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Armenian News Network - Groong: Week In Review Podcast

News & Politics Podcasts

Weekly review of Armenian News from https://groong.org. Keeping up with news related to Armenia and Armenians can be challenging; the sheer volume of news in the past few years has increased greatly, and the rise of the “Fake News” phenomenon...

Location:

United States

Description:

Weekly review of Armenian News from https://groong.org. Keeping up with news related to Armenia and Armenians can be challenging; the sheer volume of news in the past few years has increased greatly, and the rise of the “Fake News” phenomenon contributing to the erosion of trust in the news media. The diversity of languages used by the worldwide Armenian community also poses a challenge for Armenian news; there is a significant portion of news that originates in Armenian, sometimes in Russian, and does not get adequately translated into English, or Western Armenian, for those in the Diaspora who are not proficient in Eastern Armenian. Finally, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the political turbulence in countries where significant communities of the Armenian Diaspora reside, be it Syria, Lebanon, the United States, etc., many of our friends and colleagues indicate that they’re simply overloaded with information and lack the time and energy to separate the good from the bad. So we’re creating this weekly digest of news and analysis that we find relevant to share with our friends and the wider ANN/Groong audience. Our goal is to provide a brief overview of the main headlines of the past week, and then cover a smaller set of the more important developments, curated by ANN/Groong editors and contributors who spend an inordinate amount of time daily to process Armenian news. We hope that over time this podcast will help our listeners in becoming more astute consumers of Armenian news. We will strive to provide a rich set of notes with each installation, with links to the most relevant articles and information as a starting point for your further investigation.

Language:

English

Contact:

213-254-7586


Episodes
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Dmitry Suslov - War, Leverage, and Corridors, Russia’s View from All Fronts | Ep 534, Apr 25, 2026

4/25/2026
Conversations on Groong - April 25, 2026 In this episode of the Groong podcast, we speak with Dr. Dmitry Suslov about the shifting geopolitical landscape across the Iran war, the Ukraine conflict, and the South Caucasus. We examine the fragile state of the Iran war and its impact on global trade and regional escalation, Russia’s strategic positioning, and the potential for a broader conflict involving Azerbaijan and Turkey. The discussion then turns to the Ukraine war, focusing on attrition, Europe’s growing militarization, and the prospects for a long-term Russia–Europe confrontation. Finally, we explore Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus, including Armenia’s political trajectory, tensions following Pashinyan’s Moscow visit, and the broader balance of power shaping Armenia’s future. Topics: Guest: Dmitry Suslov Hosts: Episode 534 | Recorded: April 24, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/534 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kjUQN8LVuFk #Russia #IranWar #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus #Armenia #TRIPP #Geopolitics #Eurasia Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:10:08

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Warwick Powell - Thermoeconomics, Iran, and the New Geopolitical Economy | Ep 533, Apr 23, 2026

4/23/2026
Conversations on Groong - April 23, 2026 In this Conversations on Groong episode, Warwick Powell joins us to examine the Iran war through the lens of thermoeconomics, energy flows, de-dollarization, and shifting global power. We discuss how oil, gas, AI, data centers, and financial infrastructure shape modern conflict, why the dollar-based order is under pressure, and how BRICS and the Global South are responding. The conversation also looks at techno-economic sovereignty, thermoeconomic imperialism, and the wider geopolitical stakes for the emerging world order. Topics: Guest: Warwick Powell Hosts: Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 533 | Recorded: April 21, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/533 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/8upbRV0lzjE #WarwickPowell #IranWar #Thermoeconomics #DeDollarization #EnergyPolitics #GlobalSouth #BRICS #AI #Geopolitics #DataCenters #Geoeconomics Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:18:28

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Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War, Antalya, Armenian Parliamentary Elections | Ep 532, Apr 19, 2026

4/21/2026
Groong Week in Review - April 19, 2026 In this Week in Review episode, Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian discusses the stalled Iran negotiations after the Islamabad talks, the renewed pressure around Hormuz and the naval blockade, Turkey’s posture toward Israel and the region; Armenia’s lower-profile participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum; Russia’s shifting rhetoric on TRIPP and the South Caucasus; and the June 7 parliamentary election in Armenia, including constitutional changes, border concessions, the gas pipeline rerouting issue, and the use of surveillance and arrests against opposition figures. Topics Guest Hrant MikaelianHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 532 | Recorded: April 20, 2026 https://podcasts.groong.org/532 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:07:13

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Hrant Mikaelian - US-Iran Talks, Orban Loses, Armenia, Polls | Ep 531, Apr 12, 2026

4/15/2026
Groong Week in Review - April 12, 2026 In this episode, we examine a fast-moving regional and political landscape, from the collapse of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad and the threat of a new naval blockade, to Viktor Orban’s election loss in Hungary and what it may signal for Armenia and the wider region. We also dig into new polling from Armenia, including public views on security, the Iran war, free speech, voter turnout, and party support ahead of the 2026 elections. Along the way, we look at the Abkhaz railway as a possible alternative trade route, questions around TRIPP and Armenia’s growing dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey, and what the latest numbers may reveal about the strength, weakness, and strategy of Armenia’s opposition. Topics: Guest: Hrant Mikaelian Hosts: Episode 531 | Recorded: April 14, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/531 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ZzhV5xsXFks #Armenia #IranWar #ArmenianPolitics #HungaryElections #ArmeniaPolls Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:16:26

