP Arthur Khachatryan about three fronts shaping Armenia’s near term, Euronest politics and what EU rhetoric vs. executive policy means for Yerevan, Aliyev’s transit announcement and the TRIPP push, and a deepening domestic clampdown that now targets the Armenian Church and elected local officials. We also covered the Gyumri mayor’s detention and new “Article 422” speech charges, how these moves feed into the 2026 elections, and why real de-blocking requires practical, two-way access rather than headlines.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We spoke with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian about three linked fronts that shape Armenia’s risk picture today: the Ukraine war and a possible Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest, the Gaza ceasefire push and the roles of Qatar and Turkey, and widening political prosecutions in Armenia, including arrests of senior clergy and opposition figures. We also looked at the risk of strikes on Iran, why nearby corridors matter for Tehran’s calculus, and how these external pressures feed back into Armenia’s domestic scene. The conversation focused on the week ending October 19, 2025.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/479-dziunik-aghajanian-ukraine-war-budapest-summit-gaza-ceasefire-iran-tripp-armenian-church-repressions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We spoke with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian about three linked fronts that shape Armenia’s risk picture today: the Ukraine war and a possible Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest, the Gaza ceasefire push and the roles of Qatar and Turkey, and widening political prosecutions in Armenia, including arrests of senior clergy and opposition figures. We also looked at the risk of strikes on Iran, why nearby corridors matter for Tehran’s calculus, and how these external pressures feed back into Armenia’s domestic scene. The conversation focused on the week ending October 19, 2025.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This episode covers Armenia’s growing geopolitical balancing act as regional and domestic politics intensify ahead of the 2026 elections. Hrant Mikaelian joins to analyze Pashinyan’s “Trump Route” pitch at the CIS summit, Aliyev’s renewed push for the Zangezur Corridor, and Russia’s diplomatic recalibration after the AZAL crash. The discussion then turns to Armenia’s changing political landscape, including Samvel Karapetyan’s <em>In Our Way</em> movement, Arman Tatoyan’s <em>Wings of Unity</em>, and Robert Kocharyan’s proposal for a more sovereign, multi-route strategy to connect Armenia with its neighbors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/478-hrant-mikaelian-cis-ots-trump-route-armenia-opposition-karapetyan-kocharyan-tatoyan-vanetsyan-tsarukyan-2026/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This episode covers Armenia’s growing geopolitical balancing act as regional and domestic politics intensify ahead of the 2026 elections. Hrant Mikaelian joins to analyze Pashinyan’s “Trump Route” pitch at the CIS summit, Aliyev’s renewed push for the Zangezur Corridor, and Russia’s diplomatic recalibration after the AZAL crash. The discussion then turns to Armenia’s changing political landscape, including Samvel Karapetyan’s In Our Way movement, Arman Tatoyan’s Wings of Unity, and Robert Kocharyan’s proposal for a more sovereign, multi-route strategy to connect Armenia with its neighbors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>With <strong>Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> We cover Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s two-year sentence and what it signals in an lethargic Armenia, Moldova’s election and diaspora voting, the EU’s patterns of force ahead of Armenia’s 2026 vote, takeaways from the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), the politics of the U.S. PEACE Act, defense shifts including a shortened 18-month military service plan contrasted with acknowledged military serviceman shortage, and the internal fight over the stalled 44-day war report.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>With Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan We cover Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s two-year sentence and what it signals in an lethargic Armenia, Moldova’s election and diaspora voting, the EU’s patterns of force ahead of Armenia’s 2026 vote, takeaways from the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), the politics of the U.S. PEACE Act, defense shifts including a shortened 18-month military service plan contrasted with acknowledged military serviceman shortage, and the internal fight over the stalled 44-day war report.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/<h1 id="summary">Summary:</h1> <p>We reflect on September 27 and the 44-Day War, tracing how Pashinyan’s 2018 rise set the stage for broken negotiations, secret leader-to-leader contacts, poor defense choices, and a propaganda-laden war that the Armenian government failed to mobilize for. We revisit ceasefire rejections, Russia’s stand-off posture, and the postwar slide into demilitarization, border retreats, and historical revisionism. We close on accountability, the need for a real war commission, and the right of Artsakh’s people to return.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/476-hovik-manucharyan-asbed-bedrossian-44-day-war-a-tale-of-betrayal/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s rise and Western backing. Breakdown of talks and secret meetings. Failures and propaganda during the war. Aftermath, revisionism, and political responsibility.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/476/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We look at Georgia’s Oct 4 municipal elections, why the races feel lower stakes than parliamentary contests, and why Tbilisi remains the real battleground. Archil outlines Georgian Dream’s strength, the opposition’s fragmentation and boycotts, and how public fatigue shapes turnout. We review Kakha Kaladze’s record in the capital, the debate over sanctions and asset freezes, and what the “foreign agent” law has changed for NGOs. We close with Georgia’s view on TRIPP and a brief Georgia-Armenia comparison.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/475-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-tbilisi-elections-2025-kakha-kaladze-foreign-agent-law-tripp-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We look at Georgia’s Oct 4 municipal elections, why the races feel lower stakes than parliamentary contests, and why Tbilisi remains the real battleground. Archil outlines Georgian Dream’s strength, the opposition’s fragmentation and boycotts, and how public fatigue shapes turnout. We review Kakha Kaladze’s record in the capital, the debate over sanctions and asset freezes, and what the “foreign agent” law has changed for NGOs. We close with Georgia’s view on TRIPP and a brief Georgia-Armenia comparison.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We look back at September 19, 2023, when Azerbaijan attacked Artsakh after a nine-month blockade, killing 223 people and forcing Artsakh to disarm, then the exodus of 120,000 Armenians through the Lachin corridor. We discuss how that outcome was shaped by Yerevan’s stance, and what has followed. We examine Civil Contract’s 7th congress and the “Fourth Republic” plan tied to a new constitution after 2026, the EU framing, and the peace narrative. We also cover the opposition’s split strategy ahead of 2026 and the ENA situation, including nationalization versus foreign operator scenarios and what that signals to investors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/474-arthur-martirosyan-september-19-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-civil-contract-seventh-congress-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We look back at September 19, 2023, when Azerbaijan attacked Artsakh after a nine-month blockade, killing 223 people and forcing Artsakh to disarm, then the exodus of 120,000 Armenians through the Lachin corridor. We discuss how that outcome was shaped by Yerevan’s stance, and what has followed. We examine Civil Contract’s 7th congress and the “Fourth Republic” plan tied to a new constitution after 2026, the EU framing, and the peace narrative. We also cover the opposition’s split strategy ahead of 2026 and the ENA situation, including nationalization versus foreign operator scenarios and what that signals to investors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This week’s Week in Review with Hrant Mikaelian covers mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the risk of renewed war, Russia’s muted stance on the TRIPP corridor despite U.S. and Turkish advances, fresh data from the MPG poll on Armenia’s politics and society, and the state of Armenia’s economy at mid-2025, with particular focus on re-exports, debt, and government underperformance.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li><strong>War in Iran</strong>: The E3 snapback sanctions, Iran’s possible NPT withdrawal, and risks of a U.S.-Israeli escalation.</li> <li><strong>TRIPP Corridor</strong>: U.S. and Israeli leverage, Paul Goble’s views, Russia’s puzzling response, Iran’s split stance.</li> <li><strong>MPG Poll Findings</strong>: <ul> <li>Attitudes toward the Aug 8 White House TRIPP agreement.</li> <li>Views on opening a road through Syunik.</li> <li>Whether Washington agreements will bring peace.</li> <li>Constitutional change as a precondition from Azerbaijan.</li> <li>Political prisoners, including Samvel Karapetyan and Bagrat Srbazan.</li> <li>Party standings if elections were held today.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Armenian Economy H1/2025</strong>: Decline in re-exports, slowdown in industry, underperformance of key ministries, rising debt, and growth trends in construction and agriculture.</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Is the West pushing Iran into a corner, and could this lead to renewed war?</li> <li>Could TRIPP serve as a launchpad for U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran?</li> <li>Why is Russia muted while Paul Goble and U.S. analysts are exuberant?</li> <li>What do the MPG poll results reveal about Armenian public opinion on TRIPP, peace prospects, constitutional change, and political prisoners?</li> <li>Does Samvel Karapetyan’s rise in polling numbers suggest a viable opposition force in 2026?</li> <li>How sustainable is Armenia’s economy given re-export decline, underperforming ministries, and rising debt?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/29/russia-china-slam-european-nations-over-iran-snapback-sanctions-move">Al Jazeera – Russia, China slam European nations over Iran snapback sanctions move</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/236175/Iran-parl-could-discuss-emergency-plan-to-exit-NPT-Sun-MP">Mehr News – Iran parliament may discuss exit from NPT</a></li> <li><a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/11/israel-iran-war-trump-nuclear-august-december/">Foreign Policy – Israel-Iran war could come before December</a></li> <li><a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/armenia/how-goble-plan-was-born-and-how-it-remains-political-factor">ReliefWeb – How the Goble Plan was born</a></li> <li><a href="https://ria.ru/20250906/overchuk-2040140270.html">RIA – Overchuk on TRIPP</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us-secures-strategic-transit-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-deal-2025-08-07/">Reuters – U.S. secures strategic transit corridor Armenia-Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.luys.am/img/artpic/small/272ea2668ff86421398504-2025-%D5%AB%D4%B2%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BB%D5%A5%D5%AB1-%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6-2025.pdf">Luys Foundation – H1/2025 Armenian Economy report</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/08/25/2266794.html">168.am – Digest of Luys report</a></li> <li><a href="https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/armenias-mixed-economy-growth-in-services-offsets-trade-and-industry-decline.html">Caucasus Watch – Armenia’s mixed economy</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Hrant Mikaelian</strong>: On Netanyahu’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the controversial renovations at Tsitsernakaberd.</li> <li><strong>Asbed</strong>: Questioned why Pashinyan refused to request the return of POWs or territory during the August 8 White House meeting.</li> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: No additional statement this week.</li> </ul> <h1 id="mpg-poll">MPG Poll</h1> <hr> <h2 id="slide-2-methodology">Slide 2: Methodology</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Research method</strong>: Telephone surveys</li> <li><strong>Sample Size</strong>: 1101</li> <li><strong>Error Margin</strong>: ±3%</li> <li><strong>Implementation period</strong>: August 25, 2025 - August 30, 2025</li> <li><strong>Research location</strong>: Republic of Armenia</li> </ul> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/471/slides/MPG-slide-02.webp" alt="Slide 2" title="Slide 2" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This week’s Week in Review with Hrant Mikaelian covers mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the risk of renewed war, Russia’s muted stance on the TRIPP corridor despite U.S. and Turkish advances, fresh data from the MPG poll on Armenia’s politics and society, and the state of Armenia’s economy at mid-2025, with particular focus on re-exports, debt, and government underperformance.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/471/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/<h1 id="show-notes">Show Notes</h1> <p>In this <em>Conversations on Groong</em> episode, we speak with <strong>Dr. Gilbert Doctorow</strong> about the <strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organization</strong> (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China, on August 31–September 1, 2025. We cover the summit’s outcomes, China–India relations, Russia’s energy pivot, Victory Day commemorations, and what the SCO means for Armenia.</p> <hr> <h1 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h1> <ul> <li>The SCO Summit in Tianjin and the shift toward multipolarity</li> <li>Armenia’s blocked membership bid and the India–Pakistan dynamic</li> <li>Victory Day commemorations in China and Trump’s TruthSocial reaction</li> <li>The symbolism of Xi–Modi’s meeting and whether the U.S. has “lost” India</li> <li>Russia’s Power of Siberia-2 pipeline and its impact on Europe and Asia</li> <li>What&rsquo;s in it for Armenia?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>How has the SCO evolved from a security forum into an economic and political bloc?</li> <li>What stood out in Tianjin as genuine turning points in global governance?</li> <li>How do Armenia and Azerbaijan fit into the SCO when each is blocked by rivals?</li> <li>What does Victory Day signify in Chinese political culture, and how does Trump’s framing play into U.S. domestic politics?</li> <li>Has the U.S. truly “lost” India, or is India leveraging all sides?</li> <li>What balance emerges if India joins Russia and China at the SCO core?</li> <li>How does the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline reshape Russia’s energy map, Europe’s exclusion, and Asia’s future supply?</li> </ul> <h1 id="books-by-dr-doctorow">Books by Dr. Doctorow</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/7J6szrP">War Diaries</a></li> <li><a href="https://a.co/d/1lW8vNi">Memoirs of a Russianist: From the Ground Up and Russia in the Roaring 1990s</a></li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.worldaffairsincontext.com/p/a-new-chapter-in-global-governance">A New Chapter in Global Governance: The 2025 SCO Summit and the Rise of Multipolarity (World Affairs in Context, Lena Petrova)</a></li> <li><a href="https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/chinas-sco-summit-highlights-wests">China’s SCO Summit Highlights West’s Growing Ideological Isolation (Simplicius)</a></li> <li><a href="https://substack.com/@glenn-diesen">The Dawning of a New World Order (Glenn Diesen)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/52d3b560-7ee7-4aad-aebf-21270d661ced">Financial Times: Russia says China has agreed vast new Siberia gas pipeline</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/a974a056-274a-4606-9de1-be18519fb5de">Financial Times: A China-Russia sweetheart gas deal could upset US energy exporters</a></li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/469-gilbert-doctorow-sco-summit-tianjin-multipolarity-armenia-india-china-russia-gas-pipeline/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. China-India Thaw. Power of Siberia Gas Pipeline. What’s in it for Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/469/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with international human rights lawyer Robert Amsterdam about the arrest and pre-trial detention of Armenian businessman and Church benefactor Samvel Karapetyan. We explore how Armenia’s courts are being used in a campaign of lawfare targeting political opponents and the Armenian Apostolic Church, following growing tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and religious leaders. Amsterdam discusses the legal inconsistencies, the weaponization of pre-trial detention, and how these actions violate international norms. We also examine the broader consequences for Armenia’s legal system, religious freedom, and international reputation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:30:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/468-robert-amsterdam-samvel-karapetyan-lawfare-armenia-political-prisoner-church-detention-human-rights/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with international human rights lawyer Robert Amsterdam about the arrest and pre-trial detention of Armenian businessman and Church benefactor Samvel Karapetyan. We explore how Armenia’s courts are being used in a campaign of lawfare targeting political opponents and the Armenian Apostolic Church, following growing tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and religious leaders. Amsterdam discusses the legal inconsistencies, the weaponization of pre-trial detention, and how these actions violate international norms. We also examine the broader consequences for Armenia’s legal system, religious freedom, and international reputation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/<p>In this Week in Review, we look at Armenia’s role at the SCO summit, where Pashinyan struck a new “strategic partnership” with China while also meeting Putin, raising questions about Yerevan’s shifting alignments. We examine the August 8 Washington documents on TRIPP, where words like “corridor” and “99-year lease” swirl despite Armenia’s denials, and ask what Azerbaijan’s demand for constitutional change really means. We cover rising tensions between Moscow and Baku after Aliyev called Russia an occupier and Zatulin warned against seeing Azerbaijan as a partner. And we discuss the UK’s push to raise relations with Armenia to a strategic level, even as London courts Baku and maintains loopholes in its arms embargo.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/467-benyamin-poghosyan-sco-summit-china-armenia-tripp-zangezur-corridor-russia-azerbaijan-uk-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, we look at Armenia’s role at the SCO summit, where Pashinyan struck a new “strategic partnership” with China while also meeting Putin, raising questions about Yerevan’s shifting alignments. We examine the August 8 Washington documents on TRIPP, where words like “corridor” and “99-year lease” swirl despite Armenia’s denials, and ask what Azerbaijan’s demand for constitutional change really means. We cover rising tensions between Moscow and Baku after Aliyev called Russia an occupier and Zatulin warned against seeing Azerbaijan as a partner. And we discuss the UK’s push to raise relations with Armenia to a strategic level, even as London courts Baku and maintains loopholes in its arms embargo.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250829-transcript-466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250829-transcript-466-jeffrey-sachs-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-russia-iran-economy/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins to discuss the U.S.-brokered “TRIPP” (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), also known as the Zangezur Corridor. The discussion covers the risks of foreign powers imposing corridors through Armenia, the muted response from Moscow, Tehran’s strong opposition, and what this means for regional security. Sachs stresses that Armenia should not look to distant powers like the United States for security or stability, but instead pursue prudent arrangements and economic cooperation with its immediate neighbors—Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. He also gives candid advice on Armenia’s economy, its dependence on Russia, and the long-term challenges of EU aspirations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/<p>This Week in Review features Tevan Poghosyan, who joins us to discuss the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, the secrecy and dangers surrounding the Washington-brokered TRIPP (Trump Route) agreements, Iran’s mixed response to the corridor following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, and Russia’s quiet but firm reminders of its enduring leverage in Armenia. We also touch on the Gaza genocide, the importance of unity for Armenians, and developments in Armenian politics including Narek Karapetyan’s videos, Jirayr Libaridian’s analysis, Russia’s response to pro-Azeri voices, Pashinyan’s defense budget stance, and more in the Kitchen Sink.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/464-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-state-sovereignty-tripp-trump-corridor-azerbaijan-turkey-russia-iran-pezeshkian-overchuk-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review features Tevan Poghosyan, who joins us to discuss the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, the secrecy and dangers surrounding the Washington-brokered TRIPP (Trump Route) agreements, Iran’s mixed response to the corridor following President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Yerevan, and Russia’s quiet but firm reminders of its enduring leverage in Armenia. We also touch on the Gaza genocide, the importance of unity for Armenians, and developments in Armenian politics including Narek Karapetyan’s videos, Jirayr Libaridian’s analysis, Russia’s response to pro-Azeri voices, Pashinyan’s defense budget stance, and more in the Kitchen Sink.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This Week in Review covers the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, the rebranded Trump Route (TRIPP) through Syunik, shifting Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Moscow’s recalibration with Iran after the U.S.-Israeli war, and the emergence of a new Armenian opposition movement called Our Way. <strong>Dr. Sergei Melkonian</strong> analyzes the stakes for Armenia, Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, plus domestic political shifts in Yerevan.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Trump-Putin Alaska summit and implications for Ukraine and Europe</li> <li>Trump Corridor politics: Armenia, Iran, Russia, and the TRIPP project</li> <li>Russian-Azerbaijani tensions over SOCAR strikes and regional power shifts</li> <li>Russian-Iranian relations after the 12-day U.S.-Israeli war on Iran</li> <li>Armenia’s emerging opposition movement Our Way led by Samvel Karapetyan</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>What was achieved at the Alaska summit, and is a negotiated end to the Ukraine war possible?</li> <li>Were Iran and Russia caught off guard by the Washington accords on the Trump Route?</li> <li>Who speaks for Iran when we interpret its divided responses?</li> <li>What are Russia’s interests and red lines in the corridor issue, and does the Trump Route clash with Point 9 of the 2020 ceasefire?</li> <li>Why are Russian-Azerbaijani relations deteriorating, and is TRIPP a cause or a symptom?</li> <li>How is Russia reshaping its diplomacy with Iran after the war?</li> <li>Does the emergence of Our Way mark a real reshaping of Armenia’s political landscape?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33503738.html">RFE/RL: New opposition “Our Way” led by Samvel Karapetyan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-striking-azerbaijans-socar-oil-facilities-ukraine-purpose-kyiv-says-2025-08-18/">Reuters: Russia strikes SOCAR-linked assets in Ukraine</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33497154.html">RFE/RL: Govt to sell 20% stake in Viva Armenia (MTS)</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/hy/article/176141">Hetq: Avinyan family villa at Lake Sevan investigation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33496237.html">RFE/RL: Bagrat Srbazan recording released</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.occrp.org/en/news/german-ex-mp-convicted-in-azerbaijan-bribery-scandal">OCCRP: German ex-MP convicted in Azerbaijan bribery case</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Sergei Melkonian</strong>: Azerbaijan is not interested in peace while the Western Azerbaijan agenda, prisoners, and the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh remain unaddressed.</li> <li><strong>Hovik Manucharyan</strong>: Constitutional preconditions placed on Armenia make a real peace deal unattainable.</li> </ul> <h1 id="kitchen-sink">Kitchen Sink</h1> <ul> <li>Tigran Avinyan’s father’s luxury villa at Lake Sevan (Shorzha)</li> <li>Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan case and release of the unedited audio</li> <li>Azerbaijani Laundromat update: German ex-MP’s suspended sentence</li> <li>Government to sell its 20% stake in Viva Armenia (MTS)</li> <li>Amulsar and molybdenum combine revived, with shares transferred to the state</li> <li>Pashinyan found in breach of ethics for indecent language</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/463-sergei-melkonian-trump-route-tripp-iran-russia-azerbaijan-ukraine-war-armenia-our-way-mer-dzevov-opposition-samvel-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review covers the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, the rebranded Trump Route (TRIPP) through Syunik, shifting Russian-Azerbaijani relations, Moscow’s recalibration with Iran after the U.S.-Israeli war, and the emergence of a new Armenian opposition movement called Our Way. Dr. Sergei Melkonian analyzes the stakes for Armenia, Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, plus domestic political shifts in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/463/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/Sun, 17 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/<p>In this episode, Christine Arakelian joins us for a deep dive into Armenia’s political crossroads. We discuss Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, the arrests of clergy and business leaders, and the chilling effect on society. We explore India-Armenia relations and why opportunities with New Delhi remain untapped, the heavy influence of Western-funded NGOs and the role of new groups like <em>Save Armenia: A Judeo-Christian Alliance</em>, as well as the government’s growing estrangement from the Armenian diaspora. Finally, we place these developments in the context of U.S. politics, Trump’s foreign policy, and the strategic game around the Trump Corridor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/Sun, 17 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/462-christine-arakelian-pashinyan-church-india-armenia-ngos-diaspora-trump-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, Christine Arakelian joins us for a deep dive into Armenia’s political crossroads. We discuss Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church, the arrests of clergy and business leaders, and the chilling effect on society. We explore India-Armenia relations and why opportunities with New Delhi remain untapped, the heavy influence of Western-funded NGOs and the role of new groups like Save Armenia: A Judeo-Christian Alliance, as well as the government’s growing estrangement from the Armenian diaspora. Finally, we place these developments in the context of U.S. politics, Trump’s foreign policy, and the strategic game around the Trump Corridor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/Sat, 16 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/<p>In this episode, analyst <strong>Hamid Bahrami</strong> joins us to discuss Iran’s recalibrating role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, or “Trump Route.” We explore how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, its possible link to a wider US-Israeli strategy, and the risks of a new regional war. The discussion also covers Iran’s past passivity in the Caucasus, the wake-up call of the 44-day war, and Tehran’s options for deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia as it faces a shifting geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/Sat, 16 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/461-hamid-bahrami-iran-armenia-tripp-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-us-israel-azerbaijan-containment-strategy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, analyst Hamid Bahrami joins us to discuss Iran’s recalibrating role in the South Caucasus following the White House meeting between Trump, Pashinyan, and Aliyev that unveiled the TRIPP corridor, or “Trump Route.” We explore how the project threatens to bypass and encircle Iran, its possible link to a wider US-Israeli strategy, and the risks of a new regional war. The discussion also covers Iran’s past passivity in the Caucasus, the wake-up call of the 44-day war, and Tehran’s options for deeper cooperation with Russia, China, and Armenia as it faces a shifting geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/<p><strong>Summary</strong><br> In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the region. They also assess the risks and potential outcomes of the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the Armenian government’s handling of sovereignty, diaspora relations, and political prisoners.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Summary In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the region. They also assess the risks and potential outcomes of the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the Armenian government’s handling of sovereignty, diaspora relations, and political prisoners.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This Week in Review examines the August 8, 2025 White House meeting between Donald Trump, Nikol Pashinyan, and Ilham Aliyev. Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian joins to discuss the geopolitical fallout from the initialed but yet-unsigned “peace agreement,” the 99-year Trump Corridor lease through Armenia, and the scrapping of Section 907. The conversation covers the agreement’s omissions, Iran’s mixed but wary reaction, Russia’s cautious stance, and the broader strategic implications for Armenia’s sovereignty and security.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/459-dziunik-aghajanian-trump-aliyev-pashinyan-white-house-meeting-trump-route-zangezur-corridor-section-907-iran-russia-armenia-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Trump, Aliyev, Pashinyan Meeting. Iranian Reaction. Russian Reaction.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/459/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250812-transcript-460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250812-transcript-460-douglas-macgregor-christine-arakelian-usa-geopolitics-armenia-south-caucasus-trump-route-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-tripp-iran-russia-gaza-israel/<p><strong>Summary</strong><br> In this episode, Christine Arakelian and Col. Douglas MacGregor join the hosts to analyze U.S. foreign policy moves from Gaza to the South Caucasus. They discuss Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the likely resumption of hostilities. The conversation examines the Trump–Pashinyan–Aliyev White House summit, the strategic “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and its impact on Russia, Iran, and India. The guests explore India–Armenia relations, U.S. economic vulnerabilities, and the challenges of sustaining a long-term American role in the region. They also assess the risks and potential outcomes of the upcoming Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the Armenian government’s handling of sovereignty, diaspora relations, and political prisoners.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we unpack the latest geopolitical maneuvers affecting Armenia—from the proposed Zangezur Corridor lease floated by the U.S., to the Trump ultimatum for a Ukraine ceasefire. We also examine the fallout from Azerbaijan’s decision to revoke ICRC access to Armenian POWs, and discuss the rising number of political prisoners inside Armenia itself. With regional tensions rising and domestic pressure mounting, is Armenia being squeezed from all sides?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/457-benyamin-poghosyan-trump-ultimatum-on-ukraine-sanctions-russia-zangezur-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-kitchen-sink/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we unpack the latest geopolitical maneuvers affecting Armenia—from the proposed Zangezur Corridor lease floated by the U.S., to the Trump ultimatum for a Ukraine ceasefire. We also examine the fallout from Azerbaijan’s decision to revoke ICRC access to Armenian POWs, and discuss the rising number of political prisoners inside Armenia itself. With regional tensions rising and domestic pressure mounting, is Armenia being squeezed from all sides?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/<p>In this episode of <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about the deepening rift between Georgia and the European Union following the EU Parliament’s July 2025 resolution threatening sanctions, SWIFT disconnection, and political interference. We explore Georgia’s strategic importance in the South Caucasus, its balancing act between East and West, the growing pressure on traditional religious institutions, and the stakes surrounding Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections.**</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>The European Parliament’s July 2025 resolution on Georgia and its coercive tone</li> <li>The EU’s geopolitical strategy in the South Caucasus and its pressures on Georgia</li> <li>Trade and diplomacy: Georgia’s growing ties with Iran and China</li> <li>The regional pattern of attacks on traditional Churches in Georgia and Armenia</li> <li>Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections and the EU’s attempts to shape internal political outcomes</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the EU’s strategy in the South Caucasus, and how does Georgia fit in it?</li> <li>Is the EU pressuring Georgia out of concern for democracy—or to secure geopolitical leverage?</li> <li>Why does the EU oppose Georgia’s economic ties with Iran and China?</li> <li>What does the Anaklia port project symbolize in the context of EU–Georgia relations?</li> <li>Why is the Georgian Orthodox Church—and the Armenian Apostolic Church—under attack?</li> <li>Does joining the EU require giving up national identity and traditional institutions?</li> <li>What’s at stake in the 2025 municipal elections, and how are they being positioned as a referendum on Georgia’s legitimacy?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://archilsikharulidze.substack.com/p/the-european-parliament-calls-to?triedRedirect=true">The European Parliament Calls to Punish Georgia — Archil Sikharulidze on Substack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-10-2025-0110_EN.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLaDUNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2c2Q1aFVqSXVTTVk4QUk4AR6Jee7sjtfIttfai5htoqtZehnUtWzZQEgtOZYF_AOmbtFx2mNVku-GPedFrg_aem_DB2uivPam4ZTCwn8fd90_A">EU Parliament Resolution A-10-2025-0110 on Georgia (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sikhafoundation.ge/index.php/2025/07/17/transcript-the-church-under-fire-why-post-soviet-governments-pressure-religion/">Transcript: “The Church Under Fire” – Sikha Foundation</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/454-archil-sikharulidze-eu-georgia-sanctions-swift-church-iran-china-elections-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about the deepening rift between Georgia and the European Union following the EU Parliament’s July 2025 resolution threatening sanctions, SWIFT disconnection, and political interference. We explore Georgia’s strategic importance in the South Caucasus, its balancing act between East and West, the growing pressure on traditional religious institutions, and the stakes surrounding Georgia’s upcoming municipal elections.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/<p>In this episode, Hovik and Asbed discuss the quiet but consequential meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, and the parallel crackdown unfolding in Armenia against opposition figures, church leaders, and academics. With no official deal signed, the conversation focuses on the deeper implications of &ldquo;outsourcing&rdquo; corridor control and the broader geopolitical realignments under way.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Pashinyan’s meeting with Aliyev in Abu Dhabi</li> <li>Armenia’s offer to outsource control of the corridor to a U.S.-based company</li> <li>The surge in arrests targeting opposition figures and church leaders</li> <li>The case of 18-year-old ARF member Andranik Chamichyan</li> <li>Firing of Bishop Vardan Navasardyan from YSU</li> <li>Karen Igityan denied entry into Armenia despite decades of residence</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What was achieved in the Pashinyan–Aliyev meeting—and what was conceded?</li> <li>Is Armenia giving up sovereign control of its territory under the label of “outsourcing”?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government arresting so many opposition figures and clergy?</li> <li>What does the strikeball case say about the use of state power against youth activists?</li> <li>How far will the government go to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 elections?</li> <li>What are the regional consequences of a NATO-linked corridor bordering Iran?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/draft-deal-to-end-bitter-conflict-agreed-4-months-ago-but-timeline-for-sealing-complex-deal-remains-uncertain">Al Jazeera: Draft peace deal remains unsigned</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1224526">Armenpress: Armenia open to outsourcing corridor control</a></li> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/court-granted-the-motion-to-arrest-opposition-mp-artur-sargsyan/">Arka: Court approves arrest of MP Artur Sargsyan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/eph-astvatsabanoutyan-fakoulteti-episkopos-dekann-azatvel-e-ashkhatankits/33471866.html">Azatutyun: YSU theology dean dismissed</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/beglaryan_davit/status/1943798167364849829">Davit Beglaryan on political prisoners</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h2> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/453-hovik-asbed-pashinyan-aliyev-zangezur-corridor-political-arrests-church-crackdown/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, Hovik and Asbed discuss the quiet but consequential meeting between Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, and the parallel crackdown unfolding in Armenia against opposition figures, church leaders, and academics. With no official deal signed, the conversation focuses on the deeper implications of &ldquo;outsourcing&rdquo; corridor control and the broader geopolitical realignments under way.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/453/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Constitution Day</strong>: Pashinyan’s rejection of Armenia’s founding document and what it signals</li> <li><strong>Foreign-Controlled Corridor through Syunik</strong>: From rejecting a Russian corridor to considering a U.S.-managed one</li> <li><strong>Kaja Kallas in Yerevan</strong>: What message did the Estonian PM and EU envoy bring to Armenia?</li> <li><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Breakdown</strong>: Arrests, beatings, media retaliation, and geopolitical friction</li> <li><strong>Church Crackdown</strong>: Samvel Karapetyan’s arrest and surveillance of clergy raise alarm</li> <li><strong>Stripping of Parliamentary Immunity</strong>: Ohanyan and Minasyan face charges over years-old land case</li> <li><strong>Turkey&rsquo;s Latest Insult</strong>: Talaat Pasha’s name proposed for border crossing amid &ldquo;normalization&rdquo;</li> <li><strong>SCO Application Confusion</strong>: Armenia seeks membership in a bloc that includes many CSTO allies, and is incompatible with EU aspirations</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Has Armenia surrendered the principle of sovereignty by inviting U.S. oversight in Syunik?</li> <li>Why is Erdogan praising Armenia’s “constructive” stance on the Zangezur corridor?</li> <li>What’s behind Russia’s sudden crackdown on Azerbaijani-linked criminal figures—and Baku’s aggressive response?</li> <li>Are the criminal charges against Ohanyan and Minasyan politically timed and selectively applied?</li> <li>What does Turkey’s proposal to name a border crossing after Talaat Pasha say about Armenian-Turkish normalization?</li> <li>Is Armenia’s application to the SCO a realistic foreign policy shift or just more confusion?</li> </ul> <h2 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Arthur</strong>: Reflected on the <strong>nationalization of Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA)</strong> and the strategic significance of Armenia’s <strong>electrical infrastructure</strong>, including the potential for <strong>AI data centers</strong> and cross-border power export.</li> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: Criticized <strong>AUA’s handling of student activism</strong>, raising concerns about the university’s values and its role in <strong>suppressing free speech</strong> during recent protests.</li> </ul> <h2 id="the-kitchen-sink">The Kitchen Sink</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Opposition Immunity Stripped</strong>: Ohanyan and Minasyan were charged over a land deal from years ago, even though the same property was previously attributed to Ohanyan’s wife. Meanwhile, <strong>Khachatur Sukiasyan</strong>, a regime-aligned oligarch with a long record of suspicious deals, remains untouched.</li> <li><strong>Talaat Pasha Crossing</strong>: Turkey’s proposal to rename a border crossing after the chief architect of the Armenian Genocide is a humiliating blow amid Pashinyan’s push for normalization.</li> <li><strong>Artsakh Parliament in Exile</strong>: With Davit Ishkhanyan detained in Baku, <strong>Ashot Danielyan</strong> was named Speaker and acting president by the Artsakh National Assembly in exile.</li> <li><strong>SCO Membership Bid</strong>: Armenia’s announcement that it is applying to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, despite having burned bridges with CSTO members, adds another layer of strategic confusion.</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://news.am/eng/news/823611.html">Erdogan’s “Zangezur corridor” comments</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/russia-is-moscow-losing-azerbaijan-as-an-ally/a-73147334">Russia-Azerbaijan fallout</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/lawmakers-want-to-rename-turkish-border-crossing-to-after-talaat-pasha/">Turkish MPs propose Talaat Pasha crossing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33463229.html">SCO confusion and application</a></li> <li><a href="https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2025/06/armenia-turkiye-rapprochement?lang=en">Carnegie Endowment on Armenia-Turkey ties</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1223776">Kaja Kallas visits Yerevan</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1223719">Russian-Azeri mafia arrest report</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1224254">Seyran Ohanyan and Artsvik Minasyan charges</a></li> <li><a href="https://hraparak.am/post/51da9c2a2c0ce381955b34054045e883">Hraparak report on immunity vote</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aravot.am/2025/06/13/1493591/">Ohanyan case timeline in Aravot</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/hy/article/139330">Khachatur Sukiasyan controversies</a></li> <li><a href="https://hetq.am/en/article/167698">Bodyguard livestock farm</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/arm/news/695109.html">Illegal construction by Sukiasyan’s son</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/452-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-syunik-corridor-us-russia-azerbaijan-iran-eu-turkey-constitutional-crisis-church-crackdown-political-prisoners-khachaturov-pows-artsakh-opposition-aliyev-erdogan-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitution Day. Western Controlled Syunik? What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan? Russian-Azerbaijani Relations. Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église? The Kitchen Sink.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/452/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/<h2 id="-summary">🎙️ Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, retired Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski joins Groong to break down the so-called “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran—triggered by Israeli assassinations and escalated by Trump’s sudden military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Kwiatkowski critiques Israel’s lawless war conduct, the silence of Congress, and Trump’s attempt to fold the war into his “America First” agenda. She argues that Iran, paradoxically, emerged stronger on the world stage, while Israel’s internal cohesion and credibility have been damaged. The conversation also touches on the collapse of the U.S. peace movement, the manipulation of American foreign policy by Israeli interests, and the erosion of trust between Trump and his populist base.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The 12-Day War. Where did Trump’s American 1st Go?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/450/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250628-transcript-450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/Sat, 28 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250628-transcript-450-karen-kwiatkowski-israel-attacks-iran-where-did-trump-america-first-go-will-maga-split/<h2 id="-summary">🎙️ Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/450/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Karen Kwiatkowski - Israel Attacks Iran, Where did Trump’s America 1st Go | Ep 450, June 28, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - June 28, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-06-28</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 450</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/450">https://podcasts.groong.org/450</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/mk9DqOxG-i8">https://youtu.be/mk9DqOxG-i8</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Ltc. Karen U. Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Karen Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/<h2 id="-main-topics-addressed">🎙️ Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Israel and the U.S. launch a 12-day war on Iran, triggering global and regional fallout.</li> <li>Armenia’s geopolitical silence and exposure to refugee flows and instability.</li> <li>Pashinyan’s cultural war against the Church, with mounting verbal attacks.</li> <li>Pashinyan’s June 13 visit to Istanbul and quiet meeting with Erdogan and Aliyev.</li> <li>OIC’s “Istanbul Declaration” includes sharp anti-Armenian language.</li> <li>Turkish-Azeri military drills in Nakhichevan amid regional war.</li> </ul> <h2 id="-key-questions-discussed">❓ Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Is the Iran ceasefire stable, or just a pause before more covert action?</li> <li>How exposed is Armenia to fallout from the Iran-Israel conflict?</li> <li>Why does public support for Netanyahu persist despite mounting costs?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan using internal cultural fights to distract from real crises?</li> <li>What does Karapetyan’s arrest reveal about the state of dissent?</li> <li>Why has Armenia gone through six NSS chiefs in six years?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan replacing Russian-trained officials with NATO-aligned ones?</li> <li>How credible are the terrorism claims against Bagrat Srbazan?</li> <li>What influence did the Istanbul meeting have on the OIC declaration?</li> <li>Why is Anna Hakobyan’s program budget considered classified?</li> </ul> <h2 id="personal-thoughts-from-the-participants">Personal Thoughts from the Participants</h2> <ul> <li>Hovik: Shout out to Brian Berletic for excellent geopolitical coverage</li> <li>Sergei: Israel-Iran war was an important test for Armenia. Armenia must be ready, because it will come around.</li> </ul> <h2 id="the-kitchen-sink">The Kitchen Sink</h2> <ul> <li>Crackdown on opposition figures tied to the ARF and the Srbazan Movement.</li> <li>Arrest of billionaire Samvel Karapetyan after defending the Armenian Church</li> <li>Gunfire Continues At Armenian Border Towns</li> <li>Dismissal of NSS chief Armen Abazyan amid rising pressure on security institutions.</li> <li>Lawsuit filed by Armine Fanyan accusing Pashinyan of inciting hatred.</li> <li>Anna Hakobyan’s “Education is Trendy” campaign shielded as a state secret.</li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/449-sergei-melkonian-israel-iran-crackdown-on-armenian-opposition-pashinyan-in-istanbul/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Israel and Iran. Crackdown on the Opposition. Pashinyan in Istanbul. The Kitchen Sink.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/449/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/<p>In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about the rapidly escalating war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. We explore the strategic goals behind the conflict, the risks of nuclear escalation, and whether regime change or the partitioning of Iran is a realistic objective—or a dangerous delusion. We also examine how Russia, China, and Europe are responding, and why Iran’s survival or collapse could reshape Armenia’s geopolitical position. Finally, we discuss how Armenia might navigate the fallout of a regional war it cannot afford to ignore.