<![CDATA[Armenian News Network / Groong]]>https://substack.groong.orghttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!npmQ!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F88493460-5f30-4b2d-b527-8e5171aa71a2_400x400.pngArmenian News Network / Groonghttps://substack.groong.orgSubstackMon, 08 Jun 2026 20:23:02 GMT<![CDATA[Spotlight on Silence: Selective Justice in Armenia’s Election Campaign | Ep 555, Jun 6, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/spotlight-on-silence-selective-justicehttps://substack.groong.org/p/spotlight-on-silence-selective-justiceSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:00:26 GMTSpotlight on Silence - June 6, 2026

In this Spotlight on Silence episode, we speak with Rafael Ishkhanyan of the Armenian Center for Political Rights about selective justice and state pressure ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss wiretaps and leaks targeting opposition figures, abuse of hate speech laws against government critics, military service summons used as political coercion, and Pashinyan’s threats against political opponents and Artsakh Armenians.

Topics:

  • Selective law enforcement before elections

  • Wiretaps, leaks, and campaign pressure

  • Hate speech laws against critics

  • Official threats without consequences

  • Military summons as political coercion

Guest: Rafael Ishkhanyan

Hosts:

Episode 555 | Recorded: June 4, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/555

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #HumanRights #PoliticalPersecution #Artsakh #RafaelIshkhanyan #Groong

]]><![CDATA[Raffi Kalfayan - IODA's Second Mission, Armenia's Dire Election Climate | Ep 554, Jun 4, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/raffi-kalfayan-iodas-second-missionhttps://substack.groong.org/p/raffi-kalfayan-iodas-second-missionThu, 04 Jun 2026 19:31:08 GMTConversations on Groong - June 4, 2026

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Dr. Philippe Raffi Kalfayan about Armenia’s deteriorating democratic conditions ahead of the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election. We discuss IODA’s second election observation mission, widespread arrests of opposition figures, state intimidation of voters, selective prosecution, and the serious threats to electoral legitimacy and civil rights under the Civil Contract regime.

Topics:

  • Arrests of government critics

  • State pressure on voters

  • Public resources used for campaigns

  • Selective prosecution before elections

  • Election legitimacy under serious doubt

Guest: Philippe Raffi Kalfayan

Hosts:

Episode 554 | Recorded: June 3, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/554

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #Election2026 #IODA #OSCE #ODIHR #Geopolitics #Democracy

]]><![CDATA[May 28, Rubio’s Armenia Deals, and the Cost of Strategic Drift | Ep 553, May 31, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/may-28-rubios-armenia-deals-and-thehttps://substack.groong.org/p/may-28-rubios-armenia-deals-and-theTue, 02 Jun 2026 19:02:00 GMTIn this episode of Groong’s Week in Review, hosts Hovik and Asbed examine Armenia’s May 28 Independence Day parade as campaign theater, Marco Rubio’s push for critical minerals deals, and the strategic risks of TRIPP in Syunik. We discuss how Pashinyan’s military parade coincides with Armenian prisoners of war held hostage in Baku, the questionable financing of weapons through $8 billion in external debt, and the broader geopolitical pressures from Russia and Iran as Armenia heads into the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election.

Topics:

  • May 28 and Statehood

  • Parade as Campaign Theater

  • Rubio’s Armenia Agreements

  • Minerals Without Guarantees

  • TRIPP Risks in Syunik

  • Russia and Iran Pushback

  • Election Climate and Repression

Hosts:

Episode 553 | Recorded: June 1, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/553

#Armenia #May28 #MarcoRubio #TRIPP #Syunik #CriticalMinerals #ElectionFraud #RussiaArmenia

]]><![CDATA[Sergey Markedonov - Russia-Armenia Relations Before the Vote | Ep 552, June 1, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/sergey-markedonov-russia-armeniahttps://substack.groong.org/p/sergey-markedonov-russia-armeniaMon, 01 Jun 2026 19:02:09 GMTIn this Conversations on Groong episode, Hovik and Asbed speak with Dr. Sergey Markedonov about the sharp decline in Russia-Armenia relations before Armenia’s June parliamentary elections. The discussion explores whether the vote is only a domestic contest, or a broader struggle over Armenia’s identity, security, and geopolitical direction after Artsakh. Topics include Pashinyan’s “Real Armenia” project, TRIPP and regional balance, Russia’s warnings over Armenia’s EU pivot, pressure on Armenian exports and energy pricing, the role of the Armenian Church, and whether the EU offers Armenia a real strategic alternative or only short-term political support.

