ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 20, 2024TopicsArmenia Azerbaijan TalksElections in Moldova and GeorgiaIran Russia RelationsBRICS Summit in Kaza, RussiaGuestSergei MelkonianHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 376 | Recorded: October 21, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Nino Skvortsova - Political Science, Politics, and Identity in Georgia, Relations With ArmeniaConversations on Groong - Oct 21, 2024Topics:Political Science in GeorgiaElections and Potential Political PivotInfluences on Georgian IdentityGeorgia-Armenia RelationsGuest:Nino SkvortsovaHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianShow notes: https://podcasts.groong.org/375Episode 375 | Recorded: October 15, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 13, 2024Topics:  - Azerbaijan Escalates Threats  - Russia-Armenia Relations  - Eat Rice, not Wheat, Have some Cold Winters!  - Srbazan Movement Update  - Regional Geopolitics      - Iran-Russia      - Israel-Iran      - Georgian ElectionsGuest:Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 374 | Recorded: October 14, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 6, 2024Topics:Armenian Azerbaijani TalksEscalation in the Middle EastConstitutional Court PuntsUpcoming BRICS SummitGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 373 | Recorded: October 7, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Vahram Ter Matevosyan - The Dynamics of Identity and Geopolitics in the South Caucasus | Ep 372 - Oct 5, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Armenian Identity and Integration in the South CaucasusOn the Nature and Thinking of the Armenian ConstitutionRelations with Russia Through TimeThe Geopolitics Around the South CaucasusGuest:Dr. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan, AUAHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 372 | Recorded: October 2, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 29, 2024Topics:  - Sep 27: Start of the 44-Day War  - Armenian Azerbaijani Talks  - Parliament Approves 2025 State BudgetGuest: Hrant MikaelianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 371 | Recorded: September 30, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Nikoloz Bitsadze - Georgian Elections in October 2024 | Ep 370 - Sep 26, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Election, Politics, and The Geopolitical ContextWho are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics?Is Talk of Civilizational Catastrophe, or Rapprochement with Abkhazia/South Ossetia Election-time Populism?Neutrality and Georgian-Armenian RelationsGuest:Dr. Nikoloz Bitsadze, TW/@nickland1995Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 370 | Recorded: September 26, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Yeghia Tashjian - Lebanon Under AttackConversations on Groong - September 24, 2024Topics:  - Israel's end goal  - Likelihood of land invasion  - Will Iran and US intervene  - Popular support for Hezbollah  - Armenian communityGuest:  - Yeghia TashjianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 369 | Recorded: September 24, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 22, 2024Topics:Armenian Day of Independence: Sep. 21“Strategic Partnerships”Armenian Azerbaijani TalksGuest:Arthur G. Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 368 | Recorded: September 23, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Pascal Lottaz - Neutrality Studies, Armenia and the Incoming Multipolar WorldConversations on Groong - September 23, 2024Topics:  - What is "Neutrality Studies"?  - Rise of the multi-polar world  - Armenia in a multi-polar world  - Supply chain security in a multi-polar worldGuest:  - Dr. Pascal LottazHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 367 | Recorded: September 18, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Politics and Economy in Armenia, Fall 2024 | Ep 366 - Sep 21, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:The Government’s Track RecordThe State of the Economy“Pivot to the West”Elections in GeorgiaGuest:Mr. Arthur Khachatryan, MP - Hayastan Dashinq/ARFHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 366 | Recorded: September 18, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 15, 2024Topics:  - September 12-13 Anniversary  - Between Blinken and a Hard Place  - More USAID for Armenia  - Georgian Parliamentary ElectionsGuest: Sergei MelkonianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 361 | Recorded: September 17, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Giro Manoyan - The ARF in Armenia’s Politics | Ep 364 - Sep 16, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Role of the OppositionRelations with the Tavush MovementRelations with the DiasporaGuest:Giro Manoyan - TW/@girom79Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 364 | Recorded: September 13, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

David Darchiashvili - Georgian Elections in October 2024| Ep 363 - Sep 14, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Election and Politics, and The Geopolitical ContextWho are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics?Why is the EU hell bent against the Law on “Foreign Agents”?Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Russia RelationsGuest:Dr. David Darchiashvili - TW/@davidarchiashviHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 363 | Recorded: September 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Vardan Aramyan - Armenian Economy in 2024 | Ep 362 - Sep 13, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:InflationMonetary PolicyEconomic PerformanceRemittancesNational DebtEconomic OutlookReferencesGuest:Mr. Vardan Aramyan - Fmr. Minister of Finance, Republic of ArmeniaHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 362 | Recorded: September 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 1, 2024Topics:  - Iran Shuts Down Talk of “Zangezur Corridor”  - Armenia Azerbaijan Talks  - Iran Armenia Trade / BRICS  - Foreign Intelligence Service  - Georgian and Azerbaijani ElectionsGuest: Amb. Dziunik AghajanianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 361 | Recorded: September 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian American Priorities in the 2024 US Elections | Ep 360 - Sep 6, 2024SUPPORT US: https://patreon.com/groong or https://buymeacoffee.com/groongTopics:Armenia, Artsakh and the 2024 US ElectionsOn the Major Presidential CandidatesOn the Vice President CandidatesOn the National Security ApparatusArab-American “Uncommitted” MovementAnd the Armenian Vote goes to…Guest:Aram Suren Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America - TW/@ANCA_DCHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 360 | Recorded: September 4, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Russia and The Eurasian World OrderConversations on Groong - September 4, 2024Topics:  - Norwegian & NATO Support for Ukraine  - “The Ukraine War & the Eurasian World Order”  - Small States and Multipolarity  - Armenia's Position in a Multipolar WorldGuest:   - Dr. Glenn DiesenHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 359 | Recorded: August 30, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 1, 2024Topics:Declarations of Independence Declaration of State Sovereignty of Armenia (1990) Artsakh Independence Day - September 2 (1991) Pashinyan Press Conference Negotiations Formats Artsakh Rights & Security as Pashinyan’s “National Security” Problem Armenian and Azerbaijani Constitutions Liberating Occupied Armenian Territories Putin in Baku Azerbaijan’s Application to BRICSGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 359 | Recorded: September 2, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Russia, Iran, Armenia, and Geopolitical Dynamics in EurasiaConversations on Groong - August 31, 2024Topics:Russian-Iranian RelationsRussian-Armenian RelationsUkraine’s Kursk GambitPavel Durov Arrested in FranceObservations from Armenia and RussiaGuest:Dr. Pietro ShakarianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 357 | Recorded: August 28, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Georgian Politics Amidst Global Currents. Attacks Against the Georgian Church, Book on Russian and Georgian RelationsConversations on Groong - August 23, 2024Topics:  - Georgian Politics, Amidst Global Currents  - Attacks Against the Georgian Church  - Thoughts on Russian and Georgian RelationsGuest:  - Archil SikharulidzeHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 356 | Recorded: August 21, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Aug 18, 2024Topics:Armenia Azerbaijan TalksGoris Kapan Road Cover UPGuest:Anna Karapetyan - TW/@Karapetyan_AnnHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 355 | Recorded: August 19, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Middle East In Turmoil: Syria, Gaza, IranConversations on Groong - August 17, 2024Topics:  - The Conflict in Syria  - The War in GazaGuest:  - Kevork AlmassianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 354 | Recorded: August 14, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Aug 11, 2024Topics:Iran’s Geopolitical MovesArmenia Azerbaijan TalksStalled “Normalization”Guest:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 353 | Recorded: August 12, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian Foreign Policy and The Srbazan MovementConversations on Groong - August 12, 2024Topics:  - Background on Amb. Melikian  - From Revolution to War  - Goris-Kapan Handover  - Armenia's "Pivot" To The West  - Srbazan Movement  - Pan-Armenian Diplomatic CouncilGuest:Amb. Vahagn MelikianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 352 | Recorded: August 2, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

FIXED. Earlier version of this podcast episode contained the wrong audio.ANN Groong Week in Review - July 28, 2024Topics:  - US Leadership Changes  - Iran Armenia Relations  - Russian-Armenian Relations  - EU Push for an Agreement  - Srbazan Movement Next StepsGuest:  - Tevan PoghosyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 351 | Recorded: August 6, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

State of the Armenian Economy in the First Half of 2024Conversations on Groong - August 3, 2024Topics:Economy in the First Half of 2024State Revenues & SpendingFinance SectorLooking AheadGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 350 | Recorded: August 1, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Misguided Pivot to The WestConversations on Groong - August 1, 2024Topics:Revolutionary MistakesNov. 9 Statement, Corridors, CommunicationsMisguided PivotTurkish Involvement in the 44-Day WarGuest:Dr. Arman Grigoryan - TW/@Arm__GrigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 349 | Recorded: July 31, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 28, 2024Topics:Who Will be the Next Leader of the US?Turkish-Armenian TalksUS-Armenian Defense CooperationArmenia Azerbaijan TalksGuest:Arthur G. MartirosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 348 | Recorded: July 31, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 21, 2024Topics:New Leadership Coming to Many CountriesArmenian Azerbaijani NegotiationsPermanent US Defense Attaché to ArmeniaMid-year Review of our 2024 PredictionsGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 347 | Recorded: July 22, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Developments in Armenia’s Domestic PoliticsConversations on Groong - July 19, 2024Topics:Prospect of a Trump Presidency on the CaucasusUpdate on political prisonersPACE reportReferendum on joining EUBagrat Srbazan Tavush movement Guest:Hayk Mamijanyan - FB/@hmamijHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 346 | Recorded: July 18, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 14, 2024Topics:Prospect of Trump Presidency on the CaucasusMirzoyan at NATO Summit in DCParade of US Officials in ArmeniaMPG Poll ReviewGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 345 | Recorded: July 16, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Draft Law on Mass Surveillance and Government Track Record of Cybersecurity FailuresConversations on GroongArmenia’s Draft Law on Mass SurveillanceUSAID-funded Deal with AWSGovernment Track Record of Cybersecurity FailuresGuest:Artur Papyan - TW/@ditordRuben Muradyan - TW/@RubenMuradyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 344 | Recorded: July 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Spotlight on SilenceTopics:  - ACPR Report on Police Brutality on June 12  - PACE Report: "The honouring of obligations and commitments by Armenia"   - Pretrial Detention Used as Punishment  - Spotlight on Political Prisoners / Persecuted    - Armen Ashotyan    - Avetik ChalabyanGuest:  - Rafael IshkhanyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 343 | Recorded: June 28, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 7, 2024Topics:Armenia, Azerbaijan, at NATO SummitBorder Talks Still in Chaos Srbazan in Syunik Pashinyan in Syunik Srbazan MovementArms, or Alms for Armenia? Orban, Aliyev’s Man inside the EU Eagle Partner 2024 in ArmeniaGuest:Karen Vrtanesyan - TW/@AHouseKeeperHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 342 | Recorded: July 8, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Lemkin Institute on Genocide in ArtsakhConversations on GroongTopics:Background on the Lemkin InstituteGenocide in ArtsakhArmenian Government’s Genocide DenialGaza and other GenocidesGuest:Elisa von Joeden-Forgey - TW/@LemkinInstituteHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 341 | Recorded: June 25, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aram Orbelyan - Legality of Armenian Territorial Handovers to Azerbaijan, Triggering Parliamentary Elections Through Opposition ResignationsConversations on GroongTopics:Unconstitutional “Delimitation” ProcessCould the Opposition Trigger New Elections?Guest:Aram OrbelyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 340 | Recorded: June 21, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 23, 2024Topics:Srbazan Movement: Pause & Regroup?EU Parliamentary Shift to the Right Armenia and EU Membership Renewed Azerbaijani Threats of War Armenia Reports CAESAR Artillery Acquisition Did Pashinyan Get Marching Orders from Erdogan?Guest:Amb. Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 339 | Recorded: June 24, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Update on the Threats to the Armenian Quarter in JerusalemConversations on GroongTopics:Update on the current situation of the Armenian Quarters in JerusalemState of the Community’s Case against Xana Gardens Inc.Armenia Recognizes the State of PalestineEffects of Armenian-Israeli Relations on the Armenian CommunityGuest:Hagop Djernazian - TW/@HDjernazianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 338 | Recorded: June 23, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 16, 2024Topics:Armenian Police Violence & RepressionsArmenia Azerbaijan TalksArmenia Russia RelationsGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 337 | Recorded: June 17, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Spotlight on SilenceTopics:  - 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 SaghatelyanGuest:  - Rafael IshkhanyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 336 | Recorded: June 16, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 9, 2024Topics:Peace Treaty and more Aliyev DemandsJames O’Brien in YerevanRussia Armenia RelationsSrbazan MovementGuest:Anna Karapetyan - TW/@Karapetyan_AnnHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 335 | Recorded: June 10, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 2, 2024Topics:Heavy Rainstorms Flood Northern ArmeniaSrbazan Movement: Church and StateGeopolitical DevelopmentsGuest:Arthur G. Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 334 | Recorded: June 3, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - May 26, 2024Topics:  - Iran President and FM Killed in Helicopter Crash  - Bagrat Srbazan Leads Mass Protests in Armenia  - Armenian Russian RelationsGuest:  - Sergei MelkonianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 333 | Recorded: May 27, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Archil Sikharulidze - Georgian Law on Foreign Agents | Politics and Diplomacy of Armenia | Parallels and Lessons from Georgia | Ep 332 - May 26, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Georgian Law on Foreign AgentsPolitics and Diplomacy of ArmeniaParallels and Lessons from GeorgiaGuest:Archil Sikharulidze - TW/@achosikhaHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 332 | Recorded: May 25, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - May 19, 2024Topics:Tavush Protests Gain MomentumPashinyan Pressing Ahead with Land ConcessionsPoll Results on Tavush ProtestsGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 331 | Recorded: May 18, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Sopo Japaridze - USSR: A common Home & History | Armenian Georgian Relations - Ep 330 - May 18, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Labor Unions, Organization and NGOs in GeorgiaUSSR: A common Home & HistoryGeorgia’s Foreign Agent BillArmenia-Georgian RelationsGuest:Sopo Japaridze - TW/@sopjapHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 330 | Recorded: May 17, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - May 12, 2024Topics:Bagrat Srbazan Brings Masses To the StreetsArmenia Azerbaijan Talks ContinueGuest:Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 329 | Recorded: May 14, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - May 5, 2024Topics:  - Tavush Demarcation and Delimitation  - Bagrat Srbazan Coming to Yerevan  - Hungary Blocks EU Aid to ArmeniaGuest:- Dziunik AghajanianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 328 | Recorded: May 6, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Benyamin Poghosyan, Rananjay Anand - Indian-Armenian Relations in 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:  - Impressions: Raisina 2024 Dialogue  - Indian Community  - Trade Opportunities  - Defense & SecurityGroong Links:  - https://podcasts.groong.org/donate  - https://linktr.ee/groongGuest:  - Benyamin Poghosyan  - Rananjay AnandHosts:  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriq  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 327 | Recorded: April 26, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - April 21, 2024Topics:109th Commemorations of the Armenian GenocidePashinyan Concedes Tavush TerritoriesRussia Withdrawing Peacekeepers from ArtsakhGuest:Edgar Elbakyan - TW/@ElbakyanEdgarHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 326 | Recorded: April 24, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Political Prisoners in Armenia | Armenia’s Hate Speech Laws | Cases: Samvel Vardanyan, Narek Malyan, Armen GrigoryanSpotlight on SilenceTopics:  - Introduction  - Judicial System  - Torture and Violence  - Freedom of Assembly  - Hate Speech Laws in Armenia  - Cases:    - Samvel Vardanyan    - Narek Malyan    - Armen GrigoryanGuest:  - Rafael IshkhanyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 325 | Recorded: April 20, 2024Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/325Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - April 14, 2024Topics:Genocide Denial by the Armenian GovernmentArmenia Azerbaijan TalksIran Amidst ConflictsPolitical PrisonersGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 324 | Recorded: April 16, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - April 7, 2024Topics:Trilateral US-EU-Armenia MeetingTalks with Azerbaijan Tavush: What has Pashinyan Promised Relations with Russia in Free FallPashinyan Suppressing Artsakh LeadershipGuest:Anna Karapetyan - TW/@Karapetyan_AnnHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 323 | Recorded: April 8, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Markus Ritter - The EU Mission of Observers in Armenia | Ep 322 - Mar 29, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Mission Details Mission & Goals Operational Details Communication Immunity Perceptions from Neighboring CountriesIncidents August 15 ,2023 Nerkin HandGroong Links:https://podcasts.groong.org/donatehttps://linktr.ee/groongGuest:Dr. Markus Ritter - Head of the EU Mission in ArmeniaHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 322 | Recorded: March 26, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Paul Cormarie - Can the US Guarantee Armenia's Security?Conversations on GroongTopics:  - US Strategic Interests in the South Caucasus  - The Challenge of Armenia’s Neighborhood  - Weaponry that could help Armenia  - Clear Expectations and Limits  - The Turkish Factor  - The Iranian FactorGroong Links:* https://linktr.ee/groong* https://podcasts.groong.org/donateTimestamps:Guest:  - Paul CormarieHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 321 | Recorded: March 26, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 24, 2024Topics:Terror Attack in MoscowMore Political Prisoners in Armenia Narek Samsonyan & Vazgen Saghatelyan brutally arrested Narek Malyan Exonerated,  Remains JailedPashinyan in TavushStoltenberg Tour of the South CaucasusGuest:Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 320 | Recorded: March 25, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia's Economic Diversification | Corruption | Bank SecrecyConversations on GroongTopics:  - Economic Diversification  - Systemic Corruption  - Bank Secrecy ScrappedGroong Links:* https://linktr.ee/groong* https://podcasts.groong.org/donateGuest:  - Tatul ManaseryanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 319 | Recorded: March 19, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 17, 2024Topics:Reactions to Interview with Canadian AmbassadorMore Concessions Signaled by PashinyanEU Parliament Resolution on ArmeniaFish Rots from the HeadGuest:Arthur G. Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 318 | Recorded: March 18, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Analysis of Recent MPG and IRI Poll ResultsConversations on GroongTopics:  - IRI Poll, December 2023  - MPG Poll, February 2024Groong Links:* https://linktr.ee/groong* https://podcasts.groong.org/donateGuest:  - Hrant MikaelianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 317 | Recorded: March 16, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Canadian Ambassador To Armenia Conversations on GroongTopics:  - Establishment of Canadian Embassy in Armenia  - EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA)  - Political Prisoners  - Canadian Military Supplies to TurkeyGuest:  - Archil Sikharulidze - TW/@achosikhaHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 316 | Recorded: March 15, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Georgia, Armenia, Partnership & Politics in the South CaucasusConversations on GroongTopics:Georgian Nationalism and IdentityGeorgia, Armenia, post 2018Accession to the EUStrategic PartnershipGuest:Archil Sikharulidze - TW/@achosikhaHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 315 | Recorded: March 12, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Iran’s view of the Evolving Geopolitics in the South CaucasusConversations on GroongTopics:Iran Parliamentary ElectionsGeopolitical U-turn in Armenia?Iran Armenia RelationsAnti-Iranian Propaganda from NGOsGuest:Ehsan Movahedian - TW/@ultra_ehsanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 314 | Recorded: March 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 10, 2024Topics:  - Sparapet Vazgen Sargsyan  - Stalled With Enemies and Allies  - Looking for New FriendsGuest:  - Dziunik AghajanianHosts:  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriq  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 313 | Recorded: March 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 3, 2024Topics:Russian-Armenian Experts DialogExit from CSTO?Armenian-Azerbaijani NegotiationsEdmon Marukyan ResignsGuest:Arthur KhachikyanHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 302 | Recorded: March 3, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 25, 2024Topics:French ConnectionRussian-Armenian DialogNegotiations and Risk of WarGuest:Sergei Melkonian - TW/@MelkonianSergeiHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 311 | Recorded: February 27, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 18, 2024Topics:Armenia’s Security in DangerMunich Security ConferenceRelations with Regional AlliesGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 310 | Recorded: February 18, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 11, 2024Topics:Yerevan City PoliticsAliyev “Elections”Armenia-Georgia Strategic PartnershipLatest MPG Poll ReviewGuest:Hrant MikaelianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 309 | Recorded: February 11, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