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/448-arman-grigoryan-israel-iran-war-regime-change-nuclear-weapons-armenia-russia-china-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about the rapidly escalating war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. We explore the strategic goals behind the conflict, the risks of nuclear escalation, and whether regime change or the partitioning of Iran is a realistic objective—or a dangerous delusion. We also examine how Russia, China, and Europe are responding, and why Iran’s survival or collapse could reshape Armenia’s geopolitical position. Finally, we discuss how Armenia might navigate the fallout of a regional war it cannot afford to ignore.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:56 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:28:56 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250616-transcript-447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250616-transcript-447-fyodor-lukyanov-israel-iran-attack-operation-rising-lion-us-trump-nuclear-talks-russia-partnership-armenia-syunik-zangezur-corridor-azerbaijan-ukraine-operation-spiderweb-counter-terror-campaign/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/<p>In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia&rsquo;s economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland&rsquo;s presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/444-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-church-under-attack-pashinyan-rpa-impeachment-david-hambardzumyan-pm-candidate-armenian-economy-decline-demographic-crisis-birthrate-emigration-artsakh-refugees-georgia-relations-ukraine-war-poland-election-ep444/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia&rsquo;s economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland&rsquo;s presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/443-abhinav-pandya-from-sindoor-to-syunik-india-new-geopolitical-frontline-armenia-pakistan-turkey-azerbaijan-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:18:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/<p>In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, recorded on June 2, 2025, guest Benyamin Poghosyan joins hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian to unpack a tense and volatile week in both regional and domestic politics. The conversation opens with rising tensions in the Ukraine war, as drone strikes reach deep into Russia, Germany lifts missile restrictions, and Trump labels Putin “crazy,” all while Iran nuclear talks remain frozen under hardline U.S. demands. The focus then shifts to the South Caucasus, where Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Lavrov in Moscow to push the “3+3” platform and floated Istanbul as a summit venue for global powers. Meanwhile, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Pakistan’s PM Sharif staged a PR spectacle in Lachin to inaugurate a third airport in occupied Artsakh, signaling strategic realignments. Back in Armenia, the Pashinyans launched harsh verbal attacks on the Armenian Church just as Baku’s Grand Mufti claimed Etchmiadzin as Azerbaijani land, prompting questions of tacit coordination. The episode also revisits the impeachment debate versus opposition planning for the 2026 elections, probing whether security and corruption can drive real political traction. Finally, the hosts spotlight the rise of regime-aligned oligarch Narek Nalbandyan, whose sweetheart deals, state-enabled asset grabs, and government-backed expansion raise serious concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption values in Armenia today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:18:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/442-benyamin-poghosyan-ukraine-us-iran-crises-hakan-fidan-in-moscow-aliyev-erdogan-sharif-in-lachin-azerbaijan-pashinyan-attack-armenian-church-impeachment-vs-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, recorded on June 2, 2025, guest Benyamin Poghosyan joins hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian to unpack a tense and volatile week in both regional and domestic politics. The conversation opens with rising tensions in the Ukraine war, as drone strikes reach deep into Russia, Germany lifts missile restrictions, and Trump labels Putin “crazy,” all while Iran nuclear talks remain frozen under hardline U.S. demands. The focus then shifts to the South Caucasus, where Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met Lavrov in Moscow to push the “3+3” platform and floated Istanbul as a summit venue for global powers. Meanwhile, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Pakistan’s PM Sharif staged a PR spectacle in Lachin to inaugurate a third airport in occupied Artsakh, signaling strategic realignments. Back in Armenia, the Pashinyans launched harsh verbal attacks on the Armenian Church just as Baku’s Grand Mufti claimed Etchmiadzin as Azerbaijani land, prompting questions of tacit coordination. The episode also revisits the impeachment debate versus opposition planning for the 2026 elections, probing whether security and corruption can drive real political traction. Finally, the hosts spotlight the rise of regime-aligned oligarch Narek Nalbandyan, whose sweetheart deals, state-enabled asset grabs, and government-backed expansion raise serious concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption values in Armenia today.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/<p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the ARF about Armenia’s shifting political landscape. We reflect on Republic Day and the legacy of the First Armenian Republic, explore Armenia’s contradictory stance on EU membership amid Russian pressure, and examine Pashinyan’s push to amend the constitution to satisfy Azerbaijani demands. The conversation also covers rising opposition calls for either elections or impeachment, the growing threat of Azerbaijani aggression along Armenia’s borders, recent corruption scandals, and the implications of Armenia hosting the 2026 EPC Summit during an election year.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/441-arthur-khachatryan-armenia-eu-accession-russia-constitution-impeachment-artsakh-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the ARF about Armenia’s shifting political landscape. We reflect on Republic Day and the legacy of the First Armenian Republic, explore Armenia’s contradictory stance on EU membership amid Russian pressure, and examine Pashinyan’s push to amend the constitution to satisfy Azerbaijani demands. The conversation also covers rising opposition calls for either elections or impeachment, the growing threat of Azerbaijani aggression along Armenia’s borders, recent corruption scandals, and the implications of Armenia hosting the 2026 EPC Summit during an election year.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/Tue, 27 May 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/<p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/Tue, 27 May 2025 00:11:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/439-levon-zourabian-us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-middle-east-abraham-accords--geopolitic-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-2026-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Levon Zourabian, Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), about the rising political temperature in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. We explore the fragile geopolitical environment surrounding Armenia—from renewed US-Iran negotiations and the expansion of the Abraham Accords to Russia’s shifting posture in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. Zourabian also weighs in on the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan, and whether a new political coalition can challenge Nikol Pashinyan’s hold on power.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/<h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Pashinyan in Tirana</strong>: Very little was shared in advance about his meetings with Erdogan and Aliyev; post-meeting reports reveal renewed demands, including the removal of Mt. Ararat from Armenia’s coat of arms. European leaders echoed calls for a &ldquo;swift&rdquo; peace deal.</li> <li><strong>Lavrov’s Visit to Yerevan</strong>: Russia aims to stay relevant in normalization talks; seeks presence, not outcomes.</li> <li><strong>Crackdown on Journalism</strong>: Armenian journalists face persecution; authorities draft new anti-media laws.</li> <li><strong>Municipal Corruption &amp; Political Decline</strong>: Tigran Avinyan allies arrested; public confidence in Yerevan city leadership slipping.</li> <li><strong>Election 2026 and Opposition Rifts</strong>: Kocharian eyes a comeback; factions split between elections and impeachment.</li> <li><strong>Military Reform = Demilitarization?</strong>: $52,000 bill to shorten service seen as quiet demilitarization.</li> <li><strong>The Kitchen Sink Segment</strong>: Follow-ups on Iran-Armenia ties, parliament chaos, and defense import cuts.</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>What exactly are Aliyev’s expanding demands, and why does the West appear complicit?</li> <li>Why is Pashinyan negotiating secretly with Erdogan while Turkey blockades Armenia?</li> <li>Can Lavrov’s visit restore Russia’s influence in Armenia, or is it just optics?</li> <li>Is Armenia’s military reform a step toward national weakening under external pressure?</li> <li>Why are Western civil society groups silent as press freedom erodes in Armenia?</li> <li>Can the Armenian opposition realistically unseat Pashinyan in 2026—or are they too fragmented?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/baku-continues-to-insist-on-changes-to-armenian-constitution-and-now-coat-of-arms/">Aliyev Demands New Concessions</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1219721">Lavrov in Yerevan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33418459.html">Zangezur TV Journalist Charged</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33419421.html">Kocharian’s Interview</a></li> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/just-one-month-of-military-service-in-armenia-for-a-price/">Military Reform Law</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/Fri, 23 May 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/438-hrant-mikaelian-tirana-lavrov-armenia-democracy-demilitarization-kitchen-sink/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan in Tirana. Russia’s Lavrov in Yerevan. Democracy in Jeopardy. Armenia’s Demilitarization by Any Other Name. The Kitchen Sink.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/438/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/Mon, 19 May 2025 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/<h2 id="episode-437-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions--ehsan-movahedian">Episode 437: Iran Amidst Geopolitical Tensions – Ehsan Movahedian</h2> <h3 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed:</h3> <ul> <li>US-Iran Nuclear Talks and Trump&rsquo;s Middle East Visit</li> <li>Pezeshkian’s Visit to Baku and the Zangezur Corridor Debate</li> <li>Iran-Armenia Relations Amid Regional Pressures</li> <li>The Abraham Accords and Potential South Caucasus Expansion</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed:</h3> <ul> <li>How is Iran responding to Trump’s nuclear deal proposal and U.S. sanctions?</li> <li>What implications does Pezeshkian’s Baku visit hold for Iran-Armenia relations?</li> <li>Why is Iran opposed to the Zangezur Corridor, and what is its alternative proposal?</li> <li>How is Iran navigating internal divisions between reformists and conservatives regarding foreign policy?</li> <li>Could the Abraham Accords be leveraged to further isolate Iran in the South Caucasus?</li> </ul> <h3 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-us-is-getting-very-close-nuclear-deal-with-iran-2025-05-15/">Reuters: Trump says US is getting very close to nuclear deal with Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-iran-given-draft-deal-proposal-i-dont-know-if-netanyahu-can-get-hostages-out/">Times of Israel: Trump: Iran given draft deal proposal, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t know&rsquo; if Netanyahu can get hostages out</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/16/trump-calls-on-iran-to-move-quickly-on-nuclear-proposal">Al Jazeera: Trump calls on Iran to &lsquo;move quickly&rsquo; on nuclear proposal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250428-iranian-president-visits-azerbaijan-as-ties-warm">France 24: Pezeshkian visit to Baku as ties warm</a></li> <li><a href="https://niacouncil.org/irans-president-pezeshkian-visits-azerbaijan-amid-efforts-to-revive-ties/">NIAC: Iran&rsquo;s Pezeshkian visits Azerbaijan to revive ties</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2025/04/28/3301043/pezeshkian-affirms-azerbaijan-s-sovereignty-over-karabakh-in-visit-to-baku">Tasnim News: Pezeshkian affirms Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Karabakh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/amn-karavarakan-banky-339-milion-dolarov-kvarkavori-zenk-pokhadrogh-adrbejanakan-aviaynkeroutyany/33372552.html">Azatutyun: EXIM Bank approves $339M loan to Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US talks to resume this weekend</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-port-massive-explosion-rcna203147">NBC News: Explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port</a></li> <li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-talks-nuclear-b86262ea0b1fed38df40855deaf79258">AP News: Iran-US nuclear talks update</a></li> <li><a href="https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-iran-2671887077">Responsible Statecraft: US-Iran tensions rise amid talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump demands dismantling of Iran&rsquo;s nuclear program</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/Mon, 19 May 2025 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/437-ehsan-movahedian-iran-amidst-geopolitical-tensions-pezeshkian-armenia-azerbaijan-israel-usa-russia-syria/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Iran Nuclear Talks. Pezeshkian Visit to Baku. Iran-Armenia Relations. US Support for Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/437/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/<p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, historian Pietro Shakarian joins us to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day on May 9, 2025, particularly as they relate to Armenia, Russia, and the broader post-Soviet space. Shakarian examines how Armenia’s contributions to World War II are being downplayed amidst rising geopolitical tensions and how figures like Artsrun Hovhannisyan are attempting to rewrite the country’s historical role. The conversation also delves into the symbolic significance of the Immortal Regiment march in Armenia, the political posturing of Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev during the Moscow parade, and the story of Gevorg Kolozyan, an Armenian who became a resistance fighter in Italy during the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/436-pietro-shakarian-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-armenia-putin-xi-jinping-geopolitics-nikol-pashinyan-historical-revision-world-war-2/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, historian Pietro Shakarian joins us to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Victory Day on May 9, 2025, particularly as they relate to Armenia, Russia, and the broader post-Soviet space. Shakarian examines how Armenia’s contributions to World War II are being downplayed amidst rising geopolitical tensions and how figures like Artsrun Hovhannisyan are attempting to rewrite the country’s historical role. The conversation also delves into the symbolic significance of the Immortal Regiment march in Armenia, the political posturing of Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev during the Moscow parade, and the story of Gevorg Kolozyan, an Armenian who became a resistance fighter in Italy during the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we sit down with Arthur G. Martirosyan, a conflict management expert, to discuss the broader implications of Victory Day in Moscow, where Xi Jinping’s presence underscored China’s growing influence and Trump’s push for a US-centric WWII holiday sparked controversy. We explore Armenia’s shifting narrative through a controversial interview aired on Public TV and the contrasting approaches of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the parade. The episode also delves into escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump’s proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, and the implications of the election of the first American Pope for the Armenian Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/435-arthur-martirosyan-may-9-victory-day-russia-moscow-india-pakistan-war-armenia-azerbaijan-american-pope-leo-xiv/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode, we sit down with Arthur G. Martirosyan, a conflict management expert, to discuss the broader implications of Victory Day in Moscow, where Xi Jinping’s presence underscored China’s growing influence and Trump’s push for a US-centric WWII holiday sparked controversy. We explore Armenia’s shifting narrative through a controversial interview aired on Public TV and the contrasting approaches of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the parade. The episode also delves into escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump’s proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, and the implications of the election of the first American Pope for the Armenian Church.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li>US-Iran Tensions and Escalating Sanctions</li> <li>Assault on Journalist in Yerevan Government Office</li> <li>Moscow Victory Day Parade and Armenia’s Geopolitical Crossroads</li> <li>Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks – Stalemate and Implications for 2026 Elections</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s Growing Influence and Iran’s Diplomatic Countermoves</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the trajectory of US-Iran negotiations given the new sanctions and postponement of talks?</li> <li>How might the secondary oil sanctions on Iran affect its economy and Armenia’s energy imports?</li> <li>What is the political fallout from the assault on journalist Arthur Chakhoyan, and how has the Republic Party responded?</li> <li>How significant is Armenia’s attendance at Moscow’s Victory Day Parade amidst pressure from the EU?</li> <li>Could Azerbaijan’s demands for an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia escalate into renewed conflict?</li> <li>What is the status of Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations, and how might upcoming elections impact diplomatic efforts?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="iran-sanctions--us-iran-negotiations">Iran Sanctions &amp; US-Iran Negotiations</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump Calls for Dismantling Iran’s Nuclear Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US Talks Postponed</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114433959082847679">Truth Social: Trump’s Secondary Sanctions Announcement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-says-buying-iranian-oil-must-stop-threatens-secondary-sanctions-purchasers-2025-05-01/">Reuters: New Sanctions on Iranian Oil</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="moscow-victory-day-parade">Moscow Victory Day Parade</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/05/03/is-may-9-canceled-in-moscow-serbian-president-vucic-urgently-hospitalized">EADaily: Speculation Around May 9 Parade</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/eu-ban-serbia-president-joins-124629634.html">Yahoo News: EU Leaders Warn of Repercussions for Attending Moscow Parade</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="yerevan-beating--journalist-assaulted-inside-government-office">Yerevan Beating – Journalist Assaulted Inside Government Office</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33403251.html">Azatutyun: Republic Party Defends Violence</a></li> <li><a href="https://oc-media.org/russia-protests-armenian-bucha-visit/">OC Media: Reactions to Armenia’s Bucha Visit</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0yB5QftJX4UwGLGEKGgVWDFoQTqs8aeitGcJDzwBt1t3yqNGCvqkpFHY5semZFxGzl&amp;id=100016322520223&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVEs95AK8CmpTrg3uIirvYdk6BnGhiDQ-a6utqlyLmeSHir7FEq_pb_vCpusqBn-oQg-5nQW5uZsMzqM82gnHp7G2FNd8FF7jZVBjaDplYLeh341uUdYA05zgpXtsc7FPZIZzG-MdZY1vTbwtQ0Q0O8lm6_a83SqMc_r1AwPfrEXdTpwbhiMqGGznEVy4Uf8mJa5W-tWBN5UPIHOBEud68yI_7D2EYRwgxpdex0ptDnpg&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Aram Sargsyan and Republic Party Blaming Putin</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/YQCLUhxyC8c?si=MjSlBRSykdblbrEo">Video of incident</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="arthur-chakhoyan">Arthur Chakhoyan</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/617221971360128">Failed kindergarten renovation by company associated with Civil Contract</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1085262919377598/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU6qSVx2D_GGqXp7Fq3ljFEy6lMbbYVttTLD5KoT3nMEX_qJzBpq8YaKKKDWSDr1xQWBkLqBnIbW_eoM_0zzzuK6SSsXnVjtcno2l19natCiMartwTZHN4FIL9vYBjk1NUyYPH4qlPXyCdrbRz572xOjpBr7JYut4nHQBnXNwN4_MLfSQd_DUefvgp3QPPhx6PAhKwuRMOiP14ob1qn_yv7&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Channel 5 coverage of corruption exposure</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/posts/pfbid0ikdsmenegFeEX2VsvHLKSRcokJ2cqTmhBsLCpEVArSQDz1vFtqD7urdepgF41WMQl">Chakhoyan FB Post #1</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #2</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #3</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/236007926259377">Chakhoyan FB Post #4</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1596286871183106">Chakhoyan FB Post #5</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cEjwvom43Wo">Youtube video of Chakhoyan&rsquo;s work</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/434/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/Sun, 04 May 2025 01:59:25 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/<h2 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with longtime antiwar author and radio host Scott Horton, whose latest book Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine lays out how decades of U.S. provocations — from NATO expansion to proxy wars and pipeline politics — set the stage for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We also discuss the silencing of dissent in American media, the disappearance of the antiwar left, and how Armenia fits into the evolving chessboard of U.S. foreign policy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/Sun, 04 May 2025 01:59:25 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What happened to Antiwar Voices. Color Revolutions as US Strategy. Armenia and Pipeline Geopolitics. And more!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/433/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250504-transcript-433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/Sun, 04 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250504-transcript-433-scott-horton-ukraine-war-nato-expansion-armenia-iran-pipeline-politics-color-revolutions/<h2 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with longtime antiwar author and radio host Scott Horton, whose latest book Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine lays out how decades of U.S. provocations — from NATO expansion to proxy wars and pipeline politics — set the stage for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We also discuss the silencing of dissent in American media, the disappearance of the antiwar left, and how Armenia fits into the evolving chessboard of U.S. foreign policy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/<p>This Week in Review episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. We’re joined by diplomat and former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian to discuss major developments in and around Armenia during the week of April 21–27, 2025.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>When the State Steps Back from Remembrance</li> <li>The Politics of Silence Around April 24</li> <li>Iran-Azerbaijan Bilateral Talks in Baku</li> <li>Bandar Abbas Explosion and the INSTC</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What are the implications of Armenia deprioritizing Genocide recognition?</li> <li>Should the expulsion of Armenians from Artsakh be considered a continuation of the Genocide?</li> <li>How are the international responses to April 24 evolving — and what do they reveal?</li> <li>What’s behind Iran’s diplomatic outreach to Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How should we interpret the explosion in Bandar Abbas?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/genocide-recognition-not-a-priority-for-yerevan-pashinyan-tells-turkish-reporters/">Pashinyan: Genocide recognition no longer a priority</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2020/04/24/Nikol-Pashinyan-Speech-April-24/">Nikol Pashinyan’s 2020 April 24 Speech</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/296/text">U.S. Congress Genocide Resolution H.Res.296 (2019)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/presidential-message-on-armenian-remembrance-day-2025/">White House 2025 Genocide Commemoration Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1915311317482623349">Macron’s April 24 Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://alphanews.am/en/russian-embassy-in-armenia-on-russias-position-regarding-armenian-genocide-issue/">Russian Embassy’s Genocide Recognition Statement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/erdogan-extends-condolences-for-ottoman-armenians/news">Erdogan Extends Condolences – Daily Sabah</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/death-toll-blast-irans-bandar-abbas-port-rises-25-2025-04-27/">Bandar Abbas Port Explosion Coverage – Reuters</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/groong/status/1915528346320200169">Groong Tweet: EUMA’s censored statement comparison</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="other-resources">Other Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Link Tree</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Support Groong on Patreon</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee – Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/432-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-genocide-recognition-and-denial-trump-erdogan-eu-macron-iran-azerbaijan-bandar-abbas.md/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode was recorded on April 29, 2025. We’re joined by diplomat and former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian to discuss major developments in and around Armenia during the week of April 21–27, 2025.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/432/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about the tectonic shifts in global trade, economics, and geopolitics. From Washington&rsquo;s renewed tariff wars to China&rsquo;s expanding influence through BRICS and infrastructure initiatives like the BRI, Powell shares his insights on the emerging multipolar order and the declining dominance of the U.S.-centric financial system.</p> <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>U.S. tariff wars and their political and economic underpinnings</li> <li>China’s evolving role in the global trade architecture</li> <li>Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran</li> <li>The emergence of BRICS as a multipolar economic bloc</li> <li>Dollar de-weaponization and alternative financial infrastructures (e.g., BRICS Clear)</li> <li>Belt &amp; Road Initiative vs. India’s INSTC: competition or complementarity?</li> <li>Strategic navigation for small states like Armenia in a shifting global order</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What are the real causes of U.S. industrial decline, and are tariffs the right response?</li> <li>How will the new wave of tariffs affect China, BRICS, and global trade structures?</li> <li>Are we witnessing the end of globalization or its transformation into a multipolar model?</li> <li>What are the implications of a potential U.S.-Iran conflict on regional and global alliances?</li> <li>How effective are BRICS&rsquo; efforts to bypass the U.S. dollar in global trade?</li> <li>What long-term effects could de-dollarization have on U.S. capital markets?</li> <li>Are Belt and Road and INSTC competing initiatives, or can they be complementary?</li> <li>How should countries like Armenia approach these evolving regional infrastructure projects?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/04/02/iran-closes-airspace-and-brings-the-army-to-full-combat-readiness-mehr">Iran closes airspace, full combat readiness (Mehr)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331388.shtml">Global Times – Iran crisis coverage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-chinese-foreign-ministers-discuss-irans-nuclear-program-korea-russia-2025-04-01/">Reuters – Russia-China dialogue on Iran</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Professor Warwick Powell about the tectonic shifts in global trade, economics, and geopolitics. From Washington&rsquo;s renewed tariff wars to China&rsquo;s expanding influence through BRICS and infrastructure initiatives like the BRI, Powell shares his insights on the emerging multipolar order and the declining dominance of the U.S.-centric financial system.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/427/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250410-transcript-427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250410-transcript-427-warwick-powell-usa-china-tariff-wars-iran-war-multipolarity-belt-road-initiative-instc/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/427/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Warwick Powell - U.S., China, Tariff Wars, and Multipolarity | Ep 427, Apr 8, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 04/08/2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-04-10</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 427</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/427">https://podcasts.groong.org/427</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/5vZsPrDGq8w">https://youtu.be/5vZsPrDGq8w</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/wpowell">Dr. Warwick Powell</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> Hello everyone, and welcome to this Conversations on Groong episode. Today, we&rsquo;re going to be talking about China on the world stage. At a time when the US is initiating tariff wars with everyone, including friendly countries, we&rsquo;re going to explore what really is driving this tariff regime and what it means for the US-China relationship. So today we&rsquo;re talking with Professor Warwick Powell from the University of Queensland in Australia, and also the Taihe Institute in Beijing.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>The rapidly escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran: military deployments, Trump’s ultimatums, and potential outcomes</li> <li>Analysis of Civil Contract&rsquo;s municipal election losses in Gyumri and Parakar</li> <li>Armenia&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry statements blaming the former Artsakh leadership for regional isolation</li> <li>The state of Armenia-Azerbaijan &ldquo;peace&rdquo; negotiations and constitutional changes under duress</li> <li>Border attacks and Pashinyan&rsquo;s balancing act between international PR and local security failures</li> <li>Social instability surrounding Artsakh refugees and slashing of housing aid</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Are the Trump administration’s demands to Iran designed to provoke conflict or extract genuine concessions?</li> <li>What strategic calculations underlie Trump&rsquo;s nuclear ultimatum and military maneuvers in the region?</li> <li>How likely are Russia or China to intervene or influence the U.S.-Iran standoff?</li> <li>What are the implications of Civil Contract’s municipal setbacks for 2026 parliamentary elections?</li> <li>Was the MFA’s statement about Artsakh a factual correction or an attempt to rewrite history?</li> <li>What does Aliyev’s continued aggression signal, despite Armenia’s acceptance of a “peace” document?</li> <li>Is Armenia rushing to rewrite its constitution to appease Aliyev or to secure reelection for Pashinyan?</li> <li>How does the targeting of Artsakh refugees and diminishing aid tie into domestic political strategies?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/04/02/iran-closes-airspace-and-brings-the-army-to-full-combat-readiness-mehr">Iran closes airspace, raises combat readiness</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331388.shtml">China backs diplomacy, Global Times coverage</a></li> <li><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/07/politics/trump-us-iran-talks/index.html">Trump: US and Iran in direct talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/1909381747709546786">Araghchi tweet confirming Iran&rsquo;s stance</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-restores-maximum-pressure-on-iran/">Trump administration fact sheet on Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-chinese-foreign-ministers-discuss-irans-nuclear-program-korea-russia-2025-04-01/">Russia-China foreign ministers on Iran &amp; Korea</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20x7z36d56o">Gyumri-Parakar election results</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Armenia/Pashinyan-faces-Gyumri-setback-as-opposition-eyes-2026-election-237167">Opposition eyes 2026 elections post-Gyumri</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376198.html">RFE/RL on Artsakh blame controversy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376316.html">Constitutional changes &amp; shooting incidents</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33376399.html">Pashinyan on fast-tracking constitutional reform</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/423">Previous conversation with Benyamin Poghosyan – Ep 423</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.commonspace.eu/news/statement-armenia-azerbaijan-political-dialogue-platform">Political Dialogue Statement: Armenia-Azerbaijan</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/426-benyamin-poghosyan-usa-iran-escalation-aftermath-of-gyumri-and-parakar-elections-armenia-mfa-blames-artsakh-leadership-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Iran Escalation. Aftermath of Gyumri and Parakar. MFA blames Artsakh for Regional Isolation. Bullets and Peace.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/426/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/<h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <h3 id="1-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-agreement-concessions-or-capitulation"><strong>1. Armenia-Azerbaijan “Peace” Agreement: Concessions or Capitulation?</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Background</strong>: Since the November 9-10, 2020 ceasefire statement, Azerbaijan has dictated terms to Armenia, often using military force or threats. The latest development is the March 13 announcement of a finalized <strong>peace agreement</strong>, though many in Armenia see it as a <strong>capitulation</strong>.</li> <li><strong>The Announcement</strong>: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced on March 13 that the <strong>text of the agreement</strong> was finalized. Armenia confirmed it later, claiming the announcement was supposed to be joint.</li> <li><strong>Lack of Transparency</strong>: The treaty text remains undisclosed to the public, prompting Armenian opposition groups to label it a <strong>surrender document</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="2-azerbaijans-preconditions-and-threats-of-military-force"><strong>2. Azerbaijan’s Preconditions and Threats of Military Force</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Unilateral Demands</strong>: Azerbaijan has attached preconditions before signing the treaty, including: <ul> <li><strong>Dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group</strong>, effectively erasing Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) from international negotiations.</li> <li><strong>Constitutional changes in Armenia</strong>, removing references to the Armenian Genocide and Artsakh.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Ramping Up Ceasefire Accusations</strong>: Following the treaty announcement, Azerbaijan has escalated claims of <strong>Armenian ceasefire violations</strong>, issuing <strong>three accusations on March 16 and three more on March 17</strong>.</li> <li><strong>What This Means</strong>: These demands and escalations indicate that <strong>Azerbaijan may not intend to sign the agreement soon</strong>, instead using delays as leverage for further concessions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="3-the-ukraine-war-and-trump-putin-negotiations"><strong>3. The Ukraine War and Trump-Putin Negotiations</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Jeddah Ceasefire Talks</strong>: Ukraine and Russia held peace negotiations in Jeddah last week.</li> <li><strong>Largest Ever UAV Attack</strong>: The talks were overshadowed by <strong>Ukraine’s biggest drone attack on Russian cities</strong>, increasing tensions.</li> <li><strong>Steve Witkoff’s Moscow Visit</strong>: U.S. Special Envoy <strong>Steve Witkoff</strong> met <strong>Putin</strong> following the Jeddah talks.</li> <li><strong>Ceasefire Proposal</strong>: Putin did not immediately accept a ceasefire but left room for further <strong>negotiations</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Trump-Putin Call Scheduled for March 18</strong>: A pivotal phone call is set between <strong>Trump and Putin</strong>, reportedly to discuss land divisions and control over key <strong>power plants</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="4-europes-escalation-and-militarization"><strong>4. Europe’s Escalation and Militarization</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>France &amp; UK’s Position</strong>: European rhetoric against Russia is hardening, with talk of rearmament.</li> <li><strong>Military Build-up</strong>: Germany is considering converting <strong>Volkswagen factories into tank production facilities</strong>.</li> <li><strong>UK’s Ground Troops Proposal</strong>: The UK has hinted at sending <strong>ground troops to Ukraine</strong>, further raising tensions.</li> </ul> <h3 id="5-the-curious-witkoff-stopover-in-baku"><strong>5. The Curious Witkoff Stopover in Baku</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Unusual Visit</strong>: On his way back from Moscow, Witkoff made an <strong>unpublicized stop in Baku</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Speculation on Israel &amp; Iran</strong>: <ul> <li><strong>Azerbaijan-Israel ties</strong> are deepening, with reports that <strong>Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, has entered a deal for Israeli gas fields</strong>.</li> <li>Discussions may have included <strong>potential Azerbaijani involvement in a future conflict with Iran</strong>.</li> <li>Some sources speculate that <strong>Azerbaijan might be pushed to join the Abraham Accords</strong>, normalizing ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="armenia-azerbaijan-peace-agreement--concessions"><strong>Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Agreement &amp; Concessions</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Is this a genuine step toward peace, or a forced capitulation?</strong></li> <li><strong>Why is the agreement text hidden from the Armenian public?</strong></li> <li><strong>What are the risks of signing an agreement with undisclosed terms?</strong></li> <li><strong>Has Pashinyan agreed to deliverables that aren’t in the document?</strong></li> <li><strong>Are Azerbaijan’s preconditions a stalling tactic to delay signing while extracting more concessions?</strong></li> </ul> <h3 id="ukraine-war--global-geopolitics"><strong>Ukraine War &amp; Global Geopolitics</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>What was the outcome of the Jeddah negotiations?</strong></li> <li><strong>How does the Ukraine war impact the South Caucasus?</strong></li> <li><strong>Will Trump’s direct negotiations with Putin lead to a breakthrough?</strong></li> <li><strong>What does European militarization mean for the future of the conflict?</strong></li> </ul> <h3 id="witkoffs-visit--bakus-role-in-global-affairs"><strong>Witkoff’s Visit &amp; Baku’s Role in Global Affairs</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Why would Steve Witkoff visit Baku after Moscow?</strong></li> <li><strong>Could this be related to Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation?</strong></li> <li><strong>Is Azerbaijan preparing for involvement in a broader Middle East conflict?</strong></li> <li><strong>How does Baku’s strategic position influence global diplomacy?</strong></li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During The Show</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://armenianweekly.com/2025/03/14/opposition-warns-against-capitulation-as-armenia-and-azerbaijan-finalize-text-of-treaty/">Armenian Weekly - Treaty Announcement</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://oc-media.org/what-happened-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-last-week/">OC Media - Ceasefire Accusations</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/azerbaijan-accused-armenia-of-shelling-yerevan-1742132212.html">RBC Ukraine - Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia of Ceasefire Violations</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/trump-says-he-will-talk-with-putin-tuesday-on-ending-ukraine-war-2f4ed5e4/">Wall Street Journal - Trump-Putin Call Announcement</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-765432">Jerusalem Post - Azerbaijan &amp; Israel’s Gas Deal</a></strong></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/423-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-treaty-capitulation-ukraine-war-trump-putin-talks-witkoff-baku-israel-iran-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan &ldquo;Treaty&rdquo;: Concessions, secrecy, opposition backlash. Preconditions for Peace: OSCE Minsk dissolution, constitutional changes. Ukraine War Talks: Jeddah negotiations, UAV attacks, Trump-Putin call. Witkoff’s Baku Stop: Mysterious visit raising geopolitical questions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/423/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:52:31 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/<p>Today we’re talking with negotiations expert Arthur G. Martirosyan about the recently announced Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal from the Jeddah talks. While Kyiv and Washington have reached an agreement, Russia has yet to respond—leaving major questions about the deal’s viability. What does each side stand to gain? What are the risks? And is this a real step toward peace or just another pause in the conflict? Let’s dive in.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Overview of the <strong>Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal</strong> negotiated in Jeddah</li> <li><strong>Russia’s pending response</strong> and its implications</li> <li><strong>Negotiation strategies and leverage</strong> at play in the ceasefire deal</li> <li><strong>Enforcement challenges and risks</strong> if the ceasefire is implemented</li> <li><strong>International posturing and diplomatic pressure</strong> from the U.S., EU, and Ukraine</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What are the key terms of the <strong>Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal</strong>?</li> <li>What are the <strong>negotiation strategies</strong> behind the deal, and what leverage does each side hold?</li> <li><strong>If Russia refuses the proposal, what are its best alternatives (BATNA)?</strong></li> <li>How does public <strong>posturing</strong> from the U.S., Ukraine, and EU affect Russia’s decision-making?</li> <li>What are the biggest <strong>risks and challenges</strong> of enforcing this ceasefire?</li> <li>Can the U.S. <strong>walk away from this deal</strong>, or is it too invested?</li> <li><strong>Is this a real step toward peace, or just another temporary pause?</strong></li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.state.gov/joint-statement-on-the-united-states-ukraine-meeting-in-jeddah/">U.S. State Department Joint Statement on Jeddah Talks</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/ukraine-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-following-the-ukraine-us-meeting-in-saudi-arabia/">EU’s response to the ceasefire proposal</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us-ukraine-meet-saudi-arabia-after-disastrous-white-house-talks-2025-03-11/">Marco Rubio’s statement on Russia’s responsibility</a></strong></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:52:31 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/422-arthur-martirosyan-ukraine-ceasefire-jeddah-talks-russia-response-negotiations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Today we’re talking with negotiations expert Arthur G. Martirosyan about the recently announced Ukraine-U.S. ceasefire proposal from the Jeddah talks. While Kyiv and Washington have reached an agreement, Russia has yet to respond—leaving major questions about the deal’s viability. What does each side stand to gain? What are the risks? And is this a real step toward peace or just another pause in the conflict? Let’s dive in.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/<p>In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, the ongoing plight of Armenian hostages in Baku, and the protests in Yerevan calling for stronger government action. We also cover the stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations and deepening divisions within Armenia’s opposition.</p> <hr> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Abkhaz Elections &amp; Regional Implications</strong> – The impact of mass protests, Badra Gunba’s victory, and its geopolitical consequences.</li> <li><strong>Armenian Hostages in Baku</strong> – Reports of torture, Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike, and shifting Armenian government rhetoric.</li> <li><strong>Protests in Yerevan Over POWs</strong> – Civil society-led demonstrations demanding stronger action and international intervention.</li> <li><strong>Azerbaijan Rejects Armenia’s Proposals</strong> – The stalled peace negotiations and whether Ukraine-Russia diplomacy plays a role.</li> <li><strong>Opposition Infighting</strong> – Escalating tensions among Armenian opposition factions following Robert Kocharyan’s latest remarks.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ol> <li>What were the key issues at stake in the Abkhaz elections, and what do the results mean for Russia’s influence?</li> <li>How significant are the protests in Yerevan? Do they reflect a shift in public sentiment or political calculations?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government changing its approach on Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What is the right strategy for securing the release of Armenian POWs?</li> <li>Why did Azerbaijan reject Armenia’s latest railway corridor proposal? Is the broader geopolitical context playing a role?</li> <li>What is fueling the growing divisions in the Armenian opposition, and what does it mean for 2026 elections?</li> </ol> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="abkhaz-elections">Abkhaz Elections</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/abkhazia-s-acting-leader-wins-presidential-election-state-media-say/7994512.html">VOA: Abkhazia’s Acting Leader Wins Presidential Election</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenian-hostages--yerevan-protests">Armenian Hostages &amp; Yerevan Protests</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/freedom-for-ruben-vardanyan-and-others-protests-in-armenia/">Jam News: Protests in Armenia for Ruben Vardanyan and POWs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2025/02/28/International-community-call/3120130">Panorama: International Call for Medical Examination of Armenian Hostages</a></li> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/mfa-azerbaijan-uses-staged-trial-of-armenians-as-instrument-of-political-pressure-on-armenia/">ARKA: Armenian MFA Condemns Azerbaijani Trials as Political Pressure</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/reports-of-beatings-failing-health-prompt-appeal-for-intervention-in-ruben-vardanyans-case/">Asbarez: Beatings and Failing Health in Baku’s Prisons</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="azerbaijan-rejects-armenias-proposal">Azerbaijan Rejects Armenia’s Proposal</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1210864">Armenpress: Azerbaijan Rejects Railway Proposal</a></li> <li><a href="https://jam-news.net/nikol-pashinyans-statements-on-arms-control-not-up-for-discussion-azerbaijani-experts-on-armenian-pms-remarks/">Jam News: Pashinyan’s Statements on Arms Control Rejected by Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/02/27/2174940.html">168.am: Analysis of Stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="opposition-infighting">Opposition Infighting</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/armen.ashotyan/posts/pfbid0Wu7o9W6f7utCKvK3DZb8Jak4bdumgKpkb4zSWSsqB8K1E8YJHM8gbBfbr8qyPHDl">Facebook: Armen Ashotyan on Opposition Divisions</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/NdOIQTMHh9g">YouTube: Kocharyan’s Press Conference on Opposition Unity</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="sumgait-pogroms-anniversary">Sumgait Pogroms Anniversary</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://arka.am/en/news/politics/on-sumgait-pogroms-anniversary-armenian-foreign-ministry-calls-for-overcoming-enmity-to-prevent-repe/">ARKA: Armenian MFA Statement on Sumgait &amp; Ethnic Cleansing</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/yerevan-said-bakus-state-sponsored-pogroms-continued-to-2023/">Asbarez: State-Sponsored Violence from Sumgait to 2023</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/421-hrant-mikaelian-armenian-news-artsakh-abkhazia-elections-armenian-pows-yerevan-protests-azerbaijan-armenia-azerbaijan-relations-stalled-peace-talks-opposition-infighting-badra-gunba-adgur-ardzinba-baku-trials/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in Abkhazia’s presidential elections, the ongoing plight of Armenian hostages in Baku, and the protests in Yerevan calling for stronger government action. We also cover the stalled Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations and deepening divisions within Armenia’s opposition.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/421/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/<h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>US Foreign Policy Under Trump</strong> – The Trump administration&rsquo;s approach to reshaping U.S. foreign policy, including potential reforms or dissolution of USAID and the implications for global NGOs, particularly in Armenia.