Fight for Oil: 100 Years in the Middle East, Part 2

(52 mins) The impact of the struggle for oil on relations between the USA and Saudi Arabia during the 20th century is examined in this documentary. The Israeli and Palestinian conflict had far reaching consequences for oil supplies to the US. Due to its support of Israel, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia suspended oil exports to the US in 1973, causing oil prices to soar. The former US Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger gives his thoughts on the oil embargo and his negotiations with King Faisal to try to reverse the oil embargo, and reduce the cost of oil. Hostages who were held captive at this time of political unrest such as US Ambassador John W. Limbert, speak of their experiences. This is part 2 of 3 of a series focusing on the history of oil and the conflicts it has caused, many of which continue today.