Armenian News Network - Groong: Week In Review Podcast

Groong Week in Review - July 6, 2025

In this episode of the Groong Podcast, we are joined by Arthur Martirosyan for a Week in Review covering Armenia’s shifting geopolitical landscape and domestic upheaval. The discussion explores the controversial proposal for a U.S.-controlled corridor through Syunik, tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, and Pashinyan’s escalating confrontation with the Armenian Apostolic Church. The show also examines Armenia’s foreign policy confusion, including talk of joining the SCO, while cracking down on opposition voices—most notably the stripping of immunity from Seyran Ohanyan and Artsvik Minasyan. Against this backdrop, the episode questions the erosion of sovereignty, the use of legal tools for political ends, and the uncertain future of Armenia’s democratic and constitutional order.

• Constitution Day
• Western Controlled Syunik?
• What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
• Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
• Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?

• Arthur G Martirosyan

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/452

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Groong Week in Review - June 29, 2025

Topics

• Iran War
• Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
• Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions
• Russian-Armenian Relations
• Persecution of The Church Continues
• Kaja Kallas in Armenia
• OIC Declaration

Guest

• Dziunik Aghajanian

Hosts

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 451 | Recorded: June 29, 2025

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Conversations on Groong - June 28, 2025

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, retired Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski joins us to unpack the so-called “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran, and the troubling ways in which Donald Trump has redefined his “America First” doctrine to justify U.S. involvement. We examine Trump’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the muted response from MAGA influencers. The conversation also explores Israel’s goals, the regional fallout, the near-total silence from Congress, and what this moment says about the erosion of anti-war sentiment in America.

Topics:

• Israel’s War on Iran
• Where did Trump’s America 1st Go?

Guest: Karen Kwiatkowski

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 450 | Recorded: Jun 26, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/450

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/mk9DqOxG-i8

#iranwar #iran #israel #usa #maga #netanyahu

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Groong Week in Review - June 22, 2025

This Week in Review episode features Sergei Melkonian and covers a turbulent week in Armenia and the region. As Israel and the U.S. launched a short but intense war on Iran, Armenia found itself navigating heightened regional risks, a rising refugee flow, and diplomatic silence. Meanwhile, domestically, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan escalated a political and cultural confrontation with the Armenian Church, arresting billionaire Samvel Karapetyan after he publicly defended the clergy. Dozens of opposition figures were also detained, including members of the ARF and the Srbazan Movement. As Pashinyan visited Istanbul for a quiet meeting with Erdogan—coinciding with an anti-Armenian declaration by the OIC—his government cracked down at home, drawing criticism for politicizing national security and purging dissent.

• Israel and Iran
• Crackdown on the Opposition
• Pashinyan in Istanbul
• The Kitchen Sink

• Sergei Melkonian

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 449 | Recorded: June 25, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/449

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/KqlQ13gkIIc

#IranIsraelWar #ZangezurCorridor #SamvelKarapetyan #ChurchCrackdown #SrbazanMovement

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Conversations on Groong - June 23, 2025

• Israel’s war on Iran and U.S. involvement
• Risks of Iranian regime change or partition
• Strategic dangers to Armenia

• Arman Grigoryan

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 448 | Recorded: June 21, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/448
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/jKvIM3J57rw

#IranIsraelWar #IsraelIranConflict #Iran #Israel #IsraelConflict #Armenia #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #MiddleEastCrisis

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Conversations on Groong - June 16, 2025

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the "Zangezur Corridor", and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent Russian rhetoric labeling Ukraine a terrorist state, and whether Moscow is preparing to escalate its war effort.

Topics:

• Israel hits Iran, talks collapse
• Armenia at risk if Iran weakens
• Russia hardens stance on Ukraine

Guest:

• Fyodor Lukyanov (Фёдор Алекса́ндрович Лукья́нов)

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 447 | Recorded: June 15, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/447

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/aNoYaXZrwhQ

#RisingLion #IsraelIranConflict #RussiaIranAlliance #ZangezurCorridor #UkraineWar

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Spotlight on Silence - June 15, 2025

In this episode of Groong: Spotlight on Silence, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about Armenia’s sweeping new surveillance law. Passed quietly in March 2025, the law grants police 24/7 access to camera networks across public institutions and allows for real-time facial recognition, raising deep concerns about privacy, political targeting, and unchecked state power. We explore what the law says, what it leaves out, and why international silence—despite clear risks to civil liberties—has been so striking.

Topics:

• Armenia legalizes round-the-clock surveillance.
• Law enables political targeting, critics warn.
• No oversight, no privacy laws.
• Silence from Armenia’s new geopolitical allies.

Guest: Rafael Ishkhanyan

Hosts: 

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 446 | Recorded: June 12, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/446

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/EvCc_ST2hPg

#Armenia #SurveillanceState #FacialRecognition #PrivacyRights #DigitalAuthoritarianism #ACPR #HumanRights

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Conversations on Groong - June 12, 2025

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Rananjay Anand, president of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, about the growing potential for a strategic partnership between India and Armenia. As Turkey and Azerbaijan double down on their support for Pakistan—most recently during Operation Sindoor—Indian public sentiment is shifting. Weddings, conferences, and corporate events once destined for Istanbul and Baku are being redirected, and Armenia is emerging as a quiet alternative. We explore what’s driving this trend, the challenges posed by limited connectivity, and whether this moment could mark a turning point in India-Armenia relations.

Topics

•  Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan sparks backlash in India
•  Indian weddings and events ditch Turkey; Armenia seen as alternative
•  Can Armenia become India’s next strategic partner in the region?

Guest: Rananjay Anand

Hosts

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 445 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/445

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/iAw74MQA-DU

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Groong Week in Review - June 8, 2025

In this Week in Review episode, Groong hosts unpack a tense week in Armenian politics and society. Prime Minister Pashinyan intensifies his attacks on the Armenian Church, while the ruling Civil Contract party faces mounting criticism over corruption and nepotism. The opposition RPA nominates a symbolic candidate for prime minister amid an unlikely impeachment effort. Meanwhile, Armenia's economy shows cracks beneath reported growth, Georgia tightens trade routes, and demographic warnings grow starker as birthrates plummet and emigration continues. The episode also touches on global shifts, including the Ukraine war and Poland's presidential pivot, framing Armenia’s challenges in a broader geopolitical context.

• Ukraine's War, Poland’s Pivot?
• Status Check on the Economy
• RPA Names PM Candidate
• Armenia’s Demographic Threats
• The Kitchen Sink

• Hrant Mikaelian

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/444

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ZeOxwQm2DJ8

#ArmeniaPolitics #ArmeniaEconomy #ukrainewar #armenianchurch #PopulationDecline

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Conversations on Groong - June 6, 2025

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Abhinav Pandya about the emerging Turkey–Pakistan–Azerbaijan axis and its implications for India’s security and regional posture. We explore the symbolism behind the opening of an empty airport in Berdzor (Lachin), the broader strategic coordination among these three nations, and how India responded with Operation Sindoor following a major terror attack in Pahalgam. The conversation also looks at Armenia’s growing role as a strategic partner for India, the complexities of managing ties with Iran, and the challenges facing multilateral projects like IMEC. Pandya outlines the ideological and hybrid threats India faces and what it must do to stay ahead in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

• Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan Axis
• Operation Sindoor
• Armenia As a Strategic Partner
• West Asia and Eurasia Context
• Future Outlook

• Abhinav Pandya

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 443 | Recorded: June 3, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/443

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nhKhHx_Tpwo

#OperationSindoor #IndiaForeignPolicy #TurkeyPakistanAxis #ArmeniaIndiaRelations #india #armenia

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