https://podcasts.groong.org/categories/usa/Recent content in USA on Groong PodcastHugoen-usTue, 12 May 2026 02:33:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking. <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>Trump’s declared pause in the Iran War</li> <li>Failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad</li> <li>Naval blockade and War Powers debate</li> <li>Continued Israeli operations in Lebanon</li> <li>“Operation Kochari” and Mustafayev’s Armenia visit</li> <li>TRIPP and border demarcation politics</li> <li>Armenia-Azerbaijan trade as political theater</li> <li>Destruction of the Stepanakert Cathedral</li> <li>Pashinyan’s response to Azerbaijan’s actions</li> <li>International silence on Artsakh heritage destruction</li> <li>MPG poll and Armenia’s June 7 election outlook</li> <li>Opposition coalition scenarios</li> <li>Possible election fraud and street protests</li> <li>European Political Community meeting in Armenia</li> <li>Legal pressure and administrative resources</li> <li>Press freedom decline and RSF ranking</li> <li>Mass surveillance and political prosecutions</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Why did Trump declare hostilities with Iran “terminated” after failed talks?</li> <li>Is the Iran ceasefire real, or is the US using the pause to reload?</li> <li>How much is US domestic politics shaping the Iran War?</li> <li>Why are US allies reluctant to join a wider war with Iran?</li> <li>What does continued Israeli action in Lebanon say about the broader Middle East conflict?</li> <li>Why was Shahin Mustafayev’s visit to Armenia kept quiet?</li> <li>Was the visit mainly about border demarcation, TRIPP, business, or post-election planning?</li> <li>Is Armenia-Azerbaijan trade real economic normalization, or a staged political narrative?</li> <li>What does TRIPP mean if Armenia cannot use it for real North-South access?</li> <li>Why did Azerbaijan destroy the Stepanakert Cathedral?</li> <li>Why did many Western governments stay silent on the destruction of Armenian Christian heritage?</li> <li>What did Pashinyan’s reaction reveal about his government’s view of Artsakh?</li> <li>What does the new MPG poll show about voter turnout and opposition strength?</li> <li>Can Civil Contract keep power without a clear majority?</li> <li>Could DOK, Bright Armenia, or Prosperous Armenia become kingmakers?</li> <li>Can the opposition form a working coalition if Pashinyan falls short?</li> <li>Who could become prime minister if the opposition wins?</li> <li>What happens if the June 7 election results are falsified?</li> <li>Why is the opposition not yet building a street movement?</li> <li>Can Armenia hold free and fair elections under current legal and media conditions?</li> <li>How serious is Armenia’s decline in press freedom?</li> <li>How are surveillance, prosecutions, and selective leaks shaping the election environment?</li> </ul> <h1 id="references">References</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/01/trump-declares-hostilities-with-iran-terminated">Trump declares hostilities with Iran “terminated”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_169382/">Israel killed 13 people in Lebanon, including two women</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/en/news/1031373">Armenian businessmen attended meeting with Azerbaijani delegation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33738182.html">Stepanakert cathedral bulldozed and erased</a></li> <li><a href="https://x.com/nadinemaenza/status/2049507326776750325?s=46">Nadine Maenza condemns destruction as cultural genocide</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.am/en/video/945846">Russia condemns destruction of Armenian church in Stepanakert</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.eurasiareview.com/01052026-mother-see-condemns-destruction-of-armenian-shrines/">Mother See condemns destruction of Armenian shrines</a></li> <li><a href="https://panarmenian.net/eng/news/332817">Arsen Torosyan questions why Armenia should be involved</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2026/04/28/Arsen+Torosyan/2421325">Aysor report on Arsen Torosyan’s comments</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33741819.html">Armenian government erases post about Armenian Genocide commemoration</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33743620.html">Azerbaijan defends destruction of Stepanakert church</a></li> <li><a href="https://evnreport.com/elections/incumbent-party-swings-new-poll-numbers-armenias-parliamentary-elections-take-shape/">EVN Report analysis of Armenian election poll numbers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33746550.html">Gyumri resident prosecuted for calling police chief a “clown”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33747111.html">RSF ranking shows Armenia downgraded from 34th to 50th</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2026/04/30/2403823.html">168.am report on Armenia’s RSF downgrade</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248608">Armenpress report on freedom of expression claims</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/armenia/report-armenia/">Amnesty International Armenia 2025 report</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="mpg-poll-slides">MPG Poll Slides</h2> <h3 