https://podcasts.groong.org/tags/civil-contract/Recent content in Civil Contract on Groong PodcastHugoen-usTue, 12 May 2026 02:33:02 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/544-anna-grigoryan-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-hayastan-dashinq-armenia-alliance-strong-armenia-samvel-karapetyan-robert-kocharyan-tripp-zangezur-corridor-european-political-community-yerevan-dialogue-donald-trump-ilham-aliyev-civil-contract/Mon, 11 May 2026 19:30:06 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/544-anna-grigoryan-artsakh-nagorno-karabakh-hayastan-dashinq-armenia-alliance-strong-armenia-samvel-karapetyan-robert-kocharyan-tripp-zangezur-corridor-european-political-community-yerevan-dialogue-donald-trump-ilham-aliyev-civil-contract/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> Anna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia's June 7 parliamentary election and the start of the official campaign. The conversation examines the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, EU political and financial support for Pashinyan, Aliyev's remote demarche, and opposition protests around Artsakh rights, Armenian prisoners, and democratic backsliding. The episode also covers opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq's 8% bloc threshold, Strong Armenia's lead among opposition forces, possible post-election governing formulas, and the risks of a falsified vote. Grigoryan also discusses Armenia's foreign policy direction, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, TRIPP and Syunik amid the Iran war, education as a national priority, and Hayastan Dashinq's core message to voters. <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/">show</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/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy. <hr> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Strong Armenia’s role in the 2026 elections</li> <li>Arrests and legal pressure on opposition figures</li> <li>Conditions and rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians</li> <li>Voting rights and documentation issues for Artsakhtsis</li> <li>Destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh</li> <li>Strong Armenia’s position on Artsakh and right of return</li> <li>Prisoners and hostages held in Baku</li> <li>TRIPP / Zangezur Corridor and sovereignty concerns</li> <li>Security guarantees and regional connectivity</li> <li>Impact of Iran conflict on regional projects</li> <li>Polling trends and opposition electoral prospects</li> <li>Coalition-building and opposition unity</li> <li>Legal challenges around Samvel Karapetyan’s candidacy</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Who is Arega Hovsepyan and what shaped her political path?</li> <li>What is the current status of arrests targeting Strong Armenia members?</li> <li>How credible are the allegations of electoral bribery?</li> <li>Could Strong Armenia face restrictions or bans ahead of elections?</li> <li>What are the living conditions of Artsakh Armenians in Armenia today?</li> <li>How many displaced Artsakhtsis can vote and are they engaged?</li> <li>What is Strong Armenia’s plan for the right of return to Artsakh?</li> <li>How can Armenian prisoners be brought back from Baku?</li> <li>Has Armenia actually achieved peace with Azerbaijan?</li> <li>What risks exist if political power shifts in Armenia?</li> <li>Can TRIPP be reshaped into a mutually beneficial project?</li> <li>What security guarantees would make regional corridors acceptable?</li> <li>How do regional dynamics, including Iran, affect these plans?</li> <li>What do current polls suggest about Strong Armenia’s chances?</li> <li>Will opposition forces unite to form a coalition government?</li> <li>How can Samvel Karapetyan legally become prime minister?</li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248584">Senior Strong Armenia party member arrested, authorities confirm</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/video/1248618">Four arrested in alleged vote-buying case involving Strong Armenia party supporter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33743681.html">Another Karapetian Ally Arrested</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33743620.html">Azerbaijan Defends Destruction Of Karabakh Armenian Churches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rferl.org/a/cathedral-church-demolished-nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-armenia-conflict/33743489.html">Photo Exclusive: Cathedral, Church Demolished In Nagorno-Karabakh</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/">show</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/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260430-transcript-537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260430-transcript-537-arega-hovsepyan-strong-armenia-artsakh-right-of-return-arrests-opposition-elections-tripp-zangezur-corridor/In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s upcoming June 2026 parliamentary elections and the broader political climate. The discussion focuses on recent arrests targeting opposition figures, the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, and the implications of the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor project. We also examine opposition unity, polling trends, and legal questions surrounding Strong Armenia’s political strategy. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/537/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260428-transcript-536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260428-transcript-536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </p> </div> </div> <h2 id="episode-information">Episode Information</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Episode:</strong> Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026</li> <li><strong>Subtitle:</strong> Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> 2026-04-28</li> <li><strong>Episode Number:</strong> 536</li> <li><strong>Show Page:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/536">https://podcasts.groong.org/536</a></li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU">https://youtu.be/tu49vlEYJKU</a></li> <li><strong>Hosts:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/asbed">Asbed Bedrossian</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/host/hovik">Hovik Manucharyan</a></li> <li><strong>Guests:</strong> <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="links">Links</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/donate">GIVE to GROONG</a></li> <li><a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">linktr.ee/Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/guest/amartirosyan">Arthur G. Martirosyan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transcript">Transcript</h2> <blockquote> <p><strong>Warning:</strong> This is a rush transcript generated automatically and may contain errors.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran war reshapes regional balance</li> <li>TRIPP corridor faces uncertainty</li> <li>Peace narrative vs reality</li> <li>Armenia–Turkey normalization limits</li> <li>Russia’s role in Iran talks</li> <li>Genocide commemoration narratives</li> <li>Artsakh continuity debate</li> <li>Flag burning controversy</li> <li>EU summits and election timing</li> <li>Armenian election dynamics</li> <li>Kocharyan–Sargsyan split</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Has the Iran war stalled TRIPP?</li> <li>Can peace exist without corridors?</li> <li>What role does Russia play?</li> <li>How should Armenia prepare?</li> <li>Is Genocide memory a liability?</li> <li>How to interpret April 24 messaging?</li> <li>Is flag burning effective protest?</li> <li>Are EU events political theater?</li> <li>Has real peace been achieved?</li> <li>What shapes election outcomes?</li> <li>Can opposition unify?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1248278">EU–Armenia engagement and political messaging</a></li> <li><a href="https://verelq.am/hy/node/172405">Regional political developments and analysis</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/536-arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripp-armenian-genocide-april-24-commemorations-turkish-flag-burning-armenia-parliamentary-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>We examine how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia’s geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The episode also covers Armenia’s 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day. <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>IODA’s election role</li> <li>Armenia’s 2026 election risks</li> <li>Observer impartiality concerns</li> <li>Voter list and fraud concerns</li> <li>Pressure on the opposition</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li> <p>Why did Raffi Kalfayan launch IODA, and what does the organization aim to monitor before Armenia’s parliamentary elections?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260427-transcript-535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260427-transcript-535-philippe-raffi-kalfayan-monitoring-the-june-2026-parliamentary-election-in-armenia/Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan joined Groong to discuss the International Observatory for Democracy in Armenia (IODA), its work ahead of Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, and the risks it sees in the pre-election environment. The conversation covered IODA’s mission, its first fact-finding trip to Armenia, concerns about judicial control and administrative resources, questions about OSCE/ODIHR and EU impartiality, and the pressure facing opposition figures and parties before election day. <div class="row mt-4 mb-3"> <div class="col"> <p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/535/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Watch video with chapters </a> </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/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/20260408-transcript-530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/20260408-transcript-530-iran-war-2016-april-four-day-war-pashinyan-in-moscow-armenia-politics-election/<p>In this Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discussed the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and the danger of a wider regional catastrophe; we reflected on the tenth anniversary of the April 2016 Four-Day War and what it revealed about Armenia’s military and diplomatic posture; we examined the fallout from Pashinyan’s Moscow visit and the increasingly blunt Russian response, and reviewed the fast-moving Armenian election campaign, including pressure on the opposition, EU involvement, and the emerging strategies of major the various alliances.