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Mohammed bin Salman in 2019

Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman pictured above in 2019. | U.S. Department of State

U.S. Reevaluates Relationship with Saudi Arabia Over Cut in Oil Production

October 17, 2022

U.S. Reevaluates Relationship with Saudi Arabia Over Cut in Oil Production

Ask Students: Why has the Biden administration decided to reevaluate ties to Saudi Arabia? What are some of the ways the U.S. has supported Saudi Arabia?

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Summary

Relations between the White House and Saudi Arabia’s ruling royal family are at a low point, and may be set to dive even lower. From President Biden’s fighting words on the campaign trail to recent Saudi-led cuts in global oil supplies, the status of the more than 75-year-old alliance is troubled. Many in the administration and on Capitol Hill want a reset. For a transcript of this story, click here.

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Discussion Questions

  • Where is Saudi Arabia and what is its importance to the U.S., according to this story?
  • Who leads Saudi Arabia, and what is his relationship with the United States?
  • Why has the Biden administration decided to reevaluate ties to Saudi Arabia?
  • What are some of the ways the U.S. has supported Saudi Arabia in recent years?
  • How do oil cuts affect the United States? What about Russia and Ukraine?

Focus Questions

Why do you think the U.S. has maintained close ties with Saudi Arabia? What advantages do you think U.S. decision-makers see in the relationship?

Media Literacy: What else would you want to know about the history between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia? Where would you go to find out?

Learn More About OPEC

How will a drop in oil production affect everyday life in the U.S.? Read this article on how oil cuts will impact the global economy. Then write down one suggestion for what should be done in response and discuss as a class.

Lesson Plans on International Politics

Find more resources on international politics and how they relate to your students with our free collection of preK-12 lesson plans and teaching resources.

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.

PBS NewsHour Classroom
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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