id="methodology">Methodology</h3> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/539/poll/mpg-02.webp" alt="Methodology" title="Methodology" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/539-week-in-review-iran-war-ceasefire-operation-kochari-stepanakert-cathedral-artsakh-cultural-genocide-armenia-elections-mpg-poll-tripp-border-demarcation-pashinyan-kocharyan-strong-armenia-rsf-press-freedom-mass-surveillance/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Groong Week in Review covers Trump’s Iran ceasefire, failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the naval blockade, and Washington’s war politics. Asbed and Hovik also examine “Operation Kochari,” Shahin Mustafayev’s secret visit to Armenia, TRIPP, border demarcation, Armenia-Azerbaijan trade, Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, Pashinyan’s response, the MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud risks, the EPC meeting, legal pressure, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.</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/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia’s election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan’s claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis’ rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1’s continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:10:36 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/528-anna-karapetyan-iran-war-armenian-elections-pashinyan-fake-narratives-fear-mongering-silencing-talk-of-artsakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia’s election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan’s claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis’ rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1’s continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan.</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/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We speak with Eldar Mamedov about the widening regional dimensions of the Iran war, with a focus on Azerbaijan’s role, the risk of a northern front, and the strategic interests of Israel, Turkey, and the United States. We examine whether there are any realistic offramps to end the war, how tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan have evolved after the Nakhijevan flareup, what Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel may mean in practice, and how recent constitutional changes in Nakhijevan may reflect deeper geopolitical shifts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/525-eldar-mamedov-iran-war-azerbaijan-israel-nakhichevan-south-azerbaijan-turkey/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We speak with Eldar Mamedov about the widening regional dimensions of the Iran war, with a focus on Azerbaijan’s role, the risk of a northern front, and the strategic interests of Israel, Turkey, and the United States. We examine whether there are any realistic offramps to end the war, how tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan have evolved after the Nakhijevan flareup, what Azerbaijan’s ties with Israel may mean in practice, and how recent constitutional changes in Nakhijevan may reflect deeper geopolitical shifts.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>We examine the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran through a regional lens, focusing on the war’s broader strategic aims, Azerbaijan’s possible role as a northern pressure point against Iran, Turkey’s ambiguous posture, and Armenia’s growing vulnerability in the middle of these shifts. Prof.Geghamyan also looks at the geopolitical meaning of the TRIPP or “Zangezur Corridor” project, the recent centralization of control over Nakhijevan, and Geghamyan’s new book “The Armenian Wedge in the Path of Turan: The Issue of the “Zangezur Corridor,” on the historical roots and present danger of the corridor agenda.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/524-varuzhan-geghamyan-iran-war-zangezur-corridor-syunik-nakhijevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We examine the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran through a regional lens, focusing on the war’s broader strategic aims, Azerbaijan’s possible role as a northern pressure point against Iran, Turkey’s ambiguous posture, and Armenia’s growing vulnerability in the middle of these shifts. Prof.Geghamyan also looks at the geopolitical meaning of the TRIPP or “Zangezur Corridor” project, the recent centralization of control over Nakhijevan, and Geghamyan’s new book “The Armenian Wedge in the Path of Turan: The Issue of the “Zangezur Corridor,” on the historical roots and present danger of the corridor agenda.</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/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/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>James W.Carden and Pietro A. Shakarian assess Trump 2.0’s “Donroe Doctrine” framing as branding for coercive, deal-driven policy, then widen the lens to the collapse of “rules-based order” language and the rise of pay-to-play influence concepts like Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.” The conversation turns to Iran, where escalating pressure, shifting demands, and regional signaling raise the risk of conflict and spillover effects for Armenia. The episode closes on JD Vance’s planned Armenia-Azerbaijan trip, how Moscow and Tehran may read it, and how corridor politics (TRIPP) and Armenia’s church-state confrontation shape the stakes.