</li> <li><strong>Transactional Foreign Policy</strong> – Trump&rsquo;s strategic, business-style approach to foreign relations, including proposed deals for Gaza, Ukraine, tariffs, and territorial acquisitions such as Greenland and Panama.</li> <li><strong>Trump’s Cabinet &amp; Policy Shifts</strong> – Analysis of key figures in Trump’s cabinet, such as Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth, and their expected influence on defense, intelligence, and foreign policy.</li> <li><strong>US-Armenia Relations</strong> – Examination of the US-Armenia &ldquo;strategic partnership&rdquo; agreement, its lack of a defense component, and its implications amid regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and Azerbaijan.</li> <li><strong>Intelligence and National Security</strong> – The role of intelligence agencies under the Trump administration, potential restructuring, and the balance between national security and government overreach.</li> <li><strong>US-Russia Relations &amp; the Global Order</strong> – How Trump’s engagement with Russia and critiques of the &ldquo;rules-based international order&rdquo; signal a shift towards a multipolar world.</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the future of USAID under Trump, and how does its potential dismantling affect international influence?</li> <li>How does Trump’s transactional foreign policy impact U.S. global standing and alliances?</li> <li>What are the strategic implications of Trump’s cabinet picks, particularly concerning intelligence and defense policies?</li> <li>What does the US-Armenia strategic partnership mean for Armenia’s national security and its positioning in the South Caucasus?</li> <li>How does the U.S.-Russia dynamic evolve under Trump, and what does this mean for global power realignments?</li> <li>What challenges does Armenia face amid growing regional instability, particularly in relation to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey?</li> <li>How is the intelligence community being reshaped, and what are the consequences for surveillance, privacy, and national security?</li> <li>What role does Ukraine play in U.S. strategic calculations, and how does Trump’s approach differ from previous administrations?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Groong Podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://groong.substack.com/">Groong Substack</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/420-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-us-foreign-policy-trump-cabinet-usaid-reform-us-armenia-geopolitics-intelligence-reform-national-security-ukraine-russia-regime-change/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Foreign Policy Under Trump. Transactional Foreign Policy. Trump’s Cabinet &amp; Policy Shifts. US-Armenia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/420/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/<p>In this episode, we sit down with <strong>Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch</strong>, a former Swiss diplomat and author of <em>Crimes, Hate, and Tremors</em>, to discuss <strong>global power shifts, diplomacy, and international justice</strong>. Our conversation explores the <strong>fallout from his resignation, the impact of US hegemony, Western democracy promotion, and the role of international justice in conflicts like Ukraine and Armenia.</strong></p> <p>🔹 <strong>What led Ruch to write <em>Crimes, Hate, and Tremors</em>?</strong> 🔹 <strong>What do global shifts mean for smaller nations like Armenia and Switzerland?</strong> 🔹 <strong>How do international courts serve geopolitics rather than justice?</strong> 🔹 <strong>What happened behind the scenes of Ruch’s resignation?</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/419-crimes-hate-tremors-jean-daniel-ruch-diplomacy-geopolitics-war-justice-armenia-artsakh-switzerland-international-law-osce-minsk-group-nagorno-karabakh-icc-war-crimes-middle-east-ukraine-russia-european-union-turkey-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode, we sit down with Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch, a former Swiss diplomat and author of Crimes, Hate, and Tremors, to discuss global power shifts, diplomacy, and international justice. Our conversation explores the fallout from his resignation, the impact of US hegemony, Western democracy promotion, and the role of international justice in conflicts like Ukraine and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/419/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/<h1 id="-armenian-news-network--groong">🇦🇲 Armenian News Network / Groong</h1> <h2 id="week-in-review--episode-418"><strong>Week in Review – Episode 418</strong></h2> <p>📅 <strong>Recorded:</strong> February 24, 2025<br> 🎙 <strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a><br> 🎙 <strong>Guest:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a> (International Conflict Specialist, CM Partners)</p> <hr> <h2 id="-main-topics-addressed"><strong>📌 Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh</strong> – The evolving geopolitical situation as Trump engages in direct negotiations with Russia while sidelining Ukraine and Europe.</li> <li><strong>Edgar Ghazaryan Harassed by the Government</strong> – The Armenian government escalates its crackdown on opposition voices with criminal charges against Ghazaryan, including travel restrictions and speech limitations.</li> <li><strong>Robert Kocharyan’s Press Conference</strong> – Key takeaways from the former Armenian president’s four-hour press conference, including his stance on Artsakh, negotiations with Azerbaijan, and Russia’s role.</li> <li><strong>Yerevan Bus Fare Controversy</strong> – Public outcry over radical increases in public transportation fares and how opposition figures are leveraging the discontent.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="-key-questions-discussed"><strong>🔍 Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="ukraine-negotiations-in-riyadh"><strong>Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What accounts for the dramatic change in Trump’s rhetoric towards Ukraine?</li> <li>What are Trump’s negotiating positions regarding Russia, Ukraine, and Europe?</li> <li>What are Russia’s red lines in the negotiation process?</li> <li>Why is the EU hesitant to push for peace?</li> <li>Can Turkey act as a security guarantor for Ukraine?</li> </ul> <h3 id="edgar-ghazaryans-case"><strong>Edgar Ghazaryan’s Case</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why is the Armenian government cracking down on opposition speech now?</li> <li>What are the legal and political implications of restricting opposition voices?</li> </ul> <h3 id="robert-kocharyans-political-strategy"><strong>Robert Kocharyan’s Political Strategy</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is Kocharyan signaling to Russia that he would reverse Armenia’s current negotiation strategy if he were to return to power?</li> <li>How does Kocharyan’s stance on the November 2020 agreement contrast with the current Armenian government’s position?</li> </ul> <h3 id="iran-russia-and-the"><strong>Iran, Russia, and the &ldquo;Zangezur Corridor&rdquo;</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What are the fundamental differences between Iran and Russia regarding the corridor?</li> <li>Could Kocharyan’s policies align Russia and Iran more closely on this issue?</li> </ul> <h3 id="yerevan-bus-fare-protests"><strong>Yerevan Bus Fare Protests</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Can the discontent over public transportation costs evolve into a larger anti-government movement?</li> <li>How is the opposition engaging with these protests?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="-referenced-articles--sources"><strong>🔗 Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414">Groong Podcast Episode 414</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/02/24/7499776/">Ukraine Negotiations Coverage – Pravda</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-open-act-security-guarantor-ukraine-peace-agreement">Middle East Eye on Turkey’s Role in Ukraine</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/23/israel-wont-allow-syria-military-forces-south-of-damascus-netanyahu">Al Jazeera on Israel’s Position in Syria</a></li> <li><a href="https://panarmenian.net/eng/news/319660">Armenian Government’s Case Against Ghazaryan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=153080">Armenian Legislation Reference (Article 490)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33290645.html">Kocharyan’s Press Conference Highlights</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/02/17/2169322.html">Zangezur Corridor Debate – 168.am</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33317884.html">Yerevan Bus Fare Protests – Azatutyun</a></li> </ul> <hr> <p>📢 <strong>Listen to the full episode:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/418">https://podcasts.groong.org/418</a></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/418-arthur-martirosyan-kocharyan-press-conf-ukraine-negotiations-riyadh-edgar-ghazaryan-bullied-yerevan-bus-fares/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine Negotiations in Riyadh. Edgar Ghazayan Bullied by the Government. Robert Kocharyan Press Conference. Yerevan Bus Fares.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/418/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/<h2 id="topics-covered"><strong>Topics Covered</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Plan, or No Plan?</strong> - Pashinyan’s acknowledgment of the 2019 OSCE MG peace plan and its implications for Armenia’s geopolitical strategy.</li> <li><strong>Corridor Talk</strong> - Armenia-Azerbaijan transit negotiations, Azerbaijan&rsquo;s expectations, and Armenia&rsquo;s stance on the corridor.</li> <li><strong>Domestic Politics</strong> - Robert Kocharyan’s press conference, his political future, and potential opposition movements.</li> <li><strong>World Politics</strong> - US-Russia relations, shifts in NATO strategies, European reactions, and diplomatic consequences.</li> <li><strong>Middle East Developments</strong> - Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal, renewed sanctions on Iran, and regional realignments.</li> <li><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Relations</strong> - Diplomatic and economic tensions, Moscow’s response to Aliyev’s moves, and possible retaliatory measures.</li> <li><strong>Economic Pressures</strong> - The impact of regional instability on Armenia&rsquo;s economy, trade relations, and foreign investments.</li> <li><strong>Global Military Realignments</strong> - Shifts in defense policies, emerging military alliances, and strategic positioning.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <h3 id="plan-or-no-plan"><strong>Plan, or No Plan?</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Why did Pashinyan acknowledge the 2019 peace plan now?</li> <li>How does the 2019 proposal compare to the current situation for Artsakh Armenians?</li> <li>Why did Pashinyan refuse to continue negotiations under the OSCE framework?</li> <li>What political ramifications does this shift bring for Armenia and its regional allies?</li> <li>How does this impact Armenia&rsquo;s negotiating power?</li> </ul> <h3 id="corridor-talk"><strong>Corridor Talk</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What does the Armenian government’s contradictory stance on the ‘Zangezur corridor’ suggest?</li> <li>If Azerbaijan is being granted &ldquo;unhindered transit,&rdquo; why is there no peace treaty yet?</li> <li>How do international stakeholders view the corridor negotiations?</li> <li>What are the potential consequences for Armenia’s sovereignty?</li> <li>Can alternative diplomatic solutions be proposed?</li> </ul> <h3 id="domestic-politics"><strong>Domestic Politics</strong></h3> <ul> <li>What were the key takeaways from Robert Kocharyan’s press conference?</li> <li>Is this the start of a political comeback for the former president?</li> <li>How might Russia and Iran signal their support for Armenian opposition forces?</li> <li>How has public sentiment shifted in response to Kocharyan’s statements?</li> <li>What does this mean for upcoming parliamentary elections?</li> </ul> <h3 id="world-politics"><strong>World Politics</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is Trump pursuing transactional diplomacy or rethinking US-Russia relations?</li> <li>Could European NATO allies realistically increase their defense budgets?</li> <li>Is the EU at a crossroads given the geopolitical shifts?</li> <li>How does the US, Russia, and China dynamic affect global stability?</li> <li>What are the long-term security consequences of these developments?</li> </ul> <h3 id="middle-east"><strong>Middle East</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Will Jordan and Egypt support Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ proposal?</li> <li>What does the return of &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; on Iran mean for regional stability?</li> <li>How does Turkey&rsquo;s involvement in Syria influence Middle Eastern politics?</li> <li>What is the likelihood of renewed conflict escalation in the region?</li> <li>How does Israel&rsquo;s strategic positioning play into these developments?</li> </ul> <h3 id="russia-azerbaijan-relations"><strong>Russia-Azerbaijan Relations</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Is the worsening Moscow-Baku relationship about the AZAL flight crash, or are there deeper geopolitical factors?</li> <li>How do Azerbaijan&rsquo;s recent political maneuvers affect its standing with Russia?</li> <li>Could Russia impose economic sanctions or military deterrents against Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What role does Iran play in shifting Russia-Azerbaijan dynamics?</li> <li>How could these developments impact Armenia&rsquo;s regional position?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show"><strong>Links Referenced During The Show</strong></h2> <h3 id="us-russia-relations"><strong>US-Russia Relations:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/rcxt2-JQMTE?t=2380">Hegseth NATO Speech</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCOsgfINdKg">JD Vance at Munich Security Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113991956474899296">Trump-Putin Truth Social Post</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113992264519415084">Trump-Zelensky Truth Social Post</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="middle-east--iran"><strong>Middle East &amp; Iran:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.outlookbusiness.com/economy-and-policy/trump-ends-sanctions-waivers-on-chabahar-port-ahead-of-pm-modis-us-trip-whats-the-impact-on-india">Trump Ends Sanctions Waivers on Chabahar Port</a></li> <li><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/16/world/video/marco-rubio-iran-threat-jerusalem-press-conference-digvid">Marco Rubio on Iran at Jerusalem Press Conference</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="armenia--azerbaijan"><strong>Armenia &amp; Azerbaijan:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33313937.html">Pashinyan’s 2019 Peace Plan Acknowledgment</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thecaliforniacourier.com/moscow-cracks-down-on-azerbaijani-migrants-after-rift-with-baku/">Russia Tightens Immigration Controls on Azerbaijanis</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.intellinews.com/caucasus-blog-is-it-the-end-of-the-honeymoon-between-azerbaijan-and-russia-363926">End of the Russia-Azerbaijan Honeymoon?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.geopoliticaleconomy.com/articles/iran-armenia-strategic-alliance">Iran-Armenia Relations Analysis</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="internal-politics"><strong>Internal Politics:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP1M--C32ZU">Robert Kocharyan’s Press Conference</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.politico.com/armenia-political-landscape-2025">Public Sentiment on Armenian Political Landscape</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/416-dziunik-aghajanian-peace-plan-2019-corridor-talk-armenia-domestic-politics-world-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>World Politics. Plan, or No Plan? Corridor Talk. Domestic Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/416/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/415-glenn-diesen-the-think-tank-racket-managing-the-information-war-with-russia/Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/415-glenn-diesen-the-think-tank-racket-managing-the-information-war-with-russia/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>The role of Western think tanks in shaping foreign policy and public discourse</li> <li>The revolving door between think tanks, media, and government</li> <li>USAID and its impact on global political movements</li> <li>Media manipulation and the role of NGOs in “velvet revolutions”</li> <li>Censorship and the information war on social media</li> <li>Reforming the think tank industry and ensuring transparency</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What motivated Glenn Diesen to write <em>The Think Tank Racket</em>?</li> <li>How do think tanks influence policy-making and public opinion?</li> <li>Who funds think tanks, and what are their objectives?</li> <li>How do government-supported NGOs shape media narratives?</li> <li>What role did USAID play in the Euromaidan and other regime changes?</li> <li>How do think tanks use social media giants to manage disinformation?</li> <li>What reforms are needed to address the think tank industry&rsquo;s influence?</li> <li>How can small countries like Armenia resist external influence?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Relevant News &amp; Commentary</strong>:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/415-glenn-diesen-the-think-tank-racket-managing-the-information-war-with-russia/Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/415-glenn-diesen-the-think-tank-racket-managing-the-information-war-with-russia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Think Tanks: Defining the Problem. Media Manipulation, NGOs, and Colored Coups. Reforming the Think Tank Industry.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/415/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>A New Détente? Russia-US relations and evolving global dynamics</strong><br> Do the recent shifts in US foreign policy, particularly under the Trump administration, indicate a move toward a new détente between Washington and Moscow? Lukyanov analyzed the broader geopolitical landscape, including US domestic politics, NATO’s role, and how different power centers perceive the idea of global stability.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The Trump-Putin Call and its implications for Ukraine</strong><br> During the highly anticipated Trump-Putin phone call key US policy positions on Ukraine were subtly adjusted. Trump’s remarks on Ukraine’s NATO prospects, the feasibility of a negotiated settlement, and whether Russia perceives this as a sincere effort toward peace or merely a political maneuver. Also, the possibility of sanctions relief and the role of European actors in any future negotiations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A New Détente? The Trump-Putin Call. Russia’s Strategic Choices. Russo-Armenian Relations. Russo-Azerbaijani Relations. Georgia’s Pragmatism.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250216-transcript-414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250216-transcript-414-fyodor-lukyanov-russia-us-geopolitics-ukraine-war-armenia-policy-brics-nato-multipolarity-eurasia-global-order/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/414/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia, the US, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, and the New Global Order | Ep 414, Feb. 16, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - February 16, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-02-16</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 414</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/414">https://podcasts.groong.org/414</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/55f4iBCIAGY">https://youtu.be/55f4iBCIAGY</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/flukyanov">Fyodor Lukyanov</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/<h1 id="the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west">The Estrangement of Georgia and the West</h1> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li><strong>The Impact of USAID’s Shutdown</strong> – The implications of USAID’s temporary funding freeze and its effect on NGOs, media, and political processes in Georgia.</li> <li><strong>Georgia and the EU</strong> – The deepening rift between Georgia and the European Union, including Georgia’s decision to freeze its EU membership drive and recall representatives from PACE.</li> <li><strong>Georgia and the South Caucasus</strong> – Georgia’s role in regional diplomacy, including its offer to mediate Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks and its trilateral cooperation initiative with Armenia and Azerbaijan.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <h3 id="the-impact-of-usaids-shutdown">The Impact of USAID’s Shutdown</h3> <ul> <li>What was USAID’s financial role in Georgia, and what effects will its funding freeze have on NGOs and media?</li> <li>How did USAID’s $40M election support compare to past controversies, such as RussiaGate in the U.S.?</li> <li>What is the current state of NGOs in Georgia after the elections and the adoption of the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law?</li> </ul> <h3 id="georgia-and-the-eu">Georgia and the EU</h3> <ul> <li>What are the primary reasons behind Georgia’s estrangement from the EU?</li> <li>With Georgia-West relations worsening, is there a corresponding improvement in Georgia-Russia relations?</li> </ul> <h3 id="georgia-and-the-south-caucasus">Georgia and the South Caucasus</h3> <ul> <li>What is Georgia’s rationale for proposing peace facilitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What are the details of Georgia’s trilateral cooperation proposal with Armenia and Azerbaijan?</li> <li>How does Georgia’s fallout with the EU affect Armenia’s EU aspirations?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>USAID Funding &amp; Media Impact</strong>:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/412-archil-sikharulidze-the-estrangement-of-georgia-and-the-west/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Effects of the Shutdown of USAID. Georgia and the EU. Georgia and the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/412/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/411-glenn-diesen-arman-grigoryan-the-incoming-multipolar-world-ukraine-syria-gaza-nato-brics/Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:03:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/411-glenn-diesen-arman-grigoryan-the-incoming-multipolar-world-ukraine-syria-gaza-nato-brics/<h1 id="the-incoming-multipolar-world-and-where-we-stand-today">The Incoming Multipolar World and Where We Stand Today</h1> <h2 id="the-ongoing-conflicts-gaza-syria-ukraine">The Ongoing conflicts: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine</h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Gaza: Trump’s Shocking Statements on Ethnic Cleansing</strong></p> <ul> <li>Trump’s proposal to “take over” and redevelop Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East”</li> <li>The UN condemns the plan as illegal and warns of ethnic cleansing</li> <li>Regional implications: Would Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and others accept it?</li> <li>Does this align with Trump’s “America First” strategy?</li> </ul> </li> <li> <p><strong>Syria: Turkey’s Strategic Moves</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/411-glenn-diesen-arman-grigoryan-the-incoming-multipolar-world-ukraine-syria-gaza-nato-brics/Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:03:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/411-glenn-diesen-arman-grigoryan-the-incoming-multipolar-world-ukraine-syria-gaza-nato-brics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Ongoing conflicts: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine. Shifting Global Power and Alliances. Small Countries in a Multipolar World.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/411/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20250209-transcript-411-glenn-diesen-arman-grigoryan-the-incoming-multipolar-world-ukraine-syria-gaza-nato-brics/Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20250209-transcript-411-glenn-diesen-arman-grigoryan-the-incoming-multipolar-world-ukraine-syria-gaza-nato-brics/<h1 id="the-incoming-multipolar-world-and-where-we-stand-today">The Incoming Multipolar World and Where We Stand Today</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/411/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Glenn Diesen &amp; Arman Grigoryan - The Incoming Multipolar World | Ep 411, Feb 9, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - February 9, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-02-09</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 411</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/411">https://podcasts.groong.org/411</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/DDyDy8bvUu8">https://youtu.be/DDyDy8bvUu8</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/gdiesen">Glenn Diesen</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/argrigoryan">Arman Grigoryan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/gdiesen">Dr. Glenn Diesen</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/argrigoryan">Dr. Arman Grigoryan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/<p>In this episode of <strong>Groong Week in Review</strong>, we speak with <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> about the latest <strong>MPG poll</strong>, which shows a significant drop in <strong>Pashinyan’s approval ratings</strong> and highlights key concerns among Armenians, such as <strong>security, border issues, and economic instability</strong>. We also examine the <strong>growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan</strong>, Aliyev’s increasingly <strong>anti-Russian rhetoric</strong>, and the possible <strong>geopolitical consequences</strong>. The discussion extends to <strong>Armenia’s strategic geopolitical balancing</strong>, Russia’s warnings regarding Armenia’s <strong>EU aspirations</strong>, and whether Armenia can <strong>leverage its position in the North-South trade corridor</strong>. Finally, we assess <strong>Azerbaijan’s push for a &lsquo;Zangezur Corridor&rsquo;</strong>, Armenia’s <strong>counterproposals</strong>, and the potential for <strong>military escalation</strong> in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Benyamin Poghosyan about the latest MPG poll, which shows a significant drop in Pashinyan’s approval ratings and highlights key concerns among Armenians, such as security, border issues, and economic instability. We also examine the growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, Aliyev’s increasingly anti-Russian rhetoric, and the possible geopolitical consequences. The discussion extends to Armenia’s strategic geopolitical balancing, Russia’s warnings regarding Armenia’s EU aspirations, and whether Armenia can leverage its position in the North-South trade corridor. Finally, we assess Azerbaijan’s push for a &lsquo;Zangezur Corridor&rsquo;, Armenia’s counterproposals, and the potential for military escalation in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/<h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Army Day</strong> – Reflections on Armenia’s military, its legacy, and the significance of service</li> <li><strong>Mirzoyan in Moscow</strong> – Armenia’s EU accession bid, Russia’s response, and economic implications</li> <li><strong>Kostanyan in Tehran</strong> – Armenia-Iran relations amid regional instability and Iran’s red lines</li> <li><strong>Mher Grigoryan on the Border (Concessions)</strong> – Concerns over ongoing border negotiations and potential territorial concessions</li> <li><strong>FIS Annual Report 2025</strong> – First report from Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, its implications, and internal contradictions</li> <li><strong>US-Armenia Strategic Partnership</strong> – The significance of the recent agreement and its regional ramifications</li> <li><strong>Silence of the Lambs</strong> – Sham trials of Artsakh leaders in Baku and the Armenian government’s silence</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How should Armenia commemorate <strong>Army Day</strong>, and why is it important in the current political climate?</li> <li>What are the <strong>political and economic risks</strong> of Armenia’s EU bid, and how does it affect relations with Russia?</li> <li>Can Armenia <strong>balance relations with Iran and the EU</strong>, especially given Iran’s concerns about Western presence in the region?</li> <li>What is the <strong>impact of border negotiations</strong>, and could they lead to further <strong>concessions or resistance</strong> from the Armenian opposition?</li> <li>What are the <strong>takeaways from the Foreign Intelligence Service&rsquo;s annual report</strong>, and why are there <strong>contradictions</strong> between Armenian security officials?</li> <li>How impactful is the <strong>US-Armenia Strategic Partnership</strong>, and could it influence <strong>Turkey’s approach</strong> to Armenia?</li> <li>Why is the Armenian government <strong>silent on the sham trials</strong> of Artsakh leaders in Baku, and what does this imply about Pashinyan’s stance?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/armenian-government-approves-bill-launch-eu-accession-bid-2025-01-09/">Armenian Government Approves Bill to Launch EU Accession Bid</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33279234.html">Mirzoyan’s Visit to Moscow</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33283632.html">Reactions to Armenia’s EU Bid</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33277999.html">Analysis on Armenian-Russian Trade Relations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33283764.html">Kostanyan’s Visit to Tehran</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33283764.html">Iranian Diplomatic Engagement with Armenia</a></li> <li><a href="https://president.ir/en/156874">Meeting Between Iranian and Armenian Officials</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/armenia">UK Government Updates Armenia Travel Advisory</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33285260.html">Armenian Official Responses to Border Security</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/storage/content/2025/pdf/Annual_Report_ARM.pdf">Foreign Intelligence Service Annual Report (Armenian)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/storage/content/2025/pdf/Annual_Report_ENGLISH.pdf">Foreign Intelligence Service Annual Report (English)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1210337">US-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agreement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21343/azerbaijan-armenian-hostages">International Reaction to Sham Trials in Baku</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/01/armenia-ngos-call-for-international-monitoring-of-trials-of-detainees-in-azerbaijan/">NGOs Call for Monitoring of Armenian Detainee Trials</a></li> <li><a href="https://asbarez.com/center-for-truth-and-justice-calls-on-baku-allow-international-lawyers-to-observe-trials-of-armenian-captives/">Calls for Legal Monitoring of Armenian Captives in Baku</a></li> <li><a href="https://sport.news.am/eng/news/155745/henrikh-mkhitaryan-makes-call-with-%E2%80%98freedom-to-ruben-vardanyan-and-%E2%80%98freedom-to-armenian-prisoners-hashtags.html">Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Social Media Campaign for Armenian Prisoners</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/408-arthur-khachatryan-mirzoyan-in-moscow-kostanyan-in-tehran-borders-fis-annual-report-silence-of-the-lambs/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mirzoyan in Moscow. Vahan Kostanyan in Tehran. Mher Grigoryan on the Border (concessions). FIS Annual Report 2025. The Silence of the Lambs.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/408/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/<p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we discuss the recently signed Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty with historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian. The treaty, signed in January 2025, is a significant development in Eurasian geopolitics, encompassing military, economic, and cultural cooperation. We explore its implications for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and the broader region, as well as its intersection with global power dynamics involving the United States, Europe, and Israel.</p> <h3 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h3> <ul> <li>Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty</li> <li>Implications of the treaty for Armenia and the South Caucasus</li> <li>Eurasian geopolitics and the significance of Articles 12 and 13 of the treaty</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s strategic importance and its relationships with Turkey, Israel, and the West</li> <li>The role of the International North-South Trade Corridor (INSTC) and regional infrastructure</li> <li>The geopolitical implications of U.S., Russian, and Iranian interactions</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Why was the Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty needed, and what are its historical underpinnings?</li> <li>What differentiates the treaty from a formal military alliance?</li> <li>How does the treaty’s Article 12 define regional peace and security, particularly for the Caspian, Central Asia, Transcaucasia, and the Middle East?</li> <li>How might this treaty influence the geopolitical orientations of Armenia and Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What is the strategic significance of the International North-South Trade Corridor, particularly in relation to the Rasht-Astara railway?</li> <li>How does Azerbaijan’s growing importance to both Russia and Iran affect Armenia and the region?</li> <li>What is the treaty’s impact on U.S. and Israeli strategic interests in the region?</li> </ul> <h3 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During the Show</h3> <ol> <li><a href="https://usrussiaaccord.org/acura-exclusive-pietro-a-shakarian-the-russo-persian-partnership-pact-significance-and-implications/">The Russo-Persian Partnership Pact: Significance and Implications – Pietro Shakarian</a></li> <li><a href="https://president.ir/en/156874">Iran President’s Office Announcement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/russias-planned-gas-pipeline-iran-2025-01-20/">Reuters: Russia’s Planned Gas Pipeline to Iran</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/407">Groong Podcast Episode Page</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-war-sanctions-threat-rcna188960">NBC News: Trump on Russia-Ukraine Conflict</a></li> <li><a href="https://tass.com/politics/1887447">TASS: Kremlin&rsquo;s View on Trump-Putin Relations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/23/trump-meet-putin-discuss-ukraine-peace-deal">Axios: Trump-Putin Ukraine Peace Talks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/1/23/why-is-ukraine-struggling-to-mobilise-its-citizens-to-fight">Al Jazeera: Ukraine Struggles to Mobilize Citizens</a></li> </ol> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/407-pietro-shakarian-russian-iranian-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-agreement-implications-for-armenia-trump-white-house-war-or-peace/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we discuss the recently signed Russian-Iranian Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty with historian Dr. Pietro Shakarian. The treaty, signed in January 2025, is a significant development in Eurasian geopolitics, encompassing military, economic, and cultural cooperation. We explore its implications for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and the broader region, as well as its intersection with global power dynamics involving the United States, Europe, and Israel.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/<h2 id="trump-inauguration"><strong>Trump Inauguration</strong></h2> <p>We recorded this episode on January 20, 2025, during Trump’s inauguration. This marks one of the most anticipated U.S. transitions of power in recent memory. Topics include:</p> <ul> <li>Potential nuclear confrontation with Russia.</li> <li>The possibility of a U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran.</li> <li>Broader shifts in the global world order.</li> </ul> <p>Hrant shares insights on Trump&rsquo;s foreign policy priorities and the implications of his cabinet choices.</p> <h2 id="a-tale-of-three-partnerships"><strong>A Tale of Three Partnerships</strong></h2> <h3 id="russian-iranian-strategic-partnership"><strong>Russian-Iranian Strategic Partnership</strong></h3> <p>On January 17, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year &ldquo;Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,&rdquo; marking a deepening of relations. The agreement is poised to influence conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/406-hrant-mikaelian-trump-inauguration-russian-iranian-and-uk-ukrainian-and-us-armenian-strategic-partnerships/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Trump Inauguration. Russian-Iranian Strategic Partnership. UK-Ukrainian 100-Year Partnership. US-Armenian “Strategic Partnership”.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/406/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/<p>In this episode of the <strong>Armenian News Network / Groong</strong>, we sit down with <strong>Tevan Poghosyan</strong> to discuss global and regional developments, including the incoming Trump administration&rsquo;s potential impact, the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Iran&rsquo;s regional positioning, and Armenia&rsquo;s pro-Western signals amidst Russian warnings. Hosts <strong>Hovik Manucharyan</strong> and <strong>Asbed Bedrossian</strong> lead the discussion.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ol> <li> <p><strong>Incoming Trump Administration:</strong></p> <ul> <li>The potential effects of Trump’s foreign policy on Ukraine, Israel, Iran, and global dynamics.</li> <li>Key relationships with leaders like Putin and Netanyahu.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <p><strong>Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/404-tevan-poghosyan-incoming-trump-admin-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-iran-visit-pro-west-signals/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Armenian News Network / Groong, we sit down with Tevan Poghosyan to discuss global and regional developments, including the incoming Trump administration&rsquo;s potential impact, the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, Iran&rsquo;s regional positioning, and Armenia&rsquo;s pro-Western signals amidst Russian warnings. Hosts Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian lead the discussion.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/404/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/<p>This is the final episode of 2024 for the Armenian News Network, Groong, featuring Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies. In this Week in Review episode, we delve into a comprehensive discussion of pivotal topics that have defined the past year. These include Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s controversial claims about past negotiations on Artsakh, the evolving dynamics of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the broader implications of these developments for the region and beyond.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/403-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-lies-on-negotiations-17-points-to-an-agreement-2024-review-2025-outlook/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This is the final episode of 2024 for the Armenian News Network, Groong, featuring Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies. In this Week in Review episode, we delve into a comprehensive discussion of pivotal topics that have defined the past year. These include Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s controversial claims about past negotiations on Artsakh, the evolving dynamics of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the broader implications of these developments for the region and beyond.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/<p>In this episode of the Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review, we speak with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian, a seasoned diplomat and former Armenian ambassador to the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This discussion delves into the most pressing geopolitical and domestic issues currently shaping Armenia&rsquo;s future. Topics include poignant revelations about US plans to encircle Iran, Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in this strategy, and the broader implications for the South Caucasus.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/401-dziunik-aghajanian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-fall-of-syria-defense-politics-civil-contract-strife/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of the Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review, we speak with Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian, a seasoned diplomat and former Armenian ambassador to the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This discussion delves into the most pressing geopolitical and domestic issues currently shaping Armenia&rsquo;s future. Topics include poignant revelations about US plans to encircle Iran, Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in this strategy, and the broader implications for the South Caucasus.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/400-matthew-hoh-imperial-us-foreign-policy-and-the-role-of-think-tank-industry/Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/400-matthew-hoh-imperial-us-foreign-policy-and-the-role-of-think-tank-industry/<p>In this episode of <em>Conversations on Groong</em>, we dive deep into the intricate dynamics of U.S. imperial foreign policy with Capt. Matthew Hoh. A distinguished Marine Corps officer, former diplomat, and outspoken anti-war advocate, Capt. Hoh offers a comprehensive perspective on the motivations, strategies, and consequences of America’s global military engagements. This discussion sheds light on how the U.S. wields its power across the world and the critical role of think tanks in shaping policies that influence global conflicts. By drawing on his personal experiences and professional expertise, Capt. Hoh exposes the often-hidden realities behind the U.S. Empire’s far-reaching actions, offering a thought-provoking analysis of its impact on nations like Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, and raising essential questions about the ethics and future of such policies.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/400-matthew-hoh-imperial-us-foreign-policy-and-the-role-of-think-tank-industry/Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/400-matthew-hoh-imperial-us-foreign-policy-and-the-role-of-think-tank-industry/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we dive deep into the intricate dynamics of U.S. imperial foreign policy with Capt. Matthew Hoh. A distinguished Marine Corps officer, former diplomat, and outspoken anti-war advocate, Capt. Hoh offers a comprehensive perspective on the motivations, strategies, and consequences of America’s global military engagements. This discussion sheds light on how the U.S. wields its power across the world and the critical role of think tanks in shaping policies that influence global conflicts. By drawing on his personal experiences and professional expertise, Capt. Hoh exposes the often-hidden realities behind the U.S. Empire’s far-reaching actions, offering a thought-provoking analysis of its impact on nations like Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, and raising essential questions about the ethics and future of such policies.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/<h2 id="1-syria-and-the-middle-east"><strong>1. Syria and the Middle East</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Syria’s Post-Conflict Path</strong>: Insights into shifting power structures and international negotiations shaping Syria’s trajectory.</li> <li><strong>Turkey’s Expanding Role</strong>: From Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Idlib to the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), how Ankara asserts its influence.</li> <li><strong>Proxy Wars in Action</strong>: Examining the clash between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkey-supported factions, and its impact on regional stability.</li> <li><strong>Strategic Realignments</strong>: How Turkey’s involvement affects its relationships with Russia and Iran, signaling broader regional shifts.</li> </ul> <h2 id="2-the-south-caucasus"><strong>2. The South Caucasus</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Syria’s Ripple Effects</strong>: How developments in the Middle East intersect with Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.</li> <li><strong>Turkey’s Pan-Turanic Ambitions</strong>: Regional ramifications of Ankara’s goals, alongside Azerbaijan’s aggressive approach in negotiations.</li> <li><strong>Iran’s Strategic Calculations</strong>: Evaluating Tehran’s &ldquo;red lines&rdquo; in Armenia and its stance on the so-called &ldquo;Zangezur corridor.&rdquo;</li> <li><strong>Security and Diplomacy</strong>: Assessing how Middle Eastern conflicts influence Armenia’s regional standing.</li> </ul> <h2 id="3-turkey-russia-iran"><strong>3. Turkey, Russia, Iran</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Tensions in Focus</strong>: How divergent interests over Syria strain Turkey, Russia, and Iran’s cooperation.</li> <li><strong>The 3+3 Platform</strong>: Evaluating the survival of this initiative amid growing discord.</li> <li><strong>Turkey’s Leverage</strong>: Moscow’s vulnerabilities in Syria and Ukraine provide Ankara with new bargaining power.</li> <li><strong>Implications for Stability</strong>: Broader lessons for peace and conflict resolution across these intertwined regions.</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h2> <ul> <li>What does the current balance of power in the Middle East reveal about shifting alliances?</li> <li>Can Kurdish groups maintain U.S. support amid changing priorities?</li> <li>How do the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and Syria’s developments interconnect?</li> <li>What strategies will Russia adopt in response to challenges in Ukraine and the Middle East?</li> <li>Will Turkey-Iran-Russia tensions undermine broader cooperation?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="timestamps"><strong>Timestamps</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=0">00:00</a></strong> Introduction and Episode Overview</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=180">03:00</a></strong> Syria’s Post-War Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=930">15:30</a></strong> Proxy Wars and Kurdish Autonomy: A Geopolitical Tug-of-War</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=1680">28:00</a></strong> The South Caucasus and Its Strategic Significance</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=2400">40:00</a></strong> Regional Power Dynamics: The Turkey-Iran-Russia Nexus</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=3000">50:00</a></strong> Key Takeaways and Reflections</li> <li><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/zic4d4_QL_k?t=3300">55:00</a></strong> Closing Remarks and Future Outlook</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="call-to-action"><strong>Call to Action</strong></h3> <p>Thank you for tuning in to <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong>. If you found this episode insightful, please <strong>subscribe, like, and share</strong> it with your network. Subscribing ensures you’ll stay updated on our latest episodes, while sharing helps expand our community of listeners passionate about Armenia and its geopolitical landscape.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/396-varuzhan-geghamyan-syria-middle-east-armenia-south-caucasus-regional-power-dynamics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syria and the Middle East. The South Caucasus. Turkey, Iran, Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/396/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="syria-and-the-middle-east">Syria and the Middle East</h2> <p>So Syria happened… The terrorists are now forming a government in Syria.</p> <p>Let’s cut to the chase.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Did the Russian and Iranian intel services miss this, or do you think there were some backroom deals that maybe predetermined the current outcome?</li> <li>Russia projects much of its power into the Mediterranean and North Africa through its naval base in Tartus. Reportedly they have reached an agreement with HTS to keep that base in Russian hands. Do you think that’s a sustainable agreement, and can Russia regain a foothold in the eastern Mediterranean if they lose that base?</li> <li>What was Turkey’s role in this Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and their allies offensive?</li> <li>How do you expect the situation in Syria to evolve?</li> </ul> <h2 id="the-south-caucasus">The South Caucasus</h2> <p>The South Caucasus remains a critical region where global and regional powers intersect, creating a volatile geopolitical environment. Following Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, analysts warned of a potential escalation targeting the southern regions of Armenia, particularly the two southern provinces, Syunik and Vayots Dzor, which Turkey and Azerbaijan call their &ldquo;Zangezur corridor.&rdquo;</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syria and the Middle East. The South Caucasus. Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance. 44-Day War and the ISR Factor. Fueling Other Wars.