Topics:

  • TRIPP and Regional Balance

  • Armenia’s Geopolitical Election

  • Pashinyan’s “Real Armenia”

  • Russia’s Economic Pressure

Guest: Sergey Markedonov

Hosts:

Episode 552 | Recorded: May 31, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/552

#RussiaArmenia #SergeyMarkedonov #ArmeniaElections #Pashinyan #RealArmenia #TRIPP #EAEU #SouthCaucasus

]]><![CDATA[Arthur Khachatryan - Armenia Alliance, 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 551, May 31, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/arthur-khachatryan-armenia-alliancehttps://substack.groong.org/p/arthur-khachatryan-armenia-allianceSun, 31 May 2026 19:31:55 GMTIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Arthur Khachatryan of the Hayastan Dashinq, Armenia Alliance about the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 7. We discuss whether free and fair elections are possible given foreign interference from the West, abuse of administrative resources by the ruling Civil Contract party, media control, and competing pressures from the United States, EU, Russia, and regional actors including Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Topics:

  • Free and fair elections

  • Polls and opposition unity

  • Hayastan Dashinq platform

  • TRIPP and foreign policy

  • Economy and Russian pressure

Guest: Arthur Khachatryan

Hosts:

Episode 551 | Recorded: May 30, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/551

#ArmeniaElections #ArthurKhachatryan #HayastanDashinq #ArmenianOpposition #Pashinyan #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Groong

]]><![CDATA[Rubio Visit, New MPG and IRI Polls, Hidden Votes and Why Are You Alive? | Ep 550, May 24, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/rubio-visit-new-mpg-and-iri-pollshttps://substack.groong.org/p/rubio-visit-new-mpg-and-iri-pollsSat, 30 May 2026 02:02:42 GMTWeek in Review - May 24, 2025

This Week in Review examines the tightening political climate in Armenia ahead of the June 2026 parliamentary elections. Asbed and Hovik discuss Marco Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit, new polling from IRI, MPG, and CAEAC, and what the wide gaps in voter disclosure may reveal about hidden opposition support. The episode also covers TRIPP, “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric, public trust in the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the growing use of arrests, threats, and state pressure against opposition figures. The discussion centers on Pashinyan’s escalating campaign rhetoric, including his “Why are you alive?” outburst, and what it signals about the stakes of the coming election.

Topics:

  • Rubio’s sudden Armenia visit

  • Polls diverge before election

  • Hidden vote raises questions

  • TRIPP remains deeply polarizing

  • “Western Azerbaijan” pressure grows

  • Opposition faces arrests, threats

  • “Why are you alive?” campaign rhetoric

Hosts:

Episode 550 | Recorded: May 25, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/550

#ArmeniaElections #Armenia #NikolPashinyan #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #WesternAzerbaijan #ArmenianOpposition

]]><![CDATA[Edgar Elbakyan - The Battle for Armenia’s Political Future | Ep 549, May 24, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/edgar-elbakyan-the-battle-for-armeniashttps://substack.groong.org/p/edgar-elbakyan-the-battle-for-armeniasMon, 25 May 2026 01:01:17 GMTThis Conversations on Groong episode features Edgar Elbakyan in a broad discussion of Armenia’s upcoming election and the wider political climate around it. The conversation looks at whether this vote marks a turning point for Armenia, how public fear and pressure shape voter behavior, and why polling results differ so sharply. It also examines the main political forces, the chances for an opposition coalition, and whether the campaign is addressing the core questions of statehood, sovereignty, and public trust.