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:08:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/515-james-carden-pietro-shakarian-global-affairs-in-the-age-of-trump-2.0/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>James W.Carden and Pietro A. Shakarian assess Trump 2.0’s “Donroe Doctrine” framing as branding for coercive, deal-driven policy, then widen the lens to the collapse of “rules-based order” language and the rise of pay-to-play influence concepts like Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.” The conversation turns to Iran, where escalating pressure, shifting demands, and regional signaling raise the risk of conflict and spillover effects for Armenia. The episode closes on JD Vance’s planned Armenia-Azerbaijan trip, how Moscow and Tehran may read it, and how corridor politics (TRIPP) and Armenia’s church-state confrontation shape the stakes.</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/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/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/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/<p>A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.</p> <h3 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h3> <ul> <li>Timing and intent for an Israel–Iran clash.</li> <li>Unfinished business from the June war.</li> <li>The US role, limited support or full entry.</li> <li>Iran’s escalation ladder and Caucasus spillover scenarios.</li> </ul> <h3 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h3> <ul> <li>Does the December timetable still hold, and what could cancel the war outright.</li> <li>What Israel would need to achieve in the first 48 hours to claim success.</li> <li>Can Washington avoid being dragged in, and what thresholds shift a limited role to full entry.</li> <li>How ready Iran is, what rungs exist on its escalation ladder, and what a Hormuz disruption would mean.</li> <li>How a war could spill into the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s exposure and US moves in the region.</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/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:11:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/482/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/20251101-transcript-482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20251101-transcript-482-trita-parsi-prospectgrounds-consequences-of-a-second-israeli-war-on-iran/<p>A deep dive with Dr. Trita Parsi on whether Israel will strike Iran again, why June’s war left “unfinished business,” how much Israel depends on the United States, what Iran’s rapid-response playbook looks like after June, and how a wider fight could spill into the South Caucasus and affect Armenia. Recorded Oct 30, 2025.</p> <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/482/" 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> Trita Parsi - Prospect, Grounds and Consequences of a Second Israeli War on Iran  | Ep 482, Nov 1, 2025</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Conversations on Groong - Recorded on: October 30, 2025</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2025-11-01</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 482</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/482">https://podcasts.groong.org/482</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/hn0UM3BPYOc">https://youtu.be/hn0UM3BPYOc</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/tparsi">Trita Parsi</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/tparsi">Dr. Trita Parsi</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/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/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/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/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/<h2 id="-summary">🎙️ Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, former ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian joins the show to unpack a week of escalating tensions across Armenia’s borders and within. The discussion covers the aftermath of Israel’s war on Iran, claims that Azerbaijan facilitated Israeli strikes, and a sudden fallout between Baku and Moscow after raids and retaliatory actions. Domestically, the Pashinyan government’s crackdown on the Armenian Church deepens, even as Emmanuel Macron offers public support. The episode also examines Kaja Kallas&rsquo; visit to Armenia and new EU-Armenia defense consultations, as well as Iran’s support for the OIC’s pro-Azerbaijani Istanbul Declaration.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/451-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-relations-persecution-of-the-church-eu-macron-kallas-in-yerevan-oic-istanbul-declaration/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran War. Iran-Azerbaijan Relations. Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions. Russian-Armenian Relations. Persecution of The Church Continues. Kaja Kallas in Armenia. OIC Declaration.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/451/"> 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/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/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/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/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/<h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Iran&rsquo;s rejection of U.S. offers for direct nuclear talks and its implications for Armenia.</li> <li>Strategic implications of Armenia&rsquo;s shift toward the EU, and its potential impact on ties with Iran and regional security.