Episode 17: Whitewashing America's Role in Yemen

Citations Needed, hosted by Nima Shirazi and Adam Johnson, critically examines the media's inadequate coverage of the Yemen war, siege, and blockade led by a Saudi-U.S. coalition. They discuss how the media often omits the U.S.'s role, simplifies the conflict as a civil war, and perpetuates the "Iran-backed Houthi" narrative. The hosts interview Dr. Sheila Karapico, a Yemen expert, who provides background on the conflict, challenges the Iran narrative, and highlights the humanitarian crisis. Later, Dr. Greg Shupak discusses media coverage trends, the "bold reformer" image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the overarching desire to link the conflict to a broader war against Iranian aggression. The episode analyzes media tropes, the lack of context, and the political convenience that shapes the narrative, ultimately revealing how the U.S. media often ignores or distorts the realities of the Yemen conflict.