David Darchiashvili - Georgia in Political and Geopolitical Context | Ep 308 - Feb 8, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Georgia’s search for a modern national identityPolitics in ContextEU accession process and outlookArmenia-Georgia Strategic PartnershipGuest:David Darchiashvili - TW/@davidarchiashviHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 308 | Recorded: February 7, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Amerikatsi: Michael Goorjian’s Odyssey | Ep 307 - Feb 6, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:Amerikatsi: Motifs, Aspects and Character of the FilmGoorjian’s Style, Influences, and InterestsThe Oscar Shortlisting journeyBedros & Asbed Afterthoughts on the CovnersationGuest:Michael A. GoorjianHosts:Bedros Afeyan - FB/@bafeyanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 307 | Recorded: February 5, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 4, 2024Topics:Diplomatic Flurry Raisi in Ankara Raisi in Moscow Putin in Ankara Aliyev’s Constitution for ArmeniaHow can the Opposition become a consequential force?Guest:Varuzhan Geghamyan - TW/@GVaruzhanHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 306 | Recorded: February 3, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 28, 2024Topics:Is Armenia Finally Rearming?Armenia-Georgia Strategic PartnershipArmenia Azerbaijan NegotiationsPashinyan and the ConstitutionThoughts from the ParticipantsGuest:Anna Karapetyan - TW/@Karapetyan_AnnHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 305 | Recorded: January 29, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 21, 2024Topics:World in Conflict Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, Middle East Armenia Azerbaijan NegotiationsPrognosis for 2024Thoughts from the ParticipantsGuest:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 304 | Recorded: January 22, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Pietro Shakarian -  An Armenian in St. Petersburg | Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Artsakh in Geopolitical Context | Ep 303, Jan 22, 2024Conversations on GroongTopics:An Armenian in St. Petersburg, RussiaRussian Perceptions and Outlook on the War in UkrainePerceptions of Armenia and Artsakh in RussiaWorld Events that might Affect Outcome of the War in UkraineWhere do Armenia and Artsakh Figure in a New World Order?Guest:Pietro ShakarianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 303 | Recorded: January 21, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 14, 2024Topics:“Forced Illusion of Normalcy”Political Prisoners and Judicial HarassmentNegotiations and “Peace Treaty”Armenia’s Military CapacityWhat Need to be Done?Guest:Karen VrtanesyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 302 | Recorded: January 15, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 7, 2023Topics:Public TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s AddressGovernor Hunting Season“Zangezur corridor” redux; “Peace treaty”Thoughts from the ParticipantsPodcasts, labels, and language of divisionGuest:Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 301 | Recorded: January 8, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Dec 31, 2023Topics:Artsakh President Annuls Dissolution of RepublicInsecurity without BordersPashinyan in St. PetersburgYear-end 2023 Predictions ReviewPredictions for 2024Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 300 | Recorded: December 29, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Dec 17, 2023Topics:Negotiations Strategy, Prisoner Exchange, “Point Zero” The West’s InterestsIsrael-Gaza ConflictGuest:Arthur G. Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 299 | Recorded: December 18, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aghasi Yenokian - Ruling Party Power Grabs | Early Elections | Judiciary Concerns | Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն Հայոց | Ep 298, Dec. 14, 2023Conversations on GroongTopics:Ruling Party Power Grabs Why is Civil Contract so Adamant on Total Municipal Control Political Prisoners Early/Snap Elections?Armenia’s Controlled JudiciaryAbout Yenokian’s new book: Ալտերնատիվ պատմություն ՀայոցGuest:Aghasi YenokianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 298 | Recorded: December 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Sergei Melkonian: “No Peace” Treaty | Snap Elections in AZ | Russia - Armenia | Russia - UkraineANN Groong Week in Review - Dec 10, 2023Topics:  - “No Peace” Treaty Negotiations  - Aliyev Calls for Snap Elections  - Russia - Armenia Relations  - Russia - Ukraine WarGuest:  - Sergei MelkonianHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 297 | Recorded: December 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Dec 3, 2023Topics:Armenian-Azerbaijani NegotiationsArmenian Diplomacy in the WestRelations with RussiaGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 296 | Recorded: December 3, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Nov 12, 2023Topics:  - Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors  - Latest MPG Poll Result Analysis  - Armenian Economy and 2024 BudgetGuest:Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 295 | Recorded: November 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aram Orbelyan - The Confused Status of Artsakh Refugees in Armenia and ConsequencesConversations on GroongTopics:What are the different status options?Armenian Passport and CitizenshipWhat is Authority Code 070, how is it being treated?What Hurdles are Artsakhtsis facing in Armenia and Why?What is the Armenian Government’s Posture on all this?Aliyev’s Deadline and What Armenian Should do about itDoes the Rome Statute Help?Guest:Aram Orbelyan - TW/@Aram_OrbelianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 294 | Recorded: November 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aram Orbelyan - The 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration: What did Armenia Sign? | Ep 293, November 14, 2023Conversations on GroongTopics:What is the Alma Ata Declaration?What is the CIS Based on?About Borders, Treaties, and DeclarationsArmenia’s explicit reservation affecting Artsakh in the TreatyWhy would Pashinyan ignore the Reservations?Territorial Integrity and Use of ForceWhat Autonomy was LTP Envisioning?Where does 2023 Leave the Cause of Artsakh?How should Armenia Pursue it on the International Scene?Guest:Aram Orbelyan - TW/@Aram_OrbelianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 293 | Recorded: November 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Setrag Balian & Hagop Djernazian - Jerusalem Patriarchate  and Armenian Quarters under Threat by Israeli Investor and Armed SettlersConversations on GroongTopics:Violent Events following Patriarch’s Letter of Cancellation of Lease Agreement on November 1Further Issues on November 9Are the Lease Agreement and its Cancellation Legal?What do Israeli Settlers have to do with the Lease Deal?Guest:Setrag Balian - TW/@SetragBalianHagop Djernazian - TW/@HDjernazianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 292 | Recorded: November 9, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 22, 2023Topics:  - Crossroads of Peace  - 3+3=5 in Tehran  - Relations with Russia  - Defense Deal with France  - Artsakh StatusGuest:Tevan PoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 291 | Recorded: October 29, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Levon Zourabian - Armenian National Congress | Democracy and Armenia | Negotiations With Azerbaijan | Artsakh | Global ConflictsConversations on GroongTopics:  - Armenian National Congress (ANC)  - Democracy and Armenia  - Azerbaijan-Armenia Negotiations  - Artsakh  - Global Conflicts - Israel, UkraineGuest:    - Levon ZourabianHosts:    - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan    - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 290 | Recorded: October 27, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News & Media | Azatutyun | Fake News | Press Freedom | Armenia | Artsakh | Global ConflictsConversations on GroongTopics:    - Armenian News & Media Space        -RFE/RL Azatutyun in the Armenian Media Space        - Fake News        - Freedom of Press    - Politics and Geopolitics of Armenia    - Artsakh    - Global Conflicts - Israel, UkraineGuest:    - Aghasi YenokyanHosts:    - Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevan    - Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 289| Recorded: October 27, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 22, 2023Topics:Artsakh Ethnic Cleansing AftermathIsraeli-Palestinian ConflictGuest:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 288 | Recorded: October 22, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Iran in the New World Order | Relations with the Middle East, Armenia, Azerbaijan and more Conversations on GroongTopics:Iran in an Evolving World OrderIsraeli-Palestinian ConflictArmenian-Iranian RelationsAzerbaijani-Iranian RelationsVision for a Better FutureGuest:Dr. Ehsan Movahedian - TW/@Ultra_EhsanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 287 | Recorded: October 20, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 15, 2023Topics:At the Brink of a New War?Relations with RussiaPlatform Shuffle: Brussels vs. MoscowUpdate on Yerevan MayorGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 286 | Recorded: October 17, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aram Orbelyan - Genocide & Consequences | Artsakh POWs | Government in ExileConversations on GroongTopics:  - Genocide & Consequences  - Legal Status of Former Artsakh Leadership  - Artsakh Government in ExileGuest:Aram Orbelyan - TW/@aram_orbelianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 285 | Recorded: October 11, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 8, 2023Topics:Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Flares UpThe Future of Artsakh and ArtsakhtsisArmenian-Azerbaijani NegotiationsGuest:Sergei Melkonian - FB/sergei.melkonianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 284 | Recorded: October 9, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Benyamin Poghosyan - Is the Armenian Azerbaijani Conflict Over? | Ep 283 - Oct 5, 2023Conversations on GroongTopics:Outstanding Causes of the ConflictWhy did Aliyev Bail out of Granada?Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia?How Might Events Unfold?Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 283 | Recorded: October 5, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Arthur G Martirosyan - The Game of Alternatives | Is Armenia Negotiating Effectively Conversations on GroongTopics:The Game of AlternativesHow does it apply to Negotiations?Is Armenia Negotiating Effectively?Guest:Arthur Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 282 | Recorded: October 3, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct 1, 2023Topics:Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia WatchesWhat "Peace Treaty" in Granada?Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held HostageGuest:Arthur Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 24, 2023Topics:Azerbaijan Attacks ArtsakhGenocide in ProgressGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 280 | Recorded: September 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Dziunik Aghajanian: UN Security Council | Artsakh | Yerevan ElectionsTopics:  - Armenia's Diplomacy at the UN  - Artsakh Elections / Blockade  - Yerevan ElectionsGuest:  - Dziunik AghajanianHosts:  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 279 | Recorded: September 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Sep 10, 2023Topics:Developments in ArtsakhGeopolitics in the South CaucasusGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 278 | Recorded: September 10, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - September 3, 2023Topics:  - Yerevan Mayoral Elections  - Artsakh Domestic Developments  - Developments in Geopolitics and NegotiationsGuest:  - Arthur KhachikyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 277 | Recorded: September 2, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Day 264 - September 2, 2023TopicsArayik Harutyunyan resignationSamvel Shahramanyan state ministerKirill Kulakov new commander of Russian PKsSeptember 2 - 32nd anniversaryGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 276 | Recorded: September 2, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - August 20, 2023Topics:  - UNSC Meeting on Artsakh  - Artsakh Internal Developments  - Yerevan ElectionsGuest:  - Tevan Poghosyan TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 275 | Recorded: August 22, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - August 19, 2023TopicsLatest Developments around Artsakh Kidnapping of People at Checkpoints Cases of Starvation, Miscarriages UNSC Discussion of Artsakh Lack of a Resolution and Follow-ThroughArmenia’s Diplomatic FailuresNew Artsakh parliament speaker David IshkhanyanInternet Stoppage, Food, Gas, Electricity ShortagesContinuing Azeri Aggression, troop movements and BuildupGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 274 | Recorded: August 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - August 13, 2023Topics:  - Situation in Artsakh  - Yerevan Elections Heating Up  - July MPG Survey Outtakes  - August MPG Survey Outtakes  - Baku Poll  - Thoughts on the EconomyGuest:  - Hrant Mikaelian TW/@Hosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - August 6, 2023Topics:  - War of Words with Russia  - Iran’s Diplomatic Perspective  - Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations   - Artsakh: New Parliament SpeakerGuest:  - Sergei Melkonian TW/@MelkonianSergeiHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 272 | Recorded: August 7, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 30, 2023Topics:Armenian Azerbaijani NegotiationsAzerbaijani Propaganda in ShushiSituation in ArtsakhGuest:Yeghia Tashjian TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - July 19, 2023TopicsContinuing Azeri Aggression Daily shootings, mortar fire Constant shooting at farmers in the fields Level of hardship Level of determination Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through AghdamCharles Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!? “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023 What is the message to the world, and goals?Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 16, 2023Topics:Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani NegotiationsEconomic State in ArmeniaSeptember Yerevan Mayoral ElectionsEstimating the War DeadHayaqve [.am]Guest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 269 | Recorded July 17, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 9, 2023Topics:Armenia Azerbaijan NegotiationsUS, Armenian NSC Advisors MeetNew MPG PollHayaQve [.am]Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 268 | Recorded July 10, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - July 7, 2023TopicsCatastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham StepanyanZakharova confirms conditions, calls on Azerbaijan to drop blockadeHakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda?Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talksANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US CongressGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 267 | Recorded: July 7 , 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - July 2, 2023Topics:  - Guest Introduction  - DC Negotiations: Any chance for progress  - Vartan Oskanian on negotiations  - Rights and Security  - "Democracy"  - Border Demarcation  - No Unblocking or Guarantees  - Integration with Azerbaijan = assimilation  - What are Stepanakert's options  - Hayaqve.amGuest:  - Arthur MartirosyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 266 | Recorded July  4, 2023https://podcasts.groong.org/266Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Anna Abrahamian: The Wagner Group Insurrection in Russia, June 2023Topics:The Wagner GroupSpecial Ops in RussiaOver at The Ministry of DefenseA White RussianOn The Western FrontAre We Done Yet?Parallels with 2016 in Armenia?PMCs in Armenia?Guest:Anna AbrahamianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 265 | Recorded: June 30, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 25, 2023Topics:Concrete Barricades On Hakari BridgeErdogan visit to AzerbaijanLukashenko At the CSTOPutin Defuses Wagnerian OperaPashinyan Gives 44-Day War Testimony in ParliamentHayaQveGuest:Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 264 | Recorded June 25, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - June 15, 2023TopicsAzerbaijan Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor after Shootings near Hakari bridgeHas Artsakh “returned to the negotiation table”?International actions viewed from StepanakertNoting the half-year mark of the blockadeArtsakh Ombuds Report summaryGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 263 | Recorded: June 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 11, 2023Topics:Erdogan Reshuffles Cabinet, First Visit to BakuLatest Developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations, Baku PostponesEconomic Developments, More Subsidies to IT SectorMPG Poll: Pashinyan’s Rating is FallingGuest:Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 262 | Recorded June 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Hagop Djernazian - Questionable 99-year Land Lease by the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem | Ep. 261 - June 11, 2023Topics:Intro to Armenians in JerusalemEscalating violence on ArmeniansIntro to the Armenian PatriarchateOn the contract of the 99-year lease and its consequencesAbout the community protest movementWhat if the contract goes forward?Guest:Hagop Djernazian - TW/@HDjernazianHosts:Katia Peltekian - TW/@KatiaPeltekianAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 261 | Recorded: June 11, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - June 4, 2023Topics:Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow Israeli President Visits AzerbaijanPashinyan Attends Erdogan’s InaugurationArmenia-Russia RelationsGuest:Sergei Melkonian - FB/sergei.melkonianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 260 | Recorded June 5, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - June 2, 2023TopicsCurrent Living and Humanitarian ConditionsMorale after Pashinyan’s Recognition of Artsakh in AzerbaijanHow is Artsakh Responding to Aliyev’s Amnesty Threats?Moral of the Artsakhtsi PopulationAbout Artsakh Men Being Denied Transit through Azeri CheckpointsHave the Russian Peacekeepers Changed Under Lentsov?All Parties are in Breach of the November 2020 Trilateral Ceasefire AgreementGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 250 | Recorded: June 2, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Dziunik Aghajanian - on Armenian Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Pashinyan Agenda and Mother Armenia | Ep. 258 - June 1, 2023Topics:Intro to Ms Aghajanian Career path, Mentors, Influencers Parting ways with the MFA How did Armenia Resist Turkish Pressure prior to 2018Impressions of 2018 eventsOn Pashinyan’s Policies to Surrender Artsakh Letter Planning the Surrender Messaging Aliyev to begin Instigations Changing Security Doctrine The Myth of Western Security GuaranteesPashinyan’s Fiction re Alma Ata and Madrid PrinciplesOn Armenia’s National InterestsOn Armenian Foreign Policy Vectors Can Armenia get Closer to Iran? Can “Normalization” with Turkey work? Mother Armenia / Մայր Հայաստան Movement AnnouncedGuest:Dziunik AghajanianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 254 | Recorded: May 31, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network Groong Week in Review - May 28, 2023Topics:  - Mother Armenia Movement  - Aliyev Threatens, Pashinyan Concedes  - Erdogan Reelected  - Goodbye CSTO / Hello NATO?Guest:  - Arthur KhachikyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 257 | Recorded May 30, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network Groong Week in Review - May 21, 2023Topics:  - Accelerated Negotiations      - Negotiations Carousel      - Meghri Railway      - Russia Finances Rasht-Astara      - Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor  - Artsakh Domestic PoliticsGuest:  - Tevan Poghosyan TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 256 | Recorded May 22, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - May 14, 2023Topics:Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel in Brussels Azerbaijani Attacks on Sotk Turkish Presidential ElectionsGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 255 | Recorded May 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Ruben Melikyan - Armenian Court Freezes Assets of Journalist and News & Media OutletTopics:Yerevan Court Freezes Assets of 168.amAre these harsh punitive measures unusual?Is Tigran Avinyan’s Demand Reasonable? Can it be considered “Administrative Pressure”? Is the court’s action illegal or unconstitutional?External Factors Influencing Armenian MediaWhere does USAID support for Armenian media go?Guest:Ruben Melikyan - FB/@RubenMelikianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 254 | Recorded: May 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - May 11, 2023TopicsMay 11 Azeri attacks on Sotk, ArmeniaAzerbaijan blocking ICRC convoysSarsang reservoir depletingRumors of a second pseudo-eco activist effortLentsov in Baku - what results?Artsakh Ombuds & FM activitiesMatthew Bryza bemoans Armenian Opp & diasporaMay 9 in Artsakh Armenians, Artsakh and the victory in WW2Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 250 | Recorded: May 11, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - May 7, 2023Topics:May 9: The “Triple Holiday”Mirzoyan, Bayramov, Washington DCLatest IRI Armenia Poll ResultsArmenian Census 2022 - Preliminary ResultsGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 251 | Recorded May 9, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Apr 30, 2023Topics: Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin CorridorUpdate on Armenian-Azeri NegotiationsDrug Use Epidemic in ArmeniaGuest:Dr. Arthur KhachikyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 251 | Recorded May 1, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Apr 28, 2023Topics:Lachin/Berdzor Corridor Blocked on April 23 So-called “Eco-activists” Have Left. Armenian Rejects Discussions on Corridor Conditions Does the Government have a plan?Lentsov Replaces VolkovArtsakh Farmers Fired Upon - AgainWould Artsakhtsis accept Azerbaijani Citizenship?Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 250 | Recorded: Apr 28, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Apr 23, 2023Topics:Armenian Genocide: 108 AnniversaryAzerbaijan Strangles ArtsakhArtsakh StrangledInternational CommunityPashinyan’s Parliament SpeechMadrid PrinciplesAliyev Continues Threats,  Ultimatum to Artsakh ArmeniansWhat Can Diaspora Do?Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran?Guest:Arthur G. MartirosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 249 | Recorded: April 25, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Apr 16, 2023Topics:Intro to Anna Kostanyan and Hamakhmbum (Consolidation) MovementAnahit Manasyan Selected HR OmbudswomanAzeri Attacks and Infiltrations into ArmeniaYerevan Mayor-less Until End of 2023 ElectionGuest:Anna Kostanyan - TW/@AnnaKostanyanMPHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqNOTE: We apologize but the audio quality for the 2nd half of this podcast may be degraded. It was a technical issue during recording that was not discovered until it was too late. Still, we think you'll enjoy the content.Episode 248 | Recorded: April 16, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Raising FlagsAlison on Recent Events in Tegh and Across ArmeniaIn this episode, we'll be talking to Alison Tahmizian Meuse, about the recent worrying incidents in Armenia. Just a few days ago, Azerbaijan attacked Armenian troops inside Armenia near Tegh village, killing four and injuring six, while Azerbaijani soldiers have also been reported crossing into Armenian territory through the Nakhichevan border. Alison will provide insights into these events and the implications for Armenia. We'll also discuss the importance of raising flags in troubled times, including an organization she's involved with that goes around border regions of Armenia raising flags.Topics:Aghavno / BerdzorApril 11 Azeri Aggression Near TeghRaising FlagsAzeri Infiltrations into ArmeniaGuest: Alison Tahmizian Meuse,  veteran journalist who has reported for major international publications including Agence France-Presse and NPR. She is currently a senior advisor at the New Delhi-based consultancy DeepStrat, and co-director of Aknandakan, an investigative documentary platform. She’s based in Armenia.Hosts:  - Asbed Bedrossian  - Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 247 | Recorded: April 14, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Apr 12, 2023Topics:Azeri Aggressions of April 11 near TeghEffect on the Blockade of the Lachin/Berdzor corridor What Agency does Artsakh have in keeping links open?Bothsidism of EU and Russia in the face of Azeri AggressionWho is to Blame for the Continuing Losses in Armenian Life?Reactions of the Armenian GovernmentAbout the EU Mission and its Role and EffectivenessStepanakert Invites Baku to TalksArtsakh Farmers to Work in Russian PresenceGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 246 | Recorded: Apr 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Turned Away at Kornidzor PostA conversation with Naira MelikyanIn this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.Guest: Naira Melikyan, mother to fallen hero Hayk Melikyan and a member of Miatsum (together) movement. Host: Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