</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/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/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/<p>This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <ul> <li>Iran war fears, the state of US-Iran talks, and Israeli pressure for maximal demands</li> <li>Armenia-Iran ties, senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and how TRIPP affects trust</li> <li>June 7 parliamentary elections, rule changes, and claims of an uneven playing field</li> <li>Opposition landscape and how major blocs are forming ahead of June 7</li> <li>Escalating clash between the government and the Armenian Church</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>How likely is a near-term war on Iran, and what are the red lines in the talks?</li> <li>Where do Trump’s instincts differ from Israel and US hardliners on Iran?</li> <li>Why the recent stream of senior Armenian visits to Tehran, and what is Iran watching for?</li> <li>How has TRIPP changed Iran-Armenia trust and risk perceptions?</li> <li>What does the current opposition lineup suggest about June 7 scenarios?</li> <li>Is the Church conflict targeted at Karekin II, or aimed at the institution itself?</li> <li>Who benefits from a weakened or divided Armenian Church?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-evaluating-potential-measures-event-iran-us-conflict-source-says-2026-02-25/">Turkey evaluating potential measures in event of Iran-US conflict, source says (Reuters)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/azh-yntroutyounneroum-koalitsia-kazmelou-sahmanapakoum-chi-lini-i-nch-popokhoutyounner-en-ouzhi-mej-mtel/33685523.html">Higher bar for electoral alliances (Azatutyun)</a></li> <li><a href="https://armenpress.am/en/article/1243011">Pashinyan announces pension increase starting April 1 (Armenpress)</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/519-dziunik-aghajanian-iran-war-fears-us-iran-talks-israel-pressure-june-7-elections-civil-contract-media-ban-charity-restrictions-eu-rapid-response-armenian-church-karekin-ii-tripp/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review covers three major threads, the risk of escalation around Iran and what it means for Armenia’s regional posture, the growing set of legal and political moves shaping Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, and the continuing confrontation between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Church, including actions affecting Catholicos Karekin II and senior clergy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/519/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/<p>Anna Grigoryan joins us to assess four Armenians returning from Baku amid continued detention of other POWs, the escalating clash between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, new details around TRIPP after talks in Washington, and what is at stake in Armenia’s June 2026 elections, including opposition strategy and outside influence.</p> <h2 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h2> <h3 id="1-return-of-4-hostages">1) Return of 4 Hostages</h3> <ul> <li>What the release signals, and why the continued detention of at least 19 Armenians remains the core issue</li> <li>Criticism of the terms and timing, including concerns about “hostage diplomacy” during negotiations</li> <li>The reported linkage to Armenia returning two Syrian mercenaries, and Pashinyan’s denial that this was an exchange</li> <li>Prior precedents of releasing convicted enemy personnel, and what that suggests about state policy and deterrence</li> </ul> <h3 id="2-pashinyan-vs-church">2) Pashinyan vs. Church</h3> <ul> <li>Why the dispute matters beyond personalities, and what it means for church autonomy and state neutrality</li> <li>Claims of external pressure and the wider pattern of state control over institutions</li> <li>Legal and constitutional questions raised by government and security-service involvement</li> <li>Political implications, including polling signals about social cohesion and trusted public figures</li> <li>Possible offramps that reduce social tension without granting blanket impunity</li> </ul> <h3 id="3-tripp">3) TRIPP</h3> <ul> <li>What the Washington agreements suggest about the project’s logistics and direction</li> <li>How TRIPP overlaps with the November 2020 ceasefire framework, with a different external sponsor</li> <li>Likely effects on Russia and Iran’s interests, and how they might respond</li> </ul> <h3 id="4-upcoming-elections-june-2026">4) Upcoming Elections (June 2026)</h3> <ul> <li>What is at stake, and which themes may drive the campaign, including Artsakh</li> <li>Why opposition ratings trail the ruling party, and what it would take to win</li> <li>Hayastan Dashinq’s record over the past five years, including strengths and gaps</li> <li>Debate over “new faces” versus “formers,” and what that means for coalition-building</li> <li>Alliance options (Mer Dzevov, Wings of Unity), and Anna Grigoryan’s own plans</li> <li>External signaling, including claims of Turkish and EU support for Pashinyan</li> <li>Whether Russia still views Pashinyan as an “acceptable” outcome, and what may have changed since 2021</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <h3 id="return-of-4-hostages">Return of 4 Hostages</h3> <ul> <li>How should Armenia read the timing and intent of these releases?</li> <li>Do you expect more releases before June 2026, and on what terms?</li> <li>If this was not an exchange, why did the releases line up the same day?</li> <li>What message does prior prisoner release policy send to Baku, and to Armenian society?</li> </ul> <h3 id="pashinyan-vs-church">Pashinyan vs. Church</h3> <ul> <li>Is this driven by geopolitics, domestic politics, or personal conflict?</li> <li>Why has the opposition not pursued impeachment or Constitutional Court action for alleged unconstitutional conduct?</li> <li>What negotiated offramps could cool the conflict?</li> <li>How can society restore harmony without rewarding abuses by any side?</li> </ul> <h3 id="tripp">TRIPP</h3> <ul> <li>How strong is the deal Armenia’s team negotiated with the Trump administration?</li> <li>What are the second-order effects for Russia and Iran, and how might they push back?</li> </ul> <h3 id="june-2026-elections">June 2026 Elections</h3> <ul> <li>What are the core stakes, and will Artsakh become a defining issue?</li> <li>What must the broad opposition spectrum do differently to compete?</li> <li>What should we expect in Hayastan Dashinq’s makeup as elections near?</li> <li>Has external support for Pashinyan changed since 2021, and how does Russia factor now?</li> </ul> <h2 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://csi-usa.org/azerbaijan-releases-four-armenian-hostages-in-incomplete-exchange/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPXICdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe2Jy8HplfIJNUpIObL7IfsxaeoS_jW_2RQPGoJUlfS-BK88C-8Bti9JjUwbc_aem_lIFumBTSY6KGreNM0VDedw">Christian Solidarity International: “Azerbaijan releases four Armenian hostages in incomplete exchange”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thecaliforniacourier.com/ankara-just-endorsed-pashinyan-for-the-june-elections/">California Courier: “Ankara Just Endorsed Pashinyan for the June Elections”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/hOIoNWlLFo0?si=nJLGv28hBQBCxLPR">Ishkhan Saghatelyan press conference (YouTube)</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, and you will SHARE OUR SHOWS with your friends on Social Media. That is a great way to support us.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/507-anna-grigoryan-armenia-political-crisis-tripp-pow-hostages-2026-paliamentary-election-attacks-on-church/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Anna Grigoryan joins us to assess four Armenians returning from Baku amid continued detention of other POWs, the escalating clash between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, new details around TRIPP after talks in Washington, and what is at stake in Armenia’s June 2026 elections, including opposition strategy and outside influence.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/507/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/<p>In this <strong>Groong Week in Review</strong>, Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian are joined by Dziunik Aghajanian to examine a volatile week marked by escalating confrontation between the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church, deepening fractures inside Europe over the Ukraine war, and controversial developments around Armenia–Azerbaijan trade and regional transport corridors. The discussion focuses on state power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical tradeoffs shaping Armenia’s present and future.</p> <hr> <h1 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h1> <h2 id="ukraine-war-update">Ukraine War Update</h2> <p>Ukraine’s battlefield situation continues to deteriorate, with reports of Ukrainian withdrawals from key positions amid shortages of weapons, manpower, and electricity. European leaders are increasingly divided on how to proceed, as French President Emmanuel Macron shifts toward dialogue with Moscow while blocking German efforts to seize Russian assets for Ukraine and lobbying to restore nuclear fuel cooperation with Russia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/498-dziunik-aghajanian-etchmiadzin-church-state-conflict-pashinyan-tripp-peace-dividend-armenia-geopolitics/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Groong Week in Review, Hovik Manucharyan and Asbed Bedrossian are joined by Dziunik Aghajanian to examine a volatile week marked by escalating confrontation between the Armenian state and the Armenian Apostolic Church, deepening fractures inside Europe over the Ukraine war, and controversial developments around Armenia–Azerbaijan trade and regional transport corridors. The discussion focuses on state power, legitimacy, and the geopolitical tradeoffs shaping Armenia’s present and future.