Topics:

  • Armenia’s existential election

  • Polling under fear

  • Divergent polling results

  • Church and state conflict

  • Post-election street pressure

Guest: Edgar Elbakyan

Hosts:

Episode 549 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/549

#Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #EdgarElbakyan #StrongArmenia #ArmeniaAlliance #ArmeniaElections

]]><![CDATA[Parties and Alliances in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 548, May 22, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/parties-and-alliances-in-the-2026https://substack.groong.org/p/parties-and-alliances-in-the-2026Sun, 24 May 2026 04:01:36 GMTThis Conversations on Groong episode provides a primer on Armenia’s June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, reviewing the 17 parties and 2 alliances registered to compete. The discussion explains the election rules, thresholds, coalition process, and the “stable majority” mechanism, while stressing the uneven political environment facing opposition forces. The episode then walks through each participant, including Civil Contract, Strong Armenia, Armenia Alliance, Prosperous Armenia, Wings of Unity, Bright Armenia, ANC, Bever, Republic, DOK, Democratic Consolidation, and smaller parties with limited visibility or missing programs. The hosts compare party leaders, alliances, campaign programs, polling numbers, foreign policy orientations, and positions on major issues such as Artsakh, Russia, the West, Iran, TRIPP, CSTO, and opposition unity. The episode also introduces a geopolitical heatmap to help listeners see where the main forces stand and which parties appear most likely to enter parliament based on MPG polling.

Topics:

  • Armenia’s election rules

  • Parties and alliances competing

  • MPG polling and thresholds

  • Opposition challenges and turnout

  • Geopolitical positions heatmap

Hosts:

Episode 548 | Recorded: May 22, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/548

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #ArmenianPolitics #Artsakh #SouthCaucasus #CivilContract #StrongArmenia #HayastanDashinq

]]><![CDATA[Pashinyan's Hate Speech, Threats, and the June 7 Election Climate | Ep 547, May 17, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/pashinyans-hate-speech-threats-andhttps://substack.groong.org/p/pashinyans-hate-speech-threats-andWed, 20 May 2026 03:00:43 GMTWeek in Review - May 17, 2026

This Week in Review covers a tense mix of global and Armenian political crises, from Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping and the deepening Iran war, to Armenia’s worsening relations with Russia and the risks to trade, energy, and security ties. Hovik and Asbed also examine Armenia’s heated election climate, including allegations of state pressure, abuse of administrative resources, selective law enforcement, Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric against opposition leaders, and the muted response of international observers. The episode also looks at Robert Kocharyan’s call for major-power guarantees for peace with Azerbaijan, and the vandalism of the Sourp Nshan Armenian Church in Javakhk.

Topics:

  • Trump, China, and Iran

  • Armenia-Russia “soft divorce”

  • Pashinyan’s violent campaign rhetoric

  • State resources and election pressure

  • Javakhk church vandalism concerns

Hosts:

Episode 547 | Recorded: May 18, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/547

#Pashinyan #ArmeniaElections #ArmenianPolitics #PoliticalViolence #HateSpeech #ArmeniaRussia #IranWar #SouthCaucasus

]]><![CDATA[Arman Grigoryan - Revolutionary Recklessness: Armenia After the War | Ep 546, May 15, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/arman-grigoryan-revolutionary-recklessnesshttps://substack.groong.org/p/arman-grigoryan-revolutionary-recklessnessFri, 15 May 2026 19:01:45 GMTConversations on Groong - May 15, 2026

Dr. Arman Grigoryan joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s post-2020 foreign policy and his argument that Pashinyan’s government has replaced one failed project, maximalist claims over Artsakh, with another: a risky strategic pivot away from Russia and toward the West. The conversation examines “revolutionary recklessness,” the roots of the 2020 war, Armenia’s worsening ties with Russia, the surrender of Artsakh, TRIPP and Syunik, Western encouragement, and the absence of firm security guarantees. Grigoryan also considers whether Armenia is gaining real sovereignty or exposing itself to greater pressure from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia.