</li> <li>Local elections in Gyumri and Parakar, and their national political significance.</li> <li>Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) refugee protests in Yerevan over unmet social and political demands.</li> <li>Analysis of the so-called “peace process” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>What are the regional consequences of Iran refusing direct U.S. negotiations but staying open to indirect talks?</li> <li>Could Armenia realistically pursue a military or political alliance with Iran? What are the trade-offs?</li> <li>How do the results of the Gyumri and Parakar municipal elections reflect shifts in Armenian political sentiment?</li> <li>What does the Armenian government&rsquo;s lack of response to Artsakh refugees suggest about its policy priorities?</li> <li>Is the Pashinyan administration’s proclaimed “peace deal” with Azerbaijan genuine or a political façade?</li> <li>What would a just and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus actually require?</li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants"><strong>Thoughts from the Participants</strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: The horror and inhumanity being suffered by the Palestinians in the hands of Israel, and to the cheers and encouragement of Western leaders.</li> <li><strong>Arthur</strong>: A fair peace can only be achieved with the interests of both sides taken into account. With the current government’s attitude, the only peace will be in the cemetery. <ul> <li>Book on Artsakh Negotiations Volume 1 out!</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources"><strong>Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Politico – <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/30/trump-threatens-bomb-iran-00259786">Trump threatens to bomb Iran</a></li> <li>RFE/RL – <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33343087.html">Iran’s diplomatic visit to Yerevan</a></li> <li>X (Ali Tahmizian) – <a href="https://x.com/AliTahmizian/status/1899768799991042265">Commentary on Armenia-Iran relations</a></li> <li>Panorama – <a href="https://panorama.am/en/news/2025/03/31/Parakar-elections/3127988">Parakar elections results</a></li> <li>1Lurer – <a href="https://www.1lurer.am/en/2025/03/31/Preliminary-results-of-Gyumri-City-Council-election/1288782">Gyumri election preliminary results</a></li> <li>Facebook (Hayakve) – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayaqve/posts/pfbid02RSkp78Sd1b5JRmZH8YeCSy6DVrQzopq7VQD1pXpu6eFpiD4WYGy8QV1NPTPJv7Usl">Gyumri post-election commentary</a></li> <li>RFE/RL – <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33363285.html">Arrests and political pressure during elections</a></li> <li>ArmRadio – <a href="https://en.armradio.am/2025/03/31/civil-contract-will-not-have-a-mayor-in-gyumri-martun-grigoryan-says/">Artsakh refugee protests</a></li> <li>RFE/RL – <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33364015.html">“Peace” deal analysis</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/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/425-arthur-khachatryan-iran-usa-armenia-fake-peace-gyumri-parakar-municipal-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Iran Rejects US Offer of Direct Negotiations. Iran and Armenia Ties. Gyumri and Parakar Municipal Elections. Artsakh Refugee Protests in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/425/"> 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/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/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/405-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-elects-new-president-joseph-aoun-new-prime-minister-nawaf-salam/Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:00:01 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/405-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-elects-new-president-joseph-aoun-new-prime-minister-nawaf-salam/<h1 id="lebanon-elects-new-leadership">Lebanon Elects New Leadership</h1> <h2 id="lebanons-political-breakthrough"><strong>Lebanon’s Political Breakthrough:</strong></h2> <ul> <li>After years of deadlock, Joseph Aoun’s election as president signals potential stability.</li> <li>The factors leading to this consensus, including regional and domestic pressures from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and France.</li> <li>The significance of appointing Nawaf Salam, a reformist diplomat, as Prime Minister-designate despite Hezbollah’s objections.</li> </ul> <h2 id="geopolitical-implications"><strong>Geopolitical Implications:</strong></h2> <ul> <li>The November ceasefire agreement and its impact on Israeli and Hezbollah positions.</li> <li>Regional influences shaping Lebanon’s policies, including Saudi and Iranian agendas.</li> <li>Potential financial aid packages tied to political and economic reforms.</li> </ul> <h2 id="armenian-communitys-role"><strong>Armenian Community’s Role:</strong></h2> <ul> <li>How the Armenian community has adapted to Lebanon’s crises.</li> <li>Relations between the Armenian political parties and Joseph Aoun’s administration.</li> <li>The community’s cautious optimism about Lebanon’s future.</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/405-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-elects-new-president-joseph-aoun-new-prime-minister-nawaf-salam/Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:00:01 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/405-yeghia-tashjian-lebanon-elects-new-president-joseph-aoun-new-prime-minister-nawaf-salam/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>President Joseph Aoun. Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. The Changing Face of the Middle East. Armenian Community’s and Joseph Aoun.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/405/"> 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/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/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/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/Sat, 09 Nov 2024 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/<h1 id="armenia-and-trumps-election-as-president-again">Armenia and Trump’s Election as President Again</h1> <p>We want to look at the coming Trump presidency, especially given some of the things he has said about Ukraine, the Middle East, and of course about Armenia, and Artsakh.</p> <p>Trump will take office on January 20th, so there are around 70-75 days until then.</p> <p>But first, let’s take a look at the previous few months in the campaign and how the campaign was perceived among Armenians, including those in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/Sat, 09 Nov 2024 23:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/384-suren-sargsyan-armenia-and-trump-election-as-president-again/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia, Armenian Americans, Artsakh. Ukraine War, NATO, China. Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/384/"> 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/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/<h1 id="armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections">Armenian Americans and the 2024 US Presidential Elections</h1> <p>When it comes to the two major presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, their records are pretty dismal. In fact, some would say that their records have been inimical to Armenia.</p> <p>During Trump’s term, the United States continued to provide military aid to Azerbaijan. Trump <a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-104619">continued</a> to <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/720/718806.pdf">waive</a> Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act until the start of the 2020 war. Trump was unable or unwilling to deter Turkey, a NATO member, from directly participating in the 2020 war, which was a decisive factor in Azerbaijan’s criminal war.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/380-harut-sassounian-armenian-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>GIVE to GROONG. linktr.ee/Groong. Harut Sassounian.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/380/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="the-hamparian-flag">The Hamparian Flag</h2> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/378/Hamparian-Flag-20241025.webp" alt="The Hamparian Flag" title="Aram Hamparian&#39;s family flag from the US navy" class="img-fluid" /> </p> </p> <h2 id="grading-methodology">Grading Methodology</h2> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>How does the ANCA assess, or grade, elected politicians on Armenian-American issues?</li> <li>Are there any candidates who stand out and were essentially no-brainer recommendations for the ANCA?</li> </ul> <h2 id="presidential-candidates">Presidential Candidates</h2> <p>When it comes to the two major presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, their records are pretty dismal.</p> <p><strong>Questions</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>What’s your assessment of Harris and Trump?</li> <li>What’s the ANCA’s guidance on how to vote for president?</li> </ul> <p>There are other candidates on the presidential ballot, like the Green Party’s Jill Stein, a perennial presence, sort of like a modern day Ralph Nader.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/378-aram-suren-hamparian-armenia-americans-and-the-2024-us-presidential-elections-armenia-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>ANCA Endorsements Methodology. On the Major Presidential Candidates. Arab-Americans Still Uncommitted. Where is the Armenian Vote?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/378/"> 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/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/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/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/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/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="who-will-be-the-next-leader-in-the-us">Who will be the next leader in the US?</h2> <p>As the field of the major candidates for President of the United States (POTUS) settles, we’re now looking at a change of administration in January 2025, as Biden steps down and either Trump, or Kamala Harris steps up.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>How do you see the presidential race shaping up in the US?</li> <li>How will a potential Trump presidency affect US policy in the region and Armenia specifically?</li> <li>What about a Harris presidency?