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/395/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241214-transcript-395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/Sat, 14 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241214-transcript-395-larry-c-johnson-on-syria-south-caucasus-isr-intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-2020-war-on-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="syria-and-the-middle-east">Syria and the Middle East</h2> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/395/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Larry C Johnson - Syria, South Caucasus, and Regional Power Dynamics | Ep 395, Dec 14, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - 12/14/2024</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-14</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 395</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/395">https://podcasts.groong.org/395</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/d1aCj0qewOE">https://youtu.be/d1aCj0qewOE</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/ljohnson">Larry C Johnson</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/ljohnson">Larry C Johnson</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:06:59 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/<h2 id="remembering-the-1988-earthquake-in-spitak-armenia">Remembering the 1988 Earthquake in Spitak, Armenia</h2> <p>&ldquo;Ils sont tombés, sans trop savoir pourquoi&rdquo; — Charles Aznavour’s poignant lyrics remind us of the tragedy that united Armenians after the devastating Spitak earthquake on December 7, 1988. Last week marked 36 years since the catastrophe that claimed tens of thousands of lives and rallied Armenians worldwide, with Aznavour leading global relief efforts through concerts and the Aznavour Foundation.</p> <p>Yet the scars of Spitak endure, as the government failed to fully utilize diaspora support, leaving the earthquake zone still not fully rebuilt. Remembering this tragedy should inspire unity today, urging Armenia’s leaders to rally Armenians globally to rebuild and strengthen the nation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:06:59 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/394-hrant-mikaelian-aliyev-new-demands-on-armenia-fall-of-syria-georgia-post-election-unrest-civil-contract-disobedience/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Remembering the 1988 Earthquake in Spitak, Armenia. Aliyev’s “New” Demands. The Fall of Syria. Georgia’s Post-Election Unrest. Civil Contract Disobedience.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/394/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/<h1 id="ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-the-maidan">Ukraine and the Legacy of the Maidan</h1> <p>Prof. Katchanowski, since this is your first time on our podcast, can you summarize for our listeners your research interests and your past academic work?</p> <h2 id="the-war-in-ukraine">The War in Ukraine</h2> <p>We’ll dive into your book in a moment, but first let’s focus on what is happening today on the ground in Ukraine.</p> <p>The war in Ukraine has been raging for nearly three years now. The advance of the Russian forces, while initially modest, has been accelerating, and they are now moving forward tens of kilometers per day.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/393-ivan-katchanovsi-ukraine-and-the-legacy-of-maidan-georgia-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The War in Ukraine. Trump’s “Eastern Approaches”. The Maidan Massacre and Its Legacy. Maidanization of Georgia? Armenia in the Shadow of Ukraine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/393/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h1 id="topics">Topics</h1> <h2 id="introducing-karen-kwiatkowski">Introducing Karen Kwiatkowski</h2> <p>Although this is your first time on our podcast, your reputation certainly precedes you. You’re a widely respected expert on military intelligence and a vocal critic of flawed U.S. foreign policies over the years. As a founding member of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS), you’ve worked to expose the misuse of intelligence to justify war.</p> <p>During your distinguished Air Force career, you served as a Pentagon desk officer and worked with the National Security Agency (NSA). But it was your bold critiques—especially your essays exposing political corruption in military intelligence leading up to the 2003 Iraq War—that cemented your place as an important voice in this field.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey’s Role in the 44-Day War. NATO and Intelligence Sharing. Global Power Rivalries. Lessons from U.S. Intelligence Practices.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/392/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241207-transcript-392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241207-transcript-392-karen-kwiatkowski-turkey-nato-44-day-war-azerbaijan-armenian-intelligence-usa-south-caucasus-russia-geopolitics/<h1 id="topics">Topics</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/392/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Karen Kwiatkowski on Turkey, NATO, and the 44-Day War | Ep 392 - Dec 7, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-07</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 392</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/392">https://podcasts.groong.org/392</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/4lTacGx0yzM">https://youtu.be/4lTacGx0yzM</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Ltc. Karen U. Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/kkwiatkowski">Karen Kwiatkowski</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Asbed:</strong> Hello and welcome to this episode of Conversations on Groong. Today we&rsquo;re diving into regional developments in the greater Middle East and beyond with intelligence expert, author and scholar, Lieutenant Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski, retired. We&rsquo;ll also explore the role of Turkey as a NATO member in the 44-day war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/<h1 id="syria-cop29-armenia">Syria, COP29, Armenia</h1> <p>Professor Sachs, you were recently in Armenia and Azerbaijan and we’re eager to hear your experiences. We initially wanted to focus on your visit to Armenia, but world events compel us to take a short detour.</p> <h2 id="escalation-in-syria">Escalation in Syria</h2> <p>Just as there seemed to be hope for a respite in Lebanon with a cease fire deal, which by the way is being violated daily by Israel, terrorist groups, some of whom enjoy the support, if not patronage, of Turkey, Israel and the US commenced an attack in Syria, taking control of the Aleppo and some surrounding towns and areas. Thus, a six year fragile peace that was agreed upon by Turkey, Iran, and Russia in <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/30/syrian-war-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-astana-talks">Astana</a> in 2017 was violated, increasing the instability in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Escalation in Syria. COP29 Summit. Can NATO save Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/391/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20241205-transcript-391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20241205-transcript-391-jeffrey-sachs-cop29-syria-azerbaijan-armenia-geopolitics-brzezinski-grand-chessboard-russia-iran-turkey/<h1 id="syria-cop29-armenia">Syria, COP29, Armenia</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/391/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Jeffrey Sachs - Escalation in Syria, COP29, Advice for Armenia | Ep 391 - Dec 5, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-12-05</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 391</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/391">https://podcasts.groong.org/391</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/sG_ji42YHj8">https://youtu.be/sG_ji42YHj8</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/jsachs">Jeffrey Sachs</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/jsachs">Jeffrey Sachs</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Jeffrey:</strong> Hello and welcome to this Conversations on Groong episode. Today, we&rsquo;re talking with the world famous scholar Jeffrey Sachs, who is a renowned economist, a recognized public policy expert, and a professor of sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and global economic policy. We&rsquo;ll talk about the recent escalation in Syria, as well as his impressions about the recent trip that he had to Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/<h2 id="cop29-post-mortem">COP29 Post-Mortem</h2> <p>The long-ballyhood PR-stunt that was COP29 in Baku came and went with November.</p> <p>Last year, following COP28 in Dubai, Armenia chose not to veto Azerbaijan&rsquo;s bid to host COP29, allowing its proposal to be accepted.</p> <p>Despite some nations not attending the conference, others sending only low-level representatives, and even despite Greta Thunberg <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/greta-thunberg-azerbaijan-cop-climate/33196896.html">contributing</a> to the awareness raising campaign, Azerbaijan claimed that the event was a success.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Did Aliyev achieve what he was hoping to get out of COP29?</li> <li>What did Armenia get for agreeing to let COP29 take place in Baku?</li> </ul> <h2 id="azerbaijan-slams-polish-president">Azerbaijan Slams Polish President</h2> <p>Two weeks ago outgoing Polish president Andrzej Duda was in Baku at COP29, and this past week he <a href="https://tvpworld.com/83686082/poland-ready-to-help-stabilize-armenia-azerbaijan-relations">visited</a> Yerevan, <a href="https://oc-media.org/polish-president-affirms-plans-to-deepen-ties-with-armenia/">affirmed</a> strong relations between Poland and Armenia, and so on. More importantly, he visited the EU Mission in Armenia on the borders with Yerevan, and Baku took deep offense and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33219344.html">slammed</a> him for provocative, anti-Azerbaijani activities from the leader of a country that has a strategic partnership with them.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/390-benyamin-poghosyan-cop29-azerbaijan-slams-andrzej-duda-in-armenia-syria-lebanon-georgia-after-elections-russia-and-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>COP29 Post-Mortem. Azerbaijan Slams Polish President in Armenia. Developments in the Middle East. Post-election Developments in Georgia. Russian Intel Warnings to Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/390/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/389-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-israel-cease-fire-syria-escalation-armenian-communities/Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:01 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/389-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-israel-cease-fire-syria-escalation-armenian-communities/<h2 id="israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-in-lebanon">Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire in Lebanon</h2> <p>Two months ago Israel started bombing Lebanon, and from there it got much worse with daily bombings of Beirut and other major civilian areas, and finally a damaging invasion into South Lebanon. This past Tuesday’s <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/27/middleeast/visual-guide-map-israel-hezbollahs-ceasefire-intl-dg">ceasefire</a> agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was welcome news.</p> <p>Briefly, the <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/389/israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-UNSCR-1701.pdf">ceasefire agreement</a> requires Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani river, approximately 40 km north of the Israeli border; Israel leaves Lebanon; Lebanese armed forces and UN peacekeepers take over in south Lebanon, south of the Litani. Both sides are claiming victory and the chief commander of the IRGC has <a href="https://x.com/MehrnewsCom/status/1862067648495788218">congratulated</a> Hezbollah on their success.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/389-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-israel-cease-fire-syria-escalation-armenian-communities/Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:01 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/389-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-israel-cease-fire-syria-escalation-armenian-communities/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire in Lebanon. Escalation in Syria. Effect on Armenian Communities.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/389/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/<h1 id="georgian-election-aftermath">Georgian Election Aftermath</h1> <h2 id="constitutional-crisis">Constitutional Crisis?</h2> <p>To <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-crucial-elections-choice-russia-or-europe/33174003.html">recap</a>, on October 26 Georgia held parliamentary elections, and Georgian Dream won a 54% majority, while the combined opposition parties and alliances that cleared the 5% vote margin to get into parliament, got 37%.</p> <p>The <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631310">international reactions</a> to the election were predictable. The West has rallied behind Georgian president Salome Zurabishvili, and called the results fraudulent. Everybody else saw the results as an expression of Georgia’s desire to steer clear of the Russia-West global firestorm raging in Ukraine.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/Sat, 30 Nov 2024 21:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/388-archil-sikharulidze-georgia-elections-aftermath-abkhazia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Crisis In Georgia? Western Reactions and Escalation. Russian Reactions and Georgia’s Strategic Direction. Unrest In Abkhazia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/388/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/<p>November 25 is <a href="https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2024/11/25/Monte-Melkonian/3082418">Monte Melkonyan’s birthday</a>. An Armenian National Hero who embodied unwavering courage, intellect, and a selfless dedication to the liberation of Artsakh, inspiring generations with his vision of a free and secure homeland. Despite our dark days, his legacy inspires us, proving that heroes like Monte come from the strength of our people.</p> <h2 id="supreme-judicial-council-head-mps-resign-at-pashinyans-ask">Supreme Judicial Council Head, MPs resign at Pashinyan’s “Ask”</h2> <p>We all know about the spate of resignations of many of Pashinyan’s cabinet ministers, members of parliament and the head of the supreme judicial council. In fact, we covered it last week and frankly we weren’t planning to talk about it anymore.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/387-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-firings-by-text-scandalous-pashinyan-interview-escalattion-in-ukraine/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>November 25 is Monte Melkonyan’s birthday. An Armenian National Hero who embodied unwavering courage, intellect, and a selfless dedication to the liberation of Artsakh, inspiring generations with his vision of a free and secure homeland. Despite our dark days, his legacy inspires us, proving that heroes like Monte come from the strength of our people.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/387/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:12:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-talks">Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</h2> <h3 id="hateful-attacks-on-declaration-of-independence">Hateful Attacks On Declaration of Independence</h3> <p>Pashinyan severely <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33202094.html">ramped up</a> his criticism of the Declaration of Independence by saying the document is about Armenia’s non-existence. Recently his hand-picked constitutional court issued the decision that he was hoping would show to Aliyev that the Declaration of Independence doesn’t carry legal force, because it is not part of the text of the constitution. But Aliyev rejected the decision and has continued insisting on his demand that Pashinyan take the constitutional change to a national referendum. We have heard Pashinyan criticize the document before, but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fYLlTIco5o">this week’s attacks</a> bordered on hate.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:12:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. COP29: Diplomacy and boycotts. Gyumri&rsquo;s political intrigues. Mass dismissal of Armenian government members. Police “reform”. Legislative Changes In Preparation For Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/386/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/<h1 id="china-brics-new-world-order-2024-georgian-elections">China, BRICS, New World Order, 2024 Georgian elections</h1> <p>In recent years there have been a lot of discussions at academic and expert level, and also in political circles, about the transformation of the current world order from the unipolar system, which emerged after the end of the Cold War in 1991, into a more complex multipolar security architecture. China, as well as BRICS, are viewed as driving forces of this transformation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/382-benyamin-poghosyan-china-brics-new-world-order-armenia-at-kazan-summit-georgian-elections-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>China, and the New World Order. BRICS Summit and Multipolarity. Armenia at BRICS. Georgian Elections in 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/382/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:38:02 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/<h1 id="in-the-wake-of-the-georgian-election">In the Wake of the Georgian Election</h1> <h2 id="election-outcome">Election Outcome</h2> <p>To sum up the results, the ruling party Georgian Dream got around 54 percent of the votes, while 4 opposition parties overcame the 5 percent threshold. Despite criticism, the OSCE and international observers have essentially accepted the election results and are ready to work with the new government.</p> <p>Not so with the US (and supported by the <a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/10/28/eu-calls-for-swift-probe-of-alleged-georgian-election-irregularities">EU</a>). Secretary of State Blinken <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631791">called</a> for a full investigation into “breaches of international norms” during the elections. In that vein, Georgian president Salome Zourabishvili and the opposition parties are <a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-parliamentary-vote-violence-intimidation-russia-west/33175194.html">rejecting</a> the election results, and also alleging that there was Russian interference without providing supporting evidence. She and umbrella civil society NGO “My Vote” are <a href="https://civil.ge/archives/631251">alleging</a> systematic and massive voter fraud affecting over 300,000 votes, and demanding the annulment of the election results.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/Sun, 03 Nov 2024 03:38:02 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/381-johnny-melikian-georgia-elections-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Elections Outcome. Political Landscape. Effect on Armenia and Beyond.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/381/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/Fri, 25 Oct 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/<h1 id="introduction">Introduction</h1> <p>Hello, and welcome to this <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong> episode.</p> <p>First off as always, thanks to our listeners for your valuable and often insightful comments. Keep them coming, and Like and Share our shows to your friends!</p> <p>But we have another request today as well.</p> <p>Hundreds of you listen to our shows through their podcast apps. If you listen to our show on Apple Podcasts, - for example on your iPhone, or iPad, or your Mac computers, please consider rating our show and leave a brief review! We have 18 reviews and we&rsquo;d love to get dozens more. That will help us become more visible, and we’re always interested in reaching a wider audience.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/Fri, 25 Oct 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/377-sopo-japaridze-georgian-parliamentary-elections-october-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Elections in 2024. Election Landscape. Themes of the Campaigns. Comparison with Moldova 2024. Outcomes and Expectations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/377/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/<h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-talks">Armenian Azerbaijani Talks</h2> <h3 id="33-meeting-in-istanbul">3+3 Meeting In Istanbul</h3> <p>After Moscow and Tehran, this year it was Istanbul&rsquo;s turn to hold the <a href="https://nournews.ir/en/news/194743/Iran-welcomes-progress-in-Armenia-Azerbaijan-peace-talks">third meeting</a> of the so-called “3+3” platform, which took place this past week. During the summit, Mirzoyan met with Bayramov, as part of the current bilateral format of meetings.</p> <p>We’re not aware of any results, at least none were reported, but the “Big 3”, Russia, Turkey and Iran <a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1202659">proposed</a> to Armenia and Azerbaijan to move their “peace process” negotiations to the 3+3, in order to achieve a regional solution. At this time neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan have responded to the offer.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/376-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-elections-in-moldova-georgia-iran-russia-relations-brics-in-kazan-russia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Elections in Moldova and Georgia. Iran Russia Relations. BRICS Summit in Kaza, Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/376/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/<h1 id="political-science-and-politics-in-georgia">Political Science and Politics in Georgia</h1> <p>Since this is your first time with us, would you tell us about yourself, and the interests that have led you to explore political science, and what drew you to your specific field of research?</p> <p>Questions:</p> <ul> <li>How did your academic journey, from studying at RUDN in Moscow to your work at Caucasus International University in Georgia, shape your perspectives on the region’s political landscape?</li> <li>Can you share what inspired you to focus specifically on the intersection of media studies and regime transformation in the South Caucasus? What are the most pressing challenges in this area today?</li> </ul> <h2 id="political-science-in-georgia">Political Science in Georgia</h2> <p>In your recent <a href="https://www.interanalytics.org/jour/article/view/555/461">paper</a> “Political Science in Georgia: Epistemology and Determinants”, which you co-authored with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze, a guest and friend of our podcast, you discuss the state of Political Science as a field of study in Georgia. You note the heavy influence of Western theories, such as liberalism, neoliberalism, institutional liberalism, etc. and the role of external actors like the US and the EU, in shaping academia in post-Soviet Georgia, where the absence of a deeply rooted field of study led to an emphasis on democracy promotion and civic education, rather than a critical search for alternative approaches to political studies. You also argue that the fact that Georgia scholars in this field relied heavily on Western funding may have influenced the situation on the ground.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/375-politics-political-science-and-national-identity-in-georgia-georgian-armenian-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Political Science in Georgia. Elections and Potential Political Pivot. Influences on Georgian Identity. Georgia-Armenia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/375/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="azerbaijan-escalates-threats">Azerbaijan Escalates Threats</h2> <p>Azerbaijani MOD <a href="https://mod.gov.az/en/news/colonel-general-zakir-hasanov-our-primary-objective-is-to-enhance-military-power-and-combat-capability-as-well-as-train-53112.html">held an official meeting</a>, involving major divisions and leadership of their armed forces. The message communicated through their announcement was “to be ready to take preventive measures against all possible provocations of revanchist forces on the conditional border”.</p> <p>That Azerbaijan is building up and getting ready for some kind of provocation is beyond doubt. But experts we’ve previously talked to say that Azerbaijan would not go for such a move preceding or during COP29 which is planned to be held in Baku between Nov 11 - 22, due to reputational concerns.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/374-dziunik-aghajanian-azerbaijan-escalates-threats-russia-armenia-relations-eat-rice-not-wheat-srbazan-movement-regional-geopolitics-georgian-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Escalates Threats. Russia-Armenia Relations. Eat Rice, not Wheat, Have some Cold Winters! Srbazan Movement Update. Regional Geopolitics. Iran-Russia. Israel-Iran. Georgian Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/374/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/<h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-talks">Armenian Azerbaijani Talks</h2> <p>Every week there are <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33145289.html">new demands from Aliyev</a> in the process of talks between the countries, and this week was no different. Now additionally he wants apologies for Armenian “war crimes”, and maps of mass graves of Azeris killed during the wars between the countries.</p> <p>At the EAEU meeting in Yerevan this past week, Pashinyan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33142259.html">told</a> the participants, including Russian deputy PM Mikhail Mishustin, that Armenia never agreed to curb its sovereignty. Meanwhile, FSB chief Aleksandr Bortnikov <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33146457.html">said</a> in Moscow that the West is pushing Armenia to leave the CSTO in order to install NATO in that military vacuum, and that they are “persuading Armenia to drag on the negotiations with Azerbaijan.”</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/373-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-escalation-in-middle-east-armenian-constitutional-court-punts-brics-summit/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijani Talks. Escalation in the Middle East. Constitutional Court Punts. Upcoming BRICS Summit.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/373/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/<h1 id="the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus">The Dynamics of Identity and Geopolitics in the South Caucasus</h1> <p>In your recent paper, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08865655.2023.2200782">From Transcaucasia to the South Caucasus: Structural and Discursive Predicaments in Armenia’s Regional Integration</a> (June 2023), you document the perception of Armenia within the wider geopolitical region over time. Over the past 200 years, the constant is that Armenia has largely perceived its destiny to be linked with Russia. Yet, with the outcome of the 2020 war in Artsakh and other larger geopolitical shifts, this perception is currently in the process of being challenged.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/372-vahram-ter-matevosyan-the-dynamics-of-identity-and-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Identity and Integration in the South Caucasus. On the Nature and Thinking of the Armenian Constitution. Relations with Russia Through Time. The Geopolitics Around the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/372/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h1 id="georgian-elections-in-2024-amidst-global-currents">Georgian Elections in 2024 Amidst Global Currents</h1> <h2 id="election-and-politics">Election and Politics</h2> <p>Georgia&rsquo;s parliamentary elections are set for October 26, and political tensions are rising. The ruling Georgian Dream party has clashed with the West, with the EU pausing Georgia&rsquo;s candidacy for membership, and both the US and EU imposing sanctions on its party leaders. This rift began with the &ldquo;Transparency of Foreign Influence&rdquo; law and other conservative legislative initiatives. Georgia&rsquo;s refusal to support certain anti-Russian measures during the Ukraine war has also strained relations. Georgian Dream appears to have doubled down on its stance, naming Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, and Irakli Gharibashvili as lead candidates.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/370-nikoloz-bitsadze-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Election, Politics, and The Geopolitical Context. Who are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics? Is Talk of Civilizational Catastrophe, or Rapprochement with Abkhazia/South Ossetia Election-time Populism? Neutrality and Georgian-Armenian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/370/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/<h2 id="day-of-independence-of-the-third-republic-sep-21">Day of Independence of the Third Republic, Sep. 21</h2> <p>Last week, Saturday, September 21, was Armenia’s Independence Day. The country turned 33 years old.</p> <p>Before the 2020 war, it used to be a reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Armenian people, who, throughout centuries of hardship, have preserved their culture, language, and identity. Independence is not just a date on the calendar—it is the foundation of our nationhood, and it gives us a chance to reflect on the past, celebrate our achievements, and strengthen our hope for the future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/368-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-independence-day-third-republic-september-21-strategic-partnerships-armenia-azerbaijan-talks/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Day of Independence: Sep. 21. “Strategic Partnerships”. Armenian Azerbaijani Talks.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/368/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/<h1 id="neutrality-in-a-multipolar-world">Neutrality in a Multipolar World</h1> <h2 id="neutrality-studies">Neutrality Studies</h2> <p>Since this is your first time with us, would you tell us about yourself, and the interests that have led you to the formal study of the concept of “Neutrality”?</p> <p>Your university in Japan, University of Kyoto, seems to be one of the few places around the world that has a formal neutrality studies program.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is neutrality and what is the theoretical basis for Neutrality Studies? <ul> <li>When was the term introduced or coined?</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Let’s relate to an old saying attributed to Edmond Burke, that “the only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is for good men to do nothing”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/367-pascal-lottaz-neutrality-studies-armenia-multipolar-world/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is Neutrality Studies? Rise of the Multi-Polar World.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/367/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="sep-12-13-anniversary">Sep 12-13 Anniversary</h2> <p>More than 2 years since the Azerbaijani war on Armenia, ending up with occupation of more than 200 sq km (approx. size of Yerevan) in Vayots Dzor and Syunik.</p> <p>In the aftermath, we have:</p> <ul> <li>More than 200 soldiers were killed, some were brutally murdered in what can be described as full fledged war crimes.</li> <li>In Jermuk, one of Armenia’s most touristic cities, Azeri soldiers are less than 5km from the town.</li> <li>We’re not aware that Armenia is pursuing any international legal action related to these war crimes.</li> <li>A full list of names was never released and the anniversary of such a tragedy was not observed at a state level.</li> <li>And despite demarcation and delimitation ostensibly being presented as a fair mechanism for resolving border issues, Aliyev has said he will never leave those territories and there’s no indication that Armenia under Pashinyan will ever demand these territories.</li> </ul> <p>The following day, Pashinyan in parliament said that “we want to sign a paper for which we will be called traitors”. Next month, on Oct. 5, 2022, Pashinyan went to Prague to sign away Artsakh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/365-sergei-melkonian-sept-12-13-anniversary-between-blinken-and-a-hard-place-more-usaid-for-armenia-georgia-parliamentary-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>September 12-13 Anniversary. Between Blinken and a Hard Place. More USAID for Armenia. Georgian Parliamentary Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/365/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h2 id="election-and-politics">Election and Politics</h2> <p>Georgia is holding parliamentary elections on October 26, and the internal political rhetoric is heating up.</p> <p>We know that there is a big rift between the current Georgian Dream ruling party and the West to the point where the EU has paused Georgia’s EU candidacy and has imposed a number of sanctions against the ruling party leadership after the recent law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, which the West calls the “Foreign Agent Law” (or even “Putin’s Law”?), and other legislative changes that were introduced in the country.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/363-david-darchiashvili-upcoming-georgian-elections-in-october-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Election and Politics, and The Geopolitical Context. Who are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics? Why is the EU hell bent against the Law on “Foreign Agents”? Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Russia Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/363/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="iran-shuts-down-zangezur-corridor-dreams">Iran Shuts Down “Zangezur Corridor Dreams”</h2> <h3 id="iran-warns-russia-to-back-off">Iran Warns Russia to Back Off</h3> <p>Following Putin’s visit to Baku a couple of weeks ago, Russia’s <a href="https://asbarez.com/lavrov-accuses-yerevan-of-sabotaging-deal-to-open-transit-routes/">rhetoric</a> became very harsh about Armenia blocking transportation links through Syunik, which Azerbaijan and Turkey call the “Zangezur Corridor”. We also know that there is significant pressure from the West (whether it is the EU or the US) on Armenia and Azerbaijan to open up Armenia to Turkish-Azeri connectivity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/361-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-shuts-zangezur-corridor-talk-trade-routes-accountability-in-foreign-intel-service-georgia-azerbaijan-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Shuts Down Talk of “Zangezur Corridor”. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Iran Armenia Trade / BRICS. Foreign Intelligence Service. Georgian and Azerbaijani Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/361/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/<h1 id="armenian-american-priorities-in-the-2024-us-elections">Armenian American Priorities in the 2024 US Elections</h1> <p>The Democratic and Republican national conventions have come and gone with great pomp and circumstance, and we now know the major candidates vying for the presidency of the United States: Donald Trump &amp; JD Vance on the Republican side, vs Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on the Democrat side.</p> <p>Aram, up until president Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and then Congress’s near unanimous affirmation, the top Armenian-American priority in advocating for our causes was recognition of the Genocide.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/Fri, 06 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/360-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-american-priorities-in-2024-elections-armenia-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Artsakh and the 2024 US Elections. On the Major Presidential Candidates. On the Vice President Candidates. On the National Security Apparatus. Arab-American “Uncommitted” Movement. And the Armenian Vote goes to….</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/360/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:03:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/<h1 id="russia-and-the-eurasian-world-order">Russia and The Eurasian World Order</h1> <p>It is the first time that you’re on our podcast. Obviously, in academia, especially in international relations, you’re a well known name. Can you introduce yourself to our audience?</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>How did you decide to go into a career in academia in international relations? Was it always your first choice?</li> </ul> <p>Now let’s talk about the Ukraine war in more detail.</p> <p>You live in Norway, which is a NATO member and a major supporter of Ukraine in this current war. In 2022 and 2023 combined, Norway <a href="https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/foreign-affairs/humanitarian-efforts/neighbour_support/id2908141/">provided</a> over $3B (30.6B NOK) in aid to Ukraine and has pledged to provide significantly more in coming years. This includes military support, such as F16 fighter jets.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:03:30 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Norwegian &amp; NATO Support for Ukraine. “The Ukraine War &amp; the Eurasian World Order”. Small States and Multipolarity. Armenia&rsquo;s Position in a Multipolar World.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/359/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240904-transcript-359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20240904-transcript-359-glenn-diesen-russia-new-world-order-armenia-multipolarity/<h1 id="russia-and-the-eurasian-world-order">Russia and The Eurasian World Order</h1> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/359/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Glenn Diesen - Russia and The Eurasian World Order | Ep 359 - Sep 4, 2024</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - September 4, 2024</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2024-09-04</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 359</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/359">https://podcasts.groong.org/359</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/lgpgyOmiQ04">https://youtu.be/lgpgyOmiQ04</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/gdiesen">Glenn Diesen</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/gdiesen">Glenn Diesen</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/<h2 id="declarations-of-independence">Declarations of Independence</h2> <p>The past 10 days were memorable with 2 notable anniversaries:</p> <ul> <li>On August 23, 1990 the declaration of state sovereignty was adopted in the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR.</li> <li>On September 2, 1991 the Republic of Artsakh declared its independence from the Soviet Union.</li> </ul> <p>It is interesting to note that the August 23 declaration in Armenia referred to the desire to unify the Armenian SSR, Nagorno Karabakh (NKAO), and the region of Shahumyan. Meanwhile, a year later, the authorities of Artsakh at the time decided to go for full independence, with their declaration.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/358-benyamin-poghosyan-declarations-of-armenian-and-nagorno-karabakh-independence-putin-in-baku-azerbaijan-applies-to-brics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Declarations of Independence. Declaration of State Sovereignty of Armenia (1990). Artsakh Independence Day - September 2 (1991). Pashinyan Press Conference. Negotiations Formats. Artsakh Rights &amp; Security as Pashinyan’s “National Security” Problem. Armenian and Azerbaijani Constitutions. Liberating Occupied Armenian Territories. Putin in Baku. Azerbaijan’s Application to BRICS.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/358/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/Sat, 31 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/<h2 id="russia-and-iran-in-a-north-south-axis">Russia and Iran in a North-South Axis</h2> <p>Russian Iranian relations have never been closer than they’ve been since the war in Ukraine began. The Russian, Ottoman and Persian empires have always clashed in the South Caucasus and traded territories between them, but it’s only since the fall of the Soviet Union, and perhaps more specifically since the fall and ethnic cleansing of Artsakh that Russia has recognized how strategic its relations are with Iran, in the modern world.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/Sat, 31 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/357-pietro-shakarian-russia-iran-armenia-relations-ukraine-kursk-pavel-durov-syunik-petrozavodsk-anastas-mikoyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russian-Iranian Relations. Russian-Armenian Relations. Ukraine’s Kursk Gambit. Pavel Durov Arrested in France. Observations from Armenia and Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/357/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/Fri, 23 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/<h1 id="georgian-elections-in-2024">Georgian Elections in 2024</h1> <h2 id="georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents">Georgian Politics Amidst Global Currents</h2> <p>Georgia is holding parliamentary elections in October 2024 and the internal political rhetoric is heating up.</p> <p>We know that there is a big rift between the current Georgian Dream ruling party and the West to the point where Georgia’s EU candidacy has been paused and a number of sanctions have been imposed against the ruling party leadership after the recent law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence”, more commonly known as the “Foreign Agent Law”, among other anti-liberal legislative changes introduced in the country.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/Fri, 23 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/356-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-politics-amidst-global-currents-attacks-on-georgian-church-book-on-georgian-russian-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Politics, Amidst Global Currents. Attacks Against the Georgian Church. Thoughts on Russian and Georgian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/356/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/<h2 id="irans-geopolitical-moves">Iran’s Geopolitical Moves</h2> <h3 id="in-armenia">In Armenia</h3> <p>Two weeks ago on July 28th Iran inaugurated Masoud Pezheshkian as its new president. Pashinyan <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33056549.html">attended</a> the events in Tehran and met with Ayatollah Khamenei, as well as Pezheshkian. The message to Pashinyan was that the change of presidents would not change Iran’s policy towards the Caucasus, and that they remain firmly opposed to any special corridors through Armenia.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>As much as this might sound comforting to Armenians that Iran is warning Azerbaijan and Turkey not to touch Armenia, is there also a warning for Pashinyan here?</li> <li>Is Pashinyan “hearing” that warning?</li> <li>What’s at stake in Armenia for Iran? <ul> <li>Are the stakes similar to India’s interests in the Caucasus?</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>This morning Pezheshkian&rsquo;s foreign minister Mohammed Javad Zarif <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/iranian-vice-president-resigns-only-084119806.html">resigned</a>, days after his appointment.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/353-yeghia-tashjian-iran-geopolitical-moves-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-stalled-normalization-with-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran’s Geopolitical Moves. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks. Stalled “Normalization”.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/353/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/<h1 id="armenias-geopolitical-pivot">Armenia’s Geopolitical Pivot</h1> <p>A self-introduction of Prof. Arman Grigoryan, of Lehigh University.</p> <h2 id="revolutionary-mistakes">Revolutionary Mistakes</h2> <p>In April of this year you published an extensive research paper titled “<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09636412.2024.2327316">Revolutionary Governments, Recklessness, and War: The Case of the Second Karabakh War</a>”.</p> <p>In the early stages of the paper you make the point that as he came to power in 2018, Pashinyan held the position that negotiations were a waste of time if the process was not culminating in a status for Artsakh, maybe in exchange for some of its surrounding territories. So his logic put both Aliyev and the OSCE MG in front of a dead-end situation which would lead the war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/349-arman-grigoryan-misguided-pivot-to-west-turkey-involvement-in-second-karabakh-war-corridors-revolutionary-mistakes/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Revolutionary Mistakes. Nov. 9 Statement, Corridors, Communications. Misguided Pivot. Turkish Involvement in the 44-Day War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/349/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/<h2 id="prospect-of-trump-presidency-and-effect-on-the-region">Prospect of Trump Presidency and Effect On The Region</h2> <p>The entire world is talking about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump that occurred on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.</p> <p>There are many questions to ask about this incident, including the apparent failure of the US secret service to adequately protect the former president and current Republican presidential candidate. But for many of those in the region, the question is about what happens next, especially since it seems that the prospect of a Trump presidency is now much higher.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/345-prospect-of-trump-presidency-mirzoyan-at-nato-summit-parade-of-us-officials-in-armenia-mpg-poll-review/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Prospect of Trump Presidency on the Caucasus. Mirzoyan at NATO Summit in DC. Parade of US Officials in Armenia. MPG Poll.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/345/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/<h2 id="srbazan-movement-pause-and-regroup">Srbazan Movement: Pause and Regroup?</h2> <p>After the brutal use of police violence on the protesters on June 12 and the quorum-busting move from Civil Contract on June 17, which prevented the opposition from holding a hearing on the topic of demanding Pashinyan’s resignation, the protest movement led by Bagrat Srbazan has announced that it will change tactics and use the tool of rallies and protests sparingly and tactically. Furthermore, the movement will be re-grouped and expanded, according to Srbazan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/339-dziunik-aghajanian-caesar-systems-purchased-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-pashinyan-talks-to-erdogan-eu-parliamet-shifts-right/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Srbazan Movement: Pause &amp; Regroup? EU Parliamentary Shift to the Right. Armenia and EU Membership. Renewed Azerbaijani Threats of War. Armenia Reports CAESAR Artillery Acquisition. Did Pashinyan Get Marching Orders from Erdogan?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/339/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/Tue, 28 May 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="iran-president-and-fm-killed-in-helicopter-crash">Iran President and FM Killed in Helicopter Crash</h2> <p>On Sunday May 19, Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Amir Hussein Abdollahian and 7 other staff members perished in a helicopter crash near Iran’s border with Azerbaijan. They were returning from <a href="https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/05/19/725853/Iranian-president,-Azeri-counterpart-inaugurate-Qiz-Qalasi-border-dam-">inaugurating a dam</a> on the Arax river with Ilham Aliyev.</p> <p>There was a worldwide outpouring of condolences from the UN and most countries around the world on the deaths of the Iranian leaders.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/Tue, 28 May 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/333-sergei-melkonian-iran-president-foreign-minister-killed-in-helicopter-crash-bagrat-srbazan-leads-mass-protests-armenian-russian-relations/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran President and FM Killed in Helicopter Crash. Bagrat Srbazan Leads Mass Protests in Armenia. Armenian Russian Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/333/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/Sun, 26 May 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/<h2 id="georgian-law-on-foreign-agents">Georgian Law on Foreign Agents</h2> <p>For the past two months Georgia has been wracked with protests about a so-called bill on “Foreign Agents” which the parliament passed into law last week, and then it was vetoed by president Zourabishvili.</p> <p>If you follow mainstream media, this law on foreign agents which the west calls a “Russian Law” or “Putin’s Law”, will be catastrophic for Georgia. Interestingly, the US and many other western states have similar laws to protect them against foreign influence. The US for example has FARA, the Foreign Agent Registration Act (which, I think, dates back from before WW2!)</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/Sun, 26 May 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/332-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-law-on-foreign-agents-tavush-movement-in-armenia-parallels-in-foreign-influence/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Law on Foreign Agents. Politics and Diplomacy of Armenia. Parallels and Lessons from Georgia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/332/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/Tue, 14 May 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/<h2 id="bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets">Bagrat Srbazan Brings Masses To the Streets</h2> <p>Undoubtedly the biggest story of the past week is the <strong>Tavush for the Homeland</strong> movement led by Bagrat Srbazan. He is the primate of the Tavush DIocese, and started with protests against the government’s unilateral concession of Tavush villages to Azerbaijan. He immediately garnered support from the residents of the villages and the province, and then captured the imagination of the people everywhere in the republic as well as in the diaspora. He has advocated peaceful means in the face of rising police brutality, as the ranks of his supporters have swelled to tens of thousands. Estimates vary, as usual; pro-government sources have estimated a low of 32,000, while other media sources have estimated over 100,000.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/Tue, 14 May 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/329-tevan-poghosyan-bagrat-srbazan-brings-masses-to-the-streets-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-continue/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Bagrat Srbazan Brings Masses To the Streets. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks Continue.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/329/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/<h2 id="april-24-armenian-genocide-commemorations">April 24: Armenian Genocide Commemorations</h2> <p>We’re recording this show on April 24, today is the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Dozens of countries around the world, including the US, Russia, France have fully recognized this atrocity against humanity and Armenians.</p> <p>Armenian communities in the diaspora commemorate this day around the world, and I’ve already posted on Groong’s Facebook page dozens of events from everywhere, but nowhere is it more impressive and memorable than in Armenia, where in some years a million people march from Yerevan to Tsitsernakabert, the Genocide monument on a hill outside the capital. Each year there is a giant commemorative torch procession, and gathering in Republic square on the eve of April 24. This year was no exception.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/326-edgar-elbakyan-109th-commemorations-armenian-genocide-pashinyan-concedes-tavush-territories-russia-withdrawing-peacekeepers-from-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>109th Commemorations of the Armenian Genocide. Pashinyan Concedes Tavush Territories. Russia Withdrawing Peacekeepers from Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/326/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/<h2 id="trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting">Trilateral US-EU-Armenia Meeting</h2> <p>Onn April 5 between the US, the EU and Armenia held a Trilateral meeting. Pashinyan met with Anthony Blinken and Ursula von der Leyen on Friday and <a href="https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-eu-us-armenia-high-level-meeting-support-armenias-resilience-2024-04-05_en">agreements</a> were signed for a combined $350 million aid package aimed at the “ resilience of the Armenian economy”.</p> <p>This meeting was very loudly denounced by both Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, as well as the Russian MFA, despite assurances on the part of the participants that the talks were not aimed, or against Azerbaijan or Russia, Both Blinken and von der Leyen called Aliyev and emphasized that no Armenian security issues were being discussed. But these assurances did not correspond to their perceptions, and after the meeting Aliyev escalated tensions along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with shootings along the border.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/323-anna-karapetyan-trilateral-us-eu-armenia-meeting-talks-with-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-in-free-fall-pashinyan-suppressing-artsakh-leadership/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Trilateral US-EU-Armenia Meeting. Talks with Azerbaijan. Tavush: What has Pashinyan Promised. Relations with Russia in Freefall. Pashinyan Suppressing Artsakh Leadership.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/323/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/<p>The transcript for this episode can be found here: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/20240402-01-interview-markus-ritter-eu-monitoring-mission-armenia-euma/">Markus Ritter - The European Union Mission in Armenia | Ep 322 - Mar 29, 2024</a>.</p> <h1 id="the-european-union-mission-in-armenia">The European Union Mission in Armenia</h1> <p>Dr. Ritter, you have a rich career as a law enforcement official and reading your bio, we learned that you have also participated in five international deployments. Since this is your first visit to our podcast, and hopefully not the last, would you mind telling our listeners a little more about your background?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/322-markus-ritter-eu-observer-mission-in-armenia-euma/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mission Details. Mission &amp; Goals. Operational Details. Communication. Immunity. Perceptions from Neighboring Countries. Incidents. August 15 ,2023. Nerkin Hand.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/322/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/<h1 id="can-the-us-guarantee-armenias-security">Can the US Guarantee Armenia’s Security?</h1> <h2 id="article-review">Article Review</h2> <p>Paul, in your article you ask “should the United States even care about what happens in the South Caucasus”? And your first-look response is that no, there’s no strategic value for the US. Then you dig a little deeper and you posit that “an invasion of Armenia by Azerbaijan would run counter to American interests”.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Can you explain why?</li> <li>What are America’s strategic interests and objectives in the South Caucasus?</li> </ul> <p>Armenia has four neighbors: Iran, Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan. As long as Iran and the West are in conflict, no western support can reach Armenia through it. Azerbaijan and Turkey are the actual threats that we’re trying to mitigate, so no western support will reach Armenia through them. And Georgia is deeply reliant on Turkey and Azerbaijan in many aspects, so Armenians do not believe that it can be a reliable corridor for external support in a time of need, such as when a war breaks out.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/321-paul-cormarie-rand-how-can-the-us-support-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus. The Challenge of Armenia’s Neighborhood. Weaponry that could help Armenia. Clear Expectations and Limits. The Turkish Factor. The Iranian Factor.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/321/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/<h2 id="terror-attack-in-moscow">Terror Attack in Moscow</h2> <p>On Friday night four terrorists attacked a concert hall in Moscow called the Crocus City Hall. At present the death toll <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/4-gunmen-arrested-moscow-concert-attack-death-toll/story?id=108421072">stands at</a> 137, and is expected to rise. The gunmen opened fire on the audience and set the building on fire. Atrocities were also committed.</p> <p>The Islamic terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, but details remain sketchy. On Saturday, president Putin declared that the four gunmen were apprehended as they fled towards Ukraine, and claimed that an escape “window” was prepared for the gunmen across the border in Ukraine. After questioning the gunmen reportedly confessed to be Tajiks who had transited through Turkey before reaching their destination.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/320-tevan-poghosyan-political-prisoners-in-armenia-stoltenberg-in-south-caucasus-pashinyan-in-tavush/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Terror Attack in Moscow. Growing List of Political Prisoners in Armenia. Narek Samsonyan &amp; Vazgen Saghatelyan brutally arrested. Narek Malyan Exonerated, Remains Jailed. Pashinyan in Tavush. Stoltenberg’s in the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/320/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/<h1 id="tatul-manaseryan-on-economic-topics">Tatul Manaseryan on Economic Topics</h1> <p>Before we get started, we’d like to remind you to support us and help us expand our reach. First, you can share this link with your friends and if you feel extra generous please go to our donate page, podcasts.groong.org / donate. Thanks in advance!</p> <p>Dr. Manaseryan, as this is your first time on our show, would you tell us about yourself, so that our listeners may get to know you a little bit?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:48:51 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/319-tatul-manaseryan-armenia-economic-diversification-systemic-corruption-bank-secrecy/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Economic Diversification. Systemic Corruption. Bank Secrecy Scrapped.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/319/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/<h2 id="reaction-to-interview-with-canadian-ambassador">Reaction to Interview with Canadian Ambassador</h2> <p>Hovik, Asbed, and Arthur talk about the Canadian ambassador’s interview with Groong.</p> <p>Last week we published a lengthy interview with the new Canadian Ambassador to Armenia, Andrew Turner. We checked, and it seems to be the most comprehensive interview with the ambassador to date and goes beyond the traditional formalities. For those who want to listen to the hour-long interview, just look up episode 316 on your Youtube, Spotify, or any other channel where Groong exists.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Reactions to Interview with Canadian Ambassador. More Concessions Signaled by Pashinyan. EU Parliament Resolution on Armenia. Fish Rots from the Head.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/318/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/<h1 id="georgia-armenia-partnership--politics-in-the-south-caucasus">Georgia, Armenia, Partnership &amp; Politics in the South Caucasus</h1> <p>Archil, since it’s the first time you’re on the show, we’d appreciate learning a little more about your background. Can you tell us your areas of interest?</p> <h2 id="georgian-nationalism--identity">Georgian Nationalism &amp; Identity</h2> <p>Archil, when initially we were planning this interview, we asked you for a profile picture and you said to not expect one in a suit. And that sparked a number of interesting tangential discussions about conservatism and nationalism in Georgia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/315-archil-sikharulidze-georgian-nationalism-identity-armenia-georgia-relations-post-2018-strategic-partnership-eu-accession/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgian Nationalism and Identity. Georgia, Armenia, post 2018. Accession to the EU. Strategic Partnership.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/315/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/<h1 id="evolving-geopolitics-in-the-south-caucasus">Evolving Geopolitics in the South Caucasus</h1> <h2 id="iran-parliamentary-elections">Iran Parliamentary Elections</h2> <p>On March 1, 2024 Iran held parliamentary elections. The turnout of these elections was 41% which, based on our understanding, indicates that many of the seats in the Majles will go to a 2nd round of voting scheduled in May. Additionally, we understand that many seats were won by conservative candidates.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What should regional, and also global, actors expect from the outcome of these elections?</li> <li>Is it possible that the leader of Iran might change?</li> <li>How likely are foreign policy changes based on these elections?</li> </ul> <h2 id="geopolitical-u-turn-in-armenia">Geopolitical U-Turn in Armenia?</h2> <p>When the 2018 regime change happened in Armenia, there were many speculations about the future geopolitical direction of the new government, specifically that Armenia was going to make a u-turn to the west.. After the 2020 war and especially after the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh in September 2023, it seems Armenia is making steadfast and accelerated steps in a direction away from its security cooperation with the CSTO and Russia, in what Pashinyan’s government calls “security diversification,” but which in reality clearly looks like a divorce.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/314-ehsan-movahedian-iran-armenia-relations-security-architecture-u-turn-ngo-propaganda/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Parliamentary Elections. Geopolitical U-turn in Armenia? Iran Armenia Relations. Anti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOs.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/314/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="celebrating-a-hero-vazgen-sargsyan">Celebrating A Hero: Vazgen Sargsyan</h2> <p>This week was the birthday of Vazgen Sargsyan, the first Defense Minister of Armenia who also served as Prime Minister of Armenia until his assassination in 1999.</p> <p>This was the 65th anniversary of the birth of the national hero, who is credited with building the Armenian army that was later responsible for the glorious victory in the first Artsakh war. He is referred to with the honorary title of “Sparapet”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/313-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-news-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-iran-warnings-european-union/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Stalled. Stalled with Enemies. Stalled with Allies. Economic Diversification. Fish Rots from the Head.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/313/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20240307-01-russian-armenian-expert-discussion/Thu, 07 Mar 2024 07:00:57 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/20240307-01-russian-armenian-expert-discussion/<p>In this clip from <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/312">episode #312</a>, we discuss a recent Russian-Armenian experts dialogue held in Yerevan, discussions delved into the state of relations between the two nations. Our guest Arthur Khachikyan was one of the participants.</p> <p>The expert dialogue sparked significant reactions in Armenia, with some media channels expressing negativity towards the candid exchanges that took place. The Russian side was notably frank, warning of potential consequences for Armenia&rsquo;s Western reorientation, referencing past events like Karabakh and suggesting future territorial concerns. The dialogue shed light on various geopolitical concerns, including the potential implications for Armenia&rsquo;s territorial integrity and its relationship with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="french-connection">French Connection</h2> <h3 id="missak-manouchian">Missak Manouchian</h3> <p>On February 21, the French government held a historic ceremony where the remains of Missak Manouchian (and his wife Meline) were interred in the Panthéon in Paris. Manouchian was an Armenian genocide survivor who during the second world war joined the French resistance and led a number of daring operations that liquidated more than a 100 Nazis.</p> <p>This is a pretty big honor. Manouchian is now in the company of the great Frenchmen like Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, Alexandre Dumas and others. This event was covered widely in the French press. Pashinyan was invited and attended.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/311-sergei-melkonian-french-armenian-defense-cooperation-misak-manouchian-russian-relations-risk-of-war-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>French Connection. Russian-Armenian Dialog. Negotiations and Risk of War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/311/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/<h2 id="armenias-security-in-danger">Armenia&rsquo;s Security in Danger</h2> <p>Earlier this week 4 of our soldiers were shot dead on the border near Nerkin Hand, when Azerbaijan opened fire alleging that they were retaliating against Armenians firing at them the previous day. When Azerbaijan made the allegation, Pashinyan and Suren Papikyan responded that they would investigate the possible violation of their rules that Armenian soldiers will not fire on Azerbaijan, and if true, they would prosecute the soldiers. Later they claimed that <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1130462.html">Azerbaijan made false claims</a>, but serious damage was already done to Armenia’s credibility. Even EU foreign policy head Borrell gave Azerbaijan a huge boost by <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/armenia-press-remarks-high-representative-josep-borrell-after-eu-armenia-partnership-council_en">accepting</a> the unproven allegation that Armenians had shot at Azerbaijanis the day before and labeling the incident as “deplorable”, before saying that he thinks Azerbaijan’s bloody murder of 4 Armenians seems to be a “disproportionate response”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/310-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-security-in-danger-munich-security-conference-relations-with-regional-allies/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia’s Security in Danger. Munich Security Conference. Relations with Regional Allies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/310/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Sun, 11 Feb 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="yerevan-politics">Yerevan Politics</h2> <h3 id="minority-rule-in-yerevan">Minority Rule in Yerevan</h3> <p>On Thursday, the Yerevan Avagani (Council of Elders, or City Council) met to discuss the canceling of mandates of several opposition council members. The opposition had planned to boycott the council meeting and prevent a quorum, but two members of the Public Voice party joined the meeting and voted with Civil Contract and the Republic party to overcome quorum and also gave them the needed votes to <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129742.html">oust Hayk Marutyan</a>, a former mayor of Yerevan and leader of the second largest party in the council, as well as two other council members. Yet another two council members, including Zaruhi Postanjyan survived the vote.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/Sun, 11 Feb 2024 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/309-hrant-mikaelian-mpg-poll-results-armenian-constitution-economy-politics-negotiations-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan City Politics. Aliyev “Elections”. Armenia-Georgia Strategic Partnership. Latest MPG Poll Review.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/309/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/<p>Dr. Darchiashvili, as this is your first time on our show, please tell us a little bit about yourself, your interests and your endeavors!</p> <h2 id="georgian-politics">Georgian Politics</h2> <p>Over the past two decades, Georgia has weathered storms of political upheaval, economic instability, and even outright conflict. The scars of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War still linger, serving as a stark reminder of the tumultuous times the nation has endured. In the aftermath of the Rose Revolution in 2003, hopes were high for democratic consolidation and economic prosperity. However, the road to progress was marred by internal divisions, external pressures, and regressions in reforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/308-david-darchiashvili-georgia-armenia-strategic-partnership-regional-relations-and-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dr. Darchiashvili, as this is your first time on our show, please tell us a little bit about yourself, your interests and your endeavors!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/308/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/<h2 id="topics-of-conversation">Topics of Conversation</h2> <h4 id="intro-to-show-with-michael-goorjian">Intro to show with Michael Goorjian</h4> <h4 id="artistic-influences">Artistic influences</h4> <h4 id="about-the-voyeur-motif">About the voyeur motif</h4> <h4 id="the-less-armenian-and-more-human-and-universal-aspect">The less Armenian and more human and universal aspect</h4> <h4 id="russia">Russia</h4> <h4 id="the-humor-in-the-film">The humor in the film</h4> <h4 id="the-colors-of-this-film">The colors of this film</h4> <h4 id="the-music-and-sounds-in-the-film">The music and sounds in the film</h4> <h4 id="about-hoviks-hat">About Hovik’s hat…</h4> <h4 id="casting-acting-editing">Casting, acting, editing</h4> <h4 id="directing-style">Directing style</h4> <h4 id="which-directors-have-influenced-goorjian">Which directors have influenced Goorjian?</h4> <h4 id="the-parallels-between-michaels-charlie-and-chaplin">The parallels between Michael’s Charlie and Chaplin</h4> <h4 id="the-silent-aspect-of-communication">The “silent” aspect of communication</h4> <h4 id="filming-through-the-prison-window">Filming through the prison window</h4> <h4 id="the-choice-of-charlies-actively-learning-and-immersing">The Choice of Charlie’s actively learning and immersing</h4> <h4 id="see-this-movie">See this movie!</h4> <h4 id="whats-next">What’s next?</h4> <h4 id="what-do-you-need-to-continue-to-make-films">What do you need to continue to make films?</h4> <h4 id="what-was-the-oscar-shortlisting-journey-like">What was the Oscar Shortlisting journey like?</h4> <h4 id="why-the-nomination-will-help-film-making-in-armenia">Why the nomination will help film making in Armenia</h4> <h4 id="what-do-you-think-of-parajanov">What do you think of Parajanov?</h4> <h4 id="what-about-atom-egoyan">What about Atom Egoyan?</h4> <h4 id="how-would-we-come-up-with-an-armenian-superhero---khorovadz-man">How would we come up with an Armenian Superhero - Khorovadz man?</h4> <h4 id="about-michael-goorjian">About Michael Goorjian</h4> <h4 id="bedros--asbed-shoot-the-breeze-about-the-conversation">Bedros &amp; Asbed shoot the breeze about the Conversation</h4> <h4 id="wrap-up-and-about-dr-bedros-afeyan">Wrap up and about Dr. Bedros Afeyan</h4> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news. Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/307-michael-goorjian-amerikatsi-armenian-cinema-oscars-shortlist-2024-film-arts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Amerikatsi: Motifs, Aspects and Character of the Film. Goorjian’s Style, Influences, and Interests. The Oscar Shortlisting journey. Bedros &amp; Asbed Afterthoughts on the Conversation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/307/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/<h2 id="diplomatic-flurry">Diplomatic Flurry</h2> <p>Since the 44-Day war, Iran has woken up to the new geopolitical realities, understanding that it can no longer leave the northern vector to a silent alliance with Russia. Iran has increased its diplomatic activity and military readiness, and on the economic front, as of January 1, Iran is a member of BRICS and has a sweeping free trade agreement with the EAEU. And its one border with the EAEU is with Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/306-varuzhan-geghamyan-armenian-azerbaijani-talks-ebrahim-raisi-recep-erdogan-ankara-domestic-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Diplomatic Flurry. Raisi in Ankara. Raisi in Moscow. Putin in Ankara. Aliyev’s Constitution for Armenia. How can the Opposition become a consequential force?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/306/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/Mon, 22 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/<h2 id="an-armenian-in-st-petersburg">An Armenian in St. Petersburg</h2> <p>How is life in Saint Petersburg, Russia?</p> <p>For the past couple of years the mainstream Western press has pushed a narrative that Russia is on the verge of collapse due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. But just in the last 6 months this has started shifting, and there are reports that the US and some EU countries are pushing Ukraine to find a negotiated settlement with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/Mon, 22 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/303-pietro-shakarian-russia-ukraine-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-in-geopolitical-context/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>An Armenian in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian Perceptions and Outlook on the War in Ukraine. Perceptions of Armenia and Artsakh in Russia. World Events that might Affect Outcome of the War in Ukraine. Where do Armenia and Artsakh Figure in a New World Order?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/303/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/<h2 id="artsakh-president-annuls-dissolution-of-republic">Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic</h2> <p>Three months after Azerbaijan’s invasion of Artsakh Republic and eviction of its remaining 100,000 population, president-in-exile Samvel Shahramanyan has allegedly <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32743402.html">annulled his declaration</a> of dissolving the republic on January 1, 2024, which he had made under duress, to save more civilians from brutal torture and murder.</p> <p>There are a number of serious caveats to this story:</p> <ul> <li>First, the original document claiming to be that of dissolution of Artsakh has never been officially published, Shahramanyan made the declaration in the middle of a brutal invasion and with hundreds of Armenians being killed.</li> <li>Even if this document was indeed what it is purported to be, legal analysts claim that it is invalid, since besides being made under duress, the executive branch cannot legally make a decision to dissolve all other branches of government and terminate a country like it’s a defunct business.</li> <li>The news about the annulment comes from his adviser, Vladimir Grigoryan and not Shahramanyan himself. The following day, Grigoryan issued a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vladimirgrigoryan/posts/pfbid0eMngTDwm8DbnnsosAYTecNkpy7EhsEQudY8fm7mKaPurocshPrPG1SbES3Bts3Aql">statement</a> indicating that what he said previously was his own personal opinion, and by the way, he is no longer Shahramanyan’s adviser. Many speculate that this was a result of the strong backlash from Civil Contract reps, which we’ll talk about below.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/300-benyamin-poghosyan-shahramanyan-annuls-artsakh-dissolution-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-pashinyan-saint-petersburgh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of Republic. Insecurity without Borders. Pashinyan in St. Petersburg. Year-end 2023 Predictions Review. Predictions for 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/300/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="negotiations">Negotiations</h2> <p>The past couple of weeks we’ve seen developments in Armenia’s interactions with Azerbaijan, Russia, the US, Turkey or the EU.</p> <p>For example:</p> <ul> <li>Between Armenia and Russia, there’s a full on war of words, and even some actual actions afoot. For example the customs issues at the Lars checkpoint; the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732616.html">claims and counter-claims</a> about Russian TV violations of intergovernmental agreements for retransmission in Armenia; the threats of <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732393.html">exiting the CSTO</a> and the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732185.html">warnings from Russia</a> about it; etc.</li> <li>With Azerbaijan, there was the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32729227.html">exchange of prisoners</a>; Armenia’s <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32730578.html">call</a> to return to negotiations in the west; to <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32732542.html">pull back</a> armed forces from the borders; and for the millionth time reaffirming its commitment to <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32730843.html">opening transportation links</a> for Turkish-Azeri use. All of which seem to have fallen on deaf ears.</li> <li>On the EU front, they’re expanding their monitoring mission in Armenia, but Charles Michel has suddenly become <a href="https://groong.org/news/msg138353.html">unable to say</a> “Nagorno-Karabakh”, he just Artsakh “that region of Azerbaijan”.</li> <li>Meanwhile the US and Turkey play good cop bad cop with Armenia. Turkey pushes Armenia to open the “Zangezur corridor”, while the US tries to make sure Russia and Iran don’t control whatever Turkish corridor connects the Turanic world, and puts it in terms of protecting Armenia.</li> </ul> <p>Should we look at these from the perspective of crisis management and negotiation tactics?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/299-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-prisoner-exchange-point-zero-negotiations-strategy-western-interests-israel-gaza-georgia-eu/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Negotiations. Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero”. The West’s Interests. Israel-Gaza Conflict.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/299/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/<h2 id="no-peace-treaty-negotiations">“No Peace” Treaty Negotiations</h2> <h3 id="rollercoaster-continues">Rollercoaster Continues</h3> <p>The so-called “peace negotiations” between Armenia and Azerbaijan resemble a rollercoaster. While Pashinyan and his government are begging for peace, Aliyev frequently goes from praising Pashinyan to making threats against Armenia. And so it was this week, when we were pretty sure that Aliyev had dumped the western platform for negotiations and we saw cancellations of high-level visits between the US and Azerbaijan and warnings from the US.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/297-sergei-melkonian-no-peace-negotiations-aliyev-azerbaijan-snap-elections-russia-armenia-ukraine-war/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>“No Peace” Treaty Negotiations. Turkish-Azeri goal: Demilitarized Armenia (aka Batumi Treaty 2.0). Humiliating Swap of Azeri Criminals for Armenian Hostages. Aliyev Calls for Snap Elections. Russia-Armenian Relations. Russia-Ukraine War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/297/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/<h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations">Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations</h2> <p>In the past two weeks since our last Week-in-Review show, the state of Armenian Azerbaijani negotiations appears to shift on a daily basis.</p> <p>At this point it’s clear that Aliyev thinks he’s gotten the maximum out of western mediation so he’s now trying to shift the negotiations either to a <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32694023.html">direct format</a> with Armenia, or one mediated through some regional player.</p> <p>This past week Armenia forwarded its latest draft proposal in the talks, and indicated it is <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32695001.html">willing</a> to continue negotiating with Azerbaijan, and deputy Prime Ministers Mher Grigoryan and Shahin Mustafaev <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32708691.html">met</a> “on the border” (Kazakh and Ijevan districts) for discussions on border delimitation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/296-benyamin-poghosyan-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-diplomacy-with-the-west-relations-with-russia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations. Armenian Diplomacy in the West. Relations with Russia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/296/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/<h1 id="pashinyans-vector-roulette">Pashinyan’s Vector Roulette</h1> <p>&ldquo;What’s our vector, Victor?&rdquo;</p> <h2 id="the-western-vector">The Western Vector</h2> <p>First, let’s begin with Armenia-West relations.</p> <p>Armenia’s Foreign Policy seems like it’s all about attending conferences in the west and hosting European MP’s to tell them about Pashinyan’s Crossroads of Peace. and avoiding important ministerial and summit meetings on the Russian side. Armenian authorities made serious efforts to find any conference in the West that they could attend, so that they’d have an excuse not to attend a CSTO event.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/295-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-foreign-policy-vectors-mpg-poll-results-economy-budget-2024/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors. Latest MPG Poll Result Analysis. Armenian Economy and 2024 Budget.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/295/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/<h1 id="the-1991-alma-ata-declaration">The 1991 Alma Ata Declaration</h1> <h2 id="armenia-and-the-1991-alma-ata-protocols">Armenia and the 1991 Alma-Ata Protocols</h2> <p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alma-Ata_Protocol">1991 Alma-Ata</a> <a href="https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL(1994)054-e">protocols</a> were the founding documents for the Commonwealth of Independent States, the CIS, and were signed on December 21, 1991. The founding of the CIS then led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 26.</p> <p>A key argument (or excuse) that Pashinyan throws around as part of his “I didn’t do it” defense in losing Artsakh, is that by signing the 1991 Alma-Ata protocols, Armenia had already recognized Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/293-aram-orbelyan-1991-alma-ata-declaration/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is the 1991 Alma Ata Declaration? What is the CIS Based on? About Borders, Treaties, and Declarations. Armenia’s explicit reservation affecting Artsakh in the Treaty. Why would Pashinyan ignore the Reservations? Territorial Integrity and Use of Force. What Autonomy was LTP Envisioning? Where does 2023 Leave the Cause of Artsakh? How should Armenia Pursue it on the International Scene?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/293/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/<h2 id="crossroads-of-peace">Crossroads of Peace</h2> <p>This past week Pashinyan attended the Silk Road Forum conference in Tiflis where he unveiled his new plan he calls <a href="https://georgiaonline.ge/economy/56252/armenian-pm-nikol-pashinyan-attends-silk-road-forum/#google_vignette">Crossroads of Peace</a>. While Pashinyan presented, Azerbaijan was represented only at the deputy prime minister level. The plan is based on four principles:</p> <ol> <li>Sovereignty over own infrastructure</li> <li>Border control &amp; security</li> <li>Dual use infrastructure</li> <li>Equal access and simplified procedures</li> </ol> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>What’s new with this plan?</li> <li>Is this just a sugar-coating of the “Zangezur corridor”? A case of Pashinyan socializing Aliyev’s demands?</li> </ul> <p>First let’s note how it doesn’t include any hint of Artsakh at all, it’s like it never existed.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/291-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-crossroads-of-peace-three-plus-three-iran-russia-defense-with-france-artsakh-refugees-shahramanyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Crossroads of Peace. 3+3=5 in Tehran. Relations with Russia. Defense Deal with France. Artsakh Status.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/291/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="armenian-national-congress">Armenian National Congress</h2> <p>Mr Zourabian, You are the Vice President of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) <em>Հայ Ազգային Կոնգրես (ՀԱԿ)</em> party.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What does the ANC stand for today? What are its philosophies, ideologies and goals?</li> </ul> <p>As a young journalist Nikol Pashinyan was allied with the Armenian National Movement (HHSh) circles. As a beginning politician, Pashinyan was a member of the ANC alliance in parliament. Despite parting ways with your political force and forming the “Yelk Alliance,” Pashinyan always had a reputation as a “disciple” of Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Ter-Petrosyan was seen as Pahsinyan’s ideological mentor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/290-levon-zourabian-armenian-national-congress-democracy-and-armenia-negotiations-with-azerbaijan-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian National Congress (ANC). Democracy and Armenia. Azerbaijan-Armenia Negotiations. Artsakh. Global Conflicts - Israel, Ukraine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/290/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="armenian-news--media">Armenian News &amp; Media</h2> <h3 id="rferl-azatutyun-radio">RFE/RL Azatutyun Radio</h3> <p>Mr. Yenokyan, you were the head of RFE/RL in Yerevan from 2008 to 2013. During those years, you saw a period of significant political and social transformation. For the first time, you had a generation of adults that was born in an independent Armenia. It was also a time of relative prosperity (compared to the dark and cold days of the 1990s. We also saw a transfer of power between Kocharyan and Sargsyan as well as the events of March 1, 2008.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/289-aghasi-yenokian-armenian-news-media-azatutyun-fake-news-press-freedom-artsakh-global-conflicts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian News &amp; Media Space. RFE/RL Azatutyun in the Armenian Media Space. Fake News. Freedom of Press. Politics and Geopolitics of Armenia. Artsakh. Global Conflicts - Israel, Ukraine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/289/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/<h2 id="subscribe-to-us-follow-us">Subscribe to us, Follow us!</h2> <p>Here are the links we mentioned at the start of our show today:</p> <ul> <li>On Youtube our channel is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Groong/videos">@Groong</a>.</li> <li>On Twitter we’re <a href="https://twitter.com/groong">@Groong</a>.</li> <li>On Instagram and Threads are at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anngroong">@ANNGroong</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Our News Feeds are available on</p> <ul> <li>Facebook in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/groong?sorting_setting=CHRONOLOGICAL">our Facebook Group</a></li> <li>Our website at <a href="https://groong.org/news/">groong.org/news</a>.</li> </ul> <h3 id="all-of-our-links-in-our-linktree">All of our links in our <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">LinkTree</a>.</h3> <h2 id="aftermath-of-the-ethnic-cleansing-of-artsakh">Aftermath of the Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="shahramanyan-meets-protesters">Shahramanyan Meets Protesters</h3> <p>During this past week the president of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, met with a large group of protesters in a <a href="https://168.am/2023/10/20/1946839.html">public meeting</a> to address the rising frustration of not only his refugee people in Armenia, but also Armenian citizens. People have a lot of questions, ranging from the social status of over 101,000 people who fled from Artsakh to Armenia, to their right of return, and concerns about the political future of the Artsakh Republic.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/288-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-ethnic-cleansing-aftermath-israeli-palestinian-crisis-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Aftermath of the Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh. Shahramanyan meets Protesters. “Rights &amp; Security”. Government-in-Exile. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Ripple Effects to the South Caucasus. Effects in the Middle East. Lebanon &amp; the Armenian Community.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/288/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/Sat, 21 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/<h2 id="global-multipolarity-shifts">Global Multipolarity Shifts</h2> <p>Many experts are calling the current period of turmoil and upheaval in the world, to be the ending of the post-Soviet era, and the world reordering from a unipolar one, back to a multipolar order, especially with the emergence of China and India and their increasingly assertive and dominant presence on the world stage.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How are the regional and global geopolitical shifts changing Iran’s relations with the world, as well as its region?</li> </ul> <p>A few months ago there was the surprise revelation of a thaw in Saudi-Iranian relations, under Chinese auspices. This caught most of the West by surprise.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/Sat, 21 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/287-ehsan-movahedian-iran-new-world-order-relations-with-middle-east-armenia-azerbaijan-world-powers/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran in an Evolving World Order. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Armenian-Iranian Relations. Azerbaijani-Iranian Relations. Vision for a Better Future.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/287/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/<h2 id="at-the-brink-of-new-war">At The Brink of New War?</h2> <p>There is a variety of troubling news, mostly in western sources, of an impending new war being planned by Azerbaijan. A risk that we cannot exclude and must consider.</p> <p>The major news pieces confirming this are:</p> <ul> <li>On Monday, October 9, Armenia’s ambassador to the EU, Tigran Balayan, <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32629979.html">warned</a> of an “imminent” attack by Azerbaijan unless the collective west takes action</li> <li>The on Friday (October 13), Politico.eu, citing two people familiar with the matter, informed that Blinken had <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/13/blinken-warned-lawmakers-azerbaijan-may-invade-armenia-in-coming-weeks-00121500">warned</a> a group of lawmakers that Azerbaijan may attack Armenia in the coming weeks in order to physically take the so-called “Zangezur corridor” <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32639245.html">Azatutyun</a>, <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1121999.html">Armenpress</a> and <a href="https://168.am/2023/10/15/1944676.html">168.am</a> carried the State Department’s denial of this news. Initially the State Department gave a very <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1121967/">political response</a> to the query, but Politico stood by its reporting.</li> <li>When the Iranian Foreign Ministry was asked about the Politico report, they <a href="https://alphanews.am/en/azerbaijan-must-answer-this-question-irans-foreign-ministry-on-azerbaijans-possible-attack-on-armenia/">responded</a>: “‘Azerbaijan must answer this question”</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Just today, Oct 17, in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugkGn_5P_mU&amp;t=951s">speech</a> in the European Parliament, Pashinyan made references to undisclosed “experts” that Azerbaijan does not recognize the territorial integrity of Armenia, which according to him consists of 29.8K sq. km., in order to prepare the grounds for military aggression.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/286-benyamin-poghosyan-new-war-relations-with-russia-artsakh-conflict-negotiation-platforms/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>At the Brink of a New War? Relations with Russia. Platform Shuffle: Brussels vs. Moscow. Update on Yerevan Mayor.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/286/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/<h2 id="israeli-palestinian-conflict-flares-up">Israeli Palestinian Conflict Flares Up</h2> <p>On Saturday, Hamas and Israel clashed on the border of the Gaza strip. At the time of our recording, over 800 Israelis are reportedly dead, with over 2000 injured. The Palestinians report over 350 dead and over 2300 injured. It was a very uncharacteristic war, where Palestinian guerillas achieved unexpected results in their offensives, although Israel is now striking back and recovering some of the lost positions and villages.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/284-sergei-melkonian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-russian-iranian-perspectives/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares Up. The Future of Artsakh and Artsakhtsis. Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/284/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/<h2 id="artsakh-surrenders-as-armenia-watches">Artsakh Surrenders As Armenia Watches</h2> <p>We have warned our listeners for three years now that Armenia under Pashinyan is headed down a disastrous roadmap and path of surrendering Artsakh, not protecting the ancestral lands of the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh, and leading to their depopulation.</p> <p>Pashinyan’s talk of the “rights and security” of Artsakhtsis is now clear to everyone: it was bullshit, he hasn’t raised a finger to defend them. The EU’s talk of “rights and security” was bullshit, we haven’t heard or seen anything from the hypocrite Charles Michel, and the same from the US.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/281-arthur-martirosyan-artsakh-surrenders-armenia-granada-peace-treaty-karabakh-leaders-hostage/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches. What &ldquo;Peace Treaty&rdquo; in Granada? Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/281/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/<h2 id="azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh">Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="a-valiant-battle-an-unavoidable-capitulation">A Valiant Battle, An Unavoidable Capitulation</h3> <p>Azerbaijan attacked and invaded Artsakh on September 19th, starting around 1pm. Our guests have consistently highlighted the goal of the Aliyev regime to depopulate Artsakh through soft means, such as gerrymandering and investing financial resources around Artsakh. But it seems like Aliyev was in a hurry. For weeks now most analysts and observers had warned that Azerbaijan was preparing for a military aggression, so there it was.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/280-hrant-mikaelian-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh-genocide-in-progress/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh. Genocide in Progress.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/280/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/Sun, 10 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/<h2 id="developments-in-artsakh">Developments in Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="election-of-new-president">Election of New President</h3> <p>Over the weekend the parliament in Artsakh <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32585399.html">elected</a> a new president to replace Arayik Harutyunyan, who resigned a week earlier. Samvel Shahramanyan is an ally of former president Bako Sahakyan and has led the Artsakh Security Council during Harutyunyan’s presidency.</p> <p>Shahramanyan stated that Artsakh must get status, and be connected via the Berdzor/Lachin corridor to Armenia.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is to be expected from Shahramanyan’s presidency?</li> </ul> <h3 id="shahramanyans-potential">Shahramanyan’s Potential</h3> <p>Overall, the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32574666.html">EU</a>, the <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32584208.html">US</a>, and the <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1119143.html">Russians</a>, have essentially endorsed Azerbaijan’s proposal, that aid begin to flow through the Aghdam/Akna road, and then a day later the Lachin Corridor be opened.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/Sun, 10 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/278-benyamin-poghosyan-developments-in-artsakh-geopolitics-in-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in Artsakh. Geopolitics in the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/278/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="situation-in-artsakh">Situation in Artsakh</h2> <p>Let’s put this bluntly. A <a href="https://panarmenian.net/m/eng/news/309022">poll in Azerbaijan</a> shows that 67% of Azeris believe that the Artsakh situation will be resolved by the killing of Artsakh Armenians or their displacement. It’s no surprise therefore that over 94% of Armenians polled in July say that Artsakh can not be left as part of Azerbaijan! We will talk more about the polls later in our show.</p> <h3 id="former-icc-judge-says-its-genocide">Former ICC Judge Says It’s Genocide</h3> <p>Last week a founding ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, issued an <a href="https://luismorenoocampo.com/lmo_en/report-armenia/?fbclid=IwAR0shvGGkLtLLmHFwJOrXWHxNbYSrNSo7LbTR9OKx0uNkyhR61kXAHjVbs4">expert opinion</a> in response to Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan’s <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1116476.html">request </a>and concluded that the Azerbaijani blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh does in fact constitute Genocide.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Situation in Artsakh. Yerevan Elections Heating Up. July MPG Survey Outtakes. August MPG Survey Outtakes. Baku Poll. Thoughts on the Economy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/273/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations">Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations</h2> <p>The major news on the negotiations front last week was the meeting between Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bairamov that took place under the auspices of mediation by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.</p> <h3 id="russian-priorities">Russian Priorities</h3> <p>Summarizing the developments, over the course of July the total blockade and isolation of Artsakh has continued, and there is now talk about <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32512262.html">famine</a> and a pretty dire situation.</p> <p>All the major (and also not so major) international players have called on Azerbaijan to open the Lachin/Berdzor corridor: the US, the EU, Russia, France, the UK, Austria and so on. To no avail, of course, because Azerbaijan doesn’t need to listen to these calls when, from the other side of their mouths, they tell Azerbaijan that there will be no consequences or repercussions to its actions.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/271-yeghia-tashjian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-azerbaijani-propaganda-situation-in-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations. Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi. Situation in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/271/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/<h2 id="artsakh-and-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations">Artsakh and Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations</h2> <h3 id="surprise-brussels-meeting-humiliating-announcement-by-charles-michel">Surprise Brussels Meeting; “Humiliating” Announcement by Charles Michel</h3> <p>Earlier this week, several days after Aliyev unexpectedly praised Pashinyan, saying that he’s happy with everything that Pashinyan has publicly declared and now he just needs to put all that on paper, we got a surprise announcement that Aliyev and Pashinyan would meet in Brussels on July 15, almost a week earlier than planned earlier. This is all while Artsakh remains completely blockaded.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/269-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-washington-negotiations-economy-yervan-mayor-elections-war-dead-hayaqve/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations. Economic State in Armenia. September Yerevan Mayoral Elections. Estimating the War Dead. Hayaqve [.am].