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This episode covers shifting Ukraine negotiations, Kazakhstan’s diplomatic moves, Armenia’s tightening political climate, the government’s pressure on the Church, the debate over impeachment vs elections, the seizure of Armenia’s power grid, and the continued arrests of political opponents and media figures. We speak with Hrant Mikaelian about what these developments reveal about Armenia’s political direction and its place in a volatile region.</p> <hr> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Trump’s shrinking Ukraine peace plan and the Geneva reduction to 19 points</li> <li>Kazakhstan’s diplomatic balancing act and Pashinyan’s visit</li> <li>Wheat shipments, Russia’s “Kiss of Yerevan” statement, and the political backlash</li> <li>Vagharshapat election aftermath and the run-up to 2026</li> <li>Impeachment vs elections and whether they can happen in parallel</li> <li>The ENA license revocation and the power grid takeover</li> <li>Expanding political detentions</li> <li>Pressure on the Armenian Church and independent institutions</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed"><strong>Key Questions Discussed</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Is the new proposal a Minsk 3?</li> <li>Which elements make the peace plan unacceptable to Russia or Ukraine?</li> <li>Why is Kazakhstan rising diplomatically and how does Armenia fit into its strategy?</li> <li>What did Pashinyan’s award in Astana actually represent?</li> <li>Was the wheat shipment meaningful or only symbolic?</li> <li>What do the Vagharshapat results signal for 2026?</li> <li>Can impeachment efforts and election planning proceed together without weakening the opposition?</li> <li>Why did Armenia ignore the Stockholm Arbitration ruling on ENA?</li> <li>How will the power grid seizure affect investor confidence?</li> <li>What do current political detentions say about the state of civil liberties?</li> </ul> <hr> <h1 id="referenced-articles-and-sources"><strong>Referenced Articles and Sources</strong></h1> <h3 id="ukraine-peace-plan-and-geneva-talks"><strong>Ukraine Peace Plan and Geneva Talks</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://niccolo.substack.com/p/to-end-a-war">To End a War (Niccolò Substack)</a></li> <li><a href="https://korybko.substack.com/p/analyzing-all-28-points-of-the-leaked">Analyzing the 28 Points (Korybko Substack)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/24/ukraine-peace-plan-europe-russia/">Washington Post on Geneva Reduction to 19 Points</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="kazakhstan-wheat-shipments-and-pashinyans-visit"><strong>Kazakhstan, Wheat Shipments, and Pashinyan’s Visit</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://astanatimes.com/2025/11/tokayev-trump-deepen-ties-with-17-billion-agreements/">Tokayev–Trump Meetings and Agreements</a></li> <li><a href="https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russia-kazakhstan-november-2025-presidential-meetings-strategic-partnership-agreement-npp-financing/">Kazakhstan–Russia Strategic Agreement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2025/11/21/Nikol-Pashinyan-Kassym-Jomart-Tokayev/">Pashinyan’s Official Visit to Astana</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.primeminister.am/en/press-release/item/2025/11/21/Nikol-Pashinyan-Kazakhstan/">Tokayev Awards Pashinyan the Order of the Golden Eagle</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33586213.html">Shipment of Russian Wheat to Armenia</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="russias-accusation-and-armenias-response"><strong>Russia’s Accusation and Armenia’s Response</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://svr.gov.ru/smi/2025/11/potseluy-erevana.htm">SVR Statement “Kiss of Yerevan”</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33588226.html">Pashinyan Denies Allegations</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="electric-networks-of-armenia-and-power-grid-seizure"><strong>Electric Networks of Armenia and Power Grid Seizure</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://arminfo.info/full_news.php?id=93606">Stockholm Arbitration Ruling</a></li> <li><a href="https://mirrorspectator.com/2025/11/18/armenias-regulator-moves-to-strip-karapetyans-firm-of-power-grid-license/">PSRC Revokes ENA License</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="political-prisoners"><strong>Political Prisoners</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33598388.html">Lydia Mantashyan Pre-Trial Detention Extended</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="don"><strong>Don&rsquo;t forget to support us:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That’s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">show</a>! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">Social Media</a> and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:08:39 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/488-hrant-mikaelian-ukraine-war-geneva-28-point-plan-armenia-political-crisis-impeachment-elections-tripp-energy-grid-kazakhstan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>High-Stakes Ukraine Talks. Armenia’s Growing Political Detentions. Pashinyan Honored In Kazakhstan. Rising Pressure On The Church. Impeachment vs. Elections. Pashinyan Seizes Power Grid.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/488/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h1 id="summary"><strong>Summary</strong></h1> <p>This conversation with opposition leader <strong>Hayk Mamijanyan</strong> covers the growing pressure on free speech in Armenia, the arrests of prominent podcasters, the wider pattern of attacks on journalists, and concerns about the state of Armenia’s judiciary and law enforcement. We also discuss the Vagharshapat municipal election, reported misuse of administrative resources, the merger of electoral districts, and what these trends may signal for the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Mamijanyan outlines the opposition’s strategy for the impeachment process and its limits, while noting the silence of international actors and the risks facing independent media.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/487-hayk-mamijanyan-armenia-freedom-of-expression-at-risk-imnemnimi-arrests-vagharshapat-municipal-outcome/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Freedom of Expression at Risk in Armenia. Vagharshapat Municipal Outcomes. Republican Party Election Strategy. Stand in Support of Independent Media and Journalism in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/487/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>With <strong>Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> We cover Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s two-year sentence and what it signals in an lethargic Armenia, Moldova’s election and diaspora voting, the EU’s patterns of force ahead of Armenia’s 2026 vote, takeaways from the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), the politics of the U.S. PEACE Act, defense shifts including a shortened 18-month military service plan contrasted with acknowledged military serviceman shortage, and the internal fight over the stalled 44-day war report.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:20:32 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/477-benyamin-poghosyan-ajapahyan-sentencing-moldova-elections-armenia-epc-summit-peace-act-military-personnel-shortages-defense-budget-cuts/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>With Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan We cover Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s two-year sentence and what it signals in an lethargic Armenia, Moldova’s election and diaspora voting, the EU’s patterns of force ahead of Armenia’s 2026 vote, takeaways from the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen and the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF), the politics of the U.S. PEACE Act, defense shifts including a shortened 18-month military service plan contrasted with acknowledged military serviceman shortage, and the internal fight over the stalled 44-day war report.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/<h1 id="summary">Summary</h1> <p>This week’s Week in Review with Hrant Mikaelian covers mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the risk of renewed war, Russia’s muted stance on the TRIPP corridor despite U.S. and Turkish advances, fresh data from the MPG poll on Armenia’s politics and society, and the state of Armenia’s economy at mid-2025, with particular focus on re-exports, debt, and government underperformance.</p> <h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li><strong>War in Iran</strong>: The E3 snapback sanctions, Iran’s possible NPT withdrawal, and risks of a U.S.-Israeli escalation.</li> <li><strong>TRIPP Corridor</strong>: U.S. and Israeli leverage, Paul Goble’s views, Russia’s puzzling response, Iran’s split stance.</li> <li><strong>MPG Poll Findings</strong>: <ul> <li>Attitudes toward the Aug 8 White House TRIPP agreement.</li> <li>Views on opening a road through Syunik.</li> <li>Whether Washington agreements will bring peace.</li> <li>Constitutional change as a precondition from Azerbaijan.</li> <li>Political prisoners, including Samvel Karapetyan and Bagrat Srbazan.</li> <li>Party standings if elections were held today.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Armenian Economy H1/2025</strong>: Decline in re-exports, slowdown in industry, underperformance of key ministries, rising debt, and growth trends in construction and agriculture.</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Is the West pushing Iran into a corner, and could this lead to renewed war?</li> <li>Could TRIPP serve as a launchpad for U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran?</li> <li>Why is Russia muted while Paul Goble and U.S. analysts are exuberant?</li> <li>What do the MPG poll results reveal about Armenian public opinion on TRIPP, peace prospects, constitutional change, and political prisoners?</li> <li>Does Samvel Karapetyan’s rise in polling numbers suggest a viable opposition force in 2026?</li> <li>How sustainable is Armenia’s economy given re-export decline, underperforming ministries, and rising debt?