China Emerging on the Global StageA conversation with Benyamin PoghosyanIn this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking about Chinese president Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow in March, and put it in context of China’s emergence on the global stage as a major player in the new world order, as it shapes through the war in Ukraine.Topics:What agreements were reached between China and Russia?What is the role of India in the new world order?Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?China as peacemaker in UkraineChina as peacemaker in the Middle EastChina's role in Iran and South CaucasusHow should Armenia navigate world order changes?Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan, is the Chairman of the Yerevan based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Apr 4, 2023Topics:The Current Living Conditions Complete gas cutoff for 2 weeks Weather clearing, rolling blackouts alleviate Young farmer hits landmineAzeris Tighten Blockade on March 25Situation with the Sarsang ReservoirArtsakh FM meets French Delegation in Yerevan What do Western Statements mean to us? What do they signal to Azerbaijan? Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 243 | Recorded: Apr 4, 2023https://podcasts.groong.org/243Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Apr 2, 2023Topics:Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan "Explains"Armenia at the Democracy SummitArmenia and the Rome StatuteIran FM in Moscow, Azeri FM in IsraelGuest:Suren Sargsyan - TW/@S_A_SargsyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 242 | Recorded: April 3, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - March 26, 2023Topics:Azerbaijani Attacks over the WeekendEast vs WestArmenia May Ratify the Rome StatuteGuest: Benyamin PoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 241 | Recorded: March 27, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - March 19, 2023Topics:Pashinyan’s Press ConferenceNegotiating with Belligerent AzerbaijanMirzoyan in MoscowMayoral Politics in YerevanGuest: Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 240 | Recorded: March 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 19, 2023Topics:The Current Living ConditionsDaily Ceasefire Violations Shooting at Civilians Heightened Threat of War Process of Constitutional Amendment Is Arayik Harutyunyan Planning to Resign? Will the Amendment Go Through? Negotiations with Azerbaijan Invitation to Negotiate “Integration” in Baku Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 239 | Recorded: Mar 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Georgia’s Law on Foreign Agents, Protests and AftermathA conversation with Johnny G. MelikianOn March 7, the Georgian parliament voted into law a bill that would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding. This ignited large protests in Tbilisi, and on March 9 the parliament agreed to rescind the law and to release arrested opposition members. We analyze the events and the outcome.Guest:Johnny G. Melikian is a senior research fellow at the Orbeli Center for analysis, and the head of the Center for Political and Legal Studies. He has worked as a consultant for the International Crisis Group, and was a visiting fellow at Georgia’s Ilia State UniversityHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 238 | Recorded: March 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 12, 2023Topics:Armenia Azerbaijan Negotiations ContinueGeorgia Opposition ProtestsMPG Poll: Amoti SarGuest:Hrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 237 | Recorded: March 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 12, 2023Topics:Gas cutoff again.Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh PolicemenPotential for New AggressionNo “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 236 | Recorded: Mar 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 6, 2023Topics:Azerbaijan Attack Kill 3 Artsakh CitizensArayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further AggressionHow are people responding?About the international responseRussian peacekeeper report and responseOn the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 235 | Recorded: Mar 6, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Mar 5, 2023Topics:Turkey Politics after the EarthquakeArtsakh Blockade and DevelopmentsArmenian Diplomatic DevelopmentsEgyptian President’s Visit to ArmeniaGuest:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 234 | Recorded: March 5, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Mar 2, 2023Topics:Day to day ConditionsMeeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani RepsWhat is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting What Concessions are being Discussed? New State Minister Gurgen NersesyanMore Azeri Shootings in Martakert and AskeranGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 233 | Recorded: Mar 2, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 26, 2023Topics:Sumgait: 35 yearsTurkey After EarthquakeUkraine One Year LaterArmenia - AzerbaijanGuest:Arthur KhachikyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 232 | Recorded: February 28, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 24, 2023Topics:Rouben Vardanyan sacked in StepanakertSamuel Babayan in ArtsakhAzeri and Artsakh reps meet to resume Gas & Electricity Further Azeri demands, Artsakh red lines Medical topicsGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 231 | Recorded: February 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Munich Security Conference & Situation in ArtsakhA conversation with Anna AbrahamianToday we’re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics.The Munich Security Conference 2023.We’ll touch on Russian president Putin’s state of the federation address.The latest political developments in Artsakh.Guest: Anna Abrahamian, a geopolitical analyst who splits her time between Moscow and Athens. Having obtained training in international law, Anna has worked in such noteworthy institutions as the Defense Analyses Institute in Athens as well as the Crisis Group in Brussels. Today, Anna provides her analysis on geopolitics and Armenian politics to her followers on social media.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 230 | Recorded: February 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Cyber Laws and Threats in ArmeniaA conversation with Artur PapyanIn this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking about the Internet censorship bill proposed in Armenia before the new year. We’ll also talk about the threat and activity of some Cyber spying malware in Armenia, such as the Israeli Pegasus software, which represents a threat to journalists and freedom of expression.Topics:  - Censoring the Internet  - Cyberthreats and Cyberspying in ArmeniaGuest: Artur Papyan, malware researcher, digital security consultant, co-founder of CyberHub, and director of the Media DIversity Institute.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 229 | Recorded: February 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 21, 2023Topics:The Politics Around Ruben VardanyanGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 227 | Recorded: February 21, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 72A Conversation with Suren Sargsyan"Pashinyan’s participation in Munich Security Conference didn’t give anything to Armenia" - Suren SargsyanHello, today is day 72 of the total blockade of Artsakh. For 72 days, the 120K citizens of Artsakh have not had the ability to enter or exit their country. They are deprived of the ability to visit Armenia or to receive guests from Armenia. With very limited supplies, they are forced to ration food with the help of food stamps in order to survive. Children are deprived of the right of education, since the schools can’t be properly heated due to Azerbaijan also disrupting gas supplies from Armenia.Today, we’ll talk about the blockade in Artsakh and related issues, including the Munich Security Conference that took place over the weekend as well as talking about the past and the future of the OSCE Minsk Group.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Guests:Our guest today is Suren Sargsyan, founder and a President at the Armenian Center for American Studies, a research center based in Yerevan.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 228 | Recorded: February 21, 2023Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/228Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 19, 2023Topics:35th Anniversary of the Karabakh MovementRussia Warns the EU and ArmeniaArmenian Azerbaijani Negotiations ContinueGuest:Anna Karapetyan - TW/@Karapetyan_AnnHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 17, 2023Topics:Latest Gas & Electricity up downsOn the Food Stamp programWhy are schools reopening?Deprivation from educationGev loses powerThe pain of the blockade is realGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 225 | Recorded: February 17, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Feb 12, 2023Topics:Earthquake in Turkey and SyriaArmenia-Azerbaijan Conflict FM Lavrov’s Interview to Russian Media EU vs CSTO Missions Shifting Public Perceptions Political Shuffles in YerevanGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 224 | Recorded: February 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 9, 2023Topics:Snowy and cold weather sets inAzerbaijan Switches off Gas againShifting Electricity Blackout Strategy25 Tons of Russian Aid Reach StepanakertNegotiations and Negotiators Continue Redlines for Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan talks with Gagik TsarukyanDo not Take this Blockade Lightly!Treasonous Mindsets in  Armenian Government Who Will They Fight For?Guests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 223 | Recorded: February 9, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 7, 2023Topics:Update for February 7 Unreliable Gas Supply Adam Schiff invites Robert Avetisyan to the State of the UnionArtsakh on the mind if the US Legislative BranchGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 222 | Recorded: February 7, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Feb 4, 2023Topics:Update for February 4 Blackouts at 6 hours per day Gas mostly ok for 5-6 days Food Stamp & Rationing System working OK Azerbaijan Curating Profile of Azeri Activists More professional, curated, Organized Hand-picked journalists Protests as a ShowGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 220 | Recorded: February 4, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 31, 2023Topics:Why less than dailyJanuary 31 Update Over 183 births since the blockadeGas has been on for 2 days nowSome Service sector workers workingGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 220 | Recorded: January 31, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 29, 2023Topics:Army Day - January 28New EU Monitoring MissionArtsakh BlockadeGuest:Arthur G. Martirosyan - TW/@ArthurMarti63Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 219 | Recorded: January 29, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 27, 2023Topics:January 27 UpdateReportedly Gas turned back on Rolling Blackouts Continue Hagop Ipdjian in Artsakh Artsakh Support Body ReArmenia Projects Lorik Humanitarian Fund ARS - Armenian Relief Society How to get InvolvedGuests:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHagop IpdjianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 218 | Recorded: January 27, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 22, 2023Topics:Catastrophic Accident in Military BarrackNew EU Civilian Mission to ArmeniaArmenia-Russia RelationsRuben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalkGuest:Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 217 | Recorded: January 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 24, 2023Topics:January 24 updateRuben Vardanyan interview on BBC HARDtalkImportance to not normalize the tragedyGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 216 | Recorded: January 24, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 22, 2023Topics:Gas Cutoff AGAINAzerbaijan’s Psychological and Political GamesEffect on the Electricity GridPattern of Increasing BlackoutsImpressions from Askeran RegionUrban vs Rural Aspects of the BlockadeRisk of Normalizing the Pain of ArtsakhMP Metaxe Hakobyan’s concernsGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 215 | Recorded: January 22, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Catastrophe In AzatA conversation with Karen VrtanesyanOn January 19, 15 conscripts in the village of Azat, Armenia died in a fire that engulfed their temporary makeshift barracks.Topics:  - Conditions in the Armenian Army  - Information chaos following the incident  - Beheading of the 2nd Army CorpsGuest: Karen Vrtanesyan, expert on military affairs. Co-founder of Razm.info, a specialty website on military and warfare strategies with a focus on Armenia and its neighboring region.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 214 | Recorded: January 22, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade - Day 41A conversation with Metaxe Hakobyan--Արցախի Շրջափակումը` Օր 41Զրույց Մետաքսե Հակոբյանի հետTopics:Humanitarian and political effects of the blockadeՇրջափակման հումանիտար և քաղաքական հետևանքներըGuests / Հյուրը:Metaxe Hakobyan, a member of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh.Մետաքսե Հակոբյանը Արցախի Հանրապետության Ազգային Ժողովի պատգամավոր և «Արդարություն» խմբակցության անդամ:Hosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 213 | Recorded: January 22, 2023Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/213Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 20, 2023Topics:Gas Partially RestoredListener Questions Do the people of Artsakh feel abandoned by the ROAIs High Commissioner of Diaspora Office in Artsakh International Coverage of Artsakh BlockadeLack of Foreign Journalists in Artsakh CurrentlySend us your Listener QuestionsGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 212 | Recorded: January 20, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 19, 2023Topics:Ongoing Gas CutoffElectricity Grid OverloadEffects on the CommunitySchool ClosuresBakeries Work to Restore EnergyTragic accident in Gegharkunik military outpostGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 211 | Recorded: January 19, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 18, 2023Topics:Gas Cutoff AGAINElectricity Blackouts ContinueAzerbaijan Military Terrorizes Armenian Children on BusInternational Calls to open the corridor unconditionally and Azerbaijani Conditions to open the blockadeGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 210 | Recorded: January 18, 2023https://podcasts.groong.org/210Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Indian Armenian RelationsA Conversation with Rananjay AnandTopics:Indio-Armenian Friendship NGOState of the Indian Community in ArmeniaWhere India sees itself on the world stageDrivers for Indian-Armenian RelationsHow to improve economic and trade relationsThe Hope & Promise of Indian Armenian FriendshipGuest: Rananjay Anand is the Co-Founder & President of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 209 | Recorded: January 16, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 17, 2023Topics:Gas Cutoff and RestoralIncreasing Rolling Blackouts of ElectricityEffects of Political UncertaintyGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 208 | Recorded: January 17, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

A Conversation with Edgar GhazaryanOn political developments in ArtsakhԶրույց Էդգար Ղազարյանի հետԱրցախում քաղաքական զարգացումների մասին-- Why should Ruben Vardanyan stay? Ինչու՞ պետք է Ռուբեն Վարդանյանը մնա:Guests / Հյուրը:Edgar Ghazaryan, former governor of Vayots Dzor, chief of staff at the Armenian Constitutional Court, and ambassador to Poland.Էդգար Ղազարյան, Վայոց ձորի նախկին մարզպետ, նախկինում Լեհաստանի Հանրապետությունում ՀՀ արտակարգ և լիազոր դեսպան, ևսահմանադրական դատարանի նախկին աշխատակազմի ղեկավար.Hosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 207 | Recorded: January 17, 2023Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/207Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

NN Groong Week in Review - Jan 15, 2023Topics:Artsakh Update and Politics in StepanakertPashinyan’s “Press Conference”Ministry of Interior Affairs AppointmentsEconomic Review and Outlook in 2023Guest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 206 | Recorded: January 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 15, 2023Topics:Food Stamps & RationingPolitics around Ruben VardanyanAwareness of Protesters and Corridor BlockageGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 205 | Recorded: January 15, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 14, 2023Topics:Update on Day 34Rolling Blackouts ContinueInternet Connection DifficultiesOver 200 Businesses ClosedThousands laid offKashen Mine remains ClosedStatus in the Regions and TownsConcerns over Tax Revenue  ShortfallsConcerns about Rumors and DisinformationGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 204 | Recorded: January 14, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 13, 2023Topics:Internet Restored in ArtsakhRolling Blackouts Continue33rd Day of Artsakh Blockade, 33rd Anniversary of Baku & Sumgait Pogroms against Armenians in AzerbaijanGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 203 | Recorded: January 13, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 33A Conversation with Aram Orbelyan"The Armenian government, under its legislation, is obliged to protect the independence of Artsakh" - Aram OrbelyanAs of earlier this week, Artsakh has introduced coupons to ration food. Other critical supplies are also hard to find. To add to the issues faced by Artsakhtsis, there are reports of a damaged high voltage electricity cable, whose repair is being prevented by Azerbaijan, resulting in rolling blackouts all throughout Artsakh. And yesterday, the only fiber optic cable to Artsakh was cut at the same location where the pseudo eco-activists are. Access to repair the cable is not being granted. Outside of a few muffled statements, the indifferent world watches on.Today’s episode is a collaborative effort with “168 Hours” in an effort to increase the amount of English language content in the midst of this crisis in Artsakh, which has entered its 31st day.Guests:Aram Orbelyan, an international law specialist, who is an attorney and managing partner at Concern Dialog law firm, and PhD in Public international law. Mr. Orbelyan lectures at the Academy of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia, and lectured public international law at French University of Armenia. Mr. Orbelyan was Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia between 2011 and 2014.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 202 | Recorded: January 13, 2023Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/202Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 12, 2023Topics:Internet CutoffPower GridIt's going to get tougherConsequences of Internet cutoffPsychological pressure on ArtsakhGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 201 | Recorded: January 12, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

#ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update with Gev - Jan 11, 2023Topics:Power Grid DamageFood RationingWeather FactorRolling BlackoutsInternet Connectivity ConcernsNeed for Sustainability ProjectsOn the new Foreign Minister of ArtsakhGuest:Gev Iskajyan - TW/@GevIskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 200 | Recorded: January 11, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 31A Conversation with William Bairamian and Arthur Khachikyan“This is a repeat of Srebrenica. To gradually strangle and force the people to leave.”  - Arthur KhachikyanMore than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor, as this crisis enters its 31th day.Guests:William Bairamian, founder and editor of The Armenite. He has written extensively on Armenian politics, culture, and society. He received degrees in international affairs from Columbia University and UCLA.Arthur Khachikyan, International Relations expert from Stanford University, specializing in Intervention. He currently teaches at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 199 | Recorded: January 11, 2023Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/199Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 25A Conversation with Hovhannes IshkhanyanUsing art to prevent catastrophes instead of reacting to themIshkhanyan's documentary "Sleep art": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzqzPpVsK-gMore than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor, as this crisis enters its 25th day.Guest:- Hovhannes Ishkhanyan, writer, documentary filmmaker, publicist, co-founder of Eye for an Eye (Akn Und Akan), a community of documentarians. Hovhannes has a Master's in journalism from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 198 | Recorded: January 5, 2023Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/198Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Jan 1, 2023Topics:Hovik’s Reflections from the Artsakh Blockade InterviewsIs Russia Pressuring Armenia to join a “Union State”?Government Bill to Control the Internet During Martial LawHighlights and Lowlights from Armenian News in 2022Predictions for 2023Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 197 | Recorded: January 1, 2023Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 19A Conversation with Karen Vrtanesyan"This is not a humanitarian crisis. This is a political crisis, a crisis of statehood."More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor. Today, the crisis entered its 19th day.Guest: - Karen Vrtanesyan, expert on military and warfare strategies with a focus on Armenia and its neighboring region. Co-founder of the website razm.infoThis interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 196 | Recorded: December 30, 2022Website: https://podcasts.groong.org/196Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 16A Conversation with Benyamin Poghosyan"Aliyev's strategy is 'no Armenians, no problems'. What is our strategy?"More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor, as this crisis enters its 16th day.Guest:Benyamin Poghosyan, who is the Chairman of the Yerevan based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 195 | Recorded: December 27, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Dec 25, 2022Topics:The Artsakh BlockadeThe Role of the Armenian GovernmentRelations with RussiaLatest Draft of “Peace” ProposalsWeekend Protests in ArtsakhGuest:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 194 | Recorded: December 26, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 15A Conversation with Arthur Khachatryan"The Armenian authorities are trying to bury the issue of status of Artsakh"More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh) due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor, as this crisis enters its 15th day.Guest: Arthur Khachatryan, an MP from the Hayastan (Armenia) alliance and member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF Dashnaktsutyun). In the past, he held government posts such as Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Governor of Shirak, and Minister of Agriculture.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 193 | Recorded: December 26, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 13A Conversation with Edgar Elbakyan"The problem is not resources or power, the problem is how you put forward your goals"The blockade of Artsakh is now 13 days old. More than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). Supermarket shelves are empty. Essential medicine is running out.On Friday, December 23, that’s yesterday, a meeting between Bairamov and Lavrov was held in Moscow without participation from Ararat Mirzoyan. We’ll talk about that among other things.Guest:Edgar Elbakyan, a political scientist and social thinker based in Yerevan, Armenia. He is a co-founder of the Armenian Project non-profit organization, which contributes to enhancing Armenian national civil society.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 192 | Recorded: December 24, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 11A Conversation with Varuzhan GeghamyanWe continue our coverage of the crisis in Artsakh by developments in the UN Security Council as well as Turkish and Iranian concerns in the region.More than 120 thousand people, including 30 thousand children, are under siege. Today is the 11th day of the crisis.""Turkish threats are going to disappear only when there is no Armenia" - Varuzhan GeghamyanGuest:Varuzhan Geghamyan is an assistant professor at Yerevan State University and teaches on Turkey’s modern history and the history of Azerbaijan.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 191 | Recorded: December 22, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 11A Conversation with Aram OrbelyanThis is Day 11 of the complete blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. More than 120 thousand people, including 30 thousand children, are under siege. Today we will dive deep into the UN Security Council process."Current Armenian government blames everyone, but themselves, Azerbaijan and Turkey." - Aram OrbelyanGuest:Aram Orbelyan, an international law specialist, who is an attorney and managing partner at Concern Dialog law firm, and PhD in Public international law. Mr. Orbelyan lectures at the Academy of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia, and lectured public international law at French University of Armenia. Mr. Orbelyan was Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia between 2011 and 2014. This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 190 | Recorded: December 22, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 10A Conversation with Hayk MamijanyanToday is Day 10 of the complete blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan."Armenia has to draw a red line - Artsakh can never be part of Azerbaijan" -Hayk MamijanyanGuest: Hayk Mamijanyan, is the leader of the oppositional Pativ Unem (With Honor) alliance in the Armenian National Assembly, and a member of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA). This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 189 | Recorded: December 21, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 9A Conversation with Tevan PoghosyanThis is Day 9 of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan.“Pashinyan, why don't you go and shake Artak Beglaryan’s hand, like you did in Shushi in 2019” - Tevan PoghosyanGuest: Tevan Poghosyan, is president of the International Center for Human Development in Yerevan. Mr. Poghosyan was an MP in the National Assembly between 2012 and 2017 from the Heritage party. From 1997 to 1999 he served as the Nagorno-Karabakh Public Affairs Office Director in Washington, D.C.This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress.Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 188 | Recorded: December 20, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 9A Conversation with Arman TatoyanThis is Day 9 of the blockade of Artsakh by the dictatorial regime in Azerbaijan, effectively besieging 120 thousand people.“This is the policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the people of Artsakh” - Arman TatoyanGroong and 168 Hours are continuing our collaboration to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress. We are all in this together for the benefit of an informed Armenian public in these challenging times.If you're new to Groong, visit our podcast website at https://podcasts.groong.org to learn more and to subscribe. For Groong subscribers, please visit 168.am for in-depth news and analysis. Links:  - 168 Hours: https://168.am  - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgGuest: Dr. Arman Tatoyan, who is the former ombudsman of the Republic of Armenia. Currently actively pursues human rights for Armenians in the republics of Armenia and Artsakh, especially through his foundation, the “Tatoyan” Center for Law and Justice.Hosts:  - Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 187 | Recorded: December 20, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 8A Conversation with Hrant MikaelianThis is Day 8 of the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. 120 thousand people are effectively being held hostage by the regime in Baku.Groong and 168 Hours are continuing our collaboration to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious humanitarian crisis in progress. We are all in this together for the benefit of an informed Armenian public in these challenging times.For those of you who haven’t heard of Groong before, we invite you to visit Groong’s podcast website at podcasts.groong.org to learn more and to subscribe. If you’re watching this on Youtube, the link will also be available in the description.For Groong listeners, please visit 168.am for in-depth news and analysis. --"The full state-led attack against Artsakh and Armenia, which no-one in Europe condemned, was a case where the military solution worked. From 2020 onwards, many actors in the world see that you can attack and get away with it."Guest: Hrant Mikaelian, a political scientist and multidisciplinary researcher in social sciences based in Yerevan. He is also a senior researcher at the Caucasus Institute.Links:  -  168 Hours: https://168.am   - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 186 | Recorded: December 19, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 6A Conversation with Arthur KhachikyanWe’re going on to Day 6 of the Artsakh Blockade by Azerbaijan, and Groong and 168 Hours are teaming up to bring you more English-language coverage on the developments of this very serious issue, a major humanitarian crisis in Artsakh in progress."We somehow have this complex. We think we’re the sleeping beauty and the west is going to come and save us. And every time that it doesn’t happen, we still keep believing in it."Guest: Arthur Khachikyan, PhD is an International Relations expert from Stanford University, specializing in Intervention. He currently teaches at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan.Links:  -  168 Hours: https://168.am   - Groong: https://podcasts.groong.orgHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 185 | Recorded: December 17, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Արցախը Շրջափակման Մեջ: Օր 4Զրույց Հակոբ Հակոբյանի հետ (Արցախի Արդարություն Կուսակցություն)Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 4A conversation (in Armenian) with Hakob Hakobyan (Justice Party of Artsakh)«Սա պետք է ոգևորի և ոգեշնչի յուրաքանչյուր հայի և պետք է նոր թափ հաղորդի մեր այն 30 տարիների պայքարին, որը դեռևս չենք ավարտել:»Guest: Hakob Hakobyan, Justice Party of ArtsakhHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 184 | Recorded: December 15, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 3A Conversation with Gev IskajyanFor three days now the campaign instigated by the government of Azerbaijan has prevented the freedom of movement of Armenians of Artsakh.  Gas supplies have also been cut off.“Artsakh is still Armenian land. Artsakh is still an independent republic. Artsakh is not gone.We have to hold on to what remains of this land here.” - Gev IskajyanGuest: Gev Iskajyan, representative of the ANC in Artsakh.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 180 | Recorded: December 14, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Dec 11, 2022Topics:Lachin Corridor BlockadeContinuing Armenian-Azerbaijani NegotiationsTurkish-Azerbaijani Military ExercisesTravel Impressions from the regionGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 182 | Recorded: December 13, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - GroongWeek in Review - December 6, 2022Topics:- Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue      - CSTO Debacle      - Lavrov Bombshell      - Lachin Corridor Blockaded      - Brussels Summit Canceled- Artsakh President Lays off Government- Parliamentary Opposition FragmentingGuest:Arthur G. Martirosyan is a Senior Consultant with CM Partners. In 1994, after graduating from Yale University, he joined Conflict Management Group and the Harvard Negotiation Project and has since worked on conflicts in the former Soviet Union, Middle East, the Balkans, Africa, and Latin America.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 181 | Recorded: December 6, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Rocky Relationship with the CSTOA Conversation with Dr. Anna KarapetyanTopics:What’s Armenia’s Goal in pushing the CSTO in a direction that it won’t go?What Came Out of the CSTO Summit in Yerevan?What is the Level of Trust between the CSTO and Armenia?How should Armenian proceed in Relations with the CSTO?Does Armenia have Alternatives?Guest: Dr. Anna Karapetyan is the Director of the Insight Analytical Center for Applied Policy and Research. She has a PhD in political sciences, and is a lecturer at the Russian-Armenian University.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 180 | Recorded: December 5, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - GroongWeek in Review - Nov 20, 2022Topics:* How is Armenia’s Economy Doing? We’ll discuss the various aspects of the state of the Armenian economy and briefly touch on the 2023 national budget.* Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations: The war of words between Pashinyan and Aliyev escalated in the past two weeks. We’ll discuss developments since the trilateral summit in Sochi.* French Senate Slams Azerbaijani Occupation of Armenia. The French Senate recently passed a resolution demanding an end to Azeri occupation of Armenian territory, and more. Does this have more than sentimental value in the real world?* The Opposition Returns to Parliament. The parliamentary opposition has officially returned to the parliament. What can be expected?Guest: Hrant Mikaelian, a political scientist and multidisciplinary researcher in social sciences based in Yerevan. He is also a senior researcher at the Caucasus Institute.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 179 | Recorded: November 21, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

