Sergei Melkonian - Syria, Iran Unrest, TRIPP, Armenian Elections | Ep 508, Jan 18, 2026 скачать в хорошем качестве

Sergei Melkonian - Syria, Iran Unrest, TRIPP, Armenian Elections | Ep 508, Jan 18, 2026

Groong Week in Review - January 18, 2026 Topics: Syria, Kurds, Turkish advance Iran unrest, war postponed TRIPP and sovereignty dispute 2026 elections, foreign influence Guest: Sergei Melkonian Timestamps: 00:00 Intro to show with Dr. Sergei Melkonian 01:38 Why did the US abandon its Kurdish allies? 05:09 What lessons for Armenians, in the Syrian story? 07:12 Where does Israel stand on the Syrian Kurdish issue? 09:40 Iran Crisis - what accounts for the present apparent lull in the drumbeat of war? 16:05 Was the delay requested by Benyamin Netanyahu? 18:31 Is Iran ready to face a second war? 20:38 How committed are Russia and China to prevent a war on their ally, Iran? 23:00 What offramps are aavilable to the sides to de-escalate, avoid or postpone war? 25:23 Iranian demonstrations in Yerevan, TIPP signings in DC. Takeaways? 32:26 Is Armenia taking into account Iran & Russia's interests? 37:42 Can Turey's effective endorsement of Pashinyan be considered as meddlig in Armenia's June elections? 42:27 Is Pashinyan still a consensus candidate in 2026 for the competing regional powers in the South Caucasus? 43:45 What would change if Pashinyan loses? Would the opposition have a radically different FP? 47:48 What cards does Turkey hold to sway the Armenian elections in its favor? 50:54 What are Russia's interests in Armenia, will they act to reduce foreign meddling? 01:00:34 Personal thoughts from the participants 01:00:40 Sergei: Return of the four prisoners - great, but part of an agenda. 01:01:45 Hovik: Normalcy bias. 01:03:53 About Dr. Sergei Melkonian 01:04:23 Thinking out loud whether our interviewing style is effective and how we can do better Hosts: Hovik Manucharyan Asbed Bedrossian Episode 508 | Recorded: January 19, 2026 SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/508 #ArmenianNews #Syria #Iran #ZangezurCorridor #TRIPP #Geopolitics