</li> </ul> <h1 id="referenced-articles--sources">Referenced Articles &amp; Sources</h1> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/29/russia-china-slam-european-nations-over-iran-snapback-sanctions-move">Al Jazeera – Russia, China slam European nations over Iran snapback sanctions move</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/236175/Iran-parl-could-discuss-emergency-plan-to-exit-NPT-Sun-MP">Mehr News – Iran parliament may discuss exit from NPT</a></li> <li><a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/11/israel-iran-war-trump-nuclear-august-december/">Foreign Policy – Israel-Iran war could come before December</a></li> <li><a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/armenia/how-goble-plan-was-born-and-how-it-remains-political-factor">ReliefWeb – How the Goble Plan was born</a></li> <li><a href="https://ria.ru/20250906/overchuk-2040140270.html">RIA – Overchuk on TRIPP</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us-secures-strategic-transit-corridor-armenia-azerbaijan-peace-deal-2025-08-07/">Reuters – U.S. secures strategic transit corridor Armenia-Azerbaijan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.luys.am/img/artpic/small/272ea2668ff86421398504-2025-%D5%AB%D4%B2%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BB%D5%A5%D5%AB1-%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B8%D5%B2%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6-2025.pdf">Luys Foundation – H1/2025 Armenian Economy report</a></li> <li><a href="https://168.am/2025/08/25/2266794.html">168.am – Digest of Luys report</a></li> <li><a href="https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/armenias-mixed-economy-growth-in-services-offsets-trade-and-industry-decline.html">Caucasus Watch – Armenia’s mixed economy</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="thoughts-from-the-participants">Thoughts from the Participants</h1> <ul> <li><strong>Hrant Mikaelian</strong>: On Netanyahu’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the controversial renovations at Tsitsernakaberd.</li> <li><strong>Asbed</strong>: Questioned why Pashinyan refused to request the return of POWs or territory during the August 8 White House meeting.</li> <li><strong>Hovik</strong>: No additional statement this week.</li> </ul> <h1 id="mpg-poll">MPG Poll</h1> <hr> <h2 id="slide-2-methodology">Slide 2: Methodology</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Research method</strong>: Telephone surveys</li> <li><strong>Sample Size</strong>: 1101</li> <li><strong>Error Margin</strong>: ±3%</li> <li><strong>Implementation period</strong>: August 25, 2025 - August 30, 2025</li> <li><strong>Research location</strong>: Republic of Armenia</li> </ul> <p><p class="md__image"> <img src="https://podcasts.groong.org/img/episode/471/slides/MPG-slide-02.webp" alt="Slide 2" title="Slide 2" class="img-fluid" /> </p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/471-hrant-mikaelian-war-on-iran-russia-on-tripp-mpg-poll-in-armenia-economy-in-2025/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This week’s Week in Review with Hrant Mikaelian covers mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the risk of renewed war, Russia’s muted stance on the TRIPP corridor despite U.S. and Turkish advances, fresh data from the MPG poll on Armenia’s politics and society, and the state of Armenia’s economy at mid-2025, with particular focus on re-exports, debt, and government underperformance.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/471/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/456-benyamin-poghosyan-iri-poll-armenia-trust-crisis-armenian-church-pan-turkism-zangezur-corridor-aliyev-iran-border-syunik/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>This Week in Review episode covers growing public disillusionment in Armenia, as new polling shows historic lows in trust toward political institutions while support for the Armenian Church and Armed Forces holds strong. We examine Pashinyan’s shifting rhetoric on the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” his ongoing confrontation with the Church, and the geopolitical fallout from recent regional events—including the Iran-Israel conflict and the cooling of Russia-Azerbaijan ties. Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan joins to discuss whether Armenia is facing a crisis of legitimacy and a turning point in its strategic posture.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/<p>In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/446-rafael-ishkhanyan-armenia-surveillance-law-facial-recognition-biometric-data-privacy-abuse-public-safety-political-targeting-acpr-groong-podcast/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <h2 id="topics-covered">Topics Covered</h2> <ul> <li>US-Iran Tensions and Escalating Sanctions</li> <li>Assault on Journalist in Yerevan Government Office</li> <li>Moscow Victory Day Parade and Armenia’s Geopolitical Crossroads</li> <li>Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks – Stalemate and Implications for 2026 Elections</li> <li>Azerbaijan’s Growing Influence and Iran’s Diplomatic Countermoves</li> </ul> <h2 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>What is the trajectory of US-Iran negotiations given the new sanctions and postponement of talks?</li> <li>How might the secondary oil sanctions on Iran affect its economy and Armenia’s energy imports?</li> <li>What is the political fallout from the assault on journalist Arthur Chakhoyan, and how has the Republic Party responded?</li> <li>How significant is Armenia’s attendance at Moscow’s Victory Day Parade amidst pressure from the EU?</li> <li>Could Azerbaijan’s demands for an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia escalate into renewed conflict?</li> <li>What is the status of Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations, and how might upcoming elections impact diplomatic efforts?</li> </ul> <h2 id="links-referenced-during-the-show">Links Referenced During The Show</h2> <h3 id="iran-sanctions--us-iran-negotiations">Iran Sanctions &amp; US-Iran Negotiations</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-iran-nuclear-program-dismantled">Axios: Trump Calls for Dismantling Iran’s Nuclear Program</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/231430/Iran-US-delegations-to-resume-talks-this-weekend">Mehr News: Iran-US Talks Postponed</a></li> <li><a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114433959082847679">Truth Social: Trump’s Secondary Sanctions Announcement</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/trump-says-buying-iranian-oil-must-stop-threatens-secondary-sanctions-purchasers-2025-05-01/">Reuters: New Sanctions on Iranian Oil</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="moscow-victory-day-parade">Moscow Victory Day Parade</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/05/03/is-may-9-canceled-in-moscow-serbian-president-vucic-urgently-hospitalized">EADaily: Speculation Around May 9 Parade</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/eu-ban-serbia-president-joins-124629634.html">Yahoo News: EU Leaders Warn of Repercussions for Attending Moscow Parade</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="yerevan-beating--journalist-assaulted-inside-government-office">Yerevan Beating – Journalist Assaulted Inside Government Office</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33403251.html">Azatutyun: Republic Party Defends Violence</a></li> <li><a href="https://oc-media.org/russia-protests-armenian-bucha-visit/">OC Media: Reactions to Armenia’s Bucha Visit</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0yB5QftJX4UwGLGEKGgVWDFoQTqs8aeitGcJDzwBt1t3yqNGCvqkpFHY5semZFxGzl&amp;id=100016322520223&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVEs95AK8CmpTrg3uIirvYdk6BnGhiDQ-a6utqlyLmeSHir7FEq_pb_vCpusqBn-oQg-5nQW5uZsMzqM82gnHp7G2FNd8FF7jZVBjaDplYLeh341uUdYA05zgpXtsc7FPZIZzG-MdZY1vTbwtQ0Q0O8lm6_a83SqMc_r1AwPfrEXdTpwbhiMqGGznEVy4Uf8mJa5W-tWBN5UPIHOBEud68yI_7D2EYRwgxpdex0ptDnpg&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Aram Sargsyan and Republic Party Blaming Putin</a></li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/YQCLUhxyC8c?si=MjSlBRSykdblbrEo">Video of incident</a></li> </ul> <h3 id="arthur-chakhoyan">Arthur Chakhoyan</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/617221971360128">Failed kindergarten renovation by company associated with Civil Contract</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1085262919377598/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU6qSVx2D_GGqXp7Fq3ljFEy6lMbbYVttTLD5KoT3nMEX_qJzBpq8YaKKKDWSDr1xQWBkLqBnIbW_eoM_0zzzuK6SSsXnVjtcno2l19natCiMartwTZHN4FIL9vYBjk1NUyYPH4qlPXyCdrbRz572xOjpBr7JYut4nHQBnXNwN4_MLfSQd_DUefvgp3QPPhx6PAhKwuRMOiP14ob1qn_yv7&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">Channel 5 coverage of corruption exposure</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/posts/pfbid0ikdsmenegFeEX2VsvHLKSRcokJ2cqTmhBsLCpEVArSQDz1vFtqD7urdepgF41WMQl">Chakhoyan FB Post #1</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #2</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/577103002061726">Chakhoyan FB Post #3</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/236007926259377">Chakhoyan FB Post #4</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Art.Chakhoyan/videos/1596286871183106">Chakhoyan FB Post #5</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cEjwvom43Wo">Youtube video of Chakhoyan&rsquo;s work</a></li> </ul> <h1 id="wrap-up">Wrap-up</h1> <h3 id="links-and-resources"><strong>Links and Resources</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/groong">Patreon - Support Groong</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groong">Buy Me a Coffee - Support Groong</a></li> </ul> <p>That&rsquo;s our <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/">Week in Review</a>, we hope you found it helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions, you can <a href="https://linktr.ee/groong">find us</a> on most social media and podcast platforms.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/Wed, 07 May 2025 00:04:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/434-benyamin-poghosyan-us-iran-tensions-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-victory-day-journalist-assault-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this Week in Review episode recorded on May 6, 2025, we discuss the latest developments in Armenia, the South Caucasus, and beyond with Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, a senior fellow at APRI Armenia and Chairman of the Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/434/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/<h2 id="main-topics-addressed"><strong>Main Topics Addressed</strong></h2> <ul> <li> <p><strong>US-Iran Talks &amp; Israeli Threats:</strong><br> Israel is considering limited strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, even as the U.S. and Iran resume nuclear negotiations in Rome. Russia has emerged as a potential mediator, raising questions about its growing role in regional diplomacy.