Armenian News Network - Groong: Week In Review Podcast
A weekly review of Armenian news from groong.org, keeping listeners informed about headlines related to Armenia and Armenians worldwide. The show tackles challenges like information overload, fake news, and the linguistic diversity of the Armenian diaspora, offering a curated digest of news and analysis. It aims to provide a brief overview of the main stories each week for those who lack time to separate reliable sources from unreliable ones.
Episodes
Tigranashen Unanswered, Russia’s Railways Challenged | Ep 574, Aug 2, 2026
Week in Review - August 2, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Armenia's new parliament sworn in on August 2, 2026, and the Armenia Alliance's direct challenge to Civil Contract over Tigranashen. We examine the government's evasive responses on territorial red lines, Armenia's challenge to Russia's railway concession, and how TRIPP reshap
Pietro Shakarian - Memory Under Siege: From Stalin to Pashinyan | Ep 573, Aug 3, 2026
Conversations on Groong - August 3, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Pietro Shakarian about memory, repression, and state power in Armenia across Soviet and contemporary periods. We discuss the Great Purge in Soviet Armenia, the assassination of Aghasi Khanjyan, the suppression of Armenian national institutions under Stalin and Beria, and the parallels between Stal
Christine Arakelian - Forever Wars, NATO 3.0, Armenia's High-Stakes Western Pivot | Ep 572, Jul 31, 2026
Conversations on GroongIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Christine Arakelian about American foreign policy fractures, Iran war risks, and Armenia's pivot to the West. We discuss whether the United States has coherent foreign policy, the collapse of the MAGA coalition over Forever Wars, NATO 3.0 and Europe's militarization, and how Pashinyan's post-2026 Armeni
From Caspian Drones to Armenia’s Cold Winter | Ep 571, Jul 26, 2026
Week in Review - July 26, 2026In this week's edition of the Armenian News podcast, Hovik and Asbed analyze escalating regional tensions as Ukraine expands operations into the Caspian Sea, striking Iranian and Russian assets. We examine how this merger of the Northern and Southern conflicts affects Armenia, Kazakhstan's energy security, and Pashinyan's diplomatic positioning amid new
Archil Sikharulidze - Armenia and Georgia Between Russia and Europe | Ep 570, Jul 26, 2026
Conversations on Groong - July 27, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Archil Sikharulidze about Russia's shifting strategy in the South Caucasus and Armenia and Georgia's diverging paths. We discuss Moscow's assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process developments, Georgia's widening dispute with Europe, Armenia's shift away from Russia, a
Anthony Barsamian - Armenia-Diaspora checkpoint | Ep 569, Jul 25, 2026
Conversations on Groong - July 25, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Anthony Barsamian about Armenian Diaspora advocacy, Armenia-Diaspora relations, and the next phase of Armenian-American activism. We discuss decades of work securing U.S.-Armenia relations and aid packages, the achievement of U.S. Armenian Genocide recognition and what comes next, and the role of the A
Iran War, TRIPP Money, and Armenia’s Political Purgatory | Ep 561, Jul 19, 2026
Week in Review - July 19, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed break down escalating tensions across the Middle East as the US-Iran war intensifies following the collapse of the June ceasefire. We examine the strategic implications for Armenia and the South Caucasus, the role of TRIPP advocates like Konstantin Sokolov, and how regional instability intersects with Pashinya
NATO in Ankara, War in Iran, and the Scissors Over Armenia | Ep 567, Jul 12, 2026
Week in Review - July 12, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed cover the 36th NATO summit in Ankara, escalating Iran war developments, and Armenia's removal of murals honoring fallen soldiers. We discuss NATO's defense spending surge, Trump's shift on Turkey and F-35 access, Ukraine aid commitments, and what these geopolitical shifts mean for Armenia and the So
Dmitry Suslov - Ukraine’s Endgame, Armenia’s Crossroads | Ep 566, Jul 11, 2026
Conversations on Groong - July 11, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about Russia's strategic position across multiple fronts: the Ukraine War, Armenia's post-election Western pivot, TRIPP and Syunik, and Europe's rearmament against Russia. We discuss the long-term confrontation between Russia and NATO, Pashinyan's Western alignment
Sergey Markedonov - Ukraine, TRIPP, and Armenia’s Western Pivot | Ep 565, Jul 10, 2026
Conversations on Groong - July 10, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about Russia's strategic position amid the Ukraine War and its implications for Armenia. We discuss why Moscow remains bogged down in Ukraine despite its military superiority, how the war of attrition shapes Russian bandwidth for the South Caucasus, the geopolitical role of t
The Constitutional Court has ruled, now what? | Ep 564, Jul 5, 2026
Week in Review - July 5, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for July 5, 2026, Hovik and Asbed analyze Armenia's Constitutional Court ruling upholding the disputed 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election results. We examine the disqualification of Prosperous Armenia votes, Civil Contract's three-fifths majority, the opposition's parliamentary leverage, and what these outcomes
Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Election Aftermath, Russian Warnings, Israeli Recognition | Ep 563, Jul 3, 2026