Topics:

  • Revolutionary recklessness after 2020

  • Armenia’s pivot away from Russia

  • Artsakh’s surrender and strategic reorientation

  • TRIPP, Syunik, and security guarantees

  • Western backing, Armenian risk

Guest: Arman Grigoryan

Hosts:

Episode 546 | Recorded: May 13, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/546

#ArmanGrigoryan #Armenia #Russia #Pashinyan #Artsakh #TRIPP #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics

]]><![CDATA[Week in Review - EPC in Armenia, Russia, Parliamentary Election, Swiss Peace Initiative | Ep 545, May 10, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/week-in-review-epc-in-armenia-russiahttps://substack.groong.org/p/week-in-review-epc-in-armenia-russiaThu, 14 May 2026 06:26:19 GMTWeek in Review - May 10, 2026

Topics:

  • EPC fallout and Russia response

  • Armenia-EU declaration controversies

  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh campaign narrative

  • Aliyev-Pashinyan tag-team messaging

  • Swiss Peace Initiative

  • Pollsters diverge on election forecasts

Hosts:

Episode 545 | Recorded: May 12, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/545

VIDEO:

#WeekInReview #Armenia #SwissPeaceInitiative #NagornoKarabakh #Artsakh

]]><![CDATA[Anna Grigoryan - Armenia Alliance in the 2026 Armenian Parliamentary Election | Ep 544, May 11, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/anna-grigoryan-armenia-alliance-inhttps://substack.groong.org/p/anna-grigoryan-armenia-alliance-inTue, 12 May 2026 03:30:57 GMTAnna Grigoryan of Hayastan Dashinq (Armenia Alliance) joins Groong to discuss Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election and the start of the official campaign. The conversation examines the EPC and Armenia-EU summits in Yerevan, EU political and financial support for Pashinyan, Aliyev’s remote demarche, and opposition protests around Artsakh rights, Armenian prisoners, and democratic backsliding. The episode also covers opposition coalition math, Hayastan Dashinq’s 8% bloc threshold, Strong Armenia’s lead among opposition forces, possible post-election governing formulas, and the risks of a falsified vote. Grigoryan also discusses Armenia’s foreign policy direction, the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, TRIPP and Syunik amid the Iran war, education as a national priority, and Hayastan Dashinq’s core message to voters.

Topics:

  • Election campaign and opposition strategy

  • EPC, EU-Armenia summit, and foreign influence

  • Foreign policy, security, and regional risks

  • Domestic priorities and election integrity

Guest: Anna Grigoryan

Hosts:

Episode 544 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/544

#AnnaGrigoryan #Armenia #ArmenianPolitics #ArmeniaElections #HayastanDashinq #EPCSummit #TRIPP #Artsakh

]]><![CDATA[EU Interference and Armenia’s 2026 Elections | Ep 543, May 10, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/eu-interference-and-armenias-2026https://substack.groong.org/p/eu-interference-and-armenias-2026Mon, 11 May 2026 06:31:08 GMTConversations on Groong - May 10, 2026

Hovhannes Ishkhanyan and Nare Navasardyan discuss the growing role of the EU, fact-checking networks, and counter-disinformation programs in Armenia’s 2026 election environment. The conversation examines claims of foreign interference, the use of “hybrid threats” and “disinformation” labels against domestic dissent, and the political bias of Armenia’s fact-checking ecosystem. The guests also share personal experiences with lawsuits, public confrontation, protest, and censorship, raising broader questions about free speech, election fairness, and the management of Armenia’s information space.

Topics:

  • EU role in Armenia’s elections

  • Fact-checkers and political bias

  • Dissent labeled as disinformation

  • Lawsuits, pressure, and intimidation

  • Censorship and social media control

Guests:

Hosts:

Episode 543 | Recorded: May 7, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/543

#Armenia #ArmenianElections #EU #Disinformation #FactChecking #Censorship #CivilSociety #FreeSpeech

]]><![CDATA[Tatevik Soghoyan - Who Failed the Children of Vedi | Ep 542, May 10, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/tatevik-soghoyan-who-failed-the-childrenhttps://substack.groong.org/p/tatevik-soghoyan-who-failed-the-childrenSun, 10 May 2026 20:31:01 GMTConversations on Groong - May 10, 2026

This Conversations on Groong episode examines the Vedi abuse case, a disturbing story involving alleged sexual abuse of vulnerable minors and serious questions about Armenia’s law-enforcement response. Attorney Tatevik Soghoyan joins the program to discuss the known timeline, the delays between the first reports and arrests, the treatment of the victims, and the public statements by investigators and government officials. The discussion focuses on whether this was a local failure, a systemic breakdown, or a deeper case of political responsibility, while asking what Armenia’s justice and child-protection systems must do to prevent such cases from being ignored, delayed, or mishandled.