</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/269/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-in-dc">Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue in DC</h2> <p>In the past month, Azerbaijan has fired on Armenian and Artsakh border positions and villages almost daily, and in the past couple of weeks they installed <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1113990.html">concrete barriers</a> on their so-called checkpoint on the Lachin/Berdzor corridor, to block all connection between the two Armenian states. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s shootings killed 4 Artsakh servicemen a week ago.</p> <p>As usual, <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32469536.html">Russia</a> and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32472764.html">the west</a> made some toothless statements and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32472394.html">urged</a> Azerbaijan to reopen the corridor, and as usual Azerbaijan simply ignored them.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/266-arthur-martirosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-self-determination-hayaqve/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. Negotiations in DC: chances of progress. Vartan Oskanian on negotiations. Rights and Security. Self-Determination for Artsakh. Border Demarcation. No Unblocking or Guarantees. Hayaqve.am. Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/266/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/265-anna-abrahamian-wagner-group-insurrection-in-russia-june-2023/Sun, 02 Jul 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/265-anna-abrahamian-wagner-group-insurrection-in-russia-june-2023/<h1 id="wagners-russian-opera">Wagner’s Russian Opera</h1> <h2 id="the-wagner-group">The Wagner Group</h2> <p>One of the most riveting events this past weekend was the unexpected bout that Russia had with domestic instability. Tensions between a close, perhaps now former, ally of president Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and the military leadership of Russia boiled to an all out conflict, which Putin called a “mutiny” and “treason”.</p> <p>Prigozhin is one of the public faces behind a private army called the Wagner Group, which has been instrumental not only in the current war in Ukraine, but also acts as a de-facto, yet unofficial military arm of Russian foreign politics in far away places like Africa, Middle East, etc.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/265-anna-abrahamian-wagner-group-insurrection-in-russia-june-2023/Sun, 02 Jul 2023 00:15:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/265-anna-abrahamian-wagner-group-insurrection-in-russia-june-2023/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Wagner Group. Special Ops in Russia. Over at The Ministry of Defense. A White Russian. On The Western Front. Are We Done Yet? Parallels with 2016 in Armenia? PMCs in Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/265/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/<h2 id="concrete-barricades-on-kashatagh-corridor">Concrete Barricades on Kashatagh Corridor</h2> <p>The Kashatagh/Lachin corridor, the only way to send supplies between Armenia and Artsakh, was sealed tight by Azerbaijan after an incident on the Hakari bridge on June 15. For more than 12 days now, Artsakh remains completely isolated, even Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh can’t bring in supplies. Over the last few days, we received reports that now some food is being flown in on Russian helicopters, but it is clear that this can&rsquo;t be at the June 15 levels, let alone December 11, 2022 levels.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/264-tevan-poghosyan-barriers-on-hakari-erdogan-in-azerbaijan-lukashenko-at-csto-wagner-defused-pashinyan-testimony-hayaqve/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Concrete Barriers On Hakari Bridge. Erdogan visit to Azerbaijan. Lukashenko at the CSTO. Putin Defuses Wagnerian Opera. Pashinyan 44-Day War Testimony in Parliament. HayaQve [.am].</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/264/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/<h2 id="azerbaijan-blocks-corridor-checkpoint-after-shootings">Azerbaijan Blocks Corridor Checkpoint after Shootings</h2> <p>Today Azerbaijan <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1113331.html">banned</a> all humanitarian passenger and cargo through the Lachin Corridor, following shootings near the Hakari bridge that injured soldiers on both sides.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is the status?</li> </ul> <h2 id="has-artsakh-returned-to-the-negotiation-table">Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s government is touting its Artsakh policy, that they have returned Artsakh to the negotiations table.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Is there any evidence in Stepanakert that Nagorno Karabakh is at the table?</li> </ul> <h2 id="international-actions-viewed-from-stepanakert">International actions viewed from Stepanakert</h2> <p>The European parliament held a <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1113068.html">discussion</a> about the blockade. In the US, Rep. Adam Schiff <a href="https://asbarez.com/schiff-urges-biden-to-defend-democracy-and-human-rights-in-armenia-and-artsakh/">wrote</a> to Biden, urging him to act quickly to help Artsakh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/263-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230615/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridge. Has Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”? International actions viewed from Stepanakert. Noting the half-year mark of the blockade. Artsakh Ombuds Report summary.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/263/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/<h1 id="turkish-cabinet-appointments">Turkish Cabinet Appointments</h1> <p>The elections in Turkey are over. We’re looking to do a deeper dive into this topic with a turkologist, but Hrant, since it&rsquo;s fresh on our mind…</p> <p>Erdogan’s first visit will be to Azerbaijan btw.</p> <ul> <li>Turkey <ul> <li><a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/opinion/columns/hakan-fidan-the-chief-diplomat-of-turkiye">Hakan Fidan</a>, former MIT chief, appointed FM <ul> <li>Used the Ottoman <a href="https://twitter.com/amberinzaman/status/1665639453598142464/history">term</a> for foreign ministry in his speech Harciye versus Dışişleri</li> <li>Is being groomed as replacement for Erdogan</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ibrahim Kalin, former Erdogan spox, appointed intel chief <ul> <li>I believe his thesis was on relations with Armenia</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Question</strong>:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/262-erdogan-cabinet-azerbaijan-postpones--economy-pashinyan-rating/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to Baku. Latest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku Postpones. Economic Developments, More Subsidies to IT Sector. MPG Poll: Pashinyan&rsquo;s Rating is Falling.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/262/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/259-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230602/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Current Living and Humanitarian Conditions. Morale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in Azerbaijan. How is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats? Moral of the Artsakhtsi Population. About Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri Checkpoints. Have the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov? All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire Agreement.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/259/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/<h2 id="diplomatic-career">Diplomatic Career</h2> <p>Can you tell us a little about how you entered the career of a diplomat and where your career has taken you?</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>In over 30 years with the MFA, who were the most influential mentors and diplomats for you, and who impressed you the most?</li> <li>Genocide Policy: Zareh Sinanian.</li> <li>In July 2021, we heard that you were <a href="https://armlur.am/1122340/">recalled</a> from your ambassadorship to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Why did you leave the MFA? Was it voluntary or were you relieved?</li> </ul> <h2 id="velvet-2018">Velvet 2018</h2> <p>Let’s look back to May of 2018, when Nikol Pashinyan was sworn in as Prime Minister of Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/258-dziunik-aghajanian-armenian-diplomacy-foreign-policy-pashinyan-agenda-mother-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro to Ms Aghajanian. Career path, Mentors, Influencers. Parting ways with the MFA. How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018. Impressions of 2018 events. On Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh. Letter Planning the Surrender. Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations. Changing Security Doctrine. The Myth of Western Security Guarantees. Pashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid Principles. On Armenia’s National Interests. On Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors. Can Armenia get Closer to Iran? Can “Normalization” with Turkey work? Mother Armenia / Մայր Հայաստան Movement Announced.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/Mon, 29 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/<h2 id="mother-armenia-mayr-hayastan-movement">Mother Armenia (Mayr Hayastan) Movement</h2> <p>Arthur, two days ago, on May 28th, we saw you you and a number of other activists <a href="https://youtu.be/18ab11-HktA">join forces</a> to announce the founding on a <a href="https://groong.org/news/msg126101.html">new movement</a> called Mother Armenia - Մայր Հայաստան.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What is your role in the group and can you give us a brief intro of the organization?</li> <li>The declaration of your movement occurred on the symbolic date of May 28. What does this date mean to you?</li> <li>What are the political goals of Mayr Hayastan?</li> <li>The movement is advertised as above the political spectrum. Have you received any support from existing opposition parties?</li> <li>How is it different from the Homeland Salvation movement?</li> <li>There are a number of other movements, such as the Miasin, Hamakhmbum, etc… Do we need so many movements? What will you do that others haven’t?</li> <li>What will be some of your activities? Will it be in the form of street protests like other movements have attempted? If so, what will guarantee your success?</li> <li>There’s this perception that those demanding Nikol’s resignation are working against a ticking time bomb. Once a deal is signed, no matter who comes, wouldn’t it be hard to undo all of the damage?</li> </ul> <h2 id="aliyev-threatens-pashinyan-concedes">Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes</h2> <p>Early in May Aliyev demanded that Pashinyan must say “Artsakh is Azerbaijan”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/Mon, 29 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/257-arthur-khachikyan-may-28-mother-armenia-azerbaijan-threatens-pashinyan-concedes-erdogan-reelected-goodbye-csto-hello-nato/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia celebrates May 28. A new political movement, Mother Armenia, was announced. Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes. Erdogan Reelected President in Turkey. Goodbye CSTO, Hello NATO?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/257/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/Mon, 22 May 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/<h2 id="accelerated-negotiations">Accelerated Negotiations</h2> <p>After several weeks of accelerated negotiations in various capitals of the world (some at war with each other), Nikol Pashinyan finally said what Aliyev wanted him to say.</p> <p>Pashinyan said that he recognizes Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.</p> <p>After re-affirming that Azerbaijan is conducting a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Artaskh, he said with a straight face that Armenia is moving closer to signing a so-called “peace deal” that hands away Artsakh and the so-called enclaves. Pashinyan said it was unlikely that the document would be signed next week in Moscow but did not exclude that it could be signed in Kishinev on June 1 or in Belgium in July.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/Mon, 22 May 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/256-tevan-poghosyan-negotiations-carousel-meghri-railway-rasht-astara-instc-kornidzor-rally/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Accelerated Negotiations. Negotiations Carousel. Meghri Railway. Russia Finances Rasht-Astara. Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor. Artsakh Domestic Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/256/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/<h1 id="sarsang-reservoir-depleting">Sarsang Reservoir Depleting</h1> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/253/Sarsang-from-Azatutyun-20230508.webp" alt="Sarsang Reservoir from Jan 2023 to April 2023" title="Sarsang Reservoir from Jan 2023 to April 2023" class="img-fluid" /> </p> From <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32401755.html">Azatutyun.am</a></p> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/253-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230511/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>May 11 Azeri attacks on Sotk, Armenia. Azerbaijan blocking ICRC convoys. Sarsang reservoir depleting. Rumors of a second pseudo-eco activist effort. Lentsov in Baku - what results? Artsakh Ombuds &amp; FM activities. Matthew Bryza bemoans Armenian Opp &amp; diaspora. US Senate FR committee calls for sanctions. May 9 in Artsakh. Armenians, Artsakh and the victory in WW2.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/253/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/Tue, 09 May 2023 00:01:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/<h2 id="may-9-the-triple-holiday">May 9: The “Triple Holiday”</h2> <p>Today is May 9, which in Armenia is a major holiday called the triple-holiday, combining Victory Day (the allied victory in WWII), the establishment of the self-defense forces of Artsakh (1992), and the day of liberation of Shushi (also in 1992). Obviously, in past times it was a much more joyous occasion.</p> <p>We know there were events both in Armenia and Artsakh.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What does it mean to have the May 9 holiday in the situation that Armenia is in today? Is it really a celebration or more of a commemoration?</li> <li>What are the differences in the ways that Artsakh and Armenia observe this holiday now?</li> </ul> <h2 id="armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue">Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue</h2> <p>Undoubtedly the big story of this past week was the lightning-fast coordinated meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in DC, under the auspices of the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The results vary depending on who you ask.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/Tue, 09 May 2023 00:01:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/252-hrant-mikaelian-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-iri-poll-armenia-census-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results. Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/252/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/Mon, 01 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/<h2 id="berdzor-corridor-officially-blocked">Berdzor Corridor Officially Blocked</h2> <p>Since losing the 44-day war, the Pashinyan administration has framed the necessity to sign the humiliating Nov. 9/10 ceasefire agreement as our only way to keep the remaining 25% of Artsakh as Armenian and to get our POWs back. Almost three years later, our POWs are still in Baku, and meanwhile, the last remaining pro-Armenian point in the statement, the free passage of people and goods through the Lachin corridor, seems to be gone with the latest developments from last week.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/Mon, 01 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/251-arthur-khachikyan-lachin-corridor-blocked-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-drug-use-epidemic/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor. Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations. Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/251/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/250-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230428/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>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 Volkov. Artsakh Farmers Fired Upon - Again. Would Artsakhtsis accept Azerbaijani Citizenship?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/250/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="108th-anniversary">108th Anniversary</h2> <p>Talk about statements around the world and the surreal sense that while countries are condemning a genocide of 100+ years ago, another one is occuring right now.</p> <p>Then talk about Pashinyan&rsquo;s reference to Aragats (meaning that we don&rsquo;t appreciate what we have and we yearn for Ararat).</p> <p>Questions:</p> <ul> <li>From a negotiating perspective why is it important to push genocide recognition?</li> </ul> <h2 id="azerbaijan-strangles-artsakh">Azerbaijan strangles Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="artsakh-strangled">Artsakh Strangled</h3> <p>After weeks of fears of yet another escalation in the blockade of Artsakh, on Saturday, on the eve of the April 24th Armenian Genocide commemoration, Azerbaijan officially made the move. They transported equipment and manpower to the bridge on the Hagari river that is the only way in and out of Artsakh in order to build a checkpoint, something that is in direct contravention of the November 9/10, 2020, statement which guarantees free passage across the Berdzor/Lachin corridor.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/249-arthur-martirosyan-armenian-genocide-anniversary-artsakh-in-stranglehold-israel-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary. Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh. Artsakh Strangled. International Community. Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech. Madrid Principles. Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians. What Can Diaspora Do? Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran? Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/249/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/<h2 id="raising-flags-alison-on-recent-events-in-tegh-and-across-armenia">Raising Flags: Alison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across Armenia</h2> <h3 id="aghavno--berdzor">Aghavno / Berdzor</h3> <p>In August 2022, you were with a group of friends in Aghavno and called for followers to join you in an attempt to prevent the handover of Berdzor/Aghavno to Azerbaijan.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Are these events, Berdzor, Aghavno, Jermuk, now Tegh, a consequence of policies of the Armenian government?</li> </ul> <h3 id="april-11-azeri-aggression-near-tegh">April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh</h3> <p>The unprovoked Azeri shootings of April 11 killed 4 of our soldiers near Tegh village. A week ago <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/245">we talked with Naira Melikyan</a>, mother of fallen soldier Hayk Melikyan, who tried to visit this region with other concerned parents and activists, and she was prevented by Armenian border guards, who claimed to be stopping her “for her own safety”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Aghavno / Berdzor. April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh. Raising Flags. Azeri Infiltrations into Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/247/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/246-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230412/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>April 11 Azeri Aggression near Tegh. What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open? Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri Aggression. Who is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life? Reaction of the Armenian Government. About the EU Mission and its Role and Effectiveness. Stepanakert invites Baku to talks. Artsakh Farmers Urged to work in Russian Presence.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/246/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="china-emerging-on-the-global-stage">China Emerging on the Global Stage</h3> <p>More and more in the US it has become evident that China is emerging on the world stage as a power that is shifting the balance of geopolitical multipolarity. From the recent concerns about Tiktok and the US congressional hearings that may lead to its banning from the US, to the economic sanctions on large numbers of products and industries in trade between the US and China, it’s obvious that the larger global struggle is no longer between The West and Russia, but rather between The West and China.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/244-benyamin-poghosyan-china-rising--new-world-order-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>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 Ukraine. China as peacemaker in the Middle East. China&rsquo;s role in Iran and South Caucasus. How should Armenia navigate world order changes?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/244/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/Tue, 04 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/243-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230404/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Current Living Conditions. Complete gas cutoff for 2 weeks. Weather clearing, rolling blackouts alleviate. Young farmer hits landmine. Azeris Tighten Blockade on March 25. Situation with the Sarsang Reservoir. Artsakh FM meets French Delegation in Yerevan. What do Western Statements mean to us? What do they signal to Azerbaijan?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/243/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/<h2 id="azerbaijan-invades-pashinyan-explains">Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan “Explains”</h2> <p>In the past two weeks Azerbaijan has made a number of moves on the line of contact with Artsakh and Armenia and occupied additional Armenian territories.</p> <p>In Artsakh, on March 25, one move <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32334147.html">aimed</a> at controlling a dirt road that they allege was being used to supply Artsakh with weapons from Armenia - this is a lie of course. Russia blamed Azerbaijan for breaking the Ceasefire Agreement of November 2020, while the US “<a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32337825.html">expressed concern</a>” about this aggression as well. Still so far as we know, the Azerbaijani forces now have the dirt road under fire control. Azerbaijani social media circulated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tBq8wE8ocQ">video evidence</a> of what they allege is control of <a href="https://twitter.com/Aeternum7/status/1642878374086340608">two</a> heights in the Shushi region directly overlooking the road.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/242-suren-sargsyan-azerbaijan-tactical-advances-armenia-at-democracy-summit-rome-statute-iran-fm-in-moscow-azeri-fm-in-israel/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan &ldquo;Explains&rdquo;. Armenia at the Democracy Summit. Armenia and the Rome Statute. Iran FM in Moscow, Azeri FM in Israel.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/242/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/<h2 id="azerbaijani-attacks">Azerbaijani Attacks</h2> <p>Over the weekend, Azerbaijan blatantly <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1107223.html">violated</a> the Nov. 9, 2020 agreement, which it co-signed with Armenia and Russia, by unilaterally advancing its armed forces into the territory of Artsakh.</p> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/241/nkobserver_map.webp" alt="Source: @NKObserver" title="Approximate Map of Azerbaijani Incursion into Artsakh" class="img-fluid" /> </p> </p> <p>Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/nkobserver">@NKObserver</a></p> <p>The Russians <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32334147.html">blamed</a> Azerbaijan for this violation. The aim of this incursion was a dirt road which was allegedly used to bypass the Azeri blockade of Artsakh since Dec.12, 2022.</p> <p>Additionally, Artsakh has reported that its civilians have been targeted in the regions of Martuni, Taghavard, and Shosh.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/241-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-east-west-negotiation-platforms-icc-rome-statute/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend. East and West. Armenia and the Rome Statute.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/241/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/<h2 id="pashinyans-press-conference">Pashinyan’s Press Conference</h2> <p>On Tuesday, Pashinyan held a 4.5 hour press-conference. He covered a range of topics from the 44 day war, to the potential so-called “peace treaty”, to Armenia’s relations with Russia, and more.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What was the main message he was trying to convey?</li> </ul> <h3 id="on-artsakh">On Artsakh</h3> <p>Regarding Pashinyan’s comments about Artsakh, he responded to a joint call by Artsakh’s parliamentary parties for Armenia to honor its own laws and not take illegal decisions to predetermine Artsakh’s fate. He said that Artsakh’s “<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1106248.html">Rights &amp; Security</a>” are “key goal” for his administration, but he declined to endorse the right for Artsakh to self-determination. In fact he said that through 30 years of negotiations, the so-called “international community” has always <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32317247.html">regarded</a> Nagorno Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s Press Conference. Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan. Mirzoyan in Moscow. Mayoral Politics in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/240/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/239-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230319/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Current Living Conditions. Gas, Power, Food, Weather. Daily 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 Negtiate “Integration” in Baku. Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws. Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/239/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-continue">Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue</h2> <h3 id="developments-in-artsakh">Developments in Artsakh</h3> <p>In Artsakh, the Azeri blockade continues, today was Day 92. We talk to Gev Iskajyan in Stepanakert every few days. We talked to him yesterday, to get a take on how things are on the ground over there.</p> <p>As we know, on March 5 Azerbaijan attacked an Artsakh police car, in an unprovoked terroristic act. This was probably because Azerbaijan didn’t like what they heard from the Artsakh government, when they mischaracterized the meeting of the representatives of the two sides as being about “integrating Artsakh into Azerbaijan”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/Mon, 13 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/237-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-georgia-opposition-mpg-poll/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue. Developments in Artsakh. No “Peace” without “Rights and Security”? Armenia Downgrades CSTO Relations. Georgian Law on Foreign Agents. Reflections on MPG Poll “AmotiSar” Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/237/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/<h2 id="gas--electricity">Gas &amp; Electricity</h2> <p>Gas was cut off yesterday again.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What’s the state of shops and businesses?</li> <li>Is the food situation stable?</li> <li>What is the current regime of electricity brownouts?</li> </ul> <h2 id="political-developments">Political Developments</h2> <p>On our last call we discussed that Artsakh reps met with Azerbaijani government officials to discuss logistics and infrastructure, but Azerbaijan misrepresented those discussions as being about “integration of Karabakh Armenians into Azerbaijan”. That was flatly denied and rejected by both Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as the Armenian government in Yerevan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/236-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230312/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Gas cutoff again. Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh Policemen. Potential for New Aggression. No “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/236/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/235-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230306/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Attack Kills 3 Artsakh Citizens. Arayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further Aggression. How are people responding? About the international response. Russian peacekeeper report and response. On the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/235/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/<p>The news yesterday was that another<a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32294757.html"> meeting</a> took place between Artsakh and Azerbaijani representatives.</p> <ul> <li>What is your view of the meetings between the two sides, who are reportedly discussing humanitarian and operational issues?</li> </ul> <p>Today, president Arayik Harutyunyan<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1105313.html"> introduced</a> the new state minister, Gurgen Nersesyan, who is replacing Ruben Vardanyan. He has the helm of all Artsakh ministries except foreign affairs and defense. Those roll up directly to president Harutyunyan.</p> <ul> <li>What’s your impression of Nerseyan, what do we know about him?</li> </ul> <p>We’ve read that the chair of the Artsakh national security council, Samvel Shahramanyan, is<a href="https://168.am/2023/03/01/1840077.html"> leading the negotiations</a> with the Azeris, who have appointed MP Ramin Mammadov as their rep. Together with Shahramanyan is<a href="https://hraparak.am/post/36fecc2b0aaad4d8fdcede11e0cb865d"> Sergey Martirosyan</a>, who has ties to Russian General Rustam Muratov.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/233-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230302/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Day to day Conditions. Meeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani Reps. What is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting. What Concessions are being Discussed? New State Minister Gurgen Nersesyan. More Azeri Shootings in Martakert and Askeran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/233/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/Tue, 28 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/<h2 id="35th-anniversary-of-the-sumgait-pogroms">35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms</h2> <p>Yesterday and today mark the 35th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.nkr.am/en/armenian-pogroms">pogroms</a> in Sumgait. Between February 27-29, 1988, the calls of Armenians in Karabakh for reunification with Armenia, which occurred earlier that month were met with brutal murder, violence, and plunder in Sumgait. More than 200 Armenians were killed, and Sumgait was eventually cleansed of its Armenian population. The organizers have not been punished and the real number of victims is unknown due to cover-up by Baku. This was the beginning of the complete annihilation of Armenian communities throughout Azerbaijan. Today a community estimated at over 250,000 Armenians in the Baku and Sumgait areas is gone, wiped out. Who remembers the Armenians of Azerbaijan?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/Tue, 28 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/232-arthur-khachikyan-35th-anniversary-sumgait-pogroms-turkey-after-earthquake-anniversary-ukraine-war-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-since-munich/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms. Turkey after the Earthquake. One Year Anniversary of the War in Ukraine. Azerbaijan-Armenian Negotiations Continue. Personal topics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/232/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/<h1 id="discussion">Discussion</h1> <h2 id="munich">Munich</h2> <p>For a lot of Armenians, last weekend’s Annual Munich Security Conference was defined by the humiliating scenes of Aliyev calling Pashinyan and Armenians “occupiers” and “capitulants”. We’ll go into the Armenian aspect of Munich, but we wanted to talk to you about more global developments.</p> <p>For instance, the US tried to raise <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/18/politics/us-warns-allies-china-russia/index.html">warnings</a> to China about supporting Russia in Ukraine.</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Can you summarize what the Munich Security Conference means for the world? What were some of the major developments there?</li> </ul> <p>On the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin gave a hallmark speech.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/230-anna-abrahamian-munich-artsakh-ruben-vardanyan-samvel-babayan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Today we&rsquo;re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics. The Munich Security Conference 2023. We&rsquo;ll touch on Russian president Putin&rsquo;s state of the federation address.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/230/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/231-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230224/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/231-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230224/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/231-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230224/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/231-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230224/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Rouben Vardanyan sacked in Stepanakert. Samuel Babayan in Artsakh. Azeri and Artsakh reps meet to resume Gas &amp; Electricity. Further Azeri demands, Artsakh red lines. Medical topics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/231/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="munich-security-conference">Munich Security Conference</h3> <p>Over this past weekend the annual Munich Security Conference took place and both Pashinyan and Aliyev attended. Each of them met with EU co-president Charles Michel, and they also had a trilateral meeting with US secretary of state Anthony Blinken.</p> <p>For Armenians, the conference was highlighted by the fact that there was a trilateral meeting held between US Secretary of State Blinken, Pashinyan and Aliyev.</p> <p>Following the meeting, a panel discussion was held on security in the South Caucasus. In the initial <a href="https://securityconference.org/assets/user_upload/230216_MSC2023_Agenda_WS.pdf">agenda</a> (as of Feb 16) Pashinyan’s name was missing from this session, but the agenda was modified <a href="https://securityconference.org/assets/user_upload/230217_MSC2023_Agenda_WS.pdf">last minute</a> to include Pashinyan. Note, this was the first time since the 44-day war that the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, who fought a war with each other 3 years ago, had a discussion in public.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/228-suren-sargsyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-72/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/228/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/<h2 id="35th-anniversary-of-the-karabakh-movement">35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement</h2> <p>That today is the 35th anniversary of the Karabakh movement, which started the entire struggle for independence and self-determination of Artsakh, and finally its secession from a crumbling Soviet Union, the same as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and all the other states.</p> <p>This anniversary is being celebrated in precarious circumstances, with Artsakh under siege, Armenia proper in some kind of stupor or apathy, and an equally inactive Diaspora.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/226-anna-karapetyan-35th-anniversary-karabakh-movement-russia-warns-eu-and-armenia-armenian-azerbaijani-negotiations-continue/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement. Russia Warns the EU and Armenia. Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue. Personal topics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/226/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/Sun, 12 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/<h2 id="earthquake-in-turkey-and-syria">Earthquake in Turkey and Syria</h2> <p>On Monday, a magnitude 7.8 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/turkey-syria-earthquake-updates-2-8-23-intl/index.html">earthquake</a> hit the Marash region of Turkey. This is the northeast of historic Armenian Cilicia. The quake also shot straight down to Syria where it was felt as a 7.5, in the regions of Idlib and Aleppo, and was also felt very powerfully all the way down in Beirut, Lebanon. The deaths now exceed 29,000, over 6,000 buildings are estimated to have collapsed, and the western sanctions on Syria were a major obstacle to sending immediate aid to help those in need in that country, although on Thursday the US signed a special blanket clearance for all earthquake-related humanitarian aid to Syria for the next 6 months. Turkish early response was slow, although international response was swift, and a reported over 160,000 rescue workers were in the affected regions of Turkey, helping the hundreds of thousands in need.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/Sun, 12 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/224-benyamin-poghosyan-turkey-syria-earthquake-armenia-azerbaijan-lavrov-interview-eu-mission-csto-public-perceptions-yerevan-politics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict. FM Lavrov&rsquo;s Interview to Russian Media. EU vs CSTO Missions. Shifting Public Perceptions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/224/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/<h2 id="armenian-army-day">Armenian Army Day</h2> <h3 id="january-28---army-day">January 28 - Army Day</h3> <p>Armenia’s Army Day is on January 28, that was yesterday. First we’d like to thank all those who’ve served, who are serving, and plan to serve, on this important milestone, the 31st anniversary of the Armenian army. Thank you!</p> <p>The Armenian armed forces are the backbone of the hopes of any successful Armenian state. Let’s just be blunt: there is no future without a strong army.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/219-arthur-martirosyan-army-day-eu-monitoring-mission-russia-iran-relations-artsakh-blockade/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Army Day - January 28. Events at Yerablur. New EU Monitoring Mission. Armenia&rsquo;s Diplomacy. Russia&rsquo;s Increasing Displeasure. Iran&rsquo;s Tempered Displeasure. Artsakh Blockade.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/219/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/211-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230119/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/211-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230119/<h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>We hope you found our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update</a> helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/211-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230119/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/211-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230119/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ongoing Gas Cutoff. Electricity Grid Ooverload. Effects on the Community. School Closures. Bakeries. Work to Restore Energy. Tragic accident in Geghargunik military outpost.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/211/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>Mr. Anand, since this is your first time on our show, we’re interested in hearing more about you and your involvement with Armenian relations or the involvement of Armenians in your life.</p> <ul> <li>What is the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO that you co-founded? <ul> <li>How many members does it have?</li> <li>Where does it get its funding?</li> <li>Do you get support from the Indian embassy or the MFA?</li> <li>Are there other NGOs that support the Indian community in Armenia?</li> <li>How large is the Indian community in Armenia, and what ties do you maintain with them?</li> </ul> </li> <li>What attracted you to working in the field of relationship building between the two nations?</li> </ul> <h3 id="india-on-the-world-stage">India on the World Stage</h3> <p>India is one of the largest countries in the world, and is barely second only to China as the most populous country in the world. In fact, within a few years India is expected to overtake China in this area. At the same time, India is the most populous, or largest democracy in the world, and a major regional and nuclear power, with significant technology and defense industries. So it is quickly rising to become a world power, which other major powers can no longer ignore or take for granted. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Indian-Russian partnership has further developed. India has increased its consumption of Russian gas. India is also a key member of BRICS, which is set to grow much more in influence as a testament to the rearrangement of the world geopolitical order.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/Wed, 18 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/209-rananjay-anand-indo-armenian-friendship-ngo-india-on-world-stage-economic-trade-defense-relations-hope-promise/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO. The Indian Community in Armenia. Where India sees itself on the world stage. Drivers for Indian-Armenian Relations. How to improve economic and trade relations. The Hope &amp; Promise of Indian Armenian Friendship.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/209/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/<h2 id="artsakh-blockade-status">Artsakh Blockade Status</h2> <p>Well, we all know that Artsakh has been blockaded by Azerbaijan for over a month now. This happens to be day 35.</p> <p>Last Monday afternoon, Artsakh’s main power line connecting Stepanakert and Goris was <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1101331.html">damaged</a>. ArtsakhEnergo has still not been allowed access to the site of repairs to restore service. So each day there are rolling blackouts to make do with locally produced electricity.</p> <p>Mid-week there was a 24-hour Internet outage, but service was restored by Friday evening. Per our reports from Stepanakert, supplies are low, food stamps are being implemented right now, and over 200 businesses have shut down, and so a serious state budget revenue shortfall is expected. This is where things stand for now.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/206-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-blockade-pashinyan-press-conference-ministry-interior-appointments-artsakh-appointments-armenia-economy-outlook-2023/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Update and Politics in Stepanakert. Pashinyan’s “Press Conference”. Ministry of Interior Affairs Appointments. Economic Review and Outlook in 2023. Personal Comments. Hrant - MPG polls results on Armenian Attitudes towards Russia. Hovik - Stop the destructive internal politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/206/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>We have a number of additional questions for you so thank you for giving us your time again.</p> <h3 id="azerbaijans-legal-basis">Azerbaijan’s Legal Basis</h3> <p>Ever since this blockade started a number of world governments and international organizations have called on Azerbaijan to unblock the Berdzor corridor. Yet, so far all these calls are on deaf ears.</p> <ul> <li>What legal basis does Azerbaijan’s basis of establishing a control checkpoint on the Berdzor corridor have?</li> <li>How do Azerbaijan’s actions relate to the Nov. 9th document?</li> </ul> <h3 id="is-it-genocide">Is It Genocide?</h3> <p>A number of organizations worldwide have warned about the risk of genocide in Artsakh. The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has so far <a href="https://www.lemkininstitute.com/red-flag-alerts-1/red-flag-alert-for-genocide----azerbaijan---update-5">issued</a> 5 updates for its “Red Flag Alert” on Artsakh, calling both the separation of Artsakh from Armenia and the act of isolating and terrorizing ethnic Armenians residing in Artsakh, as implementation of “genocidal policies in the region”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/202-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-33/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/202/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>The dire situation in Artsakh and Armenia is developing at ever increasing speed.</p> <p>Yesterday, in addition to the political crisis in Artsakh, Nikol Pashinyan held a press conference where he essentially put it in the plainest terms that Armenia’s security partnership with Russia and CSTO is not welcome for his regime. And despite the blockade of Artsakh and daily threats of violence by Aliyev, his government is interested in signing a treaty, one that he calls “a peace treaty” but which we call a capitulation.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/199-william-bairamian-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-31/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/199/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="apathy-and-indifference">Apathy and Indifference</h3> <p>The blockade of Artsakh is 25 days old. More than 120K people are at risk of being famished.</p> <p>Yet, in Yerevan and Armenia in general life goes on as usual. On NY’s eve, as the clock struck 12, fireworks were launched all over the city. The entire city seemed to be one big Disneyland. Watching the fireworks was most surreal from Yerablur.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Do you think this is normal?</li> <li>Does the Armenian government have a responsibility to set the public’s mood? <ul> <li>For instance, a popular liberal veteran journalist recently said that only dictatorships control public moods. But then we see cities like Warsaw, Poland canceling NY fireworks partly in support of Ukrainians.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Are the Armenian people indifferent, or apathetic, or tuned out of the unfolding politics around Armenia and the region? Have they given up, or lost hope?</li> <li>What do you think is the cause for the passivity in Yerevan towards the plight of the Artakhtsis.</li> </ul> <h3 id="armenian-government-helpless">Armenian Government Helpless?</h3> <p>The Armenian authorities are prone to blaming anyone they can find for the situation that has been created. At times they’ve blamed the voters, other times they’ve <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32204447.html">blamed</a> Russia and the Russian peacekeeping force.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/198-hovhannes-ishkhanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-25/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/198/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/Tue, 03 Jan 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/<h2 id="artsakh-blockade">Artsakh Blockade</h2> <p>Hovik, since you’ve been interviewing analysts and politicians for the past 2 weeks, on the topic of the Artsakh Blockade, can you share your impressions from these conversations?</p> <h2 id="fsu-is-now-the-future-soviet-union">FSU is now the Future Soviet Union</h2> <p>Once again this week rumors flared up that Putin is pressuring Armenia to join the so-called “Union State” that currently consists of Russia and Belarus. This <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32195524.html">round was set off</a> by the secretary of the Armenian national security council, Armen Grigoryan. For a day or so the entire ruling party was buzzing with this news, but Russia vehemently <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32197595.html">denied</a> the report and slammed the provocative remarks.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/Tue, 03 Jan 2023 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/197-artsakh-blockade-union-state-internet-control-highlights-lowlights-2023-predictions/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hovik&rsquo;s Reflections from the Artsakh Blockade Interviews. Is Russia Pressuring Armenia to join a &ldquo;Union State&rdquo;? Government Bill to Control the Internet During Martial Law. Highlights and Lowlights from Armenian News in 2022. Predictions for 2023.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/197/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="how-did-we-get-here">How did we get here?</h3> <p>Karen, we are now on Day 19 of the blockade. There are continuing reports of shortages and depleted supplies.</p> <h4 id="question">Question:</h4> <ul> <li>How do you think we got here?</li> </ul> <h3 id="armenias-defense-readiness">Armenia’s Defense Readiness</h3> <p>Some politicians and analysts, such as Avetik Chalabyan, say that without engaging the military, Armenia will not be able to unblock the corridor.</p> <ul> <li>Does Armenia have the capacity to engage in military operations to unblock the corridor? Are there other means, for instance flying airlifts to Stepanakert?</li> </ul> <p>How about Syunik specifically? For nearly 30 years, the Syunetsi had lived in peace, the nearest enemy soldier being hundreds of kilometers away. After the 44-day war, this situation changed drastically. During the September 13 attacks, your hometown of Kapan, along with Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis, and others were targets of heavy shelling.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/196-karen-vrtanesyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-19/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/196/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/Tue, 27 Dec 2022 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="azerbaijans-strategy">Azerbaijan’s Strategy</h3> <p>Benyamin, you’re probably one of the most frequent guests of our podcast and I remember having many conversations with you regarding the geopolitical developments between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the end of the 44 day war.