Middle East Research and Information Project

Critical Coverage of the Middle East Since 1971

Sign In Sign Up

Wazhmah Osman

Wazhmah Osman is assistant professor of Media and Communication Studies at Temple University and author of Television and the Afghan Culture Wars: Brought to You by Foreigners, Warlords, and Activists (University of Illinois Press, 2020).

The Fog of the Forever War with a Laugh Track in "United States of Al"
In this scene from the show, Al (center) attempts to orchestrate a reunion between Riley and his ex-wife. Image from “United States of Al,” CBS.
Current Analysis

The Fog of the Forever War with a Laugh Track in "United States of Al"

As President Joe Biden’s administration struggles to meet its self-imposed deadline of September 11, 2021 to withdraw US forces from Afghanistan, Hollywood is offering its own painless, bloodless version of an end to America’s longest war. In this review of the CBS sitcom "United States of Al," the
Wazhmah Osman, Helena Zeweri, Seelai Karzai • 12 min read