November 10, Perspective from Artsakh Two Years LaterA Conversation with Gev Iskajyan, ANC ArtsakhTopics:November 10 as perceived by ArtsakhtsisUpdate on the status of refugeesUpdate on the economy of ArtsakhRally at the Renaissance SquareGenerating and communicating support for ArtsakhGuest: Gev Iskajyan is representative of the ANC in Artsakh.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 178 | Recorded: November 14, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Nov 13, 2022Topics:- November 10 "Ceasefire": We’ll talk with our guests in Yerevan and Stepanakert about their perceptions of where we are in terms of ceasing fire, two years later.- The Peace is Dead, Long Live the Peace: We’ll talk about increased war rhetoric from Azerbaijan, threatening Armenia, Russia, Iran, and anyone else who comes to Armenia’s aid. With the pressure increasing and Aliyev’s two-month deadline approaching, we’ll investigate the possibility of renewed war.Guest:- Arthur Khachikyan- Gev IskajyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 177 | Recorded: November 14, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The HyeID project, to initiate an elected Diaspora Armenian Parliament | Ep #176 - November 13, 2022A conversation with Harut SassounianGuest:Harut Sassounian is the Chairman of the board of trustees of HyelD. He’s also the publisher of The California Courier newspaper, and the president of the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a non-profit organization which has delivered over $947 million of humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Artsakh since 1989.Topics:What is HyeID, what problems is it trying to address?Organizations and models for Diaspora representationFunding and operationsOutreach to the Diaspora and the Armenian governmentCurrent State of the projectHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 176 | Recorded: November 12, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Nov 6, 2022Topics:- Latest “Peace” Developments     - Border delimitation discussions in Brussels     - Meeting of the foreign ministers in Washington DC- Bellicose Statements between Azerbaijan and Iran- Ruben Vardanyan takes over as State Minister of ArtsakhGuest:- Arthur G. MartirosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 175 | Recorded: November 8, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Resistance Movement and the “Sullivan Plan”A conversation with Arthur KhacharyanGuest: Arthur Khachatryan is an MP with the Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) faction and member of the ARF Dashnaktutyun. In the past, he has held government posts such as Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Governor of Shirak, and Minister of Agriculture. Currently, Arthur is also a professor of finance at the French University of Armenia and lectures on Leadership at the Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia. Topics:Stepanakert Rally“Sullivan Plan” vs. Russian PlanUpcoming Protest on November 5Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 174 | Recorded: November 3, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Oct 30, 2022Topics:Massive Stepanakert RallyThe Sullivan PlanCSTO Security Council ConvenedTrilateral Summit in SochiFrom Sochi to TehranGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 173 | Recorded: October 30, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Global Armenian Summit | Ep 172 - Oct. 30, 2022Guest: Harut Sassounian has published The California Courier newspaper since 1983. He is the President of the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a non-profit organization which has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh over $947 million of humanitarian assistance since 1989. He is currently engaged in forming the Diaspora Armenian Parliament through local elections.Topics:What is the background of Armenia-Diaspora relations against which this conference is taking place?Why did the government need this event right now, and is this the right time?Who was invited, who was not? Why?Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 172 | Recorded: October 29, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Oct 23, 2022Topics:Monitors in ArmeniaRussia-West Rivalry in the South CaucasusArmenian-Iranian RelationsMaritime Agreement between Israel and LebanonState of Lebanon’s Presidential ElectionGuest:Arthur KhachikyanYeghia Tashjian - TW/@YeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 171 | Recorded: October 23, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The LA City Council Scandal | Ep No. 170 - Oct. 21, 2022Conversations on GroongGuest: Ardashes ‘Ardy’ Kassakhian who is a Glendale City Councilman, and the current mayor of Glendale - TW/@ArdyKassakhianAdrin Nazarian is the California State Assemblymember from the 46th District, representing the San Fernando Valley - TW/@adrin_nazarianTopics:On the LA City Council scandal and how to move forwardOn Paul Krekorian, elected LA City Council presidentOn redistricting in the aftermath of the scandalOn the effect of the scandal on the LA mayoral raceOn Armenia’s Situation in the South CaucasusOn Armenia’s Negotiations with AzerbaijanOn Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 170 | Recorded: October 19 & 20, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Oct 9, 2022Topics:- Introduction 0:00- Census in progress in Armenia 2:24Finally, after 2 years of delay, the 3rd decennial census is underway in Armenia, and hardly anyone is aware of it. We’ll talk about this.- Meetings in Astana 18:42Another large, international summit, this time of the CIS leaders took place in Kazakhstan. Pashinyan gave a plenary speech and talked with Putin and Aliyev. Mirzoyan had meetings with Lavrov and Bayramov.- Developments in Iran 28:35And we’ll also talk about the ongoing protests in Iran and their significance to Armenia, as well as Iran’s politics and policies towards its neighbors in the north, Armenia and Azerbaijan.- Armenian websites compromised 45:33We’ll talk with security expert Arthur Papyan about a number of recent cyber-attacks against Armenian websites. How serious were they and what do web site operators need to do in order to reduce the risk from such attacks?- Remembering the TsOR artillery unit 58:37In our last segment, we’ll talk about the fate of the TsOR Artillery Unit, who allegedly due to misdirection and false intelligence was sent to their death during the 44 day war. We’ll feature a short excerpt from our earlier recorded discussion with family members about this harrowing incident.Guests:Hrant MikaelianArtur PapyanNaira MelikyanYeghishe ZakuntsHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 169 | Recorded: October 17, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on GroongGuest: Benyamin Poghosyan, is the Chairman of the Yerevan based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies,Topics:Goals and Tactics of Azerbaijan’s NegotiationsHow did “Corridors” Become a Thing?Russia’s Contributions to the processOptions and Scenarios Going ForwardsHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 168 | Recorded: Friday, October 14, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Oct 9, 2022Topics:Meetings in PraguePashinyan Consolidating PowerPersonal RantsGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 167 | Recorded: October 10, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Oct 2, 2022Topics:US-Armenia RelationsAzerbaijan’s Maps and ClaimsAzerbaijan Continues to Occupy ArmeniaInternal Politics in ArmeniaGuest:Aram Suren Hamparian - TW/@ANCA_DCRouben Galichian - RoubenGalichian.comTevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 166 | Recorded: October 1 & 3, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 18, 2022Topics:00:03:31 - Azerbaijani Aggression: As many expected, Azerbaijan commenced a violent war against Armenia on September 13. There are hundreds of casualties including civilians and Armenian territories that have fallen in the hands of the aggressor. A fragile cease-fire is in place for now. We’ll analyze with our guests the basic facts and try to make sense of what happened.00:11:04 - Russia and CSTO: The troubling aggression by Azerbaijan brought more troubles to Armenia’s relationship with Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) which so far is not sending any military aid but will only send a fact-finding mission to Armenia. Do Armenians (including our leadership) have unrealistic expectations from the organization? Listen to us to find out.00:41:24 UN & International Reaction: Next, we’ll analyze international reaction to the attack including Armenia’s appeal to the UN Security Council as well as interests of Armenia’s Southern neighbor Iran.00:54:35 War Communications: How did the Armenian government communicate with the public. Is the Armenian government trying to conceal the scale and impact of the Azerbaijani attack? 01:07:13 Nancy Pelosi Visit: A high profile congressional delegation visited Armenia this week, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We’ll get analysis from our experts on what this means for US-Armenia relations.Guest:Arthur MartirosyanKaren Vrtanesyan - TW/@hrant_mSuren Sargsyan - TW/@S_A_SargsyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 165 | Recorded: Sunday, September 18, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

From ‘revolution’ to war: deciphering Armenia’s populist foreign policy-making processConversation with Dr. Vahram Ter-MatevosyanArmenian News Network/Groong - September 12, 2022Recently two AUA professors (Prof. Hovhannes Nikoghosyan and  Prof. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan) published a paper in Taylor and Francis Online (TANDF) that analyzes the foreign policy decision making (FPDM) process of the Nikol Pashinyan administration, titled: "From ‘revolution’ to war: deciphering Armenia’s populist foreign policy-making process". In this episode, we talk to one of the authors of the paper, Prof. Ter-Matevosyan.TOPICS:* Introduction (02:22) - We discuss how the idea for the paper arose and the process through which the two scholars went through to conduct their research. * TURKEY (22:51) - One specific aspect of the war, that played a significant role in the outcome, was Turkey’s involvement. In our opinion, just by sharing with Azerbaijan accurate NATO signals and satellite intelligence in the form of targets to destroy is more than enough to consider its role as decisive. Turkey went beyond that of course. Thus, paying attention and estimating Turkey’s willingness to intervene on behalf of Azerbaijan would be critical for Armenia’s leadership. We of course have seen different members of the Pashinyan team assure the press and public, even weeks before the war, that Turkey would not dare intervene.    - Have you looked at this aspect of Armenia’s foreign policy?    - What did Pashinyan’s team do (or perhaps didn’t do) in this area to accurately assess the risk of intervention from Turkey and to put mitigations to counter this risk?    - Was there any specific contact with Turkey in the run-up to Sep 2020?    - How critical were Pashinyan’s and Armen Sarkissian’s statements on the 100th anniversary of Treaty of Sevres?* RUSSIA ( 37:18) - Many, especially those in the pro-Pashinyan camp today, blame Russia for throwing Armenia under the bus for better relations with Turkey.     - What was the conduct of Pashinyan’s foreign policy with Russia like, preceding and during the war?    - Are the claims that Russia deceived its ally Armenia correct?    - Did Russia in recent years ever send a signal to Armenia that it would help defend Artsakh? * AZERBAIJAN (46:56) - Many of the analysts we talk to state that it was pretty much obvious that Aliyev was gearing up for war starting from 2011 when he effectively rejected the peace deal being considered at the time. It is apparent that Azerbaijan also bid its time, preparing militarily but also tactically selecting a suitable period in time. In 2020, the world was preoccupied with Covid and in the US it was election season, as well as a period of near isolationism from foreign involvements in the Trump administration.    - Despite the external factors, was there anything that Armenia did bilaterally with Azerbaijan that could have delayed the war or helped change its outcome?    - What was the outcome of the infamous Dushanbe elevator meeting?Hosts:- Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan- Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqGuest: - Prof. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan, an associate Professor and Chair of the Political Science and International Affairs Program at AUA. His research interests focus on Turkish politics, Kemalism, Political Islam & Security in the South Caucasus.Episode 164 | Recorded: Sunday, September 12, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 4, 2022Topics:Latest MPG and IRI Poll ResultsWhat’s Up with the Armenian Economy?US Armenia RelationsGeopolitical DevelopmentsGuest:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@hrant_mSuren Sargsyan - TW/@S_A_SargsyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 163 | Recorded: Sunday, September 11, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 4, 2022Topics:September 2: Artsakh Independence DaySeptember 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before 2020, this would be a festive holiday. This year, there were protests in both Yerevan and Stepanakert as well as visits to the gravesites of fallen heroes. 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 and Aliyev met in Brussels.“Normalization” with Turkey Next: we’ve read reports that the fifth meeting in the Turkish Armenian “Normalization” process will occur in September, so we'll discuss the pros and cons of that process with Prof. Vahram Ter-Matevosyan. Remembering Mikhail GorbachevAs Mikhail Gorbachev passed away this past week, we’ll talk to Prof. Ara Sanjian and also Ter-Matevosyan for their recollections of the years leading up to, and following the fall of Soviet Union in 1991.Timing:00:00:06 Intro00:00:57 Topics00:02:15 September 2 & Opposition Reboot00:05:38 Geopolitics - Moscow Meeting00:14:39 Geopolitics - Brussels Meeting00:20:20 Geopolitics - Reactions to the Meetings00:31:48 Geopolitics - Cavusoglu on Syria00:41:00 Turkish Armenian “Normalization” - Vahram Ter-Matevosyan00:58:48 Remembering Gorbachev - Ara Sanjian01:11:45 Remembering Gorbachev - Vahram Ter-Matevosyan01:18:27 Personal Rants - Hovik01:20:02 End of rants and goodbyes01:20:13 Closing noteGuest:Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosDr. Ara SanjianDr. Vahram Ter-MatevosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 162 | Recorded: Sunday, September 4, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 29, 2022Conversation with Anna AbrahamianIn 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 Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. That failed, or at least did not achieve all of the goals it had set for itself.Especially as we near the end of August and the protests are set to restart, we’re analyzing what didn’t work, and how to take more effective steps forward. We want to look at specific issues such as whether to move for impeachment or not.To talk about this issue, today we have Anna Abrahamian, who is a geopolitical analyst currently splitting her time between Moscow and Athens. Guest:  Anna AbrahamianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 161 | Recorded: Sunday, August 29, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 28, 2022Topics:- 00:00 Introduction- 02:02 Opposition movement restarts- 25:28 Berdzor & Aghavno handover- 34:43 “Peace Plan” coming?- 49:54 Newly proposed military service avoidance law- 54:15 RantGuest:  Dr. Arthur KhachikyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 160 | Recorded: Sunday, August 28, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network / GroongՆերքաղականան իրավիճակը Հայաստանում Էդգար Ղազարյանի հետThe State of Armenian Politics with Edgar GhazaryanԹեմաներ:- Անկախության հռչակագիր- Օգոստոսի 23-ի հանրահավաքը- Անվստահության քվե (իմպիչմենտ)- Փաշինյանն ըննդեմ Սահմանադրության- Ընդդիմության առաջիկա անելիքների մասինՄեր հյուրը`* Էդգար Ղազարյան, Վայոց Ձորի նախկին մարզպետ, սահմանադրական դատարանի աշխատակազմի նախկին ղեկավար, Լեհաստանի Հանրապետությունում ՀՀ նախկին արտակարգ և լիազոր դեսպան:Hosts:* Hovik Manucharyan* Asbed BedrossianEpisode 159 | Recorded on Friday, August 26, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aid to Nagorno Karabakh Effectively Blocked - August 25, 2022A Conversation with ARAM SUREN HAMPARIANTopics:The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Has Called on Congress to Investigate the Biden Administration’s Artsakh Aid Blockade.The Biden Administration’s Record on Armenian-Backed Resolutions.Guest:Aram Suren Hamparian is the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 158 | Recorded on Thursday, August 25, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network/Groong - August 23, 2022On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic proclaimed Armenia as independent. True, Armenia officially celebrates independence day on September 21, due to the referendum which was held on Sep 21 1991, the following year. But for me, the date of August 23 - the date of the proclamation of the declaration of independence - is no less special. For it is this document comprised of 12 articles that form the basis for all laws in Armenia and for the constitution itself. From the need to establish historic justice, especially referencing the Armenian Genocide, the reunification of Armenia and Artsakh, the recognition of the rights of citizenship for Diasporans, to me these principles encapsulate perfectly the aspirations of the Armenian people at that time and even more so today.After a millennium without a state (with the exception of the three years of the first republic between 1918 and 1921) the foundation for a new state was established.This document and the principles enshrined in it are to be cherished and protected! And regardless of their individual flaws or your political judgement, the men and women of the Supreme Council are true statesmen and the founding parents of Armenia.Just think about it! Out of a global family of 1000s of nations and tribes, only a few were lucky enough or had the right circumstances in order to establish their own state and become a political nation. And Armenians were one of them.Links to the text of the declaration:    - Armenian: https://www.gov.am/am/independence/    - Russian: https://www.gov.am/ru/independence/    - English: http://www.armenica.org/armenia/doi.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - August 21, 2022Topics:- 00:00 Introduction- 01:44 Surmalu Blast    - 01:44 What happened in Surmalu market?    - 07:41 Why did Pashinyan jump the gun to declare that it's not terrorism?    - 08:45 Russian note of protest on anti-Russian sentiments in information sphere    - 12:55 A mayoral campaign in the midst of tragedy?    - 19:01 Policy response: ban fireworks?- 21:52 Foreign Relations    - 21:52 Aliyev rejects Artsakh status    - 28:26 Aghavno/Berdzor handed over    - 41:50 Papikyan in Moscow    - 43:28 Iranian red lines, again    - 48:03 Checkpoints for Azerbaijan- 53:48 Resistance Movement- 1:01:12 EndingGuests:Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 156 | Recorded: Monday, August 22, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Economy in 2022 - PART 2Conversation with Vardan AramyanTopics:Bank Secrecy LegislationCashless TransactionsExplaining Economic “Paradox”Guest:Mr. Vardan Aramyan is the former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia from 2016-2018. He is currently Senior Vice President for Finance and Economy at Vallex Group in Yerevan.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 155 | Recorded on Friday, August 5, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Economy in 2022 - PART 1Conversation with Vardan AramyanTopics:InflationMonetary PoliciesFiscal PoliciesGuest:Mr. Vardan Aramyan is the former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia from 2016-2018. He is currently Senior Vice President for Finance and Economy at Vallex Group in Yerevan.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 154 | Recorded on Friday,  August 5, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on GroongTalking with Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte  - August 11, 2022Growing up Armenian in AzerbaijanExperiencing Armenia as an Armenian from AzerbaijanAdvocating for Armenian Families and ChildrenThoughts on the condition of Artsakh, and ArmeniaThe projects in progress at Astvatsaturian.org, Anna’s 501c3 charity organization.Guest:Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte is an Armenian-American author, city counselor, human rights advocate, and also a refugee from her original city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, which her family fled, as violence mounted against Armenians.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 153 | Recorded on Sunday, August 10, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - August 7, 2022Topics:Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh AgainArmenian & Artsakh Authorities Evacuating Berdzor & Aghavno PopulationAvetik Chalabyan Re-arrestedGuests:Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan - TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 152 | Recorded: Monday, August 8, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