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan:</strong><br> The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved a $339M loan to Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Airlines, despite its ties to arms transport and the Aliyev regime—igniting backlash over the contradiction with U.S. human rights commitments.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/429-hrant-mikaelian-iran-exim-bank-azerbaijan-armenia-gyumri-effect-on-civil-contract-hating-artsakh-armenians-pope-francis-vatican/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>US-Iran Talks &amp; Israeli Threats. Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan. Iran-Azerbaijan Relations &amp; Corridor Demands. Vatican Controversy &amp; Global Anti-Armenian Propaganda. Local Elections in Gyumri and Parakar. Government-Fueled Hate Against Artsakh Refugees.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/429/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>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/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/<p>In this episode of <strong>Groong Week in Review</strong>, we speak with <strong>Benyamin Poghosyan</strong> about the latest <strong>MPG poll</strong>, which shows a significant drop in <strong>Pashinyan’s approval ratings</strong> and highlights key concerns among Armenians, such as <strong>security, border issues, and economic instability</strong>. We also examine the <strong>growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan</strong>, Aliyev’s increasingly <strong>anti-Russian rhetoric</strong>, and the possible <strong>geopolitical consequences</strong>. The discussion extends to <strong>Armenia’s strategic geopolitical balancing</strong>, Russia’s warnings regarding Armenia’s <strong>EU aspirations</strong>, and whether Armenia can <strong>leverage its position in the North-South trade corridor</strong>. Finally, we assess <strong>Azerbaijan’s push for a &lsquo;Zangezur Corridor&rsquo;</strong>, Armenia’s <strong>counterproposals</strong>, and the potential for <strong>military escalation</strong> in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/410-benyamin-poghosyan-mpg-poll-russia-azerbaijan-relations-deteriorating-armenia-strategic-geopolitical-balancing-zangezur-corridor/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we speak with Benyamin Poghosyan about the latest MPG poll, which shows a significant drop in Pashinyan’s approval ratings and highlights key concerns among Armenians, such as security, border issues, and economic instability. We also examine the growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, Aliyev’s increasingly anti-Russian rhetoric, and the possible geopolitical consequences. The discussion extends to Armenia’s strategic geopolitical balancing, Russia’s warnings regarding Armenia’s EU aspirations, and whether Armenia can leverage its position in the North-South trade corridor. Finally, we assess Azerbaijan’s push for a &lsquo;Zangezur Corridor&rsquo;, Armenia’s counterproposals, and the potential for military escalation in the region.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:12:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-talks">Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks</h2> <h3 id="hateful-attacks-on-declaration-of-independence">Hateful Attacks On Declaration of Independence</h3> <p>Pashinyan severely <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33202094.html">ramped up</a> his criticism of the Declaration of Independence by saying the document is about Armenia’s non-existence. Recently his hand-picked constitutional court issued the decision that he was hoping would show to Aliyev that the Declaration of Independence doesn’t carry legal force, because it is not part of the text of the constitution. But Aliyev rejected the decision and has continued insisting on his demand that Pashinyan take the constitutional change to a national referendum. We have heard Pashinyan criticize the document before, but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fYLlTIco5o">this week’s attacks</a> bordered on hate.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:12:55 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/386-tevan-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-talks-cop29-gyumri-politics-police-reform/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. COP29: Diplomacy and boycotts. Gyumri&rsquo;s political intrigues. Mass dismissal of Armenian government members. Police “reform”. Legislative Changes In Preparation For Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/386/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:05:32 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/<h1 id="types-of-arrest-or-detention-in-armenia">Types of Arrest or Detention in Armenia</h1> <p>During the recent anti government protests in Armenia hundreds have been arrested, and since we hear many terms used for these arrests, we thought we should talk about the various types of arrests and detentions and their specific uses. For example, since most protesters in Armenia are held for 3 hours, this usually falls under something called <strong>Administrative arrest</strong>. Well, what is that, and what are the types of arrests available to law enforcement agencies in Armenia?</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:05:32 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/336-rafael-ishkhanyan-protesters-arrested-mps-beaten-artsakh-mayors-jailed/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Detention vs. Arrest. Hundreds Of Protesters Arrested. “Red Berets” Beat Up MP. Artsakh Mayors Under Arrest. Podcasters Released But Banned From Podcasting. Narek Samsonyan. Vazgen Saghatelyan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/336/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/<h2 id="reaction-to-interview-with-canadian-ambassador">Reaction to Interview with Canadian Ambassador</h2> <p>Hovik, Asbed, and Arthur talk about the Canadian ambassador’s interview with Groong.</p> <p>Last week we published a lengthy interview with the new Canadian Ambassador to Armenia, Andrew Turner. We checked, and it seems to be the most comprehensive interview with the ambassador to date and goes beyond the traditional formalities. For those who want to listen to the hour-long interview, just look up episode 316 on your Youtube, Spotify, or any other channel where Groong exists.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/318-arthur-martirosyan-canadian-ambassador-interview-more-concessions-by-pashinyan-eu-resolution-for-armenia-systemic-corruption/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Reactions to Interview with Canadian Ambassador. More Concessions Signaled by Pashinyan. EU Parliament Resolution on Armenia. Fish Rots from the Head.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/318/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/<h1 id="ruling-party-power-grabs">Ruling Party Power Grabs</h1> <h2 id="alaverdi">Alaverdi</h2> <p>Back in 2021 Aprelu Yerkir was able to garner enough votes in the elections to install Arkadi Tamazyan as the mayor of the region, which includes <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32715584.html">Alaverdi</a> and a dozen or so townships. In order to succeed, Aprelu Yerkir struck an alliance with Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s Armenian National Congress (ANC, or HAK) to gain a one seat majority in the city council. This was a serious setback for Pashinyan, and Civil Contract.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/298-aghasi-yenokian-ruling-party-power-grabs-early-elections-judiciary-concerns-new-book/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Ruling Party Power Grabs. Why is Civil Contract so Adamant on Total Municipal Control. Political Prisoners. Early/Snap Elections? Armenia’s Controlled Judiciary. About Yenokian’s new book: Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/298/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/<h2 id="armenias-diplomacy-at-the-un">Armenia’s Diplomacy at the UN</h2> <h3 id="unsc-meeting-on-august-16">UNSC Meeting On August 16</h3> <p>On August 16, at the request of Armenia, the UN Security Council held a hearing on the blockade in Artsakh. Various countries spoke out, some surpassing expectations and delivering pro-Armenian speeches and others (especially Brazil) delivering very disappointing speeches. However, perhaps more importantly, no resolutions were introduced, no speeches were made by the president of the security council, and so far, almost a month later, there has been no follow-through.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/279-dziunik-aghajanian-un-security-council-artsakh-yerevan-elections/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia&rsquo;s Diplomacy at the UN. Artsakh Elections / Blockade. Yerevan Elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/279/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/<h1 id="topics-this-week">Topics This Week</h1> <h2 id="situation-in-artsakh">Situation in Artsakh</h2> <p>Let’s put this bluntly. A <a href="https://panarmenian.net/m/eng/news/309022">poll in Azerbaijan</a> shows that 67% of Azeris believe that the Artsakh situation will be resolved by the killing of Artsakh Armenians or their displacement. It’s no surprise therefore that over 94% of Armenians polled in July say that Artsakh can not be left as part of Azerbaijan! We will talk more about the polls later in our show.</p> <h3 id="former-icc-judge-says-its-genocide">Former ICC Judge Says It’s Genocide</h3> <p>Last week a founding ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, issued an <a href="https://luismorenoocampo.com/lmo_en/report-armenia/?fbclid=IwAR0shvGGkLtLLmHFwJOrXWHxNbYSrNSo7LbTR9OKx0uNkyhR61kXAHjVbs4">expert opinion</a> in response to Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan’s <a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1116476.html">request </a>and concluded that the Azerbaijani blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh does in fact constitute Genocide.