Topics:

  • Vedi abuse case timeline

  • Law-enforcement delays and failures

  • Victim protection and privacy

  • Political responsibility and accountability

  • Child-protection system breakdown

Guest:

Hosts:

Episode 542 | Recorded: May 9, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/542

#VediCase #ChildProtection #JusticeForChildren #RuleOfLaw #Accountability #Armenia #HumanRights #VictimsRights

]]><![CDATA[Anatol Lieven - Russia, Iran, Europe, and the Remaking of World Order | Ep 541, May 8, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/anatol-lieven-russia-iran-europehttps://substack.groong.org/p/anatol-lieven-russia-iran-europeFri, 08 May 2026 20:00:51 GMTIn this episode of Conversations on Groong, Dr. Anatol Lieven joins us to examine Russia’s place in a rapidly shifting global order. The discussion looks at the war in Ukraine, the state of Russia-EU relations after Viktor Orbán’s political defeat, and the uncertain trajectory of the war on Iran, including whether any real diplomatic offramp still exists. They also explore whether Russia’s relationship with Iran is truly strategic or mainly transactional, how China fits into the wider balance of power, and what all of this means for the South Caucasus, Armenia’s current path under Pashinyan, and Azerbaijan’s ambitions to turn wartime leverage into lasting regional influence.

Topics

  • Russia, Iran, Europe, multipolar order

  • Ukraine war and Russia-West tensions

  • Iran war and diplomatic offramps

  • Armenia, TRIPP, South Caucasus

Guest: Anatol Lieven

Hosts:

Episode 541 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/541

#AnatolLieven #Russia #Iran #Europe #UkraineWar #SouthCaucasus

]]><![CDATA[Mikael Darbinian - Armenia’s Borders, TRIPP, and the Price of Weakness | Ep 540, May 6, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/mikael-darbinian-armenias-bordershttps://substack.groong.org/p/mikael-darbinian-armenias-bordersWed, 06 May 2026 20:01:25 GMTThis Conversations on Groong episode with Mikael Darbinian examines Armenia’s security crisis through the lens of the Strong Armenia doctrine. The discussion focuses on deterrence, diplomacy from a position of strength, Azerbaijani positions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, the risks around TRIPP and the Zangezur Corridor, the rights of Artsakh Armenians, regional war scenarios involving Iran, and the gap between international political theater and Armenia’s unresolved national security threats.

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia security doctrine

  • Azerbaijani occupation of Armenian territory

  • TRIPP and Zangezur Corridor risks

  • Diplomacy from a position of strength

  • EPC optics and national insecurity

Guest: Mikael Darbinian

Hosts:

Episode 540 | Recorded: May 5, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/540

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #MikaelDarbinian #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianSecurity #SouthCaucasus

]]><![CDATA[Trump’s Iran Ceasefire, Operation Kochari, and Armenia’s Election Fog| Ep 539, May 3, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/trumps-iran-ceasefire-operation-kocharihttps://substack.groong.org/p/trumps-iran-ceasefire-operation-kochariTue, 05 May 2026 20:01:27 GMTThis Groong Week in Review examines a volatile week across Armenia and the region. Asbed and Hovik discuss Trump’s declared ceasefire with Iran, the failed US-Iran talks in Islamabad, the continuing naval blockade, and the wider political pressure shaping Washington’s war posture. The episode also covers “Operation Kochari,” the secret visit of Azerbaijani deputy prime minister Shahin Mustafayev to Armenia, border demarcation, TRIPP, and the political theater around trade with Azerbaijan. The discussion turns to Azerbaijan’s destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral, the muted international response, and Pashinyan’s comments on the issue. The hosts also analyze the latest MPG poll, opposition coalition math, election fraud concerns, the EPC meeting, legal pressure on the opposition, mass surveillance, and Armenia’s falling press freedom ranking.