Conversations on Groong - July 3, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Amb. Dziunik Aghajanian about the Iran-Israel conflict, Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election aftermath, and Israeli recognition of the Armenian Genocide. We discuss whether the US-Iran MOU represents genuine de-escalation or a tactical pause before renewed confrontation, the Constitutiona
When Israel Recognizes and Yerevan Dodges | Ep 562, Apr 25, 2026
Week in Review - June 28, 2026In this week's Groong Week in Review, Hovik and Asbed discuss Israel's historic recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Russia's ongoing warnings toward Armenia, and the political uncertainty following the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine the geopolitical context behind Israel's decision, Pashinyan's measured response, and what t
Iran Talks, Election Challenges, and Political Retaliation | Ep 561, Jun 21, 2026
Week in Review - June 21, 2026In this Groong Week in Review episode, Hovik and Asbed examine the fallout from Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Elections, the ongoing US-Iran War ceasefire negotiations and their regional implications, and escalating political persecutions following the vote. We discuss how six opposition parties-including Strong Armenia, Armenia Alliance, Prosperous Armen
Arman Grigoryan - US-Iran Negotiations, Post-Election Armenian Politics | Ep 560, Jun 23, 2026
Conversations on Groong - June 23, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Arman Grigoryan about US-Iran negotiations and Armenia's contested post-election landscape. We discuss the prospects for a US-Iran agreement, its implications for TRIPP and Iran-Russia relations, the aftermath of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, and how shifting great-power dynamics r
Hrant Mikaelian - Election Aftermath and Polls in Armenia | Ep 559, Jun 20, 2026
Conversations on Groong - June 20, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Hrant Mikaelian about the disputed aftermath of Armenia's June 7, 2026 parliamentary election. We discuss allegations of electoral fraud, threats against opposition parties, the Anti-Corruption Committee's proposed ban on opposition groups, Armenia-Russia tensions following the vote, and the
Armenian Parliamentary Election, US-Iran Agreement | Ep 558, Jun 14, 2026
Week in Review - June 14, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review for June 14, 2026, we analyze the aftermath of Armenia's 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election, shifting Armenia-Georgia relations, and a landmark interim US-Iran agreement that reshapes regional stability. We discuss the ceasefire framework, sanctions relief, and how the Iran war's resolution affects Armenian security
Arthur Martirosyan - After the Anger, What Next? | Ep 557, Jun 10, 2026
Conversations on Groong - June 10, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur G. Martirosyan about Armenia's contested 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election and Pashinyan's path to a third term. We discuss whether the vote was free and fair, how state pressure and Western backing shaped the outcome, the razor-thin thresholds that determine parliamentary represent
2026 Elections: A Mandate Under Dispute | Ep 556, June 7, 2026
Week in Review - June 7, 2026In this episode of Groong Week in Review, we analyze the disputed results of Armenia's June 7, 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We examine Civil Contract's contested majority, alleged irregularities and invalid ballots, the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report, the last-minute exclusion of Prosperous Armenia, opposition arrests and pressure, and what a three-fi
Spotlight on Silence: Selective Justice in Armenia’s Election Campaign | Ep 555, Jun 6, 2026
Spotlight on Silence - June 6, 2026In this Spotlight on Silence episode, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about selective justice and state pressure ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss wiretaps and leaks targeting opposition figures, abuse of hate speech laws against government critics, military service summons used as political
Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission and Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026
Conversations on Groong - June 4, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan about Armenia's deteriorating democratic conditions ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss IODA's second election observation mission, widespread arrests of opposition figures, state intimidation of voters, selective prosecution, and the serio
May 28, Rubio’s Armenia Deals, and the Cost of Strategic Drift | Ep 553, May 31, 2026
Week In Review - May 31, 2026In this episode of Groong's Week in Review, hosts Hovik and Asbed examine Armenia's May 28 Independence Day parade as campaign theater, Marco Rubio's push for critical minerals deals, and the strategic risks of TRIPP in Syunik. We discuss how Pashinyan's military parade coincides with Armenian prisoners of war held hostage in Baku, the questionable
Sergey Markedonov - Russia-Armenia Relations Before the Vote | Ep 552, June 1, 2026
Conversations on Groong - June 1, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hovik and Asbed speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about the sharp decline in Russia-Armenia relations before Armenia's June parliamentary elections. The discussion explores whether the vote is only a domestic contest, or a broader struggle over Armenia's identity, security, and geopolitical direction after Arts
Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 31, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media
Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026
Week in Review - May 24, 2025This Week in Review examines the tightening political climate in Armenia ahead of the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Asbed and Hovik discuss Marco Rubio's sudden Armenia visit, new polling from IRI, MPG, and CAEAC, and what the wide gaps in voter disclosure may reveal about hidden opposition support. The episode also covers TRIPP, "Western Azerbaijan"
Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 24, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode features Edgar Elbakyan in a broad discussion of Armenia's upcoming election and the wider political climate around it. The conversation looks at whether this vote marks a turning point for Armenia, how public fear and pressure shape voter behavior, and why polling results differ so sharply. It also examines the main p
Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 23, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode provides a primer on Armenia's June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, reviewing the 17 parties and 2 alliances registered to compete. The discussion explains the election rules, thresholds, coalition process, and the "stable majority" mechanism, while stressing the uneven political environment facing oppositio
Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026
Week in Review - May 17, 2026This Week in Review covers a tense mix of global and Armenian political crises, from Trump's summit with Xi Jinping and the deepening Iran war, to Armenia's worsening relations with Russia and the risks to trade, energy, and security ties. Hovik and Asbed also examine Armenia's heated election climate, including allegations of state pressure, abuse of ad
Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 15, 2026Dr. Arman Grigoryan joins Groong to discuss Armenia's post-2020 foreign policy and his argument that Pashinyan's government has replaced one failed project, maximalist claims over Artsakh, with another: a risky strategic pivot away from Russia and toward the West. The conversation examines "revolutionary recklessness," the roots of the 2020
Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026
Week in Review - May 13, 2026In this Week in Review, we discuss the fallout from the EPC summit in Yerevan, Armenia’s role as a platform for anti-Russian messaging, and Putin’s warning about a possible “separation” if Armenia moves toward the EU. They examine the Armenia-EU declaration, focusing on TRIPP, Ukraine, hybrid threats, security cooperation, visa liberalization, and the Armenian Nuclear
Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 11, 2026Anna 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, Ar
EU Interference and Armenia’s 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 10, 2026Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia's 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of "hybrid threats" and "disinformation" labels against domestic dissent, and the political b
Tatevik Soghoyan - Who Failed the Children of Vedi | Ep 542, May 10, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 10, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode examines the Vedi abuse case, a disturbing story involving alleged sexual abuse of vulnerable minors and serious questions about Armenia's law-enforcement response. Attorney Tatevik Soghoyan joins the program to discuss the known timeline, the delays between the first reports and arrests, the treatment of the victims,
Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 8, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Dr. Anatol Lieven joins us to examine Russia’s place in a rapidly shifting global order. The discussion looks at the war in Ukraine, the state of Russia-EU relations after Viktor Orbán’s political defeat, and the uncertain trajectory of the war on Iran, including whether any real diplomatic offramp still exists. They
Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 6, 2026This Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians,
Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog | Ep 539, May 3, 2026
Groong Week in Review - May 3, 2026This Groong Week in Review examines a volatile week across Armenia and the region. Asbed and Hovik discuss Trump’s declared ceasefire with Iran, the failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the continuing naval blockade, and the wider political pressure shaping Washington’s war posture. The episode also covers “Operation Kochari,” the secret visit of Azerbaijani deputy
Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026
Conversations on Groong - May 3, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict & Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the T
Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026
Conversations on Groong - Apr 30, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary elections, opposition politics, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus. The discussion covers recent arrests of Strong Armenia members, political pressure on the opposition, and concerns about democra
Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, TRIPP, April 24, and Election Stakes | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026
Groong Week in Review - April 26, 2026This Week in Review on Groong examines 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.
Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Monitoring the June 2026 Election in Armenia | Ep 535, Apr 26, 2026
Conversations on Groong - April 26, 2026Dr. 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 admini
Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026
Conversations on Groong - April 25, 2026In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involv
Warwick Powell - Thermoeconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026
Conversations on Groong - April 23, 2026In this Conversations on Groong episode, Warwick Powell joins us to examine the Iran war through the lens of thermoeconomics, energy flows, de-dollarization, and shifting global power. We discuss how oil, gas, AI, data centers, and financial infrastructure shape modern conflict, why the dollar-based order is under pressure, and how BRICS and the Global South
Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026
Groong Week in Review - April 19, 2026In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucas
Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026
Groong Week in Review - April 5, 2026Topics:Iran War Update2016 April WarAftermath of Pashinyan in MoscowDomestic Politics & ElectionHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/530VIDEO: https://youtu.be/QAkX9PiR484#Groong #Armenia #IranWar #Pashinyan #ArmenianNewsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groon
Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenia, Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026
Groong Week in Review - April 12, 2026In this episode, we examine a fast-moving regional and political landscape, from the collapse of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad and the threat of a new naval blockade, to Viktor Orban’s election loss in Hungary and what it may signal for Armenia and the wider region. We also dig into new polling from Armenia, including public views on security, the Iran war, f
Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026
Conversations on Groong - April 4, 2026In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Pietro Shakarian joins Hovik and Asbed to examine the Iran war, its impact on Russia, Ukraine, and the wider Eurasian balance, and what it means for Armenia’s security and foreign policy. The discussion also looks at Pashinyan’s strained Moscow visit, the uncertain future of TRIPP, Armenia-Russia tensions, and the f
Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026
Groong Week in Review - March 29, 2026Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia’s election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan’s claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis’ rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use
Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II travel-banned from Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Parliamentary Election | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026
Groong Week in Review - March 22, 2026This 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 s
YoungMin - Travel Blogger’s Visit to Occupied and Ethnically Cleansed Artsakh | Ep 526, Mar 22, 2026
Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026South Korean travel blogger YoungMin visited Artsakh after Azerbaijan's 2023 ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh, becoming one of the few independent foreign visitors to document conditions on the ground after more than 100,000 Armenians were forced from their ancestral homeland. In this episode, YoungMin discusses what motivated his trip, what he saw
Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026
Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026Topics:Iran at WarThe Northern Front: Turkey & AzerbaijanChanging Nakhijevan's ConstitutionGuest: Eldar MamedovHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/525VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pWd_-iNIM8E#GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow
Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026
Conversations on Groong - March 20, 2026Topics:Iran at WarThe Northern Front: Turkey & AzerbaijanChanging Nakhijevan’s ConstitutionGuest: Varuzhan GeghamyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/524VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SQHD3lZxAwc#IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopoliticsSubscribe an
Scott Horton - Why Are We at War with Iran? | Ep 523, Mar 20, 2026
Conversations on Groong - March 20, 2026Topics - Why this war began - U.S. fallout and political costs - Paths to wider regional escalationGuest: Scott HortonHosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 523 | Recorded: March 20, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/523#IranWar #ScottHorton #USIsrael #MiddleEastWar #GeopoliticsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.
Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 522, Mar 15, 2026
Groong Week in Review - March 15, 2026Arthur Martirosyan examines the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran and its uncertain trajectory, focusing on escalation risks, strategic objectives, and potential diplomatic offramps. The discussion then turns to regional spillover effects, particularly the risks for Armenia amid Iran–Azerbaijan tensions and broader geopolitical shifts. We conclude with an analys
Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War Update, IRI Poll Review, Armenian Political Landscape | Ep 521, Mar 8, 2026
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 a
Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, Sumgait Pogroms, | Ep 520, Mar 1, 2026
Groong Week in Review - March 1, 2026TopicsUS and Israel launch war against IranDecapitation strikes, mass civilian casualtiesIran retaliates region-wide, war expandsArmenia leadership silentSumgait rememberedGuestHrant MikaelianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 520 | Recorded: March 2, 2026#IranWar #EpicFury #MiddleEastWar #ArmeniaForeignPolicy #Sumgait1988 #IranIsraelConflictSubscrib
Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026
Groong Week in Review - February 22, 2026Topics:Iran War FearsJune Parliamentary ElectionsAttacks on the Armenian ChurchGuest: Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 519 | Recorded: February 25, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/519VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1FFkLOeY2lI#Armenia #Iran #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasusSubscribe and follow us everywhere
Zaroui Pogossian - Vardanank, The Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD | Ep 518, Feb 24, 2026
Groong Deep History - February 24, 2026In the inaugural Groong Deep History episode, historian Prof. Zaroui Pogossian joins the show to unpack the Vardanank wars and the Battle of Avarayr (451 AD). The conversation sets the longer political and religious context behind the conflict, explains what we can and cannot know from the main Armenian sources, and revisits the standard “moral victory” story
JD Vance in Armenia and Azerbaijan | Ep 517, Feb 15, 2026
Conversations on Groong - Feb 15, 2026TopicsVance visit, protocol and opticsTsitsernakaberd tweet, “autocorrect diplomacy”TRIPP corridor stake and sovereignty risksNuclear SMR deal, costs and dependencyFirebird AI project, power and valueDrones, church silence, Baku charter and prisonersHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 517 | Recorded: February 13, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groo
Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Europe and America, JD Vance in Armenia, Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church | Ep 516, Feb 8, 2026
Groong Week in Review - February 8, 2026TopicsA European View of AmericaJD Vance in ArmeniaPashinyan vs. The Armenian ChurchEurope and ArmeniaGuestPhilippe Raffi KalfayanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/516Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
James Carden & Pietro Shakarian - Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0 | Ep 515, Feb 7, 2026
Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0Conversations on GroongTopicsTrump 2.0 and the “Donroe Doctrine”Rules-Based Disorder?Iran vs. the “Big, Beautiful Armada”US Cohesion and MidtermsJD Vance in the South CaucasusGuestsJames CardenPietro ShakarianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/515Subscribe and follow us everywhe
Andrei Tsygankov - Canceling Russia and The Towers of the Kremlin | Ep 514, Feb 5, 2026
Conversations on Groong - February 5, 2026Topics:Defining the “Canceling Russia” phenomenonThe “cancel Russia” lobbyContainment shifts to coercive transformationRussian Orthodox Church as battlegroundKremlin “towers” and civilizational logicBooks by Tsygankov:“Canceling” Russia (2026): https://a.co/d/0izauT7TRussia’s Foreign Policy (2025): https://a.co/d/07NNNT6dGuest: Andrei TsygankovHosts:Hovik
Christian Solidarity International Visits Jailed Armenian Clergy | Ep 513, Feb 4, 2026
Conversations on Groong - February 4, 2026Topics:CSI Visits Jailed ClericIRF SummitPACE MP Speaks UpGuest: Joel VeldkampHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 513 | Recorded: February 3, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/513VIDEO: https://youtu.be/gi1yk302jts#ArmenianChurch #ReligiousFreedom #ClergyArrests #IRFSummit2026 #ChristianSolidarityInternationalSubscribe and follow us ev