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:06:59 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/273-hrant-mikaelian-artsakh-status-yerevan-elections-mpg-poll-unsc-icc-ocampo-blockade-is-genocide/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Situation in Artsakh. Yerevan Elections Heating Up. July MPG Survey Outtakes. August MPG Survey Outtakes. Baku Poll. Thoughts on the Economy.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/273/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/<h2 id="armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations">Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations</h2> <p>There was hardly any progress reported by any of the sides two weeks ago in DC. Since then we’ve learned that a month ago in June, Artsakh authorities <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32492198.html">rejected</a> a US invitation to hold Baku-Stepanakert dialog in Washington.</p> <p>The US agenda for this so-called dialog was evident in ambassador Kristina Kvien’s comments on Armenian Public TV, that Artsakhtsis could live under Azeri rule. Stepanakert <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32492079.html">criticized</a> her for “appeasing the oppressor” and “predetermining the outcome” of the talks. Kvien tried to explain her words, but a lot of damage has been done to her political capital.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/268-benyamin-poghosyan-armenia-azerbaijan-negotiations-us-armenian-nsc-advisors-meet-mpg-poll-results/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations. US, Armenian NSC Advisors Meet. New MPG Poll. Haya-Qve [.am].</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/268/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/Sat, 13 May 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/<h2 id="avinyan-suit-freezes-assets-of-newspaper--journalist">Avinyan Suit Freezes Assets of Newspaper &amp; Journalist</h2> <p>In Tigran Avinyan’s civil <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32409384.html">court case</a> against <a href="https://168.am/">168.am</a> and journalist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davit.sargsyan">Davit Sargsyan</a>, the judge has decided to freeze $46,000 of the defendants’ assets, an <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32409312.html">unprecedented</a> development according to journalist unions.</p> <p>Avinyan alleges that the media outlet slandered him by publishing a <a href="https://youtu.be/696vWAmCtjk">video</a> that says that he is one of a number of the newly enriched, in Pashinyan’s close circle of ruling party cronies.</p> <p>In this segment we’re not so much interested in the allegations either in the video or in the suit, but as a media outlet ourselves we’re interested and concerned about the effect of such legal action, and the resulting court response on the media in Armenia.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/Sat, 13 May 2023 00:16:54 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/254-ruben-melikyan-tigran-avinyan-sues-freezes-assets-168-zham-davit-sargsyan-20230513/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan court freezes assets of 168.am and journalist Davit Sargsyan in Tigran Avinyan&rsquo;s defamation suit. Ruben Melikyan discusses pre-verdict punitive measures, judicial pressure, free speech concerns, and the role of international NGOs and media funding in Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/254/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/<h2 id="raising-flags-alison-on-recent-events-in-tegh-and-across-armenia">Raising Flags: Alison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across Armenia</h2> <h3 id="aghavno--berdzor">Aghavno / Berdzor</h3> <p>In August 2022, you were with a group of friends in Aghavno and called for followers to join you in an attempt to prevent the handover of Berdzor/Aghavno to Azerbaijan.</p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Are these events, Berdzor, Aghavno, Jermuk, now Tegh, a consequence of policies of the Armenian government?</li> </ul> <h3 id="april-11-azeri-aggression-near-tegh">April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh</h3> <p>The unprovoked Azeri shootings of April 11 killed 4 of our soldiers near Tegh village. A week ago <a href="https://podcasts.groong.org/245">we talked with Naira Melikyan</a>, mother of fallen soldier Hayk Melikyan, who tried to visit this region with other concerned parents and activists, and she was prevented by Armenian border guards, who claimed to be stopping her “for her own safety”.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:15:00 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/247-alison-tahmizian-meuse-aknandakan-eye-for-an-eye-tegh-ardanish-flag-raising-berdzor-aghavno/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Aghavno / Berdzor. April 11 Azeri Aggression Near Tegh. Raising Flags. Azeri Infiltrations into Armenia.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/247/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/<h2 id="pashinyans-press-conference">Pashinyan’s Press Conference</h2> <p>On Tuesday, Pashinyan held a 4.5 hour press-conference. He covered a range of topics from the 44 day war, to the potential so-called “peace treaty”, to Armenia’s relations with Russia, and more.</p> <p><strong>Question:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What was the main message he was trying to convey?</li> </ul> <h3 id="on-artsakh">On Artsakh</h3> <p>Regarding Pashinyan’s comments about Artsakh, he responded to a joint call by Artsakh’s parliamentary parties for Armenia to honor its own laws and not take illegal decisions to predetermine Artsakh’s fate. He said that Artsakh’s “<a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1106248.html">Rights &amp; Security</a>” are “key goal” for his administration, but he declined to endorse the right for Artsakh to self-determination. In fact he said that through 30 years of negotiations, the so-called “international community” has always <a href="https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32317247.html">regarded</a> Nagorno Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0400https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/240-tevan-poghosyan-pashinyan-press-conference-belligerent-azerbaijan-relations-with-russia-mayoral-politics-yerevan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Pashinyan’s Press Conference. Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan. Mirzoyan in Moscow. Mayoral Politics in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/240/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/<h2 id="prague">Prague</h2> <p>The first meeting of the European Political Community took place in the Czech capital Prague on Thursday. On the sidelines of this meeting, Pashinyan met with Turkish president Erdogan, which was a first for them. Pashinyan also met with Azerbaijan’s president Aliyev separately and then also in a 4-way meeting in the presence of EU co-president Charles Michel and French president Macron.</p> <ul> <li>What is the “European Political Community” meeting?</li> </ul> <h3 id="meeting-with-erdogan">Meeting with Erdogan</h3> <p>Pashinyan’s meeting with Erdogan was relatively quick, and both leaders reported that they confirmed their desire to swiftly implement the agreements reached by the two special reps of Turkey and Armenia for the so-called Normalization process. At this point that means opening the borders for cargo by air, and land border crossings for citizens of third countries.</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:13 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/167-benyamin-poghosyan-meetings-in-prague-pashinyan-consolidating-power-personal-rants/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Meetings in Prague. Pashinyan Consolidating Power. Personal Rants.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/167/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:05:30 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/163-mpg-and-iri-polls-armenian-economy-us-armenia-relations-geopolitics-ep-163-sep-11-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Latest MPG and IRI Poll Results. What&rsquo;s Up with the Armenian Economy? US Armenia Relations. Geopolitical Developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/163/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:24:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/162-artsakh-independence-diplomacy-normalization-with-turkey-gorbachev-ep-162-sep-4-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>September 2: Artsakh Independence Day. September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before. Developments in Geopolitics. There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan. &ldquo;Normalization&rdquo; with Turkey.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/162/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:43:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:43:36 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/161-anna-abrahamian-the-opposition-must-impeach-ep-161-aug-29-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Conversation with Anna Abrahamian. In the spring and summer of 2022 the Armenian parliamentary opposition was in the streets of Yerevan in large numbers, with a goal to remove the de-facto prime minister of. Especially as we near the end of August and the protests are set to restart, we&rsquo;re analyzing what didn&rsquo;t work, and how to take more effective steps forward. We want to look at.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/161/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:40:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:40:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/160-arthur-khachikyan-opposition-restart-berdzor-aghavno-peace-plan-military-service-avoidance-law/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition movement restarts. Berdzor &amp; Aghavno handover. &ldquo;Peace Plan&rdquo; coming? Newly proposed military service avoidance law.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/160/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:49:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/156-benyamin-poghosyan-surmalu-blast-foreign-relations-resistance-movement/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Surmalu Blast. What happened in Surmalu market? Why did Pashinyan jump the gun to declare that it&rsquo;s not terrorism? Russian note of protest on anti-Russian sentiments in information sphere. A mayoral campaign in the midst of tragedy?