This is a live recording of our Twitter Spaces discussion from August 7, 2022 with Alison Tahmizian Meuse who joined us from Aghavno.The situation in Berdzor/Aghavno is quite concerning as residents were told to vacate their homes, their town and their homeland by August 25.Guest: Alison Tahmizian MeuseHosts:- Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan- Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 151 | Recorded on August 7, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Situation Around Berdzor with Hakob Hakobyan and Davit GalstyanԻրավիճակը Բերձորի շուրջ Հակոբ Հակոբյանի և Դավիթ Գալստյանի հետGuests / Հյուրեր:Hakob Hakobyan, co-chair of the Artsakh Justice Party.  Հակոբ Հակոբյան, Արցախի Արդարություն Կուսակցության նախագահ:David Galstyan, leader of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh. Դավիթ Գալստյան, Արցախի Հանրապետության Ազգային Ժողովի պատգամավոր և «Արդարություն» խմբակցության ղեկավար։Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 150 | Recorded on August 7, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - July 31, 2022Topics:Tehran 2022 Trilateral Summit“Normalization” or Pax Turkiana?EU - Azerbaijan gas dealDiaspora Personae Non-GrataGuests:Yeghia Tashjian - TW/@yeghigHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 149 | Recorded: Monday, July 31, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - July 17, 2022Topics:CIA Chief in ArmeniaArmy Chief AppointedArmen Grigorian Dies in CourtMourad Papazian is Denied Entry in ArmeniaBayramov and Mirzoyan in TbilisiGuests:Tevan Poghosyan - TW/@TevanPoghosyanHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 148 | Recorded: Monday, July 19, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian News Network/Groong: Current Topics with the Mayor of Glendale - July 14, 2022A Conversation with Ardy KassakhianTopics:- Mayor and Councilman of Glendale- June 2022 Elections- US National Politics- Armenian-American Political Advocacy- Turkish-Armenian “Normalization”- Relations between Glendale and ArmeniaGuest: Ardashes ‘Ardy’ Kassakhian is a Glendale City Councilman and the current mayor of Glendale.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@hovikyerevanEpisode 147 | Recorded on Wednesday, July 13, 2022Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220714.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - July 10, 2022Topics:Developments in the Regional GeopoliticsWatch your Internets!Guests:Hrant Mikaelian / TW/@Hrant_MDr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 146 | Recorded: Monday, July 11, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Armenian Diaspora Survey - July 9, 2022Topics:What is the ArmenianDiasporaSurvey.com?Survey ResourcesSurvey Objectives and BenefitsWhy Diaspora Armenians should take the SurveyGuests:Sedda Antekelian is a Learning and Development Specialist at the USC Shoah Foundation Institute and a doctoral student in USC Rossier's Global Executive Doctor of Education program.Gegham Mughnetsyan is the Chitjian Researcher Archivist at the USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies, and a specialist in International Affairs, focusing on Peace and Conflict, and US foreign policy toward Nagorno Karabakh. Host:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 145 | Recorded on Saturday, July 9, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 26, 2022Topics:Who killed the OSCE Minsk Group?Murders in AparanArthur Vanetsyan Resigns from ParliamentGagik Jhangiryan in the Line of FireGuests:* Hrant Mikaelian / TW/@Hrant_MHost:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 144 | Recorded: Monday, June 27, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220626.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 19, 2022Topics:Did the Opposition Blink?Scandal in the SJCMore “Peace” Talks, More Border ShootingsGuests:Tevan Poghosyan / TW/@TevanPoghosyanHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 143 | Recorded: Monday, June 20, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 12, 2022Topics:The Opposition’ Activates PoliticsRussia Revises its Parukh ResponseWar DividendsCaucasus Barometer Survey TakeawaysGuests:Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_MHost:Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 142 | Recorded: Monday, June 13, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 5, 2022Topics:00:00 Introduction02:52 Yerevan Protests Continue24:30 State of Negotiations on Artsakh42:27 MPG Gallup Poll Results44:14 RantsGuests:Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 141 | Recorded: Monday, June 6, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220605.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 29, 2022Topics:Russia’s Geopolitics: We’ll get an update on the war as well as trying to understand what Russia’s endgame is in Ukraine and how it may affect our region.Armenia-Russia Relations: Next, we try to understand the dynamics of Armenia-Russian relations as well as the outlook for the future.Israeli Interests and Armenia: Lastly, taking advantage of our guest’s area of expertise, we look at Israeli-Armenian relations, the history of failures in this area and what is needed for Armenia to finally start to derive some benefits from working in this complex environment.Guest:Dr. Sergei Melkonian, who is an expert at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), He has worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and has served as assistant to President of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, on Russia and Middle East politics. He is CEO and Chief Editor of the Analytical Portal «International Studies», and a co-founder of the “Armenian Project” NGO.Host:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 140 | Recorded: Monday, May 30, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220529.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 22, 2022Topics:“Agenda of Peace” Negotiations ContinueState of the Opposition ProtestsIran-Armenia RelationsOSCE Leaders Meeting in MoscowGuest:Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 139 | Recorded: Monday, May 23, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Armenian Diaspora Survey - May 21, 2022Topics:What is the ArmenianDiasporaSurvey.com?Sponsor and Admin teamsSurvey DetailsWhy Diaspora Armenian should take the SurveyGuests:Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, a sociologist, is the Director of the Armenian Diaspora Survey project. He is Associate of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford in the UK. Dr. Ayda Erbal is an adjunct instructor of political science at New York University, She is the Survey Manager in the New York/New Jersey region and leading the social media campaign for the survey. Host:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 138 | Recorded on Wednesday, May 20, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 15, 2022Topics:Continuing Opposition Protests in Yerevan5 + 6: Armenia’s “Response” to AzerbaijanLebanon Elections 2022Guests:Dr. Ohannes GeukjianArthur G. MartirosyanHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanKatia Peltekian / TW/@KatiaPeltekianAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 137 | Recorded: Tuesday, May 16, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANCA Advocacy Agenda 2022 - MaY 13, 2022A Conversation with ARAM SUREN HAMPARIANTopics:The US/Turkey F-35/F-16 FalloutUS Aid to Armenia and ArtsakhThe Armenian Genocide Education BillDr. Oz is Mehmet OzThe US Election Cycles of 2022 and 2024Guest:Aram Suren Hamparian is the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 136 | Recorded on Wednesday, May 12, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 8, 2022Topics:- Mass Protests Growing in Yerevan- FM Mirzoyan in Washington DC- Normalization Round 3Guest:- Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:- Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan- Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 135 | Recorded: Tuesday, May 10, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220508.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 1, 2022Topics:“Peace Agenda” in MotionIt’s not the Crime, It’s the Cover UpOpposition Initiates Civil DisobedienceWhat a Nice PM Armenia Has! 🤥Guest:Tevan Poghosyan TW/@TevanPoghosyanHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 134 | Recorded: Monday, May 2, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - April 24, 2022Topics:April 24, Never Forget!Aliyev and Pashinyan in BrusselsPashinyan in MoscowGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 133 | Recorded: Monday, April 25, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - April 10, 2022Topics:- Opposition Protests in Yerevan: Thousands showed up to the opposition protest on Tuesday, outlining the red lines for Pashinyan’s dealings with Aliyev, ahead of the meeting in Brussels. Opposition says this is only the beginning, but have yet to indicate what their next steps will be.- Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels: Pashinyan went to Brussels this week to meet with Charles Michel and Ilham Aliyev. Did the Armenian PM firmly set his foot down and demand Azerbaijan withdraw from Karaglukh? Will our POWs come back soon? Or did Pashinyan just eat his Azeri vegemite sandwich and come back home?- Working for the man: The last time one of our guests Alison was on the show, she was hoping to help advise the Armenian government. We’ll hear about her experiences since we last spoke, and what kind of room Armenia has to maneuver in this complicated geopolitical situation.- War and the Armenian Economic Outlook: With our analyst, we’ll look at some economic problems stemming from the larger war in the region. - New MPG polls on Ukraine, Artsakh: The results of the newest MPG poll are out, with questions on Armenian sentiments about the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical issues. Are Armenians truly keen on opening the border with Turkey, with or without Turkish preconditions. Stay tuned to hear more.- Alison in Artsakh: And lastly today, we’ll talk about the situation in Artsakh with Alison, who just returned from a weekend trip. She will share with us her impressions of her first time back since the war. Guests:- Alison Tahmizian Meuse- Hrant MikaelianHost:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 132 | Recorded: Monday, April 11, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - April 3, 2022Topics:  - Ukraine Crisis Update  - Parukh-Brussels-MoscowGuest:- Pietro ShakarianHost:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 131 | Recorded: Sunday, April 4, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220403.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 27, 2022Topics:  -  Azerbaijan Incursions into Askeran Region  - Artsakh Still Without Natural Gas  - Pax AzerianaGuest:  - Varuzhan Geghamyan TW/@GVaruzhanHost:  - Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan  - Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 129 | Recorded: Monday, March 28, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 20, 2022Topics:Azerbaijan’s “Peace” DealArtsakh Without Natural Gas in WinterUkraine Protests in YerevanVardenis Mayoral Elections ResolvedGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 129 | Recorded: Sunday, March 21, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 13, 2022Topics:Renewed Hostilities in ArtsakhUpdate on UkraineFM “Arabat” Mirzoyan in AntalyaGuest:Dr. Pietro ShakarianHost:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 128 | Recorded: Sunday, March 13, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220313.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The State of Armenia’s Economy - March 10, 2022A Conversation with Vache GabrielyanTopics:Risk from the Ukraine WarPandemic, War and Beyond EconomyNormalization with Turkey and Corridor EconomicsGuest:Dr. Vache Gabrielyan who is the Dean of the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics at the American University of Armenia and specializes in public administration and economics. Since 2008, he has served as Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia, Minister of Finance, Minister-Chief of the Government Staff, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia, and the Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@hovikyerevanEpisode 127 | Recorded on Thursday, March 9, 2022Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220310.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 6, 2022Topics:Ukraine War and Effects on ArmeniaArmenia Shuffles GeneralsSecond Normalization MeetingArmenian Parliament Elects New PresidentGuest:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHost:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 126 | Recorded: Sunday, March 6, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 27, 2022Topics:Developments in the Ukraine CrisisDonetsk, Luhansk. Artsakh?Aliyev in MoscowEuronest in YerevanGuest:Pietro ShakarianYeghia Tashjian TW/@yeghigHost:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 125 | Recorded: Sunday, February 27, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Regional Challenges - February 26, 2022A Conversation with Tatev HayrapetyanTopics:Tatev’s Background and Entrance into PoliticsArmenia Going in the Wrong Direction?Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day WarThe Shushi and Moscow AgreementsArmenia’s Foreign Affairs EstablishmentGuest:Tatev Hayrapetyan is an expert in Azerbaijani studies and holds a PhD in History. She was an MP at the 7th convocation of Armenia's National Assembly, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Armenian Delegation at the PACE. She is mainly focused on domestic developments in Azerbaijan, particularly examining the impact of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict on internal politics.Hosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 124 | Recorded on Friday, February 25, 2022Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20220226.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Roundup on the Ukraine Crisis - February 22, 2022Topics:Why did Putin Recognize Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts as Independent Republics?Is Putin Trying to Recreate the USSR?Is “The West” a Homogeneous Political Bloc?What are the Objectives of the US?Guest:Dr. Pietro Shakarian, who is a Lecturer in History at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. His research focuses on the history of Soviet Armenia and the Caucasus.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 123 | Recorded on Friday, February 22, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

2021-ի «Շուշիի Հռչակագիրը»A Conversation in Armenian with Mihran Hakobyan (in Armenian)Topics:- 2րդ Արցախեան պատերազմի հիմնական պատճառները- ՀՀ Դիվանագիտական/Ռազմավարական ձախողումները- Շուշիի համաձայնագրի հիմնական բաղադրիչները և սպառնալիքներ- Ռուսաստանի և Իրանի երկարաժամկետ շրջանային եւ աշխարհաքաղաքական նպատակներըGuest:- Mihran Taroni Hakobyan is an Armenian historian and a PhD Candidate in Historical Sciences. He is a civic activist, and member of the Armenian National Assembly of the 6th convocation (non-partisan, "RPA/HHK" faction).- Միհրան Տարոնի Հակոբյան, հայ պատմաբան (պատմական գիտությունների թեկնածու), քաղաքական գործիչ, և 6-րդ գումարման ազգային ժոլովի պատգամավոր (անկուսակցական , «ՀՀԿ» խմբակցություն).Hosts:- Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan- Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqVoskanapat on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voskanapat/Episode 122 | Recorded on November 3, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 20, 2022Topics:Ukraine: Biden’s Tunnel of CrisisAzeri Commission to Destroy Armenian HeritageArtsakh Law on Occupied TerritoriesAzerbaijan Wants to Arrest Artsakh PresidentIRI Poll Results RevisitedGuest:Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_mHost:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 121 | Recorded: Sunday, February 20, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Political Topics with Edmon Marukyan - February 18, 2022Topics:Constitutional Change CommissionArtsakh Law on Occupied TerritoriesState of Bright Armenia PartyTurkish-Armenian NormalizationGuest:Edmon Marukyan, who is a lawyer by profession and the leader of the Bright Armenia party (Լուսավոր Հայաստան). He was a member of the fifth, sixth and seventh convocations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia from 2012 till 2021. He’s also a member of the newly formed commission to amend the constitution.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 120 | Recorded on Friday, February 18, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 13, 2022Topics:* 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 YerevanGuests:* Benyamin PoghosyanHosts:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 119 | Recorded: Sunday, February 14, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220213.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - February 6, 2022Topics:* The Continuing Ukraine Crisis    * Putin in Beijing, Erdogan in Kyiv, Pashinyan at Olympic Diplomacy?* Civil Contract Nominates Vahagn Khachatryan for President* New IRI Poll ResultsGuests:* Dr. Pietro ShakarianHosts:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 119 | Recorded: Sunday, February 8, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220206.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Legal & Human Rights Developments in ArmeniaA Conversation with Ruben MelikyanRuben Melikyan was formerly Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman, and prior to that he was rector of the Justice Academy of Armenia. In 2019, Melikyan co-founded and currently leads the “Path of Law” NGO. Իրավական ուղի in Armenian.TopicsDecisions of the International Court of JusticeTurkish-Armenian “Normalization”More Constitutional ChangesCivil Contract Appoints new HR Ombudsman for ArmeniaContinuing Harassment of Opposition LeadersLegislating Away Civil LibertiesHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 117 | Recorded on Thursday, February 3, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 30, 2022Topics:Game of Chicken over UkraineAntalya Diplomatic ForumArmy Day in ArmeniaArmenian Ministry of Foreign AffairsGuests:Suren SargsyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 116 | Recorded: Sunday, January 30, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian Songs for ChildrenBedros Afeyan talks with Isabel BayrakdarianTopics:Journey Back to Armenian MusicMusical Harmony Between Armenian Music and Classical CanonResearching, Teaching and Choosing SongsIsabel’s Favorites and InfluencesGuest:Isabel Bayrakdarian TW/@IBsopranoHosts:Dr. Bedros AfeyanSong list & timestampsKomitas - Sleep My Child - Lullaby – 00:00Komitas - Six Children’s Songs – 01:35Ganachian - The Swallow – 27:03Gomidas - Little Wooden Horse –  29:06Tumajan - Cradle Song - Lullaby from Putanya –  41:57 & 45:00 & 46:42Ganachian – Peaceful Night – 56:12Tumajan - 2 Playsongs from Agn Region – 65:43Tumajan - Orrim - Lullaby from Putanya –  70:50Ganachian - Serenade – 76:03Ganachian - Bjingo –  77:11Episode 115 | Recorded on Sunday, January 23, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 23, 2022Topics:* 00:00 Introduction * 01:04 President Armen Sarkissian Resigns* 20:46 Russia-NATO Standoff over Ukraine* 47:55 Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of ComedyGuests:* Dr. Pietro ShakarianHosts:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 114 | Recorded: Sunday, January 25, 2022Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220123.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 16, 2022Topics:Major incident on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Line of ContactTurkish-Armenian meeting in MoscowGuests:Edgar Elbakyan TW/@ElbakyanEdgarHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 113 | Recorded: Sunday, January 17, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - January 9, 2022Topics:Color Me KazakhstanTurkish-Armenian Normalization Meeting on January 14Guests:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_PoghosPietro ShakarianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 112 | Recorded: Sunday, January 9, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Turkish-Armenian Normalization NegotiationsA Conversation with Harut SassounianHarut Sassounian has been the publisher of The California Courier newspaper since 1983. He is also the President of the Armenia Artsakh Fund, a non-profit organization which has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh $947 million of humanitarian assistance since 1989. He is currently engaged in forming the Diaspora Armenian Parliament through local elections.TopicsHistory of Turkish-Armenian Attempts are NegotiationsWho are The Players?Why Now? What’s on the Agenda?What are the Pitfalls and Opportunities?Diaspora vis-à-vis the Armenian RepublicHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 111 | Recorded on Friday, January 7, 2022Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 26, 2021Topics:* Nikol Pashinyan holds a press conference* Robert Kocharyan holds a press conference* The Yerevan Mayor SagaGuests:* Tevan Poghosyan TW/@ TevanPoghosyanHosts:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 110 | Recorded: Sunday, December 27, 2021Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211226.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Thirty Years After the USSR* Dr. Pietro Shakarian is a Lecturer in history at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan. His research focuses on the history of Eastern Armenia and the Caucasus, especially Soviet Armenia during the era of Nikita Khrushchev’s Thaw. His analyses on Russia and the former Soviet region have appeared in The Nation, The Plain Dealer, the Russian International Affairs Council, Hetq, and more.Topics:* How did the USSR Dissolve, who were the personalities behind it?* Did Ethnic Nationalism Have a Hand in it?* Did Ronald Reagan Defeat the Soviet Union?* What are the Geopolitical, Democracy, Historical Memory Legacies of the FSU in the Former Soviet Republics?* Was the Dissolution Inevitable?Hosts:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 109 | Recorded on Sunday, December 26, 2021Show notes: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20211226.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 19, 2021Topics:Turkish-Armenian normalizationBrussels SproutsArmen Grigoryan in Washington DCThe Armenian Project - US TourAnalyst RantsGuests:Varuzhan Geghamyan TW/@GVaruzhanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 108 | Recorded: Sunday, December 20, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Anar Valiyev and Benyamin Poghosyan discuss stumbling blocks in post-war negotiationsGuests:Dr. Anar Valiyev, Associate Professor at Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy (ADA) University in Baku.Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of Yerevan-based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.Topics:Artsakh Status (@4:54)Is the conflict really “solved” (@11:04)Opening of Communications (@38:52)Corridor for Corridor (@46:32)“Unimpeded” Access (@50:15)Russia’s regional role (@53:16)Turkey’s regional role (@58:48)3+3 or 3+2 Format (@1:02:06)Recap (@1:26:59)Description:In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking with two specialists from Armenia and from Azerbaijan, and explore their views and perspectives on the problems and solutions they envision for long-term peace between the neighbors.Why is there a need to have such a discussion right now? The temperature of the post-war negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan has reached a boiling point, with Azerbaijan’s president Aliyev issuing ultimatums and demands for dates for Armenia to open “corridors” for Azerbaijan. In trying to create a more informed Armenian public about these negotiations, we hope that such discussions can clarify what the sides are saying to each other, and what the sides are hearing from each other.Since the second war in Artsakh in 2020, also known as the 44-Day war, which culminated in the signing of the November Agreement by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, the three countries have been negotiating the fulfillment of that agreement. The agreement contained 9 points, of which the first 5 are primarily complete, 6 and 7 are more or less in progress, but 8 and 9 continue to be deeply problematic despite intensive and contentious yearlong negotiations.Point 8 is about the exchange of all prisoners of war (POWs). It should have been a simple and humanitarian exchange, but Azerbaijan had different ideas.Point 9 is about opening communication and transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan and then more widely throughout the region. Negotiations have been complex and frustrations have caused flare ups that have killed dozens more Armenian soldiers and citizens since the war ended.What are the perspectives and stumbling blocks that have prevented peace, a year after the war ended?Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 107 | Recorded on Tuesday, December 14, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 12, 2021Topics:Zoom for DemocracyDomestic PoliticsRegional PoliticsArtsakh Independence at 30Analyst RantsGuests:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghosPietro ShakarianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 106 | Recorded: Sunday, December 12, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - December 5, 2021Topics:* Regional Geopolitics* Turkmenistan / Iran gas swap deal* Opposition Fizzles Out. Again.Guests:* Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghosHosts:* Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan* Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 105 | Recorded: Sunday, December 5, 2021Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20211205.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 28, 2021Topics:Pashinyan Live on FacebookTrilateral in Sochi, Bilateral in BrusselsTurkish-Armenian “Normalization”Russian-Turkish “Co-opetition” in EurasiaGuests:Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_mYeghia Tashjian TW/@yeghigHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 104 | Recorded: Sunday, November 28, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 21, 2021Topics:Russia-NATO escalationBorder escalationGoodbye Moscow, Hello Brussels!Protests in YerevanGuests:Pietro ShakarianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 103 | Recorded: Monday, November 22, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