Topics:

  • Iran War

  • Mustafayev in Armenia

  • Destruction of the Stepanakert cathedral by Azerbaijan

  • Election politics

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan

  • Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 539 | Recorded: May 2, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/539

#Armenia #Azerbaijan #IranWar #TRIPP #Artsakh #Stepanakert #ArmenianElections #Groong

]]><![CDATA[Hrair Balian - From Karabakh to TRIPP: Armenia’s Security Dilemma | Ep 538, May 3, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/hrair-balian-from-karabakh-to-tripphttps://substack.groong.org/p/hrair-balian-from-karabakh-to-trippSun, 03 May 2026 21:30:59 GMTConversations on Groong - May 3, 2026

In this Conversations on Groong episode, Hrair Balian joins us to discuss his book Anatomy of Peacemaking: Nagorno Karabakh Conflict & Missed Opportunities, the failure of diplomacy around Artsakh, and what Armenia should learn from the long collapse of the peace process. The conversation also looks at the Iran war, US and Israeli goals in the region, the TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor and its security impact on Armenia, and the role of outside powers in shaping outcomes in the South Caucasus. The episode closes with a discussion of Armenia’s June parliamentary elections, opposition repression, election monitoring, and whether international observers will judge the vote by facts on the ground or political convenience.

Mr. Balian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peacemaking-Nagorno-Karabakh-Opportunities-Rethinking/dp/3032124891

Topics:

  • US-Iran war and failed diplomacy

  • TRIPP and Armenia’s security risks

  • Karabakh negotiations and missed chances

  • Pashinyan’s Artsakh policy reversal

  • Armenia’s June elections and monitoring

Guest: Hrair Balian

Hosts:

Episode 538 | Recorded: April 30, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/538

#HrairBalian #Groong #Armenia #Artsakh #NagornoKarabakh #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #ArmenianElections

]]><![CDATA[Arega Hovsepyan - June 2026 Parliamentary Election in Armenia | Ep 537, Apr 30, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/arega-hovsepyan-june-2026-parliamentaryhttps://substack.groong.org/p/arega-hovsepyan-june-2026-parliamentaryThu, 30 Apr 2026 20:01:03 GMTIn this Conversations on Groong episode, we speak with Arega Hovsepyan of the Strong Armenia party about Armenia’s June 2026 parliamentary elections, opposition politics, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus. The discussion covers recent arrests of Strong Armenia members, political pressure on the opposition, and concerns about democratic processes under Pashinyan. We also examine the situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians, including rights, return, voting access, and living conditions in Armenia. The episode explores competing narratives around “peace” with Azerbaijan, the implications of the Zangezur Corridor or TRIPP project, and how regional dynamics involving Iran, Russia, and Turkey shape Armenia’s security and political future.

Topics:

  • Strong Armenia and election dynamics

  • New arrests and political pressure

  • Artsakh Armenians and their rights

  • TRIPP corridor and regional security

Guest: Arega Hovsepyan

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan

  • Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 537 | Recorded: Apr 28, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/537

#Armenia #Artsakh #StrongArmenia #AregaHovsepyan #ArmenianPolitics #SouthCaucasus #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Geopolitics

]]><![CDATA[Arthur Martirosyan - Iran War, TRIPP, April 24, and Election Stakes | Ep 536, Apr 26, 2026]]>https://substack.groong.org/p/arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-tripphttps://substack.groong.org/p/arthur-martirosyan-iran-war-trippTue, 28 Apr 2026 21:35:04 GMTThis Week in Review on Groong examines how the Iran war fallout and the extension of the ceasefire are reshaping Armenia’s geopolitical position. We break down the push for the TRIPP or Zangezur Corridor and the claims of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, and assess how they tie to regional power dynamics involving Iran, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The episode also covers Armenia’s 2026 elections and rising elite tensions. In addition, we discuss the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, contrasting international messaging with domestic narratives and linking it to ongoing debates around Artsakh and historical continuity.

Topics:

  • TRIPP hinges on Iran war outcome

  • Armenian Genocide commemoration

  • Peace narrative vs corridor reality

  • Parliamentary election

Guest

Hosts:

  • Hovik Manucharyan

  • Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 536 | Recorded: April 27, 2026

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/536

#Armenia #IranWar #TRIPP #ZangezurCorridor #Elections2026 #SouthCaucasus #Geopolitics #Groong

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