</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/156/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:50:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/Wed, 20 Jul 2022 01:50:16 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/148-spy-chiefs-in-yerevan-armen-grigoryan-dies-in-court-mourad-papazian-banned-am-az-fms-meet-ep-148-july-17-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>CIA Chief in Armenia. Army Chief Appointed. Armen Grigoryan Dies in Court. Mourad Papazian is Denied Entry in Armenia. Bayramov and Mirzoyan in Tbilisi.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/148/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:35:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:35:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/144-osce-mg-aparan-murders-vanetsyan-resigns-jhangiryan-doesn-t-ep-144-jun-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Who killed the OSCE Minsk Group? Murders in Aparan. Arthur Vanetsyan Resigns from Parliament. Gagik Jhangiryan in the Line of Fire.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/144/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:48:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/Tue, 21 Jun 2022 02:48:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/143-did-opp-blink-sjc-scandal-more-peace-talks-more-border-shootings-ep-143-jun-19-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Did the Opposition Blink? What will happen to the Yerevan protests? Scandal in the Supreme Judicial Council involving Gagik Jhangiryan (SJC). More Artsakh &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Talks, More Border Shootings.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/143/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:33:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:33:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/141-yerevan-protests-grow-artsakh-negotiations-new-mpg-results-ep-141-jun-5-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan Protests Continue. State of Negotiations on Artsakh. MPG Gallup Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/141/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/Tue, 12 Apr 2022 15:50:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/132-opposition-brussels-alison-update-war-economy-new-poll-artsakh-ep-132-apr-10-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Opposition Protests in Yerevan. Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels. Working for the man. War and the Armenian Economic Outlook. New MPG polls on Ukraine, Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/132/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:26:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/Mon, 04 Apr 2022 19:26:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/131-ukraine-crisis-update-parukh-brussels-moscow-ep-131-apr-3-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Intro. Ukraine Crisis Update. Parukh - Brussels - Moscow.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/131/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:51:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/129-azerbaijan-s-peace-deal-artsakh-gas-cut-off-ukraine-protest-in-yerevan-vardenis-mayoral-issue-resolved-ep-129-mar-20-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s &ldquo;Peace&rdquo; Deal. Artsakh Without Natural Gas in Winter. Ukraine Protests in Yerevan. Vardenis Mayoral Issue Resolved.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/129/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:13:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/Sat, 26 Feb 2022 04:13:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/124-armenia-s-regional-challenges-a-conversation-with-tatev-hayrapetyan-february-26-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Tatev&rsquo;s Background and Entrance into Politics. Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction? Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War. The Shushi and Moscow Agreements. Armenia&rsquo;s Foreign Affairs Establishment.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/124/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:19:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:19:55 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/119-cost-of-pows-war-commission-degrading-norms-of-democracy-lukashenko-latest-mpg-ep-119-feb-13-2022/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>8 More POWs Released, But What At What Cost? Parliamentary Commission on the 44-Day War Established. The Degrading Norms of Democracy in Armenia. Who Needs Armenia? Latest MPG Poll Results in Yerevan.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/119/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:41:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:41:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/118-pietro-shakarian-continuing-ukraine-crisis-vahagn-khachatryan-for-pres-new-iri-poll-results/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Continuing Ukraine Crisis. Putin in Beijing, Erdogan in Kyiv, Pashinyan at Olympic Diplomacy? Civil Contract Nominates Vahagn Khachatryan for President. New IRI Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/118/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/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/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/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:08:17 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/101-armenia-attacked-border-politics-azerbaijan-back-to-osce-mg-municipal-results-ep-101-nov-14-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia under wide scale attacks by Azerbaijan. Border Politics. Azerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MG. Municipal elections Over the Past Weekend.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/101/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:16:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/Tue, 09 Nov 2021 03:16:07 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/99-war-in-artsakh-one-year-on-erika-olson-visits-region-internal-political-developments-ep-99-nov-7-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The War in Artsakh, One Year Later. Erika Olson visits the South Caucasus. Internal political developments.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/99/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:42:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/Mon, 25 Oct 2021 21:42:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/94-positive-messages-back-to-street-rallies-local-election-setbacks-siradeghyan-dies-ep-94-oct-24-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Yerevan&rsquo;s &ldquo;Positive Messages&rdquo;. Opposition Going Back to Street Rallies? Ruling Party Setbacks in Local Elections. Vano Siradeghyan Dies.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/94/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:39:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:39:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/92-flurry-of-diplomacy-results-from-regions-vaccination-update-trust-in-authorities-ep-92-oct-17-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>A Flurry of Diplomatic Activity. Results from Tavush, Shirak and Syunik. Vaccination in Armenia. Trust in the Authorities about Information from Border Areas.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/92/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:37:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/Sun, 29 Aug 2021 23:37:42 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/87-syunik-blocked-and-unblocked-5-year-plan-approved-parliamentary-dynamics-ep-87-august-29-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Road to Syunik Blocked and Unblocked. 5-Year Plan Approved. Parliamentary Dynamics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/87/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:46:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:46:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/86-5-year-plan-russia-rearming-armenia-press-freedoms-curtailed-panelist-topics-ep-86-august-22-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The Government&rsquo;s 5-Year Plan. Is Russia Rearming Armenia? Artsakh? Press Freedoms Curtailed in Parliament. Topics from the Panelists.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/86/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/85-lebanon-afghanistan-armenian-parliament-artsakh-ep-85-aug-15-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Lebanon in Crisis. Taliban Takes Over Afghanistan. 8th Convocation of the Parliament. Developments around Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/85/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/84-instability-on-armenia-azerbaijan-borders-commission-on-44-daywar-first-session-of-the-8th-parliament-ep-84-aug-1-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continued Instability along Armenia-Azerbaijan Borders. National Assembly Commission on the 44-Day War. First Session of the 8th Session of the Armenian Parliament.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/84/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/Sat, 31 Jul 2021 15:30:26 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/82-calls-for-a-commission-to-analyze-the-defeat-in-the-2020-artsakh-war-ep-82-july-31-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Calls for a Commission to Analyze the Defeat in the 2020 Artsakh War. A Conversation with Dr. Simon Saradzhyan, Arthur G. Martirosyan, and Tevan Poghosyan. The disastrous outcome of the 2020 War in Artsakh has left Armenians in Armenia and around the world with many unanswered questions. Many long-time held beliefs about the.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/82/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:29:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:29:01 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/80-armenian-foreign-policy-between-war-and-peace-ep-80-july-22-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Sparring Partners: Moscow and Ankara. Yerevan&rsquo;s Diplomatic Dilemmas. Aliyev&rsquo;s Appetite and Ambitions.