State of the Armenian EconomyA Conversation with Vardan Aramyan - November 21, 2021The war initiated by Azerbaijan in the fall of 2020, amid the pandemic, further complicated an already complex economic situation in Armenia. And as the world economy recovers from Covid-19 related shocks, we wanted to understand Armenia’s own post-war and post-covid-19 economic situation.It is not an easy task to separate the wheat from the chaff of economic analysis given the highly polarized post-war Armenia, where many things in life are viewed through the lens of political affiliation, but we’ll attempt to do just that with our guest.GuestTo talk about the state of the Armenian economy we have a special guest today:Mr. Vardan Aramyan is the former Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia from 2016-2018. He is currently Senior Vice President for Finance and Economy at Vallex Group in Yerevan. Topics: - 2022 Budget and Economic Growth - Growth Sectors - Inflation - Corridor Economics - ArtsakhSee the extensive show notes on our website.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 102 | Recorded on Saturday, November 19, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Talking with Alison Tahmizian MeuseA veteran journalist who has recently shifted gears and also moved to the homeland.Alison Meuse is a graduate of the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. She is a French and Arabic speaker, and a veteran Middle East journalist, having worked over the past decade as a producer, correspondent and editor for major international publications including Agence France-Presse, NPR, and the Asia Times. She currently serves as a strategic advisor for the New Delhi-based consultancy DeepStrat and is newly based in Yerevan.Topics: - Intro to Alison- War in Artsakh- Twitter- Media Freedoms in ArmeniaHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq- Katia Peltekian TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 100: Recorded on Monday, November 15, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 7, 2021Topics:Armenia under wide scale attacks by AzerbaijanBorder PoliticsAzerbaijan Returns to the OSCE MGMunicipal elections Over the Past WeekendGuests:Arthur Martirosyan TW/@ArtMart96Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 101 | Recorded: Monday, November 16, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - November 7, 2021Topics:The War in Artsakh, One Year LaterErika Olson visits the South CaucasusInternal political developmentsGuests:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_PoghosHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 99 | Recorded: Monday, November 8, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The State of Affairs in LebanonA Conversation with Dr. Ohannes Geukjian and Vera YacoubianTopics:A year after the Beirut Explosion, what’s the state of investigations?Has Anyone been held Accountable?Who are the Internal and External Players in Lebanon?What’s the State and Future of the Armenian Community in Lebanon?Guests:Dr. Ohannes GeukjianVera YacoubianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqKatia Peltekian TW/@KatiaPeltekianEpisode 98: Recorded on Saturday, November 6, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Save Armenian MonumentsA Conversation with Virginia Davies and Heghnar WatenpaughTopics:One year after the War in Artsakh, the State of Armenian Monuments in Lands turned over to AzerbaijanWhat is Save Armenian Monuments?The Significance of Pilgrimage and Holy SitesArmenia and Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice - Is Intentional Cultural Destruction a form of Racial Discrimination?What Next Steps?Guests:Virginia Davies TW/@vdaviesnycHeghnar Watenpaugh TW/@HeghnarWHosts: - Simon Maghakyan TW/@simonforcoEpisode 97: Recorded on Tuesday, November 2, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - October 31, 2021Topics:Georgia’s Runoff ElectionsTurkish Drones in DonbasIran-Turkey TensionsThe G20 PaloozaGuests:Pietro ShakarianHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 96 | Recorded: October 31, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - October 24, 2021Topics:Yerevan’s “Positive Messages”Opposition Going Back to Street Rallies?Ruling Party Setbacks in Local ElectionsVano Siradeghyan DiesGuests:Tevan Poghosyan TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 92 | Recorded: October 25, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia’s Diplomacy and Regional CorridorsThe 44-day War in Artsakh ended with Armenia signing a document of capitulation in November of 2020. The three signatories, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, agreed to implement a number of points to maintain the ceasefire, and work towards a longer lasting peace deal in the region.In the past month, there’s been a flurry of diplomatic activity around Armenia, with the foreign ministers from Georgia, Iran, India, all visiting and meeting with Armenia’s top officials, and of course Armenia’s officials have visited other countries, like the US, Russia, and have met with their top diplomats as well as the EU, France and Azerbaijan.How is Armenia’s diplomacy navigating the “Corridor Politics” and what are the prospects for a peaceful neighborhood?To discuss the region’s prospects for peace, we have with us:Varuzhan Geghamyan, who is an assistant professor at Yerevan State University and teaches on Turkey’s modern history and the history of Azerbaijan.Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 93 | Recorded: October 18, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - October 17, 2021Topics:A Flurry of Diplomatic ActivityResults from Tavush, Shirak and SyunikVaccination in ArmeniaTrust in the Authorities about Information from Border AreasGuests:Hrant Mikaelian TW/@hrant_mHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 92 | Recorded: October 18, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - October 3, 2021Topics:Saakashvili Back in GeorgiaPutin, Erdogan, in SochiOSCE Minsk Group in Artsakh?Tonoyan, Galstyan in JailHovik in StepanakertGuests:Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@benyamin_poghosPietro ShakarianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqHovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanEpisode 91 | Recorded: October 3, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - September 26, 2021Topics:The One-year anniversary of The War in ArtsakhCan the Opposition Reorganize?Turkish-Armenian Possible RapprochementGuests:Tevan Poghosyan TW/@TevanPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode 90 | Recorded: September 27, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - September 19, 2021Topics:Independence DayPashinyan’s Turkish overturesGoris-Kapan highway closureGuests:Pietro ShakarianHost:Hovik ManucharyanEpisode #89 | Recorded: September 20, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - September 5, 2021Topics:Pashinyan & Co. Shun Artsakh IndependenceTurkey-Armenia Reconciliation Reconstituted?Afghanistan: Taliban 2.0?State of World AffairsState of Political AnalysisGuests:Asbed Kotchikian TW/@AsbedKHosts:Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriqEpisode #88 | Recorded: September 3, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - August 29, 2021Topics:Road to Syunik Blocked and Unblocked5-Year Plan ApprovedParliamentary DynamicsGuests:Beniamin Poghosyan / TW: @BpoghosyanHosts:Asbed Bedrossian / TW: @qubriqEpisode 87 | Recorded: August 29, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - August 22, 2021Topics:The Government’s 5-Year PlanIs Russia Rearming Armenia? Artsakh?Press Freedoms Curtailed in ParliamentTopics from the PanelistsProfessionalism in PoliticsCOVID ComplacenceGuests:Asbed Kotchikian @Asbed_KHrant Mikaelian @Hrant_datablogHosts:Asbed Bedrossian @qubriqEpisode 86 | Recorded: August 22, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - August 15, 2021Topics:Lebanon in CrisisTaliban Takes Over Afghanistan8th Convocation of the ParliamentDevelopments around ArtsakhGuests:Asbed Kotchikian - twitter.com/AsbedKKatia Peltekian - twitter.com/KatiaPeltekianBenyamin Poghosyan - twitter.com/BeniaminPoghosyanAsbed Kotchikian is an Associate Professor of political science and international relations at the American University of Armenia.Benyamin Poghosyan is the chairman of the Center For Political and Economic Strategic Studies, a Yerevan based think tank. He was deputy director of the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the Ministry of Defense in 2010-2016 and the Vice President for Research, at the National Defense Research University from 2016 to 2019. Katia Peltekian has been teaching at the American University of Beirut since 1988. She has published two books which compile newspaper articles and reports from the Genocide years published in the Canadian and British press. Katia has been compiling news for the Armenian News Network Groong since 1999.Hosts:Hovik Manucharyan - twitter.com/HovikYerevanEpisode 85 | Recorded: August 16, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - August 1, 2021Topics:Continued Instability along Armenia-Azerbaijan BordersNational Assembly Commission on the 44-Day WarFirst Session of the 8th Session of the Armenian ParliamentGuests:Asbed Kotchikian @Asbed_KBenyamin Poghosyan @BeniaminPoghosyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian @qubriqEpisode 84 | Recorded: August 2, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Unblocking The South Caucasus, Fact or Fiction?A conversation with Areg Danagoulian and Emil SanamyanRecording of live Clubhouse conversationAs part of the November 9th Agreement, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a number of points, one of which was the unblocking of all transportation routes in the region and opening unfettered access between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan. The specific wording of Article 9 goes as follows:All economic and transport connections in the region shall be unblocked. The Republic of Armenia shall guarantee the security of transport connections between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to arrange unobstructed movement of persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions. The Border Guard Service of the Russian Federal Security Service shall be responsible for overseeing the transport connections.”Note that the agreement does not provide for a physical corridor, but rather unfettered access to be overseen by “FSB.”  This point in the agreement has led to much contention and consternation. While Azerbaijan and Turkey have been talking about reopening of borders, Armenia has refused so far to provide the said transportation link.Guests:- Dr. Areg Danagulian - https://twitter.com/varpetareg- Emil Sanamyan - https://twitter.com/emil_sanamyanDr. Areg Danagulian is an Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT. He is currently working on new, monochromatic methodologies for cargo screening as well as technologies for nuclear arms control treaty verification via resonant phenomena and physical cryptography.Emil Sanamyan is a senior research fellow at USC’s Institute of Armenian Studies specializing in the politics of the Caucasus.Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 83 | Recorded: June 14, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Calls for a Commission to Analyze the Defeat in the 2020 Artsakh WarA Conversation with Dr. Simon Saradzhyan, Arthur G. Martirosyan, and Tevan PoghosyanThe 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 capability of Armenia to defend Artsakh, and Armenia itself, were shattered on November 9, with the signing of the trilateral ceasefire statement. A group of more than 10 academics and researchers recently published a lengthy set of questions that are proposed as a basis for a fact-finding commission to investigate the causes and results of the war. The document can be found on the web at armeniacommission.orgGuests- Dr. Simon Saradzhyan - https://twitter.com/saradzhyan- Arthur G. Martirosyan - https://twitter.com/ArtMart96- Tevan Poghosyan - https://twitter.com/TevanPoghosyanDr. Simon Saradzhyan is the founding director of the Russia Matters Project at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and also helps advance the center’s U.S.-Russia Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism. His research interests include national power, military interventions, arms control, counterterrorism, and the foreign, defense, and security policies of Russia and other post-Soviet states and their relations with great powers. Prior to joining Harvard, Dr. Saradzhyan worked as a researcher, consultant, and journalist in Russia for 15 years, including as an editor of The Moscow Times.Arthur G. Martirosyan is a Senior Consultant with CM Partners. In 1994, after graduating from Yale University, he joined Conflict Management Group and Harvard Negotiation Project, and has since worked on conflicts in the former Soviet Union, Middle East, the Balkans, Africa and Latin America.Tevan Poghosyan is president of the International Center for Human Development in Yerevan. Mr. Poghosyan was an MP in the National Assembly between 2012 and 2017 from the Heritage party. From 1997 to 1999 he served as the Nagorno-Karabakh Public Affairs Office Director in Washington, D.C.Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 82 | Recorded: July 30, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - July 25, 2021Topics:Escalation in Yeraskh“Peace Treaty” at GunpointEmigration out of ArmeniaTrip Report from Our GuestsGuests:Varuzhan GeghamyanHrant MikaelianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 81 | Recorded: July 26, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenian Foreign policy Between War and PeaceA Conversation with Dr. Pietro Shakarian and Yeghia TashjianTopics:* Sparring Partners: Moscow and Ankara* Yerevan’s Diplomatic Dilemmas* Aliyev’s Appetite and AmbitionsGuests* Dr. Pietro Shakarian* Yeghia TashjianHosts:* Hovik Manucharyan* Asbed BedrossianEpisode 80 | Recorded: July 22, 2021 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20210722.htmlSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - July 18, 2021Topics:Constitutional Court Decisions on Election ResultsNew Pashinyan AppointmentsMore Threats from AzerbaijanRussian Generals in Yerevan AgainGuests:SurenSargsyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 79 | Recorded: July 19, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - July 11, 2021Topics:  - Putin / Pashinyan meeting  - Constitutional Court Challenge  - Forging Steel out of Velvet  - Groong Podcast’s Year-in-ReviewGuests: Asbed KotchikianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianWebsite: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20210711.htmlEpisode 78 | Recorded: July 11, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Preserving Armenian HeritageTopics:What is Armenian Art and Architecture?Where does Artsakh’s Heritage fit in the larger Armenian picture?What Armenian Heritage fell under Azerbaijani Control in 2020?What is Caucasus Heritage Watch and What does it do?What can International Organizations do for Artsakh?How do International Instruments fail in Preserving Armenian Heritage? Host:Simon Maghakyan is an independent researcher of cultural destruction and lecturer in International Relations at the University of Colorado Denver.GuestsLori Khatchadourian is Associate Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Cornell University and co-director of the Caucasus Heritage Watch satellite monitoring project. Christina Maranci is Arthur H. Dadian and Ara T. Oztemel Professor of Armenian art and architectural history and Chair of the Department of the History of Art and Architecture at Tufts University. Episode 77 | Recorded: June 16, 2021 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 27, 2021Topics:Armenian Elections RecapProtests in ArtsakhGuests:Hrant MikaelianEmil SanamyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 76 | Recorded: June 27, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

How to Explain The MPG Polling Discrepancy With Election Results?A Conversation (in Armenian) with Aram NavasardyanGuest: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.--Ինչպե՞ս բացատրել MPG- ի հարցումների անհամապատասխանությունը ընտրությունների արդյունքների հետԶրույց Արամ Նավասարդյանի հետՀյուր:Արամ Նավասարդյանը MPG- ի տնօրենն է որը հանդիսանում է Gallup International Association- ի անդամ և հիմնական հետազոտական կազմակերպություններից մեկն եր 2021 թվականի հունիսի խորհրդարանական ընտրությունների նախընտրական քարոզարշավի ընթացում:Hosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 75 | Recorded: June 21, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 20, 2021Topics:Armenia’s ElectionsBehind The Scenes with Armenia and AzerbaijanErdogan in AzerbaijanBiden Meets Erdogan, then PutinGuests:Asbed Kotchikian @AsbedK@Emil_SanamyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian @QubriqEpisode 74 | Recorded: June 20, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Analyzing Party Platforms in June 20 Parliamentary ElectionsA Conversation with Robert MarkarianGuest:Robert Markarian was born in Iran and has university education in physics and law. For 25 years, he has worked as a host, editor, and analyst on Armenian Radio Hour in Iran’s public radio and television. He has cooperated articles covering Armenia and Artsakh in Armenian, Persian, and English published by Iranian and Armenian sites and analytical centers.Conversation in English and ArmenianTopics:Security/DefenseEconomy and SocialArtsakhDiaspora RelationsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 73 | Recorded: June 12, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Aleksandr Khachaturyan on the 2021 Armenian ElectionsGuest:Aleksandr Khachaturyan who is a Managing Partner at TK & Partners, in Yerevan. In 2016 he served as an advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, and was CEO of the Center for Strategic Initiatives, advising the government on key economic and public administration reforms and strategies. He serves as a board member at ID Bank and various non-profits, and lectures on corporate finance law at the French University of Armenia (FUA). He holds law degrees from Boston University, FUA, and Jean Moulin Lyon 3.Topics:- Hayastan Dashink (Armenia Alliance) Platform- Economy: Current State and Way Forward- Military-Industrial Complex, Financing Modernization of Army- Armenia-Diaspora Relations- IT Sector- Opening Border With Turkey?Hosts:- Hovik Manucharyan- Asbed Bedrossian Episode 72 | Recorded: June 18, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Hayastan Dashinq, Elections and Postwar OutlookGuestAspram 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 party representatives. She holds an MSt in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford and an LLM from the Geneva Academy of the International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Her research interests lie in international law with a focus on the interplay between international humanitarian law and human rights, use of force, including the conduct of hostilities, the right to self-determination, secession and territorial integrity. She also has interests in contemporary Armenian foreign policy and international relations.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.Topics- Elections- War- Foreign AffairsHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 71 | Recorded: June 7, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 13, 2021Topics:Meltdown at the Ministry of Foreign AffairsPhilip Reeker’s Visit to the Region15 POWs Return HomeLatest Election Poll ResultsGuests:Asbed KotchikianTevan PoghosyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 70 | Recorded: June 13, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ARF-Dashnaktsutyun: Roadmap and ChallengesGuestGiro Manoyan has been a member of the ARF-D Bureau since 2015. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, he moved to Montreal, Canada in 1976. He has served as the Executive Secretary of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, as well as the Editor in Chief of the Horizon Armenian Weekly. In 1999 he moved to Yerevan and has served as the Executive Director of the Bureau of the ARF-D, in charge of the Armenian Cause, Hai Tahd Central Committee.TopicsThe ARF in the Politics of ArmeniaOn the War in 2020On the Upcoming Elections in 2021On the Internal Strife within the ARFHosts:Asbed KotchikianHovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 69 | Recorded: June 7, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia, Superpowers and The New Cold WarA Conversation with:Guest:Dr. Pietro Shakarian, who is a Cleveland-based historian of Russia and the Soviet Union, with a focus on Soviet Armenia and the Caucasus during the era of Nikita Khrushchev’s Thaw.TopicsDemocracy-building in the Post Soviet SpaceNATO and expansionRussia in the CaucasusChina and the New Silk Road through Iran and GeorgiaHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian @QubriqEpisode 68 | Recorded: June 4, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Iran: Foreign Relations and Upcoming Elections (in Armenian)A Conversation with Robert MarkarianThe South Caucasus comprises Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The three regional powers surrounding them are Russia to the north, Turkey to the west, and Iran in the south.Iran has been largely quiet about events on its northern border with Armenia and Azerbaijan, due largely to its marginalization on the world stage because of the Western economic sanctions but also because Iran is home to millions of ethnic Azeris and any perceived support for Armenia could result in additional political instability at home.Yet, Iran is hugely influential, and Armenian-Iranian relations have been largely positive in modern times, especially in the post-Soviet era. So how should we view our relations with Iran today, and especially in the past year? And what should we expect in the future?Guest:Robert Markarian, who has degrees in physics and law from Tehran University, and has published several political articles about Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh in Armenian and Persian newspapers and political journals such as Alik, Iranian Diplomacy, IRAS (The Institute for Iran-Eurasia Studies), IPSC (International Peace Studies Center) and The California Courier.  His articles in Armenian, Farsi and English are available on robertmarkarian.com. He studies and has presented on the position of the Iranian Government and scientific-research centers on the conflict around Nagorno Karabakh at conferences such as the Pan-Armenian Conference of Political Scientists and International Relations Experts (November, 2012) and more.HostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianTranslation from Armenian to English by Martin Adamian.Episode 67 | Recorded: May 28, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - June 6, 2021Topics:* Kocharyan Closes in on Pashinyan in Election Polls* Pashinyan Visits EuropeGuests:* Asbed Kotchikian* Emil SanamyanHosts:* Asbed Bedrossian* Hovik ManucharyanWebsite: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20210606.htmlEpisode 65 | Recorded: May 30, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 30, 2021Topics:Continued Tensions on the Eastern BorderLatest IRI and MPG Polls on the Armenian ElectionsElection PoliticsGuests:Hrant MikaelianGeorge TabakyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 65 | Recorded: May 30, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Iran: Foreign Relations and Upcoming Elections (in Armenian)A Conversation with Robert MarkarianԻրան: Արտաքին Հարաբերուտյուններ, գալիք ընտրություններԶրույց Ռոբերտ Մարգարյանի հետGuest:Ռոբերտ Մարգարյանը ծնվել է Թեհրանում և ունի բարձրագույն կրթությունն ֆիզիկայի և իրավաբանության ոլորտներում: 25 տարի աշխատել է Իրանի պետական ռադիո-հեռուստատեսության հայերեն ռադիոժամում, որպես լուրերի հաղորդավար, խմբագիր և մեկնաբան: Հայաստանի և Արցախի թեմաներով հայերեն, պարսկերեն ու անգլերեն հոդվածներով համագործակցել է  իրանական ու հայկական կայքերի և հետազոտական հաստատությունների հետ: HostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 64 | Recorded: May 28, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