Iran, Varchaband, War on Church, Mehmet Oz, Strong Armenia, Noragyugh | Ep 512, Feb 1, 2026
Groong Week in Review - February 1, 2026Topics: - Iran Conflict - Varchaband - War on Armenian Church - Mehmet Oz vs Armenian Americans - Narek Karapetyan and Strong Armenia - A Big Beautiful NoragyughHosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 512 | Recorded: February 2, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/512VIDEO: https://youtu.be/XRHCT_8XE84#IranIsraelWar #TrumpArmada
David Davidian - Armenia’s Foreign Intel Service Annual Report | Ep 511, Jan 31, 2026
Conversations on Groong - Jan 31, 2026Topics: - Foreign intelligence service - FIS report, strategic gaps - Azerbaijan risk and deterrence - Hybrid threats and elections - TRIPP, AI, and data risksGuest: David DavidianHosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 511 | Recorded: Jan 28, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/511VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dMX6GW54Eek#Groong #Armenia
Arthur Khachatryan - Army Day, JD Vance to Armenia, TRIPP, Church, Strong Armenia Party | Ep 510, Jan 25, 2026
Groong Week in Review - January 25, 2026Topics:Memorial Day vs. Army DayJD Vance to Armenia and AzerbaijanArmenian Church DevelopmentsStrong Armenia - New Political PartyGuest: Arthur KhachatryanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 510 | Recorded: January 27, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/510VIDEO: https://youtu.be/czqx5UCdFA0#GroongWeekInReview #Armenia #RulesBasedOrder #J
Erhan Arik - Horovel and the Armenian Genocide | Ep 509, Jan 22, 2026
Horovel and the Armenian Genocide | Ep 509, Jan 22, 2026The Critical Corner - Recorded on January 18, 2026TopicsHorovel, a cross-border memory projectOjakh, a second trip down memory laneGayan, a wider regional lensOur Seeds, continuity across generationsGuestErhan ArikHostsBedros AfeyanEpisode 508 | Recorded: January 18, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/509Subscribe and follow us everywhere you ar
Sergei Melkonian - Syria, Iran Unrest, TRIPP, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 508, Jan 18, 2026
Groong Week in Review - January 18, 2026Topics:Syria, Kurds, Turkish advanceIran unrest, war postponedTRIPP and sovereignty dispute2026 elections, foreign influenceGuest: Sergei MelkonianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/508VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LDI5e7Tcu8k#ArmenianNews #Syria #Iran #ZangezurCorridor #TRIPP #Geo
Anna Grigoryan - Armenia’s Political Crisis | Ep 507, Jan 17, 2026
Conversations on Groong - January 17, 2026Topics:Return of Four HostagesPashinyan vs. ChurchTRIPPArmenia Parliamentary ElectionGuestAnna GrigoryanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 507 | Recorded: January 16, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/507VIDEO: https://youtu.be/b-qrlL7z6UY #AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #TRIPP #ArmenianChurch #POWsSubscribe and follow us ev
Pietro Shakarian - Iran, Russia, and the Geopolitics of Post-Soviet Eurasia | Ep 506, Jan 16, 2026
Conversations on Groong - January 16, 2026TopicsUnrest in IranRussia-Iran PartnershipSolovyov’s StatementsTrump’s “TRIPP Wire” in the CaucasusRelease of Armenian hostagesGuestPietro ShakarianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 506 | Recorded: January 14, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/506VIDEO: https://youtu.be/P5u4ppL9qK8#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #Iran #Israel #Isr
Arthur Martirosyan - Ukraine, Iran, Baku Pogroms, Armenian Church Crisis | Ep 505, Jan 11, 2026
Groong Week in Review - January 11, 2026TopicsUkraine war’s global cost to RussiaIran unrest and war riskRemembering the Baku pogromsRussia-Armenia tensions and media threatsPashinyan’s clash with Armenian ChurchGuestArthur MartirosyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 505 | Recorded: January 13, 2026https://podcasts.groong.org/505Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/gr
Kevork Hagopjian - Armenia’s Church-State Showdown | Ep 504, Jan 13, 2026
Conversations on Groong - January 13, 2026Topics:The Legal Architecture: Autonomy, Exclusive Mission, and State NeutralityEngineering Parallel, Schismatic StructuresCriminal Law as LeverageBern in Action and ReactionThe Deeper Stakes: National IdentityGuest: Kevork HagopjianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 504 | Recorded: January 12, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/504VID
