Investigate the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

 

Overview: What type of relationship currently exists between Saudi Arabia and the United States? Have students conduct research to learn more about Saudi Arabia and its relationship with the U.S. since 1970. Use the article and lesson plan to help students evaluate the benefits and drawbacks for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to cooperate with one another in the war against terrorism.

Curriculum connections: World History, Political Science, International Relations, Current Events

Objectives
Students will be able to:

• Describe the events since 1970 that have established the current relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
• Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of an alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia in the U.S. -led war against terrorism.

Standards
National Council for the Social Studies
IX Global Connections, grades nine -12
High school students should be able to think systematically about personal, national, and global decisions, interactions and consequences, including addressing critical issues such as peace, human rights, trade and global ecology.

Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning
World history, Standard 44, grades nine-12
High school students should be able to understand the role of political ideology, religion and ethnicity in shaping modern governments.

Materials
CNNfyi.com article, " Backgrounder: Saudi Arabia is key U.S. ally"
Internet access
World map

Suggested time
Article and questions only: 30 minutes
Full lesson plan: Two to three classroom periods

Procedure
1. Direct students to a map of Asia to locate Saudi Arabia. You may want to use Holt, Rinehart and Winston's World Atlas map of Asia. Then ask: Why is Saudi Arabia critical to United States' effort to secure a coalition in the war against terrorism? 2.Have students read the CNNfyi.com article " Backgrounder: Saudi Arabia is key U.S. ally",and ask the following:

• What is the primary or dominant religion of the people in Saudi Arabia? What type of government is presently in power in Saudi Arabia? Who is the current King of Saudi Arabia? What natural resource has provided Saudi Arabia with a great deal of wealth? Why did Saudi Arabia cut off its oil exports to the United States?

• What alliance did former President Ronald Reagan make with King Fahd? How did the Saudis respond to U.S. requests to use their bases for strikes during the Gulf War? What is Saudi Arabia's stance on America's war against terrorism? What type of support is the U.S. hoping to obtain from Saudi Arabia?
• In your opinion, does the U.S. need the support of Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to win its war on terrorism? Why or why not? Do you think the U.S. should broaden its anti-terrorism campaign? Explain.

3. Have students conduct research using online and print resources to learn more about the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia from the Gulf War to the present. Then ask: What are some events that illustrate the potential for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the U.S.? What is the current status of the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia?

Assessment
Have students create a powerpoint presentation about the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States since 1970. After students have shared their presentations, have them create a chart that illustrates the benefits and drawbacks for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to cooperate with one another? Then ask: Do you think the United States needs to have Saudi Arabia as an ally in the war on terrorism? Do you think the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia will change as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks? Discuss.

Challenge
Point out to students that oil and related industries are the most important part of the Saudi economy. Saudi Arabia is a leader of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Have students conduct further research on petroleum industries in Saudi Arabia and answer the following questions: What was Saudi Arabia like before oil was discovered there? How has oil changed Saudi Arabia's economy and society? Why do you think it might be dangerous for the country's economy to become entirely dependent on oil?