</p> <p>When <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/">a year ago</a> you were telling us that the government in Armenia believes “that Artsakh is lost and the maximum that these people can hope for is to live in de-jure Azerbaijan but de-facto Russian controlled protectorate”, part of me didn’t want to believe that despite the writing on the wall.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/Tue, 27 Dec 2022 23:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/195-benyamin-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-16/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/195/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/<p>For the past two weeks now, we’ve been covering the Artsakh blockade almost daily in our podcasts and videos, so let’s take a step back from the daily trauma, and look at the drivers behind the crisis.</p> <p>We know that the Russian peacekeepers have been put in a very precarious position by the Turkish-Azeri alliance, which is taking advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with its war in Ukraine and needs to play soft with them in order to not open additional fronts in the global Russia-West conflict. I’d like to ask a two tiered question:</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/194-yeghia-tashjian-artsakh-under-blockade-relations-with-russia-protests-in-stepanakert/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Artsakh Blockade. The Role of the Armenian Government. Relations with Russia. Latest Draft of &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Proposal. Weekend Protests in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/194/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="snub-to-russia">Snub to Russia</h3> <p>Let’s begin our discussion with what transpired on Friday the 23rd, in Moscow. The foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia were originally scheduled to meet in a trilateral meeting there, and the agenda was about the so-called “peace negotiations” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.</p> <p>Russian foreign minister Lavrov announced to the media that Ararat Mirzoyan canceled at the last minute, and so only Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov and Lavrov met.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/193-arthur-khachatryan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-15/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/193/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/Sat, 24 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="ararat-mirzoyan---no-show">Ararat Mirzoyan - no show</h3> <p>On Friday, December 23, 2022 there was supposed to be a meeting in Moscow between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. This was originally intended to be used for the negotiations on a so-called “peace deal” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.</p> <p>Russian foreign minister Lavrov announced to the media that Ararat Mirzoyan had canceled at the last minute, and therefore only Jeyhun Bayramov and Lavrov met in Moscow. Lavrov stressed that diplomatic channels were not used for coordination and that they learned from Armenia’s MFA announcement. Meanwhile, according to Channel 5, the Armenian side did not cancel the meeting and had only requested to move the meeting to a later date.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/Sat, 24 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/192-edgar-elbakyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-13/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/192/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:57:22 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="show-notes">Show notes</h2> <h3 id="update-on-numbers">Update on Numbers</h3> <p>As we are recording this discussion, more than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 11 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked all traffic to and from Artsakh, hindering delivery of critical supplies. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervened to transport one cardiac patient to Yerevan. Naturally the Azerbaijani authorities are now cynically using the video of that Red Cross truck crossing the corridor as evidence that they haven’t blocked anything.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:57:22 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/191-varuzhan-geghamyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We continue our coverage of the crisis in Artsakh by developments in the UN Security Council as well as Turkish and Iranian concerns in the region. More than 120 thousand people, including 30 thousand children, are under siege. Today is the 11th day of the crisis. This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between ANN/Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the. 168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. ANN/Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 02:53:21 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="show-notes">Show notes</h2> <h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="united-nations">United Nations</h3> <p>On Monday, the United Nations Security Council met at Armenia’s <a href="https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N22/589/61/PDF/N2258961.pdf?OpenElement">request</a> to discuss the situation in Artsakh. We heard a lot of statements from UNSC members bemoaning the crisis, demanding the reopening of the Lachin corridor, but what we didn’t hear was condemnation of Azerbaijan or resolutions by the UNSC demanding remediation.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>In general, what tools does the UN Security Council have to compel Azerbaijan to open the Lachin (or Berdzor) corridor?</li> </ul> <p>Despite any resolutions and a clear condemnation of Azerbaijan, Armenian authorities seem to be very happy with the results - specifically about some statements that named Azerbaijan as the culprit.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 02:53:21 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/190-aram-orbelyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-11/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/190/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:31:50 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="russia-and-unsc">Russia and UNSC</h3> <p>Here we are on Day 10 of the Artsakh Blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed on 120,000 of our compatriots.</p> <p>The Russian peacekeepers were put in a very precarious position when Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin corridor with pretend “eco-environmental” protesters (in reality they’re fully controlled by the government of Azerbaijan). The Turkish-Azeri alliance took advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with their war in Ukraine, and needs to manage some unsavory relationships that it needs right now; specifically: Turkey.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:31:50 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/189-hayk-mamijanyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-10/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/189/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:40:12 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="artsakh-blockade-day-9">Artsakh Blockade Day 9</h3> <p>Here we are on Day 9 of the Artsakh Blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed on 120 thousand of our compatriots.</p> <p>The Turkish-Azeri alliance took advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with their war in Ukraine, and needs to manage some unsavory relationships that it needs right now; specifically: Turkey.</p> <p>So the Russian peacekeepers were put in a very precarious position when Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin corridor with pretend “eco-environmental” protesters. There are reports that these demonstrators are intelligence and defense workers and they’re in fact under the protection of Azeri police and defense forces.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:40:12 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/188-tevan-poghosyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/188/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="update-on-numbers">Update on Numbers</h3> <p>As we are recording this discussion, more than 120 thousand people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 9 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked all traffic to and fro, hindering delivery of food and critical supplies. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervened to transport one cardiac patient to Yerevan, which the protesters did let through. Naturally the Azerbaijani authorities are now cynically using the video of that Red Cross truck crossing the corridor as evidence that they haven’t blocked anything.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/187-arman-tatoyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-9/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/187/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="weekend-update">Weekend Update</h3> <p>Late last week, after even resorting to the step of disrupting the flow of gas that goes through a pipeline from Yerevan to Stepanakert, the gas flow was restored. State minister Ruben Vardanyan indicated that the transportation blockade could also be lifted soon, however, as of now the Berdzor (or Lachin) corridor is still closed.</p> <p>This land corridor is the only way people can move to and from Artsakh, and at this time the free movement of people to and from Artsakh is prevented by Azerbaijan. Stepanakert has an airport which could be used to airlift supplies from Armenia, but Azerbaijan has threatened to shoot down any aircraft that uses Artsakh airspace.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/186-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-under-blockade-day-8/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/186/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h3 id="background">Background</h3> <p>On Monday, December 12, a group of people in civilian clothes blocked the Shushi-Qarin Tak segment of the Lachin corridor for all traffic.</p> <p>Although this is clearly instigated by the Azerbaijani government, the official pretense is that this group of so-called “eco-activists” was demanding to inspect the Kashen gold mine in Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh, which employs 1800 people and is one of the larger tax-payers in Artsakh.</p> <p>As a result, more than 120 thousand people are in a total blockade. For 2-3 days gas service was also disrupted, before being restored again. Thousands of Artsakhtsis who were visiting Armenia are now stranded, among them children. Food, medicine, fuel are all under rations.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/185-arthur-khachikyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-6/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>168 Hours: <a href="https://168.am">https://168.am</a>. Groong: <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org">https://podcasts.groong.org</a>.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/185/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/<h2 id="gev-iskajyan">Gev Iskajyan</h2> <p>We’re now talking to Gev Iskajyan, representative of the ANC in Artsakh.</p> <p>Gev, we are now entering day 3 of the complete transportation blockade of Artsakh and the 2nd day of energy blockade.</p> <p><strong>Q: Can you brief us about the current humanitarian situation on the ground?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Is there food rationing?</li> <li>What is the situation with schools?</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q: Are you aware of any political goals from Azerbaijan?</strong></p> <p>As far as I’m aware, so far the EU spokesperson has called on Azerbaijan distinctly to cease the blockade. The United States has issued a similar statement. Today, the Russian peacekeepers daily report directly blamed Azerbaijan for the blockade of Artsakh. However, other organizations, for example the UN have been silent.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/183-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-under-blockade-day-3/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Gev Iskajyan. For three days now the campaign instigated by the government of Azerbaijan has prevented the freedom of movement of Armenians of Artsakh. Gas supplies have also been cut off. &ldquo;Artsakh is still Armenian land. Artsakh is still an independent republic. Artsakh is not gone. . We have to hold on to what remains of this land here.&rdquo; - Gev Iskajyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/183/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/Sun, 11 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/<h2 id="show-notes">Show notes</h2> <h2 id="lachin-blockade---humanitarian-crisis-looming">Lachin Blockade - Humanitarian crisis looming</h2> <p>As we already covered last week, the Lachin corridor was effectively blocked for 3 hours. This week the staged environmentalist operation resumed and at the time of this recording the corridor has been blockaded for more than 30 hours. And earlier today Azerbaijan cut gas supplies. Now there is a transportation and energy blockade, no medicine or medical aid can get in, and there are reports that medical patients are not able to urgently go to Yerevan to seek medical care.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/Sun, 11 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/182-lachin-blockade-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-military-exercises-syunik/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lachin Corridor Blockade. Continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations. Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Exercises. Travel Impressions from the region.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/182/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/<h2 id="csto-summit-in-yerevan">CSTO Summit in Yerevan</h2> <p>On Wednesday, November 23rd, Russian president Putin arrived in Yerevan to attend the CSTO Summit. It was originally announced that he would arrive a day earlier, but for whatever reasons that didn’t happen. Pashinyan had been inviting Putin to visit since earlier in the year, and Putin had originally agreed to do so, but those plans got compressed into this visit for the CSTO summit.</p> <p>Among Armenia’s stated goals was to obtain a<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1098293.html"> clear assessment</a> of the CSTO’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty, condemning Azerbaijan’s occupation of Armenian territory. This goal was not achieved, and Pashinyan did not sign the final CSTO summit declaration.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/180-anna-karapetyan-on-armenias-rocky-relationship-with-the-csto/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What’s Armenia’s Goal in pushing the CSTO in a direction that it won’t go? What Came Out of the CSTO Summit in Yerevan? What is the Level of Trust between the CSTO and Armenia? How should Armenian proceed in Relations with the CSTO? Does Armenia have Alternatives?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/180/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/<h2 id="a-nov-10-retrospective-from-yerevan">A Nov 10 retrospective from Yerevan</h2> <p>Arthur, as a diasporan who is currently in Yerevan, what does the Nov. 9/10 2020, trilateral statement mean to you?</p> <ul> <li>Now putting your analyst hat on, can you briefly explain what Armenians did wrong in leading up to the war, and perhaps during the war itself?</li> <li>Was it a winnable war?</li> </ul> <p>The Armenian political scene is dominated by reverberations from that war. Whether it is the Feb. 2021 demands for Pashinyan’s resignation by the general chief of staff, the elections in June 2021, the hectic search for historic maps of the region to see just when did those Azeri enclaves appear inside Armenia, the statements from Armenia’s leaders that we actually haven’t been arming the army for 2 years, that somehow the Armenians of Artsakh are different kinds of Armenians who should negotiate their own fate with Baku without guarantees or support from Armenia proper. The invasions of May ‘21, Nov. ‘21, and the horrendous war of September 2022, the bloodiest fighting since the “official” end of hostilities two years ago, where more than 200 Armenian souls perished.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/177-arthur-khachikyan-gev-iskajyan-the-nov-10-statement-two-years-on/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>November 10 &ldquo;Ceasefire&rdquo;. We’ll talk with our guests in Yerevan and Stepanakert about their perceptions of where we are in terms of ceasing fire, two years later. The Peace is Dead, Long Live the Peace. We’ll talk about increased war rhetoric from Azerbaijan, threatening Armenia, Russia, Iran, and anyone else who comes to Armenia’s aid. With the pressure increasing and Aliyev’s two-month deadline approaching, we’ll investigate the possibility of renewed war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/<h2 id="latest-peace-developments">Latest “Peace” Developments</h2> <p>After the negotiations and subsequent declaration in Sochi, last week negotiations and interaction around the so called “Peace” treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan continued apace. The committees on border delimitation, which the sides have committed to complete in time for signing of the treaty, met in Brussels. Meanwhile, Bayramov and Mirzoyan flew to Washington DC to hold a meeting under the auspices of the US state dept.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/175-latest-peace-developments-ruben-vardanyan-state-minister-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Developments. Border Delimitation Discussions in Brussels. Meeting of the Foreign Ministers in DC. Bellicose Statements Between Azerbaijan and Iran. Ruben Vardanyan Takes Over as State Minister of Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/175/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/<h2 id="stepanakert-rally">Stepanakert Rally</h2> <p>A day prior to the meeting, on October 30, tens of thousands of people gathered in Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square.</p> <ul> <li>What was the objective of the rally and was it achieved?</li> </ul> <p>One of the calls heard from Renaissance Square, was an appeal to the Russian Federation to continue its endeavor to ensure security of the Artsakhtsis.</p> <ul> <li>How much hope is there given the recent declaration in Sochi?</li> </ul> <h2 id="sullivan-plan-vs-putins-plan">Sullivan Plan vs. Putin’s Plan</h2> <p>In the analyst community it is common belief that there are two competing plans for signing a so-called “peace treaty” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/174-arthur-khachatryan-resistance-movement-and-the-sullivan-plan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Massive Stepanakert Rally. Sullivan Plan vs. Russian Plan. Upcoming Protest on November 5.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/174/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/<h2 id="monitors-in-armenia">Monitors in Armenia</h2> <p>A couple of weeks ago we were talking with Benyamin Poghosyan, and in his scenarios for securing the safety of Armenia, he recommended that Armenia needs to negotiate for indefinite, or at least prolonged, monitoring missions, CSTO troops, or whoever’s able to cause a dampening of Azerbaijan’s attacks on our borders.</p> <p>It seems that Armenia is indeed negotiating for international monitors, EU, OSCE, CSTO, any presence, even civilian missions, at this stage of the negotiations with Azerbaijan, with Aliyev’s deadline of Dec. 2022 to get an agreement signed, looming on the horizon. We are explicitly avoiding calling the process with Azerbaijan a “peace agreement” because there can be no peace signed with a gun pointed to your head, no matter what Pashinyan wants to call it.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/171-arthur-khachikyan-yeghia-tashjian-monitors-russia-west-iran-armenia-relations-lebanon/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Monitors in Armenia. Russia-West Rivalry in the South Caucasus. Armenian-Iranian Relations. Maritime Agreement between Israel and Lebanon. State of Lebanon’s Presidential Election.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/171/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:58:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/<h1 id="the-la-city-council-scandal">The LA City Council Scandal</h1> <p>Over the past month Los Angeles politics were wracked by a <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/23404926/los-angeles-city-council-racist-recording-scandal-explained">scandal</a> that followed the Los Angeles Times leaking a secretly recorded audio tape of a meeting between LA City council members, during which a few of them made racist comments aimed at various LA communities. The paywalled LA Times article is <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-09/city-council-leaked-audio-nury-martinez-kevin-de-leon-gil-cedillo">here</a>. Armenian-related parts of the audio are <a href="https://twitter.com/knockdotla/status/1579511891877310466?s=46&amp;t=cXdt8UNoYEyGuS_cS1IWaQ">here</a>, but you should listen to the whole thing.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:58:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/170-ardy-kassakhian-adrin-nazarian-the-la-city-council-scandal-ep-no-170-oct-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On the LA City Council scandal and how to move forward. On Paul Krekorian, elected LA City Council president. On redistricting in the aftermath of the scandal. On the effect of the scandal on the LA mayoral race. On Armenia&rsquo;s Situation in the South Caucasus.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/170/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/<h2 id="prague">Prague</h2> <p>The first meeting of the European Political Community took place in the Czech capital Prague on Thursday. On the sidelines of this meeting, Pashinyan met with Turkish president Erdogan, which was a first for them. Pashinyan also met with Azerbaijan’s president Aliyev separately and then also in a 4-way meeting in the presence of EU co-president Charles Michel and French president Macron.</p> <ul> <li>What is the “European Political Community” meeting?</li> </ul> <h3 id="meeting-with-erdogan">Meeting with Erdogan</h3> <p>Pashinyan’s meeting with Erdogan was relatively quick, and both leaders reported that they confirmed their desire to swiftly implement the agreements reached by the two special reps of Turkey and Armenia for the so-called Normalization process. At this point that means opening the borders for cargo by air, and land border crossings for citizens of third countries.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Meetings in Prague. Pashinyan Consolidating Power. Personal Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/167/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:25:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/<h2 id="us---armenia-relations">US - Armenia Relations</h2> <p><strong><em>Segment with Aram Suren Hamparian (Recorded: 10/01/2022)</em></strong></p> <p>Over the past weeks, we have seen an unprecedented intensification of contacts Between Armenia and the West, specifically the United States. First, earlier in September, Suren Papikyan made a much-publicized trip to the States, even though at the time it seemed that the trip wasn’t very successful since he didn’t even manage to meet his counterpart, the Secretary of Defense.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:25:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/166-armenian-news-network-groong-week-in-review-oct-2-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Armenia Relations. Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Maps and Claims. Azerbaijan Continues to Occupy Armenia. Internal Politics in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/166/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:33:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/<h2 id="azerbaijani-aggression">Azerbaijani Aggression</h2> <p>On the morning of September 13, 2022, shortly past midnight, Azerbaijani armed forces began a full-scale offensive against the entire border between three Armenian marzes (Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik). The intensity of the fighting was equivalent to that of the 44-day war with Azerbaijan.</p> <p>As of Saturday, September 17, there are at least 135 deaths on the Armenian side, while Azerbaijan claims 79 dead. The attack was accompanied with war crimes including attacking civilian areas, killing of civilians, as well as horrendous rape and mutilation of female Armenian service members, all broadcast on the internet by Azerbaijani forces for the world to see.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/Mon, 19 Sep 2022 02:33:34 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/165-azerbaijani-aggression-facts-and-analysis-nancy-pelosi-ep-165-sep-18-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijani Aggression. Russia and CSTO. UN &amp; International Reaction. War Communications (with Karen Vrtanesyan). Nancy Pelosi&rsquo;s Visit (with Suren Sargsyan).</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/165/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:52:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:52:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/164-vahram-ter-matevosyan-from-revolution-to-war-ep-164-sep-12-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opening (00:00:00). Introduction (00. TURKEY (00. Have you looked at this aspect of Armenia&rsquo;s foreign policy? What did Pashinyan&rsquo;s team do (or perhaps didn&rsquo;t do) in this area to accurately assess the risk of intervention from Turkey and to put mitigations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/164/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest MPG and IRI Poll Results. What&rsquo;s Up with the Armenian Economy? US Armenia Relations. Geopolitical Developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/163/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>September 2: Artsakh Independence Day. September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before. Developments in Geopolitics. There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan. &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo; with Turkey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/162/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:43:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:43:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Conversation with Anna Abrahamian. In the spring and summer of 2022 the Armenian parliamentary opposition was in the streets of Yerevan in large numbers, with a goal to remove the de-facto prime minister of. Especially as we near the end of August and the protests are set to restart, we&rsquo;re analyzing what didn&rsquo;t work, and how to take more effective steps forward. We want to look at.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/161/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:40:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:40:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition movement restarts. Berdzor &amp; Aghavno handover. &ldquo;Peace Plan&rdquo; coming? Newly proposed military service avoidance law.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/160/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:58:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:58:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/158-aram-hamparian--aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-effectively-blocked/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Has Called on Congress to Investigate the Biden Administration&rsquo;s Artsakh Aid Blockade. The Biden Administration&rsquo;s Record on Armenian-Backed Resolutions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/158/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Surmalu Blast. What happened in Surmalu market? Why did Pashinyan jump the gun to declare that it&rsquo;s not terrorism? Russian note of protest on anti-Russian sentiments in information sphere. A mayoral campaign in the midst of tragedy?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/156/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:44:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:44:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/155-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part-2-bank-secrecy-cashless-transactions-ep-155-august-12-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Bank Secrecy Legislation. Cashless Transactions. Explaining Economic &ldquo;Paradox&rdquo;.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/155/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:15:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:15:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/154-armenia-s-economy-in-2022-part1-inflation-fiscal-policy-monetary-policy-ep-154-august-11-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Inflation. Monetary Policies. Fiscal Policies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/154/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:40:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 01:40:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/153-anna-astvatsaturian-turcotte-conversation/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Talking with Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte | Ep 153 - August 11, 2022. Growing up Armenian in Azerbaijan. Experiencing Armenia as an Armenian from Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/153/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:14:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:14:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/152-benyamin-poghosyan-azerbaijan-attacks-evacuating-berdzor-aghavno-chalabyan-rearrested/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh Again. Armenian &amp; Artsakh Authorities Evacuating Berdzor &amp; Aghavno Population. Avetik Chalabyan Re-arrested.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/152/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 18:19:31 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 18:19:31 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/151-live-from-aghavno-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-151-aug-7-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This is a live recording of our Twitter Spaces discussion from August 7, 2022 with Alison Tahmizian Meuse who joined us from Aghavno. The situation in Berdzor/Aghavno is quite concerning as residents were told to vacate their homes, their town and their homeland by August 25. Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/151/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:41:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:41:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/150-the-situation-around-berdzor-armenian-ep-150-aug-7-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Situation Around Berdzor with Hakob Hakobyan and Davit Galstyan. Hakob Hakobyan, co-chair of the Artsakh Justice Party. David Galstyan(/guest/dgalstyan), leader of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh. Ô´Õ¡Õ¾Õ«Õ© Ô³Õ¡Õ¬Õ½Õ¿ÕµÕ¡Õ¶, Արցախի.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/150/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:43:54 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:43:54 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/149-tehran-2022-normalization-or-pax-turkiana-eu-azerbaijan-gas-deal-diaspora-personae-non-grata-ep-149-july-31-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tehran 2022 Trilateral Summit. &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo; or Pax Turkiana? EU - Azerbaijan gas deal. Diaspora Personae Non-Grata.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/149/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:50:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:50:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>CIA Chief in Armenia. Army Chief Appointed. Armen Grigoryan Dies in Court. Mourad Papazian is Denied Entry in Armenia. Bayramov and Mirzoyan in Tbilisi.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/148/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:58:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/Thu, 14 Jul 2022 15:58:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/147-a-conversation-with-ardashes-ardy-kassakhian-ep-147-july-14-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mayor and Councilman of Glendale. June 2022 Elections. US National Politics. Armenian-American Political Advocacy. Turkish-Armenian &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo;.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/147/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/Tue, 12 Jul 2022 02:17:08 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/Tue, 12 Jul 2022 02:17:08 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/146-developments-in-regional-geopolitics-and-censorship-laws-ep-146-july-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in the Regional Geopolitics. Watch your Internets!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/146/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:35:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:35:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Who killed the OSCE Minsk Group? Murders in Aparan. Arthur Vanetsyan Resigns from Parliament. Gagik Jhangiryan in the Line of Fire.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/144/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:48:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:48:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Did the Opposition Blink? What will happen to the Yerevan protests? Scandal in the Supreme Judicial Council involving Gagik Jhangiryan (SJC). More Artsakh &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Talks, More Border Shootings.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/143/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/Tue, 14 Jun 2022 03:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/142-opposition-activates-politics-revising-lavrov-war-dividends-caucasus-barometer-survey-ep-142-jun-12-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Opposition Activates Politics. Russia Revises Lavrov&rsquo;s Parukh Response. War Dividends. Caucasus Barometer Survey Takeaways.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/142/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:33:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:33:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan Protests Continue. State of Negotiations on Artsakh. MPG Gallup Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/141/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:28:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:28:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/140-russia-geopolitics-armenia-russia-rels-israeli-and-armenia-ep-140-may-29-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russia&rsquo;s Geopolitics. Armenia-Russia Relations. Israeli Interests and Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/140/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/Tue, 24 May 2022 07:14:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/Tue, 24 May 2022 07:14:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/139-negotiations-continue-opposition-protests-continue-iran-armenia-relations-osce-leaders-meet-ep-139-may-22-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>&ldquo;Agenda of Peace&rdquo; Negotiations Continue. Iran-Armenia Relations. CSTO Leaders Meeting in Moscow. State of the Opposition Protests. Hovik&rsquo;s Rant.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/139/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/Sat, 21 May 2022 14:21:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/Sat, 21 May 2022 14:21:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/138-the-armenian-diaspora-survey-with-hratch-tchilingirian-and-ayda-erbal-ep-138-may-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What is the ArmenianDiasporaSurvey.com? Sponsor and Admin teams. Survey Details. Why Diaspora Armenian should take the Survey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/138/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/Tue, 17 May 2022 03:09:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/Tue, 17 May 2022 03:09:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/137-yerevan-protests-armenia-responds-to-azerbaijan-lebanon-elections-2022-ep-137-may-15-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continuing opposition protests in Yerevan. Armenia&rsquo;s response to Azerbaijan&rsquo;s 5-point proposal and its own 6-point position. Lebanon&rsquo;s 2022 elections and Armenian community implications.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/137/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/Fri, 13 May 2022 04:31:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/Fri, 13 May 2022 04:31:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/136-anca-advocacy-agenda-2022-with-aram-hamparian-ep-136-may-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The US/Turkey F-35/F-16 Fallout. US Aid to Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian Genocide Education Bill. Dr. Oz is Mehmet Oz. The US Election Cycles of 2022 and 2024.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/136/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/Tue, 10 May 2022 14:48:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/Tue, 10 May 2022 14:48:45 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/135-mass-protests-growing-fm-mirzoyan-in-dc-normalization-round-3-ep-135-may-8-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mass Protests Growing in Yerevan. FM Mirzoyan in Washington DC. Normalization Round 3.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/135/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/Tue, 03 May 2022 02:57:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/Tue, 03 May 2022 02:57:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/134-peace-agenda-motorcade-accident-civil-disobedience-criminalization-of-insults-upheld-ep-134-may-1-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>&ldquo;Peace Agenda&rdquo; in Motion. It&rsquo;s not the Crime, It&rsquo;s the Cover Up. Opposition Initiates Civil Disobedience. What a Nice PM Armenia Has! 🤥.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/134/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:26:47 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/Tue, 26 Apr 2022 03:26:47 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/133-april-24-armenian-genocide-day-aliyev-and-pashinyan-in-brussels-pashinyan-in-moscow-ep-133-apr-24-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro. April 24, Never Forget! Aliyev and Pashinyan in Brussels. Pashinyan in Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/133/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition Protests in Yerevan. Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels. Working for the man. War and the Armenian Economic Outlook. New MPG polls on Ukraine, Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/132/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:26:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:26:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro. Ukraine Crisis Update. Parukh - Brussels - Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/131/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:04:40 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/<h2 id="azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-region">Azerbaijan Incursion into Askeran Region</h2> <p>As we covered last week, Artsakh is still without gas, despite it being restored for less than 3 days last weekend, only to be turned off again. But this week’s problems overshadowed last week’s problems.</p> <p>First, let’s talk about the Azerbaijani armed forces again breaking the November 2020 Agreement, and advancing into Russian peacekeeper-controlled areas of Askeran, in the east of Artsakh. The enemy used Bayraktar drones and heavy artillery in their attacks which killed 3 and injured over 14 Armenians. Azerbaijani forces are reported to have taken the village of Parukh and also partly occupied a nearby strategic height called Karaglukh. Women and children have been evacuated from the nearby village of Khramort. We’ve previously reported that the village of Khramort has been the object of continuous harassment since a month ago, with Azerbaijan threatening the citizens of the village with megaphones (including blasting islamic prayers multiple times a day). There were even reports of actual fighting in that village where there was documented use of mortars by Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:04:40 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/130-azerbaijan-incursion-into-askeran-artsakh-still-without-gas-pax-azeriana-and-armenia-response-ep-130-mar-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Introduction. Azerbaijan Incursions into Askeran Region. Artsakh Still Without Natural Gas. Pax Azeriana.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/130/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Deal. Artsakh Without Natural Gas in Winter. Ukraine Protests in Yerevan. Vardenis Mayoral Issue Resolved.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/129/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/Mon, 14 Mar 2022 02:18:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/Mon, 14 Mar 2022 02:18:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/128-renewed-hostilities-in-artsakh-ukraine-fm-arabat-mirzoyan-in-antalya-ep-128-mar-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Renewed Hostilities in Artsakh. Update on Ukraine. FM &ldquo;Arabat&rdquo; Mirzoyan in Antalya.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/128/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:49:23 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/Thu, 10 Mar 2022 13:49:23 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/127-the-state-of-armenia-s-economy-a-conversation-with-vache-gabrielyan-ep-127-march-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Risk from the Ukraine War. Pandemic, War and Beyond Economy. Normalization with Turkey and Corridor Economics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/127/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:01:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:01:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/126-ukraine-dismissing-generals-2nd-normalization-meeting-new-president-ep-126-mar-6-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine War and Effects on Armenia. Armenia Shuffles Generals. Second Normalization Meeting. Armenian Parliament Elects New President.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/126/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:46:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:46:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/125-ukraine-donetsk-luhansk-artsakh-aliyev-in-moscow-euronest-in-yerevan-ep-125-feb-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Developments in the Ukraine Crisis. Donetsk, Luhansk. Artsakh? Aliyev in Moscow. Euronest in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/125/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:13:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:13:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tatev&rsquo;s Background and Entrance into Politics. Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction? Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War. The Shushi and Moscow Agreements. Armenia&rsquo;s Foreign Affairs Establishment.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/124/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:35:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/123-pietro-shakarian-roundup-on-the-ukraine-crisis-february-22-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Why did Putin Recognize Ukraine&rsquo;s Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts as Independent Republics? Is Putin Trying to Recreate the USSR? Is &ldquo;The West&rdquo; a Homogeneous Political Bloc? What are the Objectives of the US?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/123/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:11:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:11:05 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/122-2021-shushi-declaration-2021-ep-122-feb-21-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Fundamental Drivers of the 2nd War in Artsakh. The Armenian Government&rsquo;s Diplomatic and Strategic Failures. The Key Components and Threats of the Shushi Declaration. The Long-term Regional and Geopolitical Goals of Russia and Iran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/122/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:49:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/Sun, 20 Feb 2022 20:49:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/121-ukraine-azeri-destruction-of-armenian-heritage-artsakh-law-arresting-arayik-iri-results-analyzed-ep-121-feb-20-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ukraine: Biden&rsquo;s Tunnel of Crisis. Azeri Commission to Destroy Armenian Heritage. Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories. Azerbaijan Wants to Arrest Artsakh President. IRI Poll Results Revisited.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/121/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/Fri, 18 Feb 2022 23:02:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/Fri, 18 Feb 2022 23:02:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/120-political-topics-with-edmon-marukyan-ep-120-feb-18-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Change Commission. Artsakh Law on Occupied Territories. State of Bright Armenia Party. Turkish-Armenian Normalization.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/120/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:19:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:19:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>8 More POWs Released, But What At What Cost? Parliamentary Commission on the 44-Day War Established. The Degrading Norms of Democracy in Armenia. Who Needs Armenia? Latest MPG Poll Results in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/119/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:41:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:41:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Continuing Ukraine Crisis. Putin in Beijing, Erdogan in Kyiv, Pashinyan at Olympic Diplomacy? Civil Contract Nominates Vahagn Khachatryan for President. New IRI Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/118/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:03:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:03:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/116-ukraine-antalya-army-day-in-armenia-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-ep-116-jan-30-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Game of Chicken over Ukraine. Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Army Day in Armenia. Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rants/Announcements.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/116/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:10:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:10:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/114-president-resigns-ukraine-standoff-vahan-kerobyan-min-of-comedy-ep-114-jan-23-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>President Armen Sarkissian Resigns. Russia-NATO Standoff over Ukraine. Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of Comedy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/114/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/Mon, 17 Jan 2022 21:44:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/Mon, 17 Jan 2022 21:44:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/113-major-incident-on-the-line-of-contact-turkish-armenian-meeting-in-moscow-ep-113-jan-16-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Major incident on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Line of Contact. Turkish-Armenian meeting in Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/113/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:58:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:58:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/112-color-me-kazakhstan-first-normalization-meeting-on-friday-ep-112-jan-9-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Color Me Kazakhstan. Turkish-Armenian Normalization Meeting on January 14.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/112/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:10:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:10:27 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/111-turkish-armenian-normalization-conversation-with-harut-sassounian-ep-111-jan-9-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>History of Turkish-Armenian Attempts at Negotiations. Who are The Players? Why Now? What&rsquo;s on the Agenda? What are the Pitfalls and Opportunities? Diaspora vis-à -vis the Armenian Republic.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/111/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/Wed, 29 Dec 2021 02:09:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/Wed, 29 Dec 2021 02:09:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/110-pashinyan-press-conference-kocharyan-press-conference-yerevan-mayor-saga-ep-110-dec-26-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Nikol Pashinyan holds a press conference. Robert Kocharyan holds a press conference. The Yerevan Mayor Saga.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/110/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/Sun, 26 Dec 2021 06:31:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/Sun, 26 Dec 2021 06:31:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/109-thirty-years-after-the-ussr-ep-109-dec-26-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>How did the USSR Dissolve, who were the personalities behind it? Did Ethnic Nationalism Have a Hand in it? Did Ronald Reagan Defeat the Soviet Union? What are the Geopolitical, Democracy, Historical Memory Legacies of the FSU in the Former Soviet Republics? Was the Dissolution Inevitable?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/109/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:26:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/<h2 id="turkish-armenian-normalization">Turkish-Armenian Normalization</h2> <p>A few days before the trip to Brussels, a little unexpectedly we heard news reports that Armenian-Turkish relations are in the process of being normalized. The two countries were at the time slated to nominate envoys for the process. Another surprise, for us, was that the news was announced by Mevlut Cavusoglu (Turkey’s foreign minister) at a routine event. Only a day after it was confirmed by the Armenian Foreign Ministry in a short statement.