A Conversation with Narek Margaryan - 05/25/2021Guest:Narek Margaryan is an Armenian comedian, screenwriter and TV host. Along with his co-host Sergey Sargsyan, Narek stars in ArmComedy, a satiric news show series broadcast on Armenian television and on Youtube.HostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 63 | Recorded: April 25, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 23, 2021Topics:Border update, and Leaked documents Azerbaijan membership in the CSTO?New MPG Poll and ElectionsGuest:Emil SanamyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian @qubriqWeb page: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20210523.htmlRecorded: May 24, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 16, 2021Topics:Azerbaijan’s Incursion into SyunikLavrov’s Visit to Yerevan and BakuElectoral PoliticsGuests:Tatul HakobyanEmil SanamyanArtyom TonoyanHosts:Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian @qubriqEpisode 60 | Recorded: May 2, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - May 2, 2021Topics:Armenia-Russia Relations and the New Cold WarIran-Russia and Iran-Armenia RelationsElection Politics and the Latest MPG PollsSerge Sargsyan’s InterviewGuests:Marine Manucharyan @armolandPietro ShakarianHosts:Asbed Bedrossian @qubriqHovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevanEpisode 60 | Recorded: May 2, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - April 25, 2021Topics:- Nikol Pashinyan’s Roadmap & Snap Parliamentary Polls- The Visit to Syunik- Biden Recognizes the Armenian Genocide, Now What?- Update from Stepanakert- Are we Going to Mars?Guests:- Tevan Poghosyan- Emil SanamyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 59 | Recorded: April 25, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenians at Crossroads - 04/17/2021Topics:The Last Few Years in Armenian PoliticsThoughts on the Second War in ArtsakhWhat is the Role of the Diaspora?How do we get back on our Feet?Thoughts on the Current Rift in the ARFGuestDr. Viken Hovsepian holds a BA in Political Science from UCLA, and an MA and PhD in International Relations from USC. He has served on the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Bureau, the highest executive body of the Organization, and has been a member, and chairman of the ARF Western US Central Committee. In 2019, he helped establish the Pan Armenian Council in the Western US, and has authored many articles which have appeared in professional periodicals as well as the Armenian press.HostsAsbed KotchikianAsbed BedrossianEpisode 58 | Recorded: April 14, 2021 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - April 11, 2021Topics:- Mr. Pashinyan goes to Moscow- Election Politics- The POW debacle- A Coronavirus Update- The State of the EconomyGuests:- Asbed Kotchikian- Hrant MikaelianHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 57 | Recorded: April 12, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - April 4, 2021Topics:Kocharyan’s Prosecutors Won’t Go AwaySnap Electoral ReformsNew Gallup pollWhat’s Going on in Ukraine?GuestsAsbed KotchikianEmil SanamyanHosts- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 56 | Recorded: April 4, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 28, 2021Topics:* What’s Going on with the Armed Forces?    * Turkey: Enemy No More?    * What Just Happened in the General Staff?    * Morale and Readiness of the Armed Forces    * The Defense Budget* Report from SyunikGuests- George Tabakian- Karen VrtanesyanHosts- Hovik Manucharyan @HovikYerevan- Asbed Bedrossian @QubriqWebsite: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20210328.htmlEpisode 55 | Recorded: March 28, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - March 21, 2021Topics:Snap On - June 20th!Gas Through AzerbaijanMilitary Exercises by Armenia and AzerbaijanGuestsDavid DavidianEmil SanamyanHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 54 | Recorded: March 21, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍/𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 - 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics:- Newly Released IRI Poll Results- Armen Grigoryan’s Interview- Snap On, Snap Off!Guests- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧Hosts- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Episode 53 | Recorded on March 14, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Episode 52 - Feb 28, 2021Topics Covered:- Wait, Did Armenia Use the Iskander to Blow Up its Relations With Russia?- Wait, Was There a Coup?- The Opposition Picks up Steam- Wait, was The 737 Hijacked?Guests:- David Davidian- George TabakianYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik Manucharyanhttps://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20210228.htmlEpisode 52 | Recorded: February 28, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟓𝟏 - 𝐅𝐞𝐛 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics Covered:President Sargsyan’s InterviewLegislation to Criminalize Defamation of Government OfficialsAppointment of Acting Governors and Mayors during Martial LawOpposition Protests on Feb 20Govsagan, in the endGuests𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧 @asbedk𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 @armoland@𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥_𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐲𝐚𝐧Your Hosts:- 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧 @alenzam99- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 @QubriqEpisode 51 | Recorded: February 21, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 - 𝟎𝟐/𝟐𝟏/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics:- Was it an Earthquake?- Have Construction Codes Improved since 1988?- Do Contractors Comply with Regulations?- Is Armenia Ready for The Big One?- Is there Earthquake Preparedness in Armenia?- What Conversations are not Happening?Guest:- 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐢𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧 is a structural and civil engineering professor at UC Berkeley with research focus on earthquake engineering. He is a co-founder and was president of the American University of Armenia from 2014 until 2019.Host:- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Episode 50 | Recorded: February 19, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 49 - February 14, 2021Topics Covered:- Syunik Confidential - Developments in Artsakh - Snap elections flip flop Guests:- Emil Sanamyan- Alen ZamanyanYour Hosts:- Hovik Manucharyan- Asbed BedrossianRecorded: February 14, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍/𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟒𝟖 - 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics Covered:- Lost in Artsakh, Thirsty in Syunik- Amending the Law on Mass Media- Update on the Political Scene in Yerevan- Rising National Debt, Inflation and Interest RatesGuests- 𝐇𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐲𝐚𝐧Your Hosts:- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Recorded: February 7, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍/𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 - 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics Covered:- Another Constitutional Amendment?- Opposition Rising: New Bottle, Old Wine?- Iran’s FM Zarif on a Tour de Six- State of the Virus in Armenia- Armenia Fund Used to Shore up the Dram?Guests- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐇𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧Your Hosts:- 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Episode 47 | Recorded on January 31, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversation with Ruben Muradyan - 01/31/2021Experience being called up and participating in the warEthics of a security professional. What to do when a government member asks you to conduct greyhat (potentially unlawful or unethical) security?On the 2nd day of the war Ruben was called up to the army as part of an infantry company. - Can you describe your experience?- How were you drafted? And where did you serve?- What specialty did you have in the army?- What can you tell us about what you saw?- Why did we lose the war?Cyber Incidents During Artsakh WarAll modern wars are accompanied by cyber-activities. Can we talk about what this looked like during the 44-day war?Some major potential security incidents during the war: - Gov.am and Primeminister.am defacement- MFA compromise (or maybe it's part of a larger thing)- Metsamor NPP compromiseOut of tens of incidents registered by security experts, only a few were publicly acknowledged by the Armenian government and the results of such incidents were not published. Incidents varied and included defacement, denial of service attacks, leaks of personal information, as well as leaks of potentially sensitive data apparently from government agencies such as the foreign ministry and national security service.What was the potential for offensive cyber-security operations by Azerbaijan to be leveraged to achieve results directly on the battlefield? How about radio-electronic warfare itself?Is the lack of public response due to secrecy or is there a deeper issue such as being able to analyze incidents fully and understand their full impact.Lessons LearnedGiven Armenia’s need to restore military readiness especially in the areas of cyber-security, what are some key lessons for the Armenian side?- Institutionalized CERT that is independent from government.- Cyber-security divisions in all government institutions.- Acceptance and implementation of widely accepted NIST standards- Prioritize the most easy-to-implement steps first.Guests- Ruben Muradyan Your Hosts:- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/CoG-20210131.htmlEpisode 46 | Recorded on January 19, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍/𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 - 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics Covered:* Supreme Judicial Council Appointments* Turkish-Azerbaijan Military Exercises in Kars Region* Incoming US Secretary of State Tony Blinken on ArmeniaGuests- 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐲𝐚𝐧Your Hosts:- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Episode 45 | Recorded on January 24, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 - 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐇𝐊/𝐑𝐏𝐀’𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐧 - 𝟎𝟏/𝟏𝟗/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Following the trilateral Karabakh ceasefire of Nov 9, all major political forces in Armenia (be that parliamentary or extra-parliamentary, except for the ruling party) condemned Nikol Pashinyan’s agreement to the deal.The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) has been in control of successive governments (sometimes through coalitions) for over two and a half decades. The party lost its prominence in the December 2018 elections but remained a vocal extra-parliamentary opposition.Today we’re joined by:𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐧, who is the vice president of the Republican Party of Armenia. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Ashotyan was a member of the National Assembly, and chaired the Committee on Foreign Relations. From 2009 to 2017, Ashotyan served as Minister of Education and Science. In 2017, Ashotyan was elected to the parliament again and served there until the Dec 2018 snap parliamentary elections.Topics:- What took place in 2018?- Why did RPA support Vazgen Manukyan as PM candidate?- Nov. 9/10 ceasefire agreement & 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.Your Hosts:- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Episode 44 | Recorded on January 17, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - Episode 43 - Jan 17, 2021Topics Covered:- Outcomes from Nikol Pashinyan’s trip to Moscow- What is Azerbaijan’s geo-political situation after the war?- Domestic politics in Baku- Azerbaijan’s losses from the second war in ArtsakhGuests- Edgar Elbakyan- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil SanamyanYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanRecorded: January 17, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐡 𝐎𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐚𝐧 - 𝟎𝟏/𝟏𝟖/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏We’ll be discussing various legal and human-rights topics within the context of recent developments in Armenia.Our guest today is:𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐚𝐧 was formerly Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman and prior to that rector of the Justice Academy of Armenia. In 2019, Melikyan co-founded and currently leads the “Path of Law” NGO.We’ll be discussing various legal and human-rights topics within the context of recent developments in Armenia.Topics:- Why are there Armenian POWs still in Azerbaijan so long after the Nov. 9 ceasefire agreement?- On Constitutional Court judges being forced to resign- On Parliament’s endorsement of Gagik Jahangiryan’s appointment to the Supreme Judicial Council, and legal reforms- On the realignment of the Armenia-Azerbaijan line of contact, border demarcation and delineation, and verbal  agreementsYour Hosts:- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Episode 42 recorded on January 16, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧  - 𝟎𝟏/𝟏𝟑/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Since Nikol Pashinyan came to power in 2018, and prior to the Artsakh war of 2020, issues around the Armenian constitution and constitutional court have been in the center of public attention. These issues have been partly fueled by one of the most prominent legal cases in recent Armenian history, the March 1 trial against Armenian president Robert Kocharyan and military leadership at the time. We'll explore issues surrounding the March 1 case, as well as legal and specifically constitutional questions related to the Nov. 9 ceasefire declaration and subsequent events.Our guest today is:𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧, who is the author of over 20 scholarly articles in the field of Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedural Law. He is a PhD in Law, and is a member of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia. He’s founder and director of JP law firm and from 2011-2018 he was in state service at the Ombudsman’s office and the Constitutional Court. Vardevanyan is a member of Robert Kocharyan’s legal team.Topics:- About the criminal cases against Robert Kocharyan- Is PM Pashinyan’s signing of the Nov. 9 Agreement legal?- How can Armenia’s borders be changed?- What is the legal process to removing the Prime Minister?- How does diplomatic immunity work for the PM, presidents?- The Armenian government is withholding information on the number of POWs still in Baku. Is this legally tenable?- What are Robert Kocharyan’s future political plans?Your Host:- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Episode 41 recorded on January 12, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍/𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟒𝟎 - 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏Topics Covered:- The State of the Opposition and their demands- Update on the Border Positions between Armenia & Azerbaijan- The State of the Line of Contact around ArtsakhGuests- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧Your Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanRecorded: January 10, 2021Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversation with My Step's Maria Karapetyan (Ep #39) - 01/08/2021As protesters in the streets of Yerevan continue demanding the resignation of PM Nikol Pashinyan in the aftermath of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, the ruling My Step faction seems to be firmly on the side of the prime minister. In the last week or so here at Groong we hosted representatives of various opposition parties and today we will host a representative from the ruling My Step faction to talk about the ongoing political crisis in Armenia.Today we’re joined by:Maria Karapetyan, who is a member of the National Assembly with the My Step parliamentary group and the Civic Contract party. She is a member of the Standing Committee on the Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs, and the Armenian Delegation to Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) and heads the Armenia-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group. Maria holds degrees in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication and European Studies from Yerevan State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Peace Studies from the University of Rome Three.TOPICS:- 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- Health and Humanitarian crises facing ArmeniaYour Host:𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Produced by:Asbed KotchikianAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐄𝐩 #𝟑𝟖) - 01/03/2021Policy is a set of proposals developed and then implemented by governments to address an issue or a problem in the society. The spheres that policy has an impact on ranges from health and social policies (within the category of public policy) to foreign and even military policies.  To develop relevant and useful public policies, policy research and analysis is a key component, and some would argue the foundations of any policy development. As an academic field, public policy relies on disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, behavioral science, health, management and others, resulting in an interdisciplinary field reflecting interconnected public issues.We will be discussing these issues today not just as an abstraction but also as it relates to public policy making in Armenia.𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧 is an associate professor of political science and international relations at the American University of Armenia, where he teaches courses on post-Soviet space and the Middle East. Talks with𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐧 is the Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, and has served as the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia. She co-founded and was the Executive Director of the Institute of Public Policy think tank in Yerevan.Editors:  - 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧  - 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Since the end of the first Nagorno-Karabakh war in 1994 and for over quarter of a century, Armenia has engaged in diplomatic activity with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia and the West. The aim of those diplomatic initiatives was to find a solution to the conflict by engaging in direct diplomatic negotiations as well as track two diplomacy.In September 2020, diplomatic initiatives gave way to a military one resulting in a war that reversed Armenia’s military successes and led to the signing of a cease-fire agreement which completely undermined Armenia’s position vis-a-vis Azerbaijan and Turkey.To understand the background of Armenia’s diplomatic activities before the war as well as to look at the future of Armenia’s role in the region, today we will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by Armenia in the last two decades as well as the way forward. Today we’re joined by:Tevan Poghosyan, who is President of the International Center for Human Development. Mr. Poghosyan was an MP at the National Assembly between 2012 and 2017 from the Heritage party. In 1997-1999 he served as the NKR Public Affairs Office Director in Washington, D.C.TOPICS:- On track two diplomacy in Armenian-Azerbaijani & Armenian-Turkish relations.- State of the Karabakh negotiations prior to the September war.- What were the key events that put us on a warpath?- What factors led to Armenia losing the war?- Internal Armenian politics. Is Armenia a failed state?- Life in Artsakh.Your Hosts:- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 Bright Armenia's Edmon MarukyanFollowing the trilateral Karabakh ceasefire of Nov 9, all major political forces in Armenia (except for the ruling party) condemned Nikol Pashinyan’s agreement to the deal. While the dissatisfaction with the agreement is widespread, the opposition is not entirely unified on what to do next.We’ll  talk with the leader of one of the 2 parliamentary opposition factions, Bright Armenia about his, and his party’s vision and subsequent actions to be taken by Armenia.What is Bright Armenia’s vision for post November, Armenia? Listen to this podcast to find out.Today's guest is:Edmon Marukyan, who is an Armenian lawyer and Member of National Assembly. Edmon holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Jurisprudence from the Public Administration Academy of Armenia and the second one in Law (LL.M.) with concentration in International Human Rights Law from the University of Minnesota Law School. In December 2015, Marukyan established the Bright Armenia Political Party and in October 2016, Bright Armenia participated in local-self- government elections of Vanadzor and came in second after the ruling party. In December 2016, in cooperation with “Civic Contract” and “Republic” parties, “Bright Armenia” formed a political coalition named “Way Out” (or Yelq), electing Edmon Marukyan to lead the proportional list of the Coalition in parliamentary elections of April 2, 2017. The “Way Out” Coalition came in third out of four political powers forming the new Parliament. In the snap elections of December 2018, after the dissolution of parliament following the Velvet Revolution, in which 11 political powers took part, Bright Armenia Party, led by Marukyan came in third, taking 18 seats out of 132. Currently Edmon Marukyan leads the Bright Armenia Faction in the National Assembly of Armenia.Your Hosts:- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- Katia PeltekianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐀𝐍𝐍/𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟑𝟓 - 𝐃𝐞𝐜 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎Topics Covered:- Life in Artsakh- Update on Hin Tagher & Khtsaberd- Internal Political Situation in Yerevan- Kapan Border TensionGuests- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧- 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐲𝐚𝐧Your Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanRecorded: Dec 20, 2020Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐑𝐅’𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Following the trilateral Karabakh ceasefire of Nov 9, the Armenian opposition has nearly universally condemned Nikol Pashinyan’s agreement to the deal. The largest opposition grouping, called Movement of the Salvation of the Homeland (Հայրենիքի փրկության շաժում in Armenian), composed of 17 political parties including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Prosperous Armenia, and the Republican Party, are demanding Pashinyan’s immediate resignation and the appointment of their unified candidate, Vazgen Manukyan as interim PM.This group has been holding regular protests featuring a growing number of participants, with the latest gathering Wednesday, December 17, estimated to be 20K in size.We’ll be talking with representatives of the political forces behind the movement, to better understand the internal political developments in Armenia and specifically the goals of the Movement of the Salvation of the Homeland.Today's guest is:𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧, who is a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (𝐀𝐑𝐅 𝐃𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐭𝐲𝐮𝐧) Supreme Council in Yerevan. In the past, he held government posts such as Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Governor of Shirak, and Minister of Agriculture. Currently, Arthur is a professor of finance at the French University of Armenia and lectures on Leadership at the Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia.Your Hosts:- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 33 - Dec 13, 2020Topics Covered:- Renewed Fighting & the OSCE MG visit- Expedited Border Demarcation?- What will happen to Sotq?- Diplomatic Relations with Azerbaijan?Your Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Emil Sanamyan- Pietro ShakarianRecorded: Dec 13, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Academia and academic work, especially in the fields of humanities and social sciences, has always been instrumentalized by various ideologies and/or political regimes. Moreover, various disciplines within each of those fields such as anthropology, art history, literature, etc., have a long tradition of being the middle children of academia and are rarely considered to have a role in shaping minds and trends in society. In Armenia the roles of humanities and social science have undergone changes since soviet and immediate post-soviet times. At a time where both these fields were viewed as instruments of legitimization of Communism and later nationalism, academics in these fields had to navigate the murky waters of ideology less they were willing to be labeled “pseudo-academics” or even worse as traitors.The challenge of having robust disciplines in humanities and social sciences in Armenia is manifold. These include encouraging critical thinking void of ideology, the role of individuals with degrees in humanities and social sciences in the larger society, challenging pre-existing paradigms and many more. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐚𝐧, who is a senior lecturer of political science and international relations at Bentley University in Massachusetts, discusses with:𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧, who is Associate Professor of Art History and the chair of the Department of Fine Arts and Art History at the American University of Beirut. She is founding member of BICAR (Beirut Institute for Critical Analysis and Research) and the Johannissyan Research Institute in the Humanities in Yerevan, Armenia. She is editor of ARTMargins peer-reviewed journal (MIT Press). Her monograph The Political Aesthetics of the Armenian Avant-garde: The Journey of the “Painterly Real'" was published by Manchester University Press in 2017 and 2019.Editors:  - 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧  - 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