</li> </ul> <h3 id="us-policy-in-the-caucasus">US Policy in the Caucasus</h3> <p>Biden’s administration has put a lot of effort and attention, at the secretary of state level, to get an agreement, any agreement, to be signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan. Talking to analysts, the immediate goal seems to be for any agreement to be signed that would get Aliyev to greenlight Turkey to open the border with Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:20:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/348-arthur-martirosyan-next-potus-turkish-armenian-normalization-us-defense-coop-talks-with-azerbaijan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Who Will be the Next Leader of the US? Turkish-Armenian Talks. US-Armenian Defense Coop. Armenia Azerbaijan Talks.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/348/"> 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/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/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/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/<h2 id="outstanding-causes-of-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict">Outstanding Causes of the Armenian Azerbaijani Conflict</h2> <p>The 2020 defeat in the second war in Artsakh culminated last week in the complete surrendering of Artsakh to Azerbaijan, by Pashinyan’s government. But is the conflict over? In this <strong>Conversations on Groong</strong> episode, we’ll take a look at the aftermath of the <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/nagorno-karabakh-enclave-emptied-entire-armenian-population-flees/story?id=103655356">great exodus of Armenians from their indigenous lands in Artsakh</a>, and what Armenia is facing geopolitically at this juncture.</p> <p>Even though we’ve been seeing the demise of the Artsakh Republic coming, ever since the defeat in the 44-day war in 2020, I guess most Armenians both in the republic, as well as the diaspora, had held out hope that it would not come to pass. You and many experts we talk to weekly on our show have been warning of this disastrous outcome for three years now.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/283-benyamin-poghosyan-is-the-armenian-azerbaijani-conflict-over-granada-geopolitics-war-unfolding/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Outstanding Causes of the Conflict. Why did Aliyev Bail out of Granada? Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia? How Might Events Unfold?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/283/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/<h2 id="overview">Overview</h2> <p>Today, October 3, 2023, the Civil Contract controlled Armenian National Assembly ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty that is the foundation for the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move is just one in a series of curious recent moves by the Armenian government that has angered Russia, considered a strategic ally to Armenia - perhaps for not too long after this.</p> <p>We have regularly covered the attempts by the Pashinyan regime to change the strategic foreign policy vector of Armenia, from one of a Russian satellite towards a Western-oriented one in a time when Russia is engaged in an existential war with the US and the West.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/282-arthur-martirosyan-game-of-alternatives-is-armenia-negotiating-effectively/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Game of Alternatives. How does it apply to Negotiations? Is Armenia Negotiating Effectively?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/282/"> 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/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/<h2 id="catastrophic-situation-in-artsakh">Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh</h2> <p>Artsakh HR Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan says that the situation has become “catastrophic”.</p> <ul> <li>Stores running out of supplies (including cigarettes)</li> <li>“Since June 15, we’ve had 0 tons of humanitarian goods”</li> <li>“Only ICRC is able to transport a small number of medical patients and bring in limited medical supplies”</li> <li>“Threat of starvation is higher now” than any other time during the 6 month blockade.</li> <li>Starvation may come in 10 days</li> </ul> <p>Maria Zakharova <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1114829.html">said</a> “The humanitarian situation in [Nagorno-Karabakh] is deteriorating. Regrettably we have to note that due to the suspension of supplies the population could be left without food, other essential products and medication.” She called on Azerbaijan to lift the blockade. <br> US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien says the US “believes and hopes” that people in Artsakh can live in Azerbaijan with their security and rights observed. Stepanakert did not take her comments quietly and <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32490708.html">responded</a> to her that Artsakh remains on a course to self-determination.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/267-gev-iskajyan-artsakh-blockade-flash-update-20230707/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan. Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade. Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda? Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks. ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/267/"> 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/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/Mon, 15 May 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/<h2 id="in-brussels-pashinyan-recognizes-artsakh-as-azerbaijan">In Brussels Pashinyan Recognizes Artsakh as Azerbaijan?