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Hovik & Asbed - Iran War, April 2016 War, Armenia & Russia, Politics & Election | Ep 530, Apr 5, 2026

4/8/2026
Groong Week in Review - April 5, 2026 Topics: Hosts: Episode 530 | Recorded: April 7, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/530 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/QAkX9PiR484 #Groong #Armenia #IranWar #Pashinyan #ArmenianNews Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:58:26

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Pietro Shakarian - Iran War, Armenia and Russia, June Parliamentary Elections | Ep 529, Apr 4, 2026

4/4/2026
Conversations on Groong - April 4, 2026 In this episode of Conversations on Groong, Pietro Shakarian joins Hovik and Asbed to examine the Iran war, its impact on Russia, Ukraine, and the wider Eurasian balance, and what it means for Armenia’s security and foreign policy. The discussion also looks at Pashinyan’s strained Moscow visit, the uncertain future of TRIPP, Armenia-Russia tensions, and the fast-forming landscape of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, including the opposition field, campaign narratives, and the stakes for the country’s political future. Topics: - The Iran War and Its Global Impacts - Armenia-Russia Relations - Parliamentary Elections in Armenia Guest: Pietro Shakarian Hosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed Bedrossian Episode 529 | Recorded: April 3, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/529 #IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #IsraelConflict #Armenia #MiddleEastCrisis #ArmeniaElections #PietroShakarian #TRIPP Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:01:01

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Anna Karapetyan - Iran War, Pashinyan Fake Narratives, Fear-mongering, Silencing Talk of Artsakh | Ep 528, Mar 29, 2026

3/31/2026
Groong Week in Review - March 29, 2026 Our guest Anna Karapetyan focused on the widening Iran war and its possible fallout for Armenia, then turned to the narratives shaping Armenia’s election season. The discussion examined Pashinyan’s claim to have delivered peace, the taboo around speaking about Artsakh and Artsakhtsis’ rights, the uncertainty around the TRIPP corridor project, the political use of fear that an opposition victory would bring war, and the security and environmental questions surrounding a proposed AI data center. In the closing segment, the participants reflected on the broader propaganda environment in Armenia and on Formula 1’s continued partnership with authoritarian states such as Azerbaijan. Topics Guest Anna KarapetyanHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 528 | Recorded: March 30, 2026 https://podcasts.groong.org/528 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:57:15

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Hovik & Asbed - Karekin II travel-banned from Ilia II Funeral, Iran War, Armenia Parliamentary Election | Ep 527, Mar 22, 2026

3/24/2026
Groong Week in Review - March 22, 2026 This Week in Review featured Asbed and Hovik without a guest. We discussed the death of Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the Armenian government’s blocking of Catholicos of all Armenians Karekin II from attending the funeral; the latest turn in the Iran war and what it could mean for Armenia and the wider region; Israel’s renewed ground operation in southern Lebanon; and Armenia’s June elections, including political prisoners, media freedom, Civil Contract’s campaign tactics, the opposition field, EU involvement, and Strong Armenia’s messaging on TRIPP and security. Topics Hosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 527 | Recorded: March 23, 2026 https://podcasts.groong.org/527 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:44:12

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YoungMin - Travel Blogger’s Visit to Occupied and Ethnically Cleansed Artsakh | Ep 526, Mar 22, 2026

3/22/2026
Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026 Topics: - YoungMin’s journey into post-2023 Artsakh - Controlled access, guided narratives - Erasing traces of Armenians - In Agdam, Askeran, and Stepanakert - Memory, loss, and the aftermath of ethnic cleansing Guest: YoungMin Hosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed Bedrossian Episode 526 | Recorded: March 21, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/526 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/j9QYiYFnj68 #artsakh #Armenia #YoungMin #NagornoKarabakh #EthnicCleansing Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:47:55

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Eldar Mamedov - Iran War: The Northern Front | Ep 525, Mar 22, 2026

3/22/2026
Conversations on Groong - March 22, 2026 Topics: Guest: Eldar Mamedov Hosts: Episode 525 | Recorded: March 20, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/525 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pWd_-iNIM8E #GroongPodcast #EldarMamedov #IranWar #Azerbaijan #SouthCaucasus Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:47:14

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Varuzhan Geghamyan - Iran War, Zangezur Corridor, Nakhijevan Constitution | Ep 524, Mar 20, 2026

3/21/2026
Conversations on Groong - March 20, 2026 Topics: Guest: Varuzhan Geghamyan Hosts: Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 524 | Recorded: March 19, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/524 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SQHD3lZxAwc #IranWar #VaruzhanGeghamyan #ZangezurCorridor #Syunik #ArmeniaGeopolitics Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:06:52