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/80/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:43:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:43:15 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/79-suren-sargsyan-const-court-decision-new-pm-appts-aliyev-threats-russian-generals-in-yerevan-ep-78-july-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Constitutional Court Decisions on Election Results. New Pashinyan Appointments. More Threats from Azerbaijan. Russian Generals in Yerevan Again.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/79/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:36:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:36:20 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/78-asbed-kotchikian-putin-pashinyan-constitutional-court-steel-out-of-velvet-podcast-s-year-in-review-ep-78-july-11-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Putin / Pashinyan meeting. Constitutional Court Challenge. Forging Steel out of Velvet. Groong Podcast&rsquo;s Year-in-Review.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/78/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:39:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:39:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/76-armenian-elections-recap-protests-in-artsakh-ep-76-june-27-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenian Elections Recap. Protests in Artsakh.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/76/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:24:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:24:59 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/75-aram-navasardyan-how-to-explain-the-mpg-polling-discrepancy-ep-75-june-21-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>How to Explain The MPG Polling Discrepancy With Election Results? A Conversation (in Armenian) with Aram Navasardyan. Aram Navasardyan is Director of MPG, a member of Gallup International Association and one of the main pollsters in the pre-election campaign for June 2021 parliamentary elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/75/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:48:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:48:52 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/74-elections-az-az-negotiations-erdogan-in-az-biden-meets-erdogan-putin-ep-74-june-20-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Armenia&rsquo;s Elections. Behind The Scenes with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan in Azerbaijan. Biden Meets Erdogan, then Putin.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/74/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:48:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/Sat, 19 Jun 2021 06:48:44 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/73-robert-markarian-analyzing-party-platforms-in-june-20-parliamentary-elections-ep-73-june-20-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Security/Defense. Economy and Social. Artsakh. Diaspora Relations.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/73/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:44:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 06:44:09 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/72-aleksandr-khachaturyan-on-the-2021-armenian-elections-ep-72-june-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hayastan Dashink (Armenia Alliance) Platform. Economy: Current State and Way Forward. Military-Industrial Complex, Financing Modernization of Army. Armenia-Diaspora Relations. IT Sector.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/72/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:09:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:09:04 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/71-aspram-krpeyan-hayastan-dashinq-elections-and-postwar-outlook-ep-71-june-18-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance), Elections and Postwar Outlook. Aspram Krpeyan, is a member of the Hayastan Dashinq led by former president Robert Kocharyan in the upcoming elections in Armenia, and a member of its list of parliamentary. Ms. Krpeyan has worked in the Ministry of Defence, as well as the office of the President of Armenia. She is the co-founding director of the Tatul Krpeyan Peace Foundation.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/71/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 03:51:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/Wed, 16 Jun 2021 03:51:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/70-meltdown-at-the-mfa-philip-reeker-s-visit-15-pows-return-latest-polls-ep-70-june-13-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Meltdown at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Philip Reeker&rsquo;s Visit to the Region. 15 POWs Return Home. Latest Election Poll Results.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/70/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:46:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:46:53 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/66-kocharyan-closes-in-on-pashinyan-s-lead-in-election-polls-pashinyan-visits-europe-ep-66-june-6-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Kocharyan Closes in on Pashinyan in Election Polls. Pashinyan Visits Europe.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/66/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/Mon, 31 May 2021 03:42:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/Mon, 31 May 2021 03:42:11 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/65-tensions-on-the-border-latest-iri-mpg-polls-election-politics-ep-65-may-30-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Continued Tensions on the Eastern Border. Latest IRI and MPG Polls on the Armenian Elections. Election Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/65/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/Mon, 17 May 2021 02:44:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/Mon, 17 May 2021 02:44:41 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/61-azerbaijan-s-incursion-into-syunik-lavrov-s-visit-to-yerevan-and-baku-electoral-politics-ep-61-may-16-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Azerbaijan&rsquo;s Incursion into Syunik. Lavrov&rsquo;s Visit to Yerevan and Baku. Electoral Politics.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/61/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:52:10 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/49-syunik-confidential-developments-in-artsakh-snap-elections-flip-flop-ep-49/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Syunik Confidential. Developments in Artsakh. Snap elections flip flop.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/49/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/<h1 id="main-topics-addressed">Main Topics Addressed</h1> <ul> <li>It’s been just over two years since the 2018 elections that resulted in the RPA, the Republican Party of Armenia, became an extra-parliamentary party for the first time in over two decades. There have been many questions about what exactly happened in 2018. What happened in April-May, what took place in October, and then what happened during the elections in December?</li> <li>Vazgen Manukyan has been critical of foreign-funded Western NGOs and during his various speeches he has talked about more regulation for such funding. Does that also represent the RPA’s position? Where does the RPA stand on these NGOs?</li> <li>The Homeland Salvation Movement has accused Nikol Pashinyan of treason for signing the capitulation agreement of Nov 9/10. We also heard your movement raise alarm signals prior to Pashinyan’s trip to Moscon on January 11, with the movement warning that:</li> <li>“any decision taken against the interests of Armenia and Artsakh will be recognized as illegitimate, will be rejected by the Armenian people, will not be ratified and will be annulled after the change of power.”</li> </ul> <h1 id="key-questions-discussed">Key Questions Discussed</h1> <ul> <li>Do you believe that the January 11 agreement to open rail communications was against the interests of Armenia or Artsakh?</li> <li>If, as the opposition claims, Pashinyan truly is a traitor then many, even among your supporters, are wondering why the movement isn’t more active in protesting or removing Pashinyan? Why aren’t there more people in the streets?</li> <li>What is your party’s position on the electoral reform currently being discussed in the NA? On that note why did the RPA not vote for the government’s proposal to reduce the threshold for parties and electoral alliances to 4% and 6% respectively back in 2018?</li> <li>What were the lessons learned from the results of the December 2018 elections for the RPA? What is your party’s vision for Armenia and for RPA’s role in that new Armenia, over the next 5-10 years?</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/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:29:42 -0700https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/44-opposition-talks-armen-ashotyan-of-the-rpa-hhk-01-19-2021/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>What took place in 2018? Why did RPA support Vazgen Manukyan as PM candidate? Nov. 9/10 ceasefire agreement &amp; Jan 11 statement. Is the RPA truly serious about removing Pashinyan? Why hasn’t the opposition mobilized more people onto the streets? Lessons learned from Dec. 2018 elections.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/44/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:44:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:44:29 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/39-conversation-with-my-step-s-maria-karapetyan/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>Dynamics between Civil Contract and My Step. Was Parliament aware of about the Nov. 9 Agreement? Thoughts on the post-Agreement political stand-off. Electoral Code Changes My Step is working on? State of the Fight Against Corruption.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/39/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>https://podcasts.groong.org/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:11:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/<p>Show Notes</p>https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:11:35 +0000https://podcasts.groong.org/watch/18-ann-groong-wir-18-sep-27-2020/<h2 id="episode-summary">Episode Summary</h2> <p>The 29th Anniversary of Armenian Independence. Armenia&rsquo;s foreign policy. Azerbaijan war of disinformation; and lastly. Opposition trio rally and Tsarukyan&rsquo;s arrest.</p> <div class="watch-notes"> <a class="watch-notes-button" href="https://podcasts.groong.org/18/"> Go to Episode Notes </a> </div>