</h2> <p>This week we saw more fighting in Armenia resulting in six wounded and a death, shortly before an unfazed Pashinyan attended the summit in Brussels with Aliyev and Charles Michel and apparently declared recognition of an Azerbaijan with 86,600 sq kms, which many analysts say includes Artsakh.</p> <p>Former foreign minister Vardan Oskanian reacted by <a href="https://www.civilnet.am/news/700066/%D6%83%D5%A1%D5%B7%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B1%D5%A5%D5%BC%D6%84%D5%A8-%D5%BA%D5%A5%D5%BF%D6%84-%D5%A7-%D5%A2%D5%BC%D5%B6%D5%A5%D5%AC-%D5%B0%D5%A5%D5%B6%D6%81-%D5%B0%D5%AB%D5%B4%D5%A1-%D5%B0%D5%A5%D5%BF%D5%B8-%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B7-%D5%AF%D5%AC%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB%E2%80%A4-%D5%BE%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A4%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D6%85%D5%BD%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6/">saying</a> that Pashinyan&rsquo;s &ldquo;hand must be restrained now, it will be too late tomorrow&rdquo;. Meanwhile, former foreign minister of Artsakh David Babayan <a href="https://www.aysor.am/am/news/2023/05/15/%D5%A2%D5%A1%D5%A2%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6/2094215">called</a> the announcement out of Brussels as disgusting, putrid, and criminal.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/Mon, 15 May 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/255-benyamin-poghosyan-pashinyan-aliyev-michel-meet-in-brussels-courts-vs-armenian-media-168-davit-sargsyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels. Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk. Turkish Presidential Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/255/"> 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/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/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/<h2 id="stepanakert-rally">Stepanakert Rally</h2> <p>On Sunday, in the lead-up to the October 31 meeting in Sochi, and while Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan was also in Moscow, there was probably the largest demonstration <a href="https://asbarez.com/artsakh-rises-up-tens-of-thousands-take-to-streets-to-reject-attempts-to-undermine-artsakhs-sovereignty/">rally in Stepanakert</a> since the independence movement began in 1988, an estimated 40,000 Artsakh citizens flooded the main city square to demand that Artsakh’s independence and sovereignty not be compromised through any deals that the government of Armenia signs with Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/173-benyamin-poghosyan-stepanakert-rally-sullivan-plan-csto-sochi-tehran/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Massive Stepanakert Rally. The Sullivan Plan. CSTO Security Council Convened. Trilateral Summit in Sochi. From Sochi to Tehran.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/173/"> 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/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/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:17:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/<p>Komitas - Six Children’s Songs – Timestamp: 00:01:35</p> <p>Internationally acclaimed soprano, Lebanese-born, Canadian-Armenian-American Isabel Bayrakdarian has released an album that draws on five generations of her family - from her great-grandparents to her own children.</p> <p>Well, I was a child once where she was a child, 15 years later, namely, Beirut, Lebanon. And we both sang as acolytes in the Armenian Apostolic church - we sang the same mass, the same ancient hymns, wearing the same robes and sliding around in the same hand-me-down slippers. Then we both left Lebanon and settled in Canada, Montreal for me, Toronto for her, finished high school and studied engineering in college. Many years apart mind you! And now we are both living in sunny CA.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:17:24 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/115-isabel-bayrakdarian-talks-about-armenian-songs-for-children-with-bedros-afeyan-ep-115-jan-27-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Journey Back to Armenian Music. Musical Harmony Between Armenian Music and Classical Canon. Researching, Teaching and Choosing Songs. Isabel&rsquo;s Favorites and Influences.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/115/"> 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/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/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/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/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/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/Sun, 06 Sep 2020 02:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/Sun, 06 Sep 2020 02:19:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/12-cog-judicial-reforms-data-protection-and-privacy-in-armenia-12-sep-5-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia has European grade laws in the areas of finance, business, data protection and privacy. What is preventing Armenia from achieving its full potential in foreign direct. Our Guest is. David Sandukhchyan is a lawyer with 20 years of experience in telecommunications, cyber law, media and personal data protection. He started his legal career as an Internet.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/12/"> 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>