Fr. Serop Azarian - Armenian Church Under Attack | Ep 503, Jan 11, 2026
Conversations on Groong - Jan 11, 2026Topics:Pashinyan Attacks: Geopolitics or Vendetta?Renegade Bishops: Demands and NarrativesStolen Church PropertyFrom Christmas to EasterGuest: Fr. Serop AzarianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 503 | Recorded: January 9, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/503VIDEO: https://youtu.be/TVEvBdX_Qr4#ArmenianApostolicChurch #ArmenianChurch #Gare
Fyodor Lukyanov - Russia in Evolving Global Geopolitics | Ep 502, Jan 9, 2026
Conversations on Groong - January 9, 2026TopicsVenezuelaUkraine WarRussia-Iran RelationsTRIPP and Russian-Armenian RelationsGuestFyodor Lukyanov (Фёдор Алекса́ндрович Лукья́нов)HostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 502 | Recorded: January 8, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/502VIDEO: https://youtu.be/d1XxQHSZUEE#FyodorLukyanov #RussiaGeopolitics #UkraineWar #IranIsrael #Venezuel
Hrant Mikaelian - Venezuela, Attacks on the Armenian Church Continue, MPG Poll Results | Ep 501, Jan 4, 2026
Groong Week in Review - January 4, 2026Topics:Developments in VenezuelaAttacks on Armenian Church ContinueNew MPG Poll ResultsArmenian Economy in 2025 (Jan-Oct)Guest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 501 | Recorded: January 6, 2026SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/501VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ACfF9ryiswESubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, TRIPP, Review & Outlook | Ep 500, Dec 28, 2025
Groong Week in Review - Dec 28, 2025In this milestone 500th episode of *Groong Week in Review*, we assess how major external crises are shaping Armenia’s strategic environment in 2025, examine the stalled Armenia–Azerbaijan process, analyze Russia’s posture around TRIPP, and discuss the implications of a change in the U.S. ambassador. The episode concludes with an extended year-end review, where e
Diana Mkrtchyan - Ojakh, the Other Side of Silence - a Marvel to Behold | Ep 499, Jan 30, 2025
The Critical Corner - Recorded on: December 27, 2025In this episode, guest host Bedros Afeyan speaks with documentary filmmaker Diana Mkrtchyan about her feature documentary *Ojakh: On the Other Side of Silence*. The conversation traces the film’s nine-year development, its origins in Turkish photographer Erhan Arik’s *Horovel* project, and the urgent effort to document the last living Armenian Ge
Dziunik Aghajanian - EU Ukraine Rift, Church Under Siege, and TRIPP Power Games | Ep 498, Dec 21, 2025
Groong Week in Review - December 21, 2025Topics:Ukraine War and EU RiftSiege on Etchmiadzin and the ChurchPeace Dividend or Political TheaterTRIPP and Competing Power ClaimsGuest: Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 498 | Recorded: December 23, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/498VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Ui21tqO_d2U#ArmenianChurch #Etchmiadzin #TRIPP #Armenia
Spotlight on Silence: InJustice in Armenia | Ep 497, Dec 18, 2025
Spotlight on Silence - December 18, 2025This episode examines a growing pattern of political pressure in Armenia, where journalists, lawyers, activists, and clergy are targeted through criminal prosecutions, selective justice, and coordinated propaganda. Drawing on recent cases and legal analysis, the discussion focuses on how laws such as Article 236 are used to constrain speech, protest, and ind
Arthur Khachatryan - Foreign Pressure, Attack on Church, Artsakh Repression | Ep 496, Dec 14, 2025
Groong Week in Review - December 14, 2025Topics: - Armenia between EU and Russia - Church–state confrontation in Armenia - Artsakh concessions and return debate - Economy, debt, and governance - NSS raids Artsakh officesGuest: Arthur Khachatryan, MPHosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed BedrossianEpisode 496 | Recorded: December 15, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/496#ArmeniaPolitic
Harry Istepanian - Venezuela’s Oil and the Global Power Struggle | Ep 495, Dec 14, 2025
Conversations on Groong - December 14, 2025In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we examine how Venezuela’s vast oil reserves have become entangled in global conflict. The discussion links US pressure on Caracas to efforts to drive down oil prices, weaken Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, and limit Iran’s regional power amid rising fears of a wider war. We also explore how a revived Venezuelan
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