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Scott Horton - Why Are We at War with Iran? | Ep 523, Mar 20, 2026

3/20/2026
Conversations on Groong - March 20, 2026 Topics - Why this war began - U.S. fallout and political costs - Paths to wider regional escalation Guest: Scott Horton Hosts: - Hovik Manucharyan - Asbed Bedrossian Episode 523 | Recorded: March 20, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/523 #IranWar #ScottHorton #USIsrael #MiddleEastWar #Geopolitics Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:54:05

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Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, June Parliamentary | Ep 522, Mar 15, 2026

3/17/2026
Groong Week in Review - March 15, 2026 Arthur Martirosyan examines the ongoing U.S.–Israel war on Iran and its uncertain trajectory, focusing on escalation risks, strategic objectives, and potential diplomatic offramps. The discussion then turns to regional spillover effects, particularly the risks for Armenia amid Iran–Azerbaijan tensions and broader geopolitical shifts. We conclude with an analysis of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections, including the fragmented opposition landscape, concerns about electoral fairness, and contradictions in public opinion reflected in recent polling. Topics Guest Arthur G MartirosyanHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026 https://podcasts.groong.org/522 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:51:25

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Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War Update, IRI Poll Review, Armenian Political Landscape | Ep 521, Mar 8, 2026

3/11/2026
We discuss with Hrant Mikaelian the expanding war on Iran and what it could mean for the region. We took a close look at the latest IRI poll and its disputed methodology and findings, and the emerging shape of Armenia’s parliamentary race. Hrant Mikaelian argued that Iran’s leadership transition signals greater resolve rather than collapse, that Azerbaijan is still constrained from direct action against Iran unless the Iranian state seriously weakens, and that the IRI poll raises major methodological and interpretive questions. The discussion then turned to the opposition field in Armenia, where newer forces may have room to grow, but where media imbalance and weak opposition reach remain major structural obstacles. Topics Guest Hrant MikaelianHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 521 | Recorded: March 8, 2026 https://podcasts.groong.org/521 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:17:02

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Hrant Mikaelian - Iran War, Effect on Armenia, Sumgait Pogroms, | Ep 520, Mar 1, 2026

3/4/2026
Groong Week in Review - March 1, 2026 Topics Guest Hrant MikaelianHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 520 | Recorded: March 2, 2026 #IranWar #EpicFury #MiddleEastWar #ArmeniaForeignPolicy #Sumgait1988 #IranIsraelConflict Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:49:23

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Dziunik Aghajanian - Iran War Fears, June Vote Rules, State-Church Clash | Ep 519, Feb 22, 2026

2/26/2026
Groong Week in Review - February 22, 2026 Topics: Guest: Dziunik Aghajanian Hosts: Episode 519 | Recorded: February 25, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/519 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1FFkLOeY2lI #Armenia #Iran #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianChurch #SouthCaucasus Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:00:55:13

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Zaroui Pogossian - Vardanank, The Battle of Avarayr in 451 AD | Ep 518, Feb 24, 2026

2/24/2026
Groong Deep History - February 24, 2026 In the inaugural Groong Deep History episode, historian Prof. Zaroui Pogossian joins the show to unpack the Vardanank wars and the Battle of Avarayr (451 AD). The conversation sets the longer political and religious context behind the conflict, explains what we can and cannot know from the main Armenian sources, and revisits the standard “moral victory” story through modern source criticism. Pogossian also discusses her work on medieval Armenia and previews an upcoming scholarly volume on Medieval Yeghegis, then uses a critical reading by Hayk Hakobyan to question common assumptions about Avarayr’s scale, geography, and strategy. Topics: Guest: Zaroui Pogossian Hosts: Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 518 | Recorded: February 22, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/518 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1-o4Gv1v4vw #GroongDeepHistory #Vardanank #BattleOfAvarayr #ArmenianHistory #ZarouiPogossian Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:09:37

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JD Vance in Armenia and Azerbaijan | Ep 517, Feb 15, 2026

2/15/2026
Conversations on Groong - Feb 15, 2026 Topics Hosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 517 | Recorded: February 13, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/517 VIDEO: https://youtu.be/4FEVG-lJVkE #Groong #Armenia #JDVance #Tsitsernakaberd #TRIPP Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:01:34

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Philippe Raffi Kalfayan - Europe and America, JD Vance in Armenia, Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church | Ep 516, Feb 8, 2026

2/11/2026
Groong Week in Review - February 8, 2026 Topics Guest Philippe Raffi KalfayanHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 516 | Recorded: February 9, 2026 https://podcasts.groong.org/516 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:01:42

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James Carden & Pietro Shakarian - Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0 | Ep 515, Feb 7, 2026

2/8/2026
Global Affairs in the Age of Trump 2.0 Conversations on Groong Topics Guests James CardenPietro ShakarianHosts Hovik ManucharyanAsbed Bedrossian Episode 515 | Recorded: February 6, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/515 Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Duration:01:07:56