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:26:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/108-turkish-armenian-normalization-brussels-sprouts-armenian-nsc-chair-in-dc-armenia-project-tour-ep-108-dec-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkish-Armenian normalization. Brussels Sprouts. Armen Grigoryan in Washington DC. The Armenian Project - US Tour. Analyst Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/108/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:35:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/107-armenian-and-azerbaijani-expert-perspectives-on-negotiations-ep-107-dec-15-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh Status (). Is the conflict really &ldquo;solved&rdquo; (). Opening of Communications (). Corridor for Corridor (). &ldquo;Unimpeded&rdquo; Access ().</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/107/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:15:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:15:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/106-zoom-for-democracy-domestic-regional-politics-artsakh-independence-at-30-ep-106-dec-12-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Zoom for Democracy. Domestic Politics. Regional Politics. Artsakh Independence at 30. Analyst Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/106/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/105-regional-geopolitics-turkmen-iran-gas-armenian-opposition-fizzles-out-ep-105-dec-5-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Regional Geopolitics. Turkmenistan / Iran Gas Swap Deal. Opposition Fizzles Out. Again.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/105/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:25:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:25:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/104-pashinyan-live-trilateral-in-sochi-bilateral-in-brussels-turkish-armenian-normalization-russian-turkish-co-opetition-ep-104-nov-28-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan Live on Facebook. Trilateral in Sochi, Bilateral in Brussels. Turkish-Armenian &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo;. Russian-Turkish &ldquo;Co-opetition&rdquo; in Eurasia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/104/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:54:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:54:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/103-russia-nato-escalation-border-escalation-goodbye-moscow-hello-brussels-protests-in-yerevan-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Russia-NATO escalation. Border escalation. Goodbye Moscow, Hello Brussels! Protests in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/103/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia under wide scale attacks by Azerbaijan. Border Politics. Azerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MG. Municipal elections Over the Past Weekend.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/101/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/Tue, 16 Nov 2021 02:02:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/Tue, 16 Nov 2021 02:02:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/100-talking-with-alison-tahmizian-meuse-ep-100-nov-17-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The drive to cover dangerous conflicts. Covering War and Peace in Armenia. The value of Twitter. Media and Internet Freedom in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/100/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:16:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:16:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The War in Artsakh, One Year Later. Erika Olson visits the South Caucasus. Internal political developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/99/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:26:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:26:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/98-the-state-of-affairs-in-lebanon-the-armenian-community-a-year-after-the-beirut-blast-ep-98-nov-8-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A year after the Beirut Explosion, what&rsquo;s the state of investigations? Has Anyone been held Accountable? Who are the Internal and External Players in Lebanon? What&rsquo;s the State and Future of the Armenian Community in Lebanon?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/98/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/97-save-our-monuments-a-year-after-the-war-in-artsakh-the-case-at-the-icj-ep-97-nov-3-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>One year after the War in Artsakh, the State of Armenian Monuments in Lands turned over to Azerbaijan. What is Save Armenian Monuments? The Significance of Pilgrimage and Holy Sites. Armenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice. What Next Steps?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/97/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:14:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/Mon, 01 Nov 2021 23:14:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/96-georgian-runoffs-turkish-drones-in-donbas-iran-turkey-g20-palooza-ep-96-oct-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Georgia&rsquo;s Runoff Elections. Turkish Drones in Donbas. Iran-Turkey Tensions. The G20 Palooza.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/96/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:42:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:42:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan&rsquo;s &ldquo;Positive Messages&rdquo;. Opposition Going Back to Street Rallies? Ruling Party Setbacks in Local Elections. Vano Siradeghyan Dies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/94/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:39:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:39:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A Flurry of Diplomatic Activity. Results from Tavush, Shirak and Syunik. Vaccination in Armenia. Trust in the Authorities about Information from Border Areas.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/92/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:31:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:31:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/91-saakashvili-in-georgia-putin-erdogan-in-sochi-osce-mg-in-artsakh-tonoyan-in-jail-hovik-in-stepanakert-ep-91-oct-3-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Saakashvili Back in Georgia. Putin, Erdogan, in Sochi. OSCE Minsk Group in Artsakh? Tonoyan, Galstyan in Jail. Hovik in Stepanakert.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/91/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:40:12 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <h2 id="the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-war">The One Year Anniversary of The War</h2> <ul> <li>Lead-up to the war? When did Armenia know for sure?</li> <li>How did the war start? What do we know about the first moments of the war?</li> <li>When was it possible for Pashinyan to stop the war?</li> <li>Aliyev and Pashinyan’s addresses to the UNGA during this past week.</li> </ul> <h2 id="can-the-opposition-reorganize">Can the Opposition Reorganize?</h2> <p>Opposition held a candle-lit march to Yerablur. While the march was silent and not too political, many believe this will mark the restart of the street struggle by the opposition. Does the opposition have a chance to re-invigorate its struggle against the government, combining pressure on the street?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/Sun, 26 Sep 2021 04:00:12 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/90-tevan-poghosyan-one-year-after-can-opposition-reorg-turkish-armenian-normalization/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The One-year anniversary of The War in Artsakh. Can the Opposition Reorganize? Turkish-Armenian Possible Rapprochement.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/90/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:34:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/Tue, 21 Sep 2021 14:34:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/89-independence-day-pashinyan-s-turkish-overtures-goris-kapan-highway-ep-89-sep-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Independence Day. Pashinyan&rsquo;s Turkish overtures. Goris-Kapan highway.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/89/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:19:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:19:25 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/88-pashinyan-shuns-nk-reconciliation-2-0-taliban-2-0-state-of-world-affairs-political-analysis-ep-88-sep-5-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan &amp; Co. Shun Artsakh Independence. Turkey-Armenia Reconciliation Reconstituted? Afghanistan: Taliban 2.0? State of World Affairs. State of Political Analysis.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/88/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:37:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:37:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Road to Syunik Blocked and Unblocked. 5-Year Plan Approved. Parliamentary Dynamics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/87/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:46:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:46:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Government&rsquo;s 5-Year Plan. Is Russia Rearming Armenia? Artsakh? Press Freedoms Curtailed in Parliament. Topics from the Panelists.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/86/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lebanon in Crisis. Taliban Takes Over Afghanistan. 8th Convocation of the Parliament. Developments around Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/85/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continued Instability along Armenia-Azerbaijan Borders. National Assembly Commission on the 44-Day War. First Session of the 8th Session of the Armenian Parliament.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/84/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Calls for a Commission to Analyze the Defeat in the 2020 Artsakh War. A Conversation with Dr. Simon Saradzhyan, Arthur G. Martirosyan, and Tevan Poghosyan. The disastrous outcome of the 2020 War in Artsakh has left Armenians in Armenia and around the world with many unanswered questions. Many long-time held beliefs about the.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/82/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:03:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/<h2 id="escalation-in-yeraskh">Escalation in Yeraskh</h2> <p>Last week when the border instability around Yeraskh started and were heating up, Aliyev went to Moscow for a one on one meeting with Putin. The message that we read right before, during and after that meeting from the three OSCE Minsk group co-chairs was that “a lasting and comprehensive” peace needs to be hammered out. Aliyev returned to Baku and said that he had already solved the Artsakh issue, that other paths to peace would be “wrong and risky”. The news reported that Putin had told Aliyev to seek a compromise solution. Pashinyan has rejected that the Artsakh issue is resolved.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:03:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/81-escalation-in-yeraskh-gunpoint-diplomacy-armenian-emigration-guests-trip-report-ep-81-july-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Escalation in Yeraskh. “Peace Treaty” at Gunpoint. Emigration out of Armenia. Trip Report from Our Guests.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/81/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:29:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:29:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Sparring Partners: Moscow and Ankara. Yerevan&rsquo;s Diplomatic Dilemmas. Aliyev&rsquo;s Appetite and Ambitions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/80/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:43:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:43:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Court Decisions on Election Results. New Pashinyan Appointments. More Threats from Azerbaijan. Russian Generals in Yerevan Again.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/79/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:36:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:36:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Putin / Pashinyan meeting. Constitutional Court Challenge. Forging Steel out of Velvet. Groong Podcast&rsquo;s Year-in-Review.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/78/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:39:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:39:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Elections Recap. Protests in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/76/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:48:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:48:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia&rsquo;s Elections. Behind The Scenes with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan in Azerbaijan. Biden Meets Erdogan, then Putin.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/74/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:48:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:48:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Security/Defense. Economy and Social. Artsakh. Diaspora Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/73/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:44:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:44:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hayastan Dashink (Armenia Alliance) Platform. Economy: Current State and Way Forward. Military-Industrial Complex, Financing Modernization of Army. Armenia-Diaspora Relations. IT Sector.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/72/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:09:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:09:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance), Elections and Postwar Outlook. Aspram Krpeyan, is a member of the Hayastan Dashinq led by former president Robert Kocharyan in the upcoming elections in Armenia, and a member of its list of parliamentary. Ms. Krpeyan has worked in the Ministry of Defence, as well as the office of the President of Armenia. She is the co-founding director of the Tatul Krpeyan Peace Foundation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/71/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 03:51:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 03:51:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Meltdown at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Philip Reeker&rsquo;s Visit to the Region. 15 POWs Return Home. Latest Election Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/70/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/Sun, 01 Aug 2021 04:04:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/<h2 id="discussion">Discussion</h2> <p>Perhaps before discussing these contentious issues, it might be useful to look at the history of the closed borders.</p> <p>The three prior Armenian administrations (LTP, Kocharyan, Sargsyan) while being in disagreements on other issues related to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict have been in complete agreement on the need of open borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan:</p> <ul> <li>In the 90s LTP’s government had talks (according to Alexander Arzumanyan) with Tansu Ciller’s government, with the later making offers to open the border with Armenia in exchange for some concessions on the Karabakh issue (Arzumanyan claimed that Ciller asked the Armenians to withdraw from Jabrayil).</li> <li>During his famous 1998 speech LTP stated that Armenia’s economy would always be hindered by excessively large export transportation costs due to the need to go through Georgia.</li> <li>During the Key West Agreement (later reneged on by Heydar Aliyev) Robert Kocharyan agreed to conditions similar to those listed in <strong>Article 9</strong>.</li> <li>Most importantly during Serzh Sargsyan’s government Armenia and Turkey engaged in “soccer diplomacy,” where Erdogan’s and Sargsyan’s governments negotiated about the terms of border opening between Armenia and Turkey. Again, due to nationalist pressures inside Armenia and Turkey this never came to pass.</li> <li>Various Armenian governments have also decried the Azeri blockade of Armenia. It is clear that opening of transportation routes through Azerbaijan would significantly reduce transportation costs for Armenian economic exchange with Russia, its main economic partner, and reduce its dependence on Georgia as a transit point (something that is acutely felt during periodic flair ups in Russian-Georgian tensions)</li> </ul> <p>Currently, however, the roles appear to be reversed. Turkey and Azerbaijan are pushing to open the borders, while Armenia is not ready for it. What are the reasons for this?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:12 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/83-emil-sanamyan-areg-danagoulian-unblocking-south-caucasus/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Conversations on Groong episode is our first Live Show on Clubhouse and hopefully it will be an informative, as well as an enjoyable.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/83/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:13:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:13:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/69-giro-manoyan-arf-dashnaktsutyun-roadmap-challenges-conversation/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>ARF-Dashnaktsutyun: Roadmap and Challenges. Giro Manoyan has been a member of the ARF-D Bureau since 2015. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, he moved to Montreal, Canada in 1976. He has served as the Executive Secretary. The ARF in the Politics of Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/69/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:26:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:26:58 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/68-armenia-superpowers-and-the-new-cold-war-ep-68-june-8-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Superpowers and The New Cold War. A Conversation with. Dr. Pietro Shakarian, who is a Cleveland-based historian of Russia and the Soviet Union, with a focus on Soviet Armenia and the Caucasus during the era of Nikita Khrushchev&rsquo;s Thaw.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/68/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/Mon, 07 Jun 2021 03:10:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/Mon, 07 Jun 2021 03:10:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/67-robert-markarian-iran-foreign-relations-upcoming-elections-ep-66-06-07-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran: Foreign Relations and Upcoming Elections. A Conversation with Robert Markarian. The South Caucasus comprises Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The three regional powers surrounding them are Russia to the north, Turkey to the west, and Iran in the south.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/67/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:46:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:46:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Kocharyan Closes in on Pashinyan in Election Polls. Pashinyan Visits Europe.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/66/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/Mon, 31 May 2021 03:42:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/Mon, 31 May 2021 03:42:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continued Tensions on the Eastern Border. Latest IRI and MPG Polls on the Armenian Elections. Election Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/65/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 22:30:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 22:30:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/63-a-conversation-with-narek-margaryan-ep-63-05-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A Conversation with Narek Margaryan - 05/25/2021. Narek Margaryan is an Armenian comedian, screenwriter and TV host. Along with his co-host Sergey Sargsyan, Narek stars in ArmComedy, a satiric news show series broadcast on. Hovik Manucharyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/63/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 20:12:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/Tue, 25 May 2021 20:12:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/62-emil-sanamyan-border-update-leaked-docs-azerbaijan-in-the-csto-new-mpg-poll-elections-ep-62-may-23-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Border update, and Leaked documents. Azerbaijan membership in the CSTO? New MPG Poll on the Armenian Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/62/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/Mon, 17 May 2021 02:44:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/Mon, 17 May 2021 02:44:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Incursion into Syunik. Lavrov&rsquo;s Visit to Yerevan and Baku. Electoral Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/61/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:27:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/Mon, 03 May 2021 01:27:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/60-armenia-russia-iran-russia-iran-armenia-election-latest-polls-sargsyan-ep-60-may-2-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Russia Relations and the New Cold War. Iran-Russia and Iran-Armenia Relations. Election Politics and the Latest MPG Polls. Serge Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/60/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:46:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:46:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/59-pm-s-roadmap-na-polls-syunik-recognized-stepanakert-armenians-in-space-ep-59-apr-25-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s Roadmap &amp; Snap Parliamentary Polls. The Visit to Syunik. Biden Recognizes the Armenian Genocide, Now What? Update from Stepanakert. Are we Going to Mars?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/59/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:07:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:07:38 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/57-mr-pashinyan-goes-to-moscow-election-politics-the-pow-debacle-a-coronavirus-update-the-state-of-the-economy-ep-57-apr-11-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Mr. Pashinyan goes to Moscow. Election Politics. The POW debacle. A Coronavirus Update. The State of the Economy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/57/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:07:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/Mon, 05 Apr 2021 03:07:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/56-kocharyan-case-electoral-reforms-new-gallup-poll-ukraine-heating-up-ep-56-apr-4-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Kocharyan&rsquo;s Prosecutors Won&rsquo;t Go Away. Snap Electoral Reforms. New Gallup poll. What&rsquo;s Going on in Ukraine?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/56/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:06:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:06:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/55-national-security-general-staff-armed-forces-defense-budget-syunik-ep-55-mar-28-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What&rsquo;s Going on with the Armed Forces? Turkey: Enemy No More? What Just Happened in the General Staff? Morale and Readiness of the Armed Forces. The Defense Budget.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/55/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/54-emil-sanamyan-david-davidian-early-elections-on-june-20th-gas-through-azerbaijan-military-exercises/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Snap On - June 20th! Gas Through Azerbaijan. Military Exercises by Armenia and Azerbaijan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/54/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/53-latest-iri-poll-results-armen-grigoryan-interview-snap-on-snap-off-ep-53-03-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Newly Released IRI Poll Results. Armen Grigoryan&rsquo;s Interview. Snap On, Snap Off!</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/53/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:18:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:18:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/52-david-davidian-george-tabakian-iskander-relations-with-russia-attempted-coup-opposition-boeing-737-hijacked/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Wait, Did Armenia Use the Iskander to Blow Up its Relations With Russia? Wait, Was There a Coup? The Opposition Picks up Steam. Wait, was The 737 Hijacked?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/52/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:07:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:07:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/51-sargsyan-interview-criminalizing-defamation-appointments-during-martial-law-opp-protests-on-feb-20-govsagan-in-the-end-ep-51/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>President Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview. Legislation to Criminalize Defamation of Government Officials. Appointment of Acting Governors and Mayors during Martial Law. Opposition Protests on Feb 20. Govsagan, in the end.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/51/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:31:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:31:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/50-armen-der-giureghian-armenia-s-earthquake-preparedness-with/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Was it an Earthquake? Have Construction Codes Improved since 1988? Do Contractors Comply with Regulations? Is Armenia Ready for The Big One? Is there Earthquake Preparedness in Armenia?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/50/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syunik Confidential. Developments in Artsakh. Snap elections flip flop.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/49/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/Tue, 09 Feb 2021 04:55:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/Tue, 09 Feb 2021 04:55:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/48-lost-in-artsakh-law-on-mass-media-political-scene-in-yerevan-economic-outlook-ep-48/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lost in Artsakh, Thirsty in Syunik. Amending the Law on Mass Media. Update on the Political Scene in Yerevan. Rising National Debt, Inflation and Interest Rates.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/48/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:17:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:17:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/47-constitutional-amendment-opp-rising-zarif-tour-virus-update-armenia-fund-the-dram-ep-47/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Another Constitutional Amendment? Opposition Rising: New Bottle, Old Wine? Iran&rsquo;s FM Zarif on a Tour de Six. State of the Virus in Armenia. Armenia Fund Used to Shore up the Dram?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/47/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:13:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:13:12 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/45-supreme-judicial-council-turk-azerbaijani-military-exercises-in-kars-blinken-on-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Supreme Judicial Council Appointments. Turkish-Azerbaijan Military Exercises in Kars Region. Incoming US Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/45/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 19:31:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/Mon, 18 Jan 2021 19:31:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/43-pashinyan-moscow-trip-azerbaijan-s-geo-political-situation-domestic-politics-in-baku-azerbaijan-s-losses-in-the-war-ep-43/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Outcomes from Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s trip to Moscow. What is Azerbaijan&rsquo;s geo-political situation after the war? Domestic politics in Baku. Azerbaijan&rsquo;s losses from the second war in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/43/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:24:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:24:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/41-conversation-with-aram-vardevanyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>About the criminal cases against Robert Kocharyan. Is PM Pashinyan&rsquo;s signing of the Nov. 9 Agreement legal? How can Armenia&rsquo;s borders be changed? What is the legal process to removing the Prime Minister? How does diplomatic immunity work for the PM, presidents?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/41/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:32:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:32:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/40-state-of-the-opposition-update-on-am-az-border-positions-state-of-the-artsakh-loc/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The State of the Opposition and their demands. Update on the Border Positions between Armenia &amp; Azerbaijan. The State of the Line of Contact around Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/40/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:24:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:24:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/37-tevan-poghosyan-on-diplomacy-war-and-the-way-forward-37-dec-29-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On track two diplomacy in Armenian-Azerbaijani &amp; Armenian-Turkish relations. State of the Karabakh negotiations prior to the September war. What were the key events that put us on a warpath? What factors led to Armenia losing the war? Internal Armenian politics. Is Armenia a failed state?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/37/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:32:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:32:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/36-opposition-talks-edmon-marukyan-of-bright-armenia-party/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Position on the causes of the war &amp; Nov. 9 ceasefire? Why BA has not joined Movement for Salvation of Homeland? Popular support for opposition protests. BA commonality and differences with &ldquo;The 17&rdquo;. Electoral reform and snap election proposal by government.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/36/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:49:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:49:28 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/35-life-in-artsakh-hin-tagher-khtsaberd-political-scene-in-yerevan-kapan-border-tension-ep-35/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Life in Artsakh. Update on Hin Tagher &amp; Khtsaberd. Internal Political Situation in Yerevan. Kapan Border Tension.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/35/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/Sat, 19 Dec 2020 02:38:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/Sat, 19 Dec 2020 02:38:51 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/34-arthur-khachatryan-of-the-arf-dashnaktsutyun-opposition-talks/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Following the trilateral Karabakh ceasefire of Nov 9, the Armenian opposition has nearly universally condemned Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s agreement to the deal. The largest opposition grouping, called Movement of the Salvation of the Homeland (Հայրենիքի փրկության շաժում in Armenian), composed of 17 political. This group has been holding regular protests featuring a growing number of participants, with the latest gathering Wednesday, December 17, estimated to be 20K in size.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:53:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:53:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/33-renewed-fighting-the-osce-mg-border-demarcation-fate-of-sotq-diplomatic-relations-ep-33/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Renewed Fighting &amp; the OSCE MG visit. Expedited Border Demarcation? What will happen to Sotq? Diplomatic Relations with Azerbaijan? Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/33/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/32-the-role-of-the-humanities-and-social-studies-in-armenian-life-ep-32/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Role of The Humanities and Social Studies in Armenian Life - 12/13/2020. Academia and academic work, especially in the fields of humanities and social sciences, has always been instrumentalized by various ideologies and/or political regimes. The challenge of having robust disciplines in humanities and social sciences in Armenia is manifold. These include encouraging critical thinking void of ideology, the role of.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/32/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/31-artsakh-karabakh-from-a-russian-foreign-policy-perspective-ep-31/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>On November 9, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia signed The Statement ending the war in Artsakh, known more commonly as Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia emerged as a major winner, by. Why is the South Caucasus so important to Russia? Are Russia&rsquo;s interests the same as they were 200 years ago, as an expanding power in the region? Why is Karabakh important enough for Moscow to commit its troops?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/31/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:07:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/<h2 id="turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting">Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting</h2> <p>In The Statement of November 10, it looked like Point 9 was a late addition which Turkey and Azerbaijan decided that, in a moment when Armenia was at a gunpoint and out of options, they would throw in everything and the kitchen sink in the agreement. It reads:</p> <pre><code>* All economic activity and transport links in the region are to be unrestricted. The Republic of Armenia guarantees the safety of transport links between western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to organize the unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions. Transport control is carried out by the bodies of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia. By agreement of the Parties, the construction of new infrastructure linking the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with regions of Azerbaijan is to take place. </code></pre> <p><strong>Question:</strong> What are the goals of this point?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/Mon, 07 Dec 2020 03:07:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/30-turkey-and-azerbaijan-connecting-armenia-s-political-opposition-uniting-does-putin-support-pashinyan-robert-kocharyan-interview-ep-30/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting. Armenia’s Political Opposition Uniting. Does Putin support Pashinyan? Robert Kocharyan Interview.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/30/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:51:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:51:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/29-border-demarcation-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-the-scene-in-yerevan-covid-update-armenia-fund-support-for-the-post-war-economy-ep-29/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Border Demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Scene in Yerevan. COVID Update. Armenia Fund support for the post-war Economy. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/29/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:34:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:34:21 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/27-the-war-ends-who-won-and-who-lost-pax-russiana-the-extent-of-turkey-s-presence-in-azerbaijan-jubilation-in-baku-ep-27/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The war ends. What are the terms of the deal? Pax Russiana. The extent of Turkey&rsquo;s presence in Azerbaijan. Jubilation in Baku. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/27/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:10:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:10:43 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/26-six-weeks-of-war-what-is-russia-thinking-to-recognize-or-not-to-recognize-ep-26/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Six weeks of war, what to do next. What is Russia thinking? To recognize or not to recognize. Asbed Bedrossian. Hovik Manucharyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/26/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:22:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/24-cog-artsakh-in-the-arab-media-24-oct-28-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Artsakh in the Arab Media - Oct 28, 2020. Since September 27, Azerbaijan has been waging an all out war on Artsakh, cluster-bombing towns and villages and killing civilians and destroying churches and cultural centers,. We&rsquo;ve read much about the Diaspora&rsquo;s activities around most of the world, but what about the Arab world? This episode explores some of the challenges and opportunities that the.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/24/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:12:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:12:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/23-international-diplomacy-turkey-s-endgame-war-and-post-war-economy-update-on-covid-ep-23/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>International diplomacy on the move? What is Turkey&rsquo;s endgame? War and post-war economy. Update on COVID.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/23/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:36:46 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:36:46 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/22-artsakh-war-back-to-9-27-war-council-proposal-diaspora-mobilization-ep-22/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In retrospect: Tracing our steps back to Sep. 27. Call from extra-parliamentary opposition for a War Council. Mobilization of the Armenian diaspora. Asbed Bedrossian. Hovik Manucharyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/22/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:47:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:47:49 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/21-war-in-artsakh-security-situation-diplomatic-activity-humanitarian-impact-ep-21/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Security situation on the ground. Diplomatic activity, short &amp; long term goals. Humanitarian impact in Artsakh &amp; Armenia. Effect of social media on the war. Asbed Bedrossian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/21/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:05:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/<h2 id="war-azerbaijan-attacks-artsakh">War: Azerbaijan attacks Artsakh!</h2> <p>This episode of the podcast was fully devoted to the war in Artsakh. It was recorded on the morning of Saturday, Oct 3 Pacific time while one of our guests, Varuzhan Geghamyan was in Stepanakert as the city was undergoing constant bombardment.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the air assault on Stepanakert and other civilian areas of Artsakh seems to have only intensified with more active use of cluster bombs, long-range missiles and suicide drones. As of early Monday morning (Pacific time) we have confirmed that Varuzhan is OK though he communicated that the situation is dangerous as the city is still under constant bombardment.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:05:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/20-stepanakert-cluster-bombed-turkey-s-role-russia-quiet-what-s-next-october-4-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Stepanakert under persistent bombardment using banned cluster bombs. Turkey’s role in the war. Why is Russia quiet? What can we expect next?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/20/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/Sat, 03 Oct 2020 23:03:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/Sat, 03 Oct 2020 23:03:56 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/19-jirair-libaridian-thomas-de-waal-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-in-regional-context/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>It has now been 7 days since Azerbaijan initiated a wide-scale attack against Armenia and Artsakh. The tragic news of deaths and destruction continue to stream in every hour. In today&rsquo;s conversation on Groong, we talk to Jirair Libaridian and Thomas DeWaal about the regional geopolitics that helped create a ripe environment for renewed fighting and. Questions explored.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/19/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:11:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:11:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The 29th Anniversary of Armenian Independence. Armenia&rsquo;s foreign policy. Azerbaijan war of disinformation; and lastly. Opposition trio rally and Tsarukyan&rsquo;s arrest.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/18/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:41:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/Mon, 21 Sep 2020 03:41:32 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/16-ann-groong-wir-16-sep-20-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Court Appointment. Armenia&rsquo;s Growing National Debt. Calls for the Resignation of the Minister of Education. Escalated Tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijan border. Armenian Soldier dies amidst escalation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/16/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:17:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:17:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/15-david-sandukhchyan-telecommunications-security-in-armenia-15-sep-15-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Background and formulation of the telecoms market in Armenia. Telecommunications market in Armenia started with the monopoly of the incumbent operator ArmenTel owned jointly by Greek state owned company OTE (90%) and Armenian government. In 2007 OTE sold its shares to Vimpelcom, a Russian private company operated under Beeline trademark. Shortly after that Armenian government agreed to sell Vimplecom remained.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/15/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/Mon, 14 Sep 2020 02:47:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/Mon, 14 Sep 2020 02:47:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/14-ann-groong-wir-14-sep-13-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Electoral Reforms in Armenia. Journalist Dana Mazalová passes away. ANSEF Reorganization. My Step MP Arsen Julfalakyan Resigns from Parliament. Russian Opposition Leader Navalny&rsquo;s Poisoning and Recovery.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/14/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/Mon, 07 Sep 2020 02:19:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/Mon, 07 Sep 2020 02:19:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/13-ann-groong-wir-13-sep-6-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Adios Madrid? A New Repatriation Package &amp; iGorts. Adios Torosyan? Update on Covid in Armenia / State of Emergency. Panelist Soapboxes.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/13/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:17:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:17:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/11-ann-groong-wir-11-aug-30-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian POW Gurgen Alaverdyan. Armenia&rsquo;s Humanitarian Aid to Aleppo. Serge Sargsyan&rsquo;s Interview and the Four-Day War Deliberations. National Awards. Vagharshak Harutyunyan&rsquo;s Appointment as Chief Advisor to Pashinyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/11/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 02:53:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/Sun, 30 Aug 2020 02:53:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/7-cog-education-reform-in-armenia-7-aug-13-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Brief background. The background of the current proposed curriculum. In terms of content, how does the proposed curriculum compare to the previous one? What are some of the main changes, additions, omissions? About the standards and measurements of the proposed curricula. About the implementation (pedagogy) of the proposed curricula.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/7/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:55:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/<h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>In this second part of our Conversation on Turkey, we continue to explore Turkey’s transformation throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty first, and the underlying dynamics powering these changes.</p> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>All right, that’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>, we hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news, the links are in the show notes. Thanks to <strong>Laura Osborn</strong> for the music on our podcasts. We’ll talk to you soon!</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:55:50 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/10-cog-turkey-part-2-10-aug-28-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Turkey: Zero Problems? Azerbaijan: The Myth of Brotherly Relations? Armenia: From Diplomatic Overtures to a Mini Cold War.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/10/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:43:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:43:33 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/8-ann-groong-wir-8-aug-16-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Nikol Pashinyan&rsquo;s Interview on BBC HARDtalk. Belarus Presidential Elections. Amulsar Gold Mine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/8/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:38:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:38:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/6-ann-groong-wir-6-aug-9-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Massive Explosion in Beirut. Lightning Round. Turkey-Azerbaijan Military Exercises. Mashtots Park. Cyber Security Intrusion.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/6/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:39:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/<h2 id="wordsnotswords">Living With Conflict #WordsNotSwords</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>From July 12 to July 17 Armenia and Azerbaijan clashed on their border, killing tens of servicemen and civilians from both sides. In the following week the press and propaganda from both sides picked up in an effort to align international opinion and sympathies on their side, and some demonstrations in cities around the world got out of hand, resulting in violence between protestors, injuries and arrests.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/Mon, 03 Aug 2020 02:39:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/5-wordsnotswords-kocharyan-sis-arthur-danielyan-constitutional-court-covid-diaspora-commissioner-headlines-people/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Living With Conflict WordsNotSwords. Panel Discussion on Robert Kocharyan&rsquo;s Interview. Lightning Round. The SIS Charges Arthur Danielyan. Nominees for the Constitutional Court.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/5/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:49:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/<h2 id="panel-war-roundup--artsakh">Panel: War roundup / Artsakh</h2> <h3 id="overview">Overview</h3> <p>This week we saw the fighting in the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan simmer down and take a backseat to the political statements flowing in from around the world. In general except for Turkey and a few other countries, we’ve seen balanced statements from major countries and organizations such as the US, the EU, the UN, Russia and the CSTO.</p> <p>Major journalists such as David Ignatius called on the US and Russia to seize this moment as a rare opportunity to collaborate towards peace in the Caucasus.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:49:57 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/4-war-roundup-karena-avedissian-national-security-strategy-headlines-people/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Panel: War roundup / Artsakh. Conversation: National Security Doctrine. Panel: National Security Doctrine.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/4/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:52:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/<h2 id="the-threat-on-the-armenian-nuclear-power-plant">The Threat on the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant</h2> <p>In this segment <strong>Asbed Kotchikian</strong> discusses a wide variety of aspects of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) at Metsamor with <strong>Areg Danagulian</strong>. The ANPP’s significance to Armenia’s economy, energy security, and independence cannot be overstated. The power plant was shut down in 1989 following the devastating earthquake in Spitak, and when it was brought back online in 1995 after being shut down since 1989 it served as a lifeline and helped fuel Armenia’s economic growth for the next two decades.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:52:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/3-areg-danagoulian-azerbaijan-missile-threat-to-armenian-nuclear-power-plant/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s threat to attack the NPP. Overall safety and security of the plant. Safe handling of nuclear fuel. Renewable energy alternatives to nuclear. Maintenance and upgrades to the NPP.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/3/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>