World History Moment: Arab Oil Embargo

By Worldview
Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger tells newsmen in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 1973 that the United States will not shift its Middle East policy because of the Arab oil embargo. He warned that American counter measures may be necessary.
Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger tells newsmen in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 1973 that the United States will not shift its Middle East policy because of the Arab oil embargo. He warned that American counter measures may be necessary. Bob Daugherty / AP Photo
Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger tells newsmen in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 1973 that the United States will not shift its Middle East policy because of the Arab oil embargo. He warned that American counter measures may be necessary.
Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger tells newsmen in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 1973 that the United States will not shift its Middle East policy because of the Arab oil embargo. He warned that American counter measures may be necessary. Bob Daugherty / AP Photo

World History Moment: Arab Oil Embargo

By Worldview
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On October 17, 1973, five Arab countries announced they’d stop selling oil to countries that supported Israel, so the US turned to Iran for its supply. Historian John Schmidt recalls how this moment in history helped shift the balance of power in the Middle East.