The Truth About the US-Saudi Relationship & Worker Strikes Complicate US Travel

In a special segment, Anya Parampil speaks with In Question producer Kei Pritsker to examine the roots of the special relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Kei explains how the alliance is based on Saudi’s ability to manipulate global oil markets through its petrol production, as well as the fact that Riyadh saved the US dollar following the collapse of the gold standard in 1971. Saudi’s decision to only accept the dollar for oil purchases in 1974 breathed new life into the US currency, the viability of which was in question following the Nixon Gold Shock. Later in the show, RT correspondent Rachel Blevins reports on the nationwide strike of Marriott hotel workers who are demanding increased wages and better working conditions. Rachel explains that guests at Marriott locations around the country are only learning that hotel staff are on strike after they’ve already checked-in. Kevin Gustafson, organizer with Democracy at Work DC, joins Anya to explain why Marriott is being targeted with the strike.