CIVILNET

Rex Kalamian, assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and head coach of Armenia’s national basketball team, shares how he’s using his NBA experience to build Armenia’s basketball program from the ground up. Kalamian offers insights into his recruiting process and what he’s learned working with some of the biggest names in the game. He also reflects on what representing Armenia means to him as the grandson of a genocide survivor and the profound impact his work in the country has had on him.

Dr. Karena Avedissian, political scientist and researcher, shares insights from her recent visit to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, also known as Rojava, where she met with Islamized Armenians, descendants of Genocide survivors who were forcibly assimilated during and after 1915. She explains how this hidden diaspora is now reemerging and reclaiming its Armenian identity through community, language, and armed self-defense, all within Rojava’s inclusive, multi-ethnic political system. Avedissian discusses the challenges they face, from rejection by the Armenian Church to the ongoing threat of Turkish aggression, and why their story matters for the broader Armenian world.0:00- Who are the Armenians of Rojava? 2:27- Why it’s a unique place for Islamicized Armenians to reclaim their identity 4:22- What are Islamicized Armenians doing to recover their identity? 7:31- Grassroots nature of the rediscovering movement & personal story 11:04- The community’s hopes and desire for support#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

In this episode of Insights, host Eric Hacopian covers the geopolitical shock of Israel’s attack on Iran, and what the unfolding war means for Armenia. Hacopian outlines the key developments, including the purported use of Azerbaijani territory for Israeli drone strikes, the likely goals behind the attacks, and the potential for a wider regional conflict. He also examines how Iran’s instability could affect Armenia’s security, economy, and border situation, raising concerns about delayed imports, possible refugee flows, and increased threats from Azerbaijan.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #insightswitherichacopian

"We have complicated this simple life." The flow of Iranian citizens to Armenia continues. Uncertainty, loved ones left on the other side of the border, and an emptying Tehran: this is how Iranians who have crossed the Agarak checkpoint describe the situation. Some, despite obstacles, are going in the other direction- returning to Iran to be with their relatives.#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

In this episode of the CivilNet podcast, Sergei Melkonian, a Middle East specialist and a research fellow at the Yerevan-based think tank APRI Armenia, sheds light on the fast-moving conflict between Iran and Israel and what it means for Armenia. Recorded on day five of the crisis, the conversation explores what Melkonian warns could be a worst-case scenario, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pursuing regime change with the intention of assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Meanwhile, the United States appears poised to enter the conflict, based on new warnings from President Donald Trump. Melkonian analyzes the risks of regional escalation, the uncertain future of nuclear talks, and how the crisis could directly impact Armenia, from trade disruptions to potential border instability. 0:00- Background on Iran-Israel conflict through day 51:02- Current situation within Iran2:24- Netanyahu’s reasons & goals for attack 4:16- Regime change in Iran 6:21- Armenian communities in Iran & Israel 7:41- Are the nuclear talks dead? 10:10- Trump’s approach to the Middle East 11:57- Iran’s strength level vs. Israel 13:37- Impacts on Armenia 17:07- What could Iran’s future be? #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

📍 The government of Armenia is partnering with the artificial intelligence startup Firebird and chipmaker NVIDIA to launch a $500 million AI data center and supercomputer.📍 A look inside Armenia’s Russian “gold rush”: https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/956651/Credits: Ruptly#CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ #civilnetbusiness

Yerevan hosted the world-renowned Russian ballet companies for its third annual international ballet festival. The highly anticipated week-long event drew over 100,000 people to watch a myriad of pieces, even including a special tribute to Armenia’s cultural heritage with a performance of Aram Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance. #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

Eleanor Monbiot, OBE, Regional Director for the Middle East and Eastern Europe at World Vision, discusses the humanitarian organization’s evolving role in Armenia as it transitions to a locally led, self-funded model. She highlights World Vision’s decades of work with vulnerable children and families in fragile contexts, including recent support for over 16,000 displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh. Monbiot emphasizes the importance of systemic change, social inclusion, and close collaboration with local institutions to ensure sustainable impact. 0:00- Helping in Armenia’s “fragile contexts” 2:28- World Vision becoming self-funding in Armenia 5:51- Corporate social responsibility policy 6:49- Government support and new initiatives 9:02- Help to those displaced from Artsakh #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ

Civilnet sits down with Aren Deyirmenjian, the Armenia Representative of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), to discuss their groundbreaking educational initiative. From a unique tuition-free private school in Yerevan to an ambitious community-centric cluster model school launching in the border region of Vardenis, AMAA is creating empowering spaces for vulnerable children and their families. Their goal is to provide children with a holistic education along with healthcare, social services, and spiritual values. 0:00- AMAA's unique holistic model for private education 3:30- Expanding to Vardenis 6:25- Education for the future 9:42- Patriotic education 11:31- Attracting quality educators 13:23- Serving Artsakh refugees 14:38- Measuring impact 17:17- Martial education

Tim Jemal, president of the non-partisan advocacy organization Global ARM, shares how his organization is reshaping U.S. policy toward Armenia through strategic lobbying and bipartisan outreach. He discusses reversing the anti-Armenian narratives promoted by Azerbaijan's big dollar lobbyists and engaging with the Trump administration on strengthening US-Armenia ties, which in turn will enhance Armenia's security and sovereignty. Jemal assesses what's needed for the Armenian-American community to finally match its influence with real impact. 0:00- Global ARM’s mission to support Armenia 1:15- Changing the narrative in DC on Armenia 6:30- Armenian-American community underperforming its capabilities 11:30- Relationship with the Trump administration on Armenia 14:07- Azerbaijan’s strategy in DC 17:20- Supporting ARM Global #CivilNet #ՍիվիլՆեթ