On November 9, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia signed The Statement ending the war in Artsakh, known more commonly as Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia emerged as a major winner, by ending the violence, introducing peacekeepers, and upholding its historical role as the regional referee in the Caucasus. What are Russia’s interests in the region, and in this agreement?Guest-- 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧Hosts:-- 𝐀𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧-- 𝐇𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 30 - Dec 6, 2020Topics Covered:- Turkey and Azerbaijan Connecting- Armenia’s Political Opposition Uniting- Does Putin support Pashinyan?- Robert Kocharyan InterviewYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Varuzhan Geghamyan- Asbed KotchikianRecorded: Dec 6, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 29 - Nov 29, 2020Topics Covered:- Border Demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan- The Scene in Yerevan- COVID Update- Armenia Fund support for the post-war EconomyYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Hrant MikaelianRecorded: Nov 29, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Born in Sanahin, Armenia in 1895, Anastas Ivanovich Mikoyan was the most prominent Soviet state figure of Armenian origin. A survivor, Mikoyan managed to weather every Soviet leader from Lenin to Brezhnev.  He was once the #2 man in Moscow after Nikita Khrushchev, and his legacy is complex.  Today on Groong, we will explore this extraordinary historical figure.To help us unpack the historical legacy of Mikoyan, Pietro Shakarian joins us today from Cleveland. Pietro is a historian and a Ph.D. candidate in Russian History at the Ohio State University. His dissertation focuses on Mikoyan’s reforms in de-Stalinization and the nationality sphere in the Khrushchev-era USSR. His analyses on Russia, Armenia, and the post-Soviet space have appeared in The Nation, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Russian International Affairs Council, Russia Direct, and Hetq.  He has also worked with the Gomidas Institute in London on the republication of 19th century accounts of the Russian Caucasus and Armenia.Editors:  - Asbed Bedrossian  - Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 27 - Nov 15, 2020Topics Covered:- The war ends. What are the terms of the deal?- Pax Russiana- The extent of Turkey’s presence in Azerbaijan- Jubilation in BakuYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil Sanamyan- Artyom TonoyanRecorded: Nov 15, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 26 - Nov 8, 2020Topics Covered:- Six weeks of war, what to do next.- What is Russia thinking?- To recognize or not to recognize.Your Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil Sanamyan- Yeghia TashjianRecorded: Nov 7, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 25 - Nov 1, 2020Topics Covered:- Summary of diplomatic activities- Iranian mediation offers- Negotiations in Geneva- Support from ex-presidents- Latest update on the warYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian - Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Suren SargsyanRecorded: Oct 30, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Since September 27, Azerbaijan has been waging an all out war on Artsakh, cluster-bombing towns and villages and killing civilians and destroying churches and cultural centers, with the aim to destroy and depopulate the region. The worldwide Armenian Diaspora has come together to fight this existential threat.We’ve read much about the Diaspora’s activities around most of the world, but what about the Arab world? This episode explores some of the challenges and opportunities that the Armenian communities in the Arab world face.To help guide today’s Conversation on Groong, we have with us Prof. Asbed Kotchikian, who is a senior lecturer of political science and international relations at Bentley University in Massachusetts where he teaches courses on the Middle East and the former Soviet space.Prof. Kotchikian is joined by:Katia Peltekian, who has been teaching at the American University of Beirut since 1988. She has published two books which compile newspaper articles and reports from the Genocide years published in the Canadian and British press. Katia has been compiling news for the Armenian News Network Groong since 1999.AndVera Yacoubian, who is the executive director of the Armenian National committee of the Middle East. She’s a PhD candidate in political science and a lecturer at the American university of Beirut (AUB) in politics. Vera also teaches courses on The Armenian Genocide at Haigazian university.Editors:  - Asbed Bedrossian  - Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 23 - Oct 25, 2020Topics Covered:- International diplomacy on the move?- What is Turkey’s endgame?- War and post-war economy- Update on COVIDYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Hrant Mikaelian- Emil SanamyanRecorded: Oct 25, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review Episode 22 - Oct 18, 2020Topics Covered:- In retrospect: Tracing our steps back to Sep 27- Call from extra-parliamentary opposition for a War Council- Mobilization of the Armenian DiasporaYour Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil SanamyanRecorded: Oct 18, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN/Groong Week in Review - 10/12/2020Topics Covered:- Security situation on the ground;- Diplomatic activity, short & long term goals;- Humanitarian impact in Artsakh &  Armenia;- Effect of social media on the war.Your Hosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Asbed KotchikianResident Panelists:- Lara Aharonian: Co-founder & co-director of the Women's Resource Center NGO in Yerevan- Robert Avetisyan: Representative of Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the USRecorded: Oct 12, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

ANN Groong Week in Review - Oct. 4, 2020Topics Covered:- Stepanakert under persistent bombardment using banned cluster bombs.- Turkey’s role in the war.- Why is Russia quiet?- What can we expect next?---This episode of the podcast was fully devoted to the war in Artsakh. It was recorded on the morning of Saturday, Oct 3 Pacific time while one of our guests, Varuzhan Geghamyan was in Stepanakert as the city was undergoing constant bombardment. Unfortunately, the air assault on Stepanakert and other civilian areas of Artsakh seems to have only intensified with more active use of cluster bombs, long-range missiles and suicide drones. As of early Monday morning (Pacific time) we have confirmed that Varuzhan is OK though he communicated that the situation is dangerous as the city is still under constant bombardment. The use of cluster munitions, let alone targeting of civilian structures, is prohibited by international law and it seems that the dictator in Baku, Ilham Aliyev, is intent to level the city to the ground. As of this time, according to the Artsakh foreign ministry, 19 civilians have been killed, 80 wounded, and over 2700 property and civilian infrastructure has been damaged. We’re worried about the safety of Artsakh’s peaceful civilian population and urge you to raise awareness of this travesty among your non-Armenian friends and elected representatives.---Resident Panelists:- Varuzhan Geghamyan- Asbed Kotchikian- Marine Manucharyan- Emil SanamyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanRecorded: Oct 3, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Conversations on  Groong - October 3, 2020It has now been 7 days since Azerbaijan initiated a wide-scale attack against Armenia and Artsakh. The tragic news of deaths and destruction continue to stream in every hour.In today’s conversation on Groong, we talk to Jirair Libaridian and Thomas DeWaal about the regional geopolitics that helped create a ripe environment for renewed fighting and various potential scenarios that may develop as a result of it. Questions explored:- What was the path leading to the latest escalation?- Why has Turkey taken an active role in the conflict?- Was Russia caught off-guard with the escalation?- Does the OSCE Minsk Process matter anymore?- How does Iran factor in the conflict?Guests:  - Thomas DeWaal  - Dr. Jirair LibaridianHost: Asbed KotchikianProduced by:  - Asbed Bedrossian  - Hovik ManucharyanEpisode recorded on October 2, 2020Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES:Topics:- The 29th Anniversary of Armenian Independence;- Armenia’s foreign policy; - Azerbaijan war of disinformation; and lastly- Opposition trio rally and Tsarukyan’s arrestResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Marine Manucharyan- Emil SanamyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanRecorded: Sep 26, 2020 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

It’s been two and a half years since the dramatic popular protests of 2018 that resulted in the resignation of Serge Sargsyan and the subsequent election of Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister in Armenia. The change in power, which is commonly referred to as “The Velvet Revolution”, gave many the hope of a more democratic Armenia. Many promises were made in 2018, and mid-way through this administration many of us want to know how the Armenian government is delivering on those promises.In this Conversation On Groong, we talk to two long-time activists who ended up on opposite sides of the fence on this topic with one becoming a member of parliament while the other a fiery critic of the government. Marine Manucharyan is the president of the Civic Forum NGO. She holds a Masters degree in Educational Management from Yerevan State University. Since 2004, she has been a civic and political activist and has worked with a number of local and international organizations. Her main areas of focus include Nagorno Karabakh, the Armenian Armed Forces, National Security and Foreign Policy.Mikael Zolyan is a member of the National Assembly of Armenia. He has a Ph.D. in history from Yerevan State University, and has taught at the Yerevan State University of Linguistics and Social Sciences, his research focuses on issues of nationalism, conflict and democratization. Currently Zolyan is a member of the standing committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia.Topics:- Introduction to guests- Democratization- CorruptionGuests:  - Marine Manucharyan  - Mikael ZolyanHost: Asbed KotchikianHosts:  - Asbed Bedrossian  - Hovik ManucharyanEpisode recorded on September 23, 2020Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/2FVpjSETopics: - Constitutional Court Appointment - Armenia’s Growing National Debt - Calls for the Resignation of the Minister of Education - Escalated Tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijan border    - Armenian Soldier dies amidst escalation    - Azerbaijan again slams negotiations, turns away Russian AWACS- Khodorkovsky Publishes New Dossier on Armenian & Azerbaijan- Bob Dole hired by Embassy of Armenia as a LobbyistResident Panelists:- Hrant Mikaelyan- Emil Sanamyan- Alen ZamanyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Over the past few months, we’ve seen a public tussle between Georgian regulatory firms and a Azeri company called NEQSOL which acquired 49% of Caucasus Online, a Georgian telecommunications company. How does this deal affect Armenian national security given that a significant portion of Armenian internet traffic goes through Georgia (including Caucasus Online).Topics:- Background and formulation of the telecoms market- Azerbaijani company’s stake in Georgia’s Caucasus Online- National Security issues related to telecommunications- What can be done to beef up quality of Armenia’s external communications accessGuest: David SandukhchyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/3iwMQHRTopics:- Electoral Reforms in Armenia- Journalist Dana Mazalová passes away- ANSEF Reorganization- My Step MP Arsen Julfalakyan Resigns from Parliament- Russian Opposition Leader Navalny’s Poisoning and Recovery- What is going on in Baku?    - Azeri pressure on Arms Providers to Armenia    - Aliyev vs. Aliyeva?    - Caucasus 2020 Joint Military Exercises and those MIAResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil Sanamyan- Alen ZamanyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/2FcYqt3Topics:- Adios Madrid?- A New Repatriation Package & iGorts- Adios Torosyan?- Update on Covid in Armenia and State of Emergency- Panelist SoapboxesSpecial Guest: David SandukhchyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil SanamyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Armenia has European grade laws in the areas of finance, business, data protection and privacy. What is preventing Armenia from achieving its full potential in foreign direct investment (FDI)?  Why do many Armenian startups incorporate in foreign countries, and use Armenia as their offshore labor resource?GuestOur guest today is David Sandukhchyan, who is an Armenian lawyer with 20 years of experience in telecommunications, cyber law, media and personal data protection. He started his legal career as an Internet freedom advocate and made substantial contributions to the development of media, telecommunication and technology legislation in Armenia. David was Chief Counsel for over 8 years at Beeline, one of the leading Armenian telecom operators. From 2005 to 2007 he was a member of the Council of Europe expert group on human rights in information society and committee of experts on electronic democracy.  Today David lives in Toronto, Canada and as a private consultant he is involved in many Internet freedom, data protection and telecommunications development projects.  He holds a BA degree in law and a Master’s in physics. He is a certified ISO information security auditor with a Certificate in Advanced Cyber Security from York University in Toronto.Analysis and DiscussionWhat were some of the major headaches of the chief counsel for one of the largest telecom operators in Armenia?How did the government’s relationship with large companies evolve over your nearly a decade at Armentel?Are there citizen initiatives like the EFF to champion privacy protections in Armenia?Armenia prides itself as the “Silicon Valley of the former USSR” and we have seen some successes where a number of Armenian startups eventually got a significant amount of VC investment in Armenia. Some of the major success stories pride themselves in having a value that’s measured in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. For instance, the best-known startup PicsArt has received $65 million VC investment so far according to Crunchbase. Another popular startup Krisp is in the Series A funding stage with $8.5 million so far, and there are more examples.But there is a common pattern we’re seeing. In both cases, we’ve seen these startups re-incorporate in the US (specifically Silicon Valley) prior to getting investments. What this means in reality is that these companies become US companies and the value of the company largely transfers from Armenia to the US, leaving the Armenian branch as an outsourcing center for the US company. Armenia is compliant with EU regulations, so the laws are pretty good. But the way Armenina works is not great because it works on the basis that people should trust the government. But the basis for this trust is not in place. What are the causes for this? - Lack of trust by foreign investors because their capital is not protected;- Judiciary: personalities & processes;- Kompromat as part of “the system”;- Armenian government's stance on the issue of privacy, media freedoms.Guest: David SandukhchyanHosts:- Asbed Bedrossian- Hovik ManucharyanSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/32NdyFpTopics:- Armenian POW Gurgen Alaverdyan- Armenia’s Humanitarian Aid to Aleppo- Serge Sargsyan’s Interview and the Four-Day War Deliberations- National Awards- Vagharshak Harutyunyan’s Appointment as Chief Advisor to PashinyanResident Panelists:- Asbed Kotchikian- Emil Sanamyan- Alen ZamanyanHosts:- Hovik Manucharyan- Asbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In this second part of our Conversation On Groong on Turkey, Asbed Kotchikian continues to explore Turkey’s transformation throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty first, and the underlying dynamics powering these changes.Topics:Turkey: Zero Problems?Turkey has been pursuing a more active foreign policy towards its neighbors in the Caucasus and the Former Soviet space. What are the driving forces behind this foreign policy?Azerbaijan: The Myth of Brotherly Relations?Armenia: From Diplomatic Overtures to a Mini Cold WarHost: Asbed KotchikianPanelists:- Varuzhan Geghamyan- Ara Sanjian- Vahram Ter-Matevosyan- Diana YayloyanProduced by:- Hovik Manucharyan- Asbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

In 2002, Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) won a sweeping victory in the country’s general elections, dominating and shaping domestic and foreign policies of Turkey for nearly two decades to this date. Outwardly, under Erdogan’s and AKP’s leadership, Turkey has transformed from a country with a stated and acclaimed foreign policy seeking “zero problems with neighbors” to one that is actively engaged in economic, political and military rivalry with its Middle East and other regional neighbors, as well as balancing global players. Armenia is deeply affected by the quality of relationships that Turkey conducts with each of its neighbors.In this first part of our Conversation on Groong about Turkey, we explore Continuity and Change in Political Culture and Foreign Policy in Turkey covering transition from Kemalism to Islamism, as defined by the AKP. We look at how recent events fit together within the framework of continuous, yet changing, state policies. We also discuss Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.Topics:Turkey’s Transformation in Historical PerspectiveHow has Turkey transformed in the last several decades moving from Kemalism to Islamism? Change and Continuity of Turkish Political CultureHow has the political culture in Turkey changed in the past two decades? How have those changes influenced Turkey’s policies domestically (minorities, political parties, etc) as well as in its Foreign policy?Turkey’s Foreign PolicyTurkey has been pursuing a more active foreign policy. What are the driving forces behind this foreign policy? How can we explain Turkish expanding influence from its immediate neighborhood to the larger mediterranean?Host: Asbed KotchikianPanelists:Varuzhan GeghamyanAra SanjianVahram Ter-MatevosyanDiana YayloyanProduced by:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/3kSjhlvThis Week in Review we talk with Hrant Mikaelian to discuss important issues and developments around Armenia, such as the Coronavirus Pandemic, and its economic effect; Armenia’s membership in EurAsian Economic Union and the economic effect of that organization on Armenia; and some of the trends affecting Russia and its economy.Hrant will then join us in our weekly lightning round of questions from the past week’s headlines, to analyze Prime Minister Pashinyan’s interview with BBC’s HARDtalk; the presidential elections in Belarus; and the continuing standoff at Amulsar Gold Mine between Lydian and local residents and environmental activists.Topics:Interview with Hrant MikaelianLightning RoundNikol Pashinyan’s Interview on BBC HARDtalkBelarus Presidential ElectionsAmulsar Gold MineSpecial Guest: Hrant MikaelianResident Panelists:Asbed KotchikianArtyom TonoyanAlen ZamanyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Education Reform in ArmeniaAsbed Kotchikian talks with Ara Sanjian & Siranush DvoyanTopics:Background of education reform(s) in ArmeniaIn depth analysis of the content, standards & measurable outcomes of the proposed curriculum’s history & literature segments.Challenges of implementing the proposed curriculum In recent months, Armenia’s government has published its proposal for K-12 curriculum reform in Armenian schools. The new curriculum, which includes education standards and learning outcomes, proved to be quite controversial with many individuals and groups criticizing one aspect or another of the proposed curriculum notably the segments on literature and Armenian history. These criticisms ranged from in-depth critique of the content of the proposed plan to outlandish and sometimes baseless accusations. In order to shed some light on this issue specifically the history and literature components of the new proposed curriculum, this week we have invited two scholars who have been following these debates and the content of the new curriculum intimately. Asbed Kotchikian is a senior lecturer of political science and international relations at Bentley University in Massachusetts where he teaches courses on the Middle East and former Soviet space. Prof. Kotchikian is also a consultant for international organizations on issues of judicial reform, ways to combat radicalization and on ethnic and religious minorities. He discusses the  proposed reforms with:Prof. Ara Sanjian is Associate Professor of History and the Director of the Armenian Research Center at University of Michigan, Dearborn. He received his undergraduate degree from Yerevan State University (YSU) in what was then the Soviet Republic of Armenia, and has been involved in numerous academic projects in Armenia. His research interests focus on the post-World War I history of Armenia, Turkey and the Arab states of Western Asia. And:Prof. Siranush Dvoyan is a literary studies scholar and associate professor of Armenian and Comparative Literature at the American University of Armenia. She is a graduate of YSU and taught there for over a decade.Discussion areas:Brief backgroundThe background of the current proposed curriculum: When was it conceived and what has its development process been like and who were involved in the committee?In terms of content, how does the proposed curriculum compare to the previous one? What are some of the main changes, additions, omissions?In literature?In history?About the standards and measurements of the proposed curricula: How realistic and feasible are the norms, standards and measurable outcomes as defined by the new curriculum? About the implementation (pedagogy) of the proposed curricula: how feasible is it? Is there a trained and knowledgeable workforce of teachers and instructors with mastery of the proposed content, to deliver it with excellence to students?Rating of the current AND the proposed curricula.Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/31ESi4jTopics:The Massive Explosion in BeirutLightning RoundTurkey-Azerbaijan Military ExercisesMashtots ParkCyber Security IntrusionLaw on Media RegulationBeirut ExplosionSpecial Guest: Yeghia TashjianResident Panelists:Asbed KotchikianEmil SanamyanAlen ZamanyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/30mP6utTopics:Living With Conflict #WordsNotSwordsPanel Discussion on Robert Kocharyan’s InterviewLightning RoundThe SIS Charges Arthur DanielyanNominees for the Constitutional CourtThe PM’s Outlook on the State of the PandemicStaff Changes in the Diaspora High Commissioner’s OfficeGuests This Week:Asbed KotchikianEmil SanamyanAlen ZamanyanSpecial Guests: Arzu Geybulla  Ulvi Ismayil Dr. Artyom Tonoyan Diana YayloyanHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/2WYBIL8Topics:Panel: War roundup / ArtsakhConversation: National Security DoctrinePanel: National Security DoctrineGuests This Week:Asbed KotchikianEmil SanamyanKaren Vrtanesyan (special guest)Alen ZamanyanA Conversation withKarena Avedissian (special guest)Hosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Safety and Security of MetsamorAsbed Kotchikian talks with Areg DanagoulianTopics:Azerbaijan’s threat to attack the NPPOverall safety and security of the plantSafe handling of nuclear fuelRenewable energy alternatives to nuclearMaintenance and upgrades to the NPPSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SHOW NOTESTopics:Panel: Clashes on the Tavush borderThe Threat to Metsamor: Asbed Kotchikian talks with Areg DanagoulianThe State of Armenian Media: Responsible journalism at time of crisis/warGuests: Alen ZamanyanEmil SanamyanAsbed KotchikianAreg Danagoulian (special guest)Hosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Show notes: http://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20200712.htmlTopics:Constitutional CourtPolls in ArmeniaCovid19State of MediaHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianGuests: Alen ZamanyanEmil SanamyanAsbed KotchikianSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong