Did the Saudi Ambassador promise to increase oil production before the US elections? - April 20, 2004. The author of a new book titled "The Attack Map" about how President Bush's administration prepared for war with Iraq claims that a senior Saudi envoy promised President Bush that his country would reduce oil prices ahead of the upcoming November elections in an effort to strengthen the US economy and bolster Mr. Bush's position for reelection. Bob Woodward, a reporter for the Washington Post, said in an interview with CBS that Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi Ambassador to the US, promised that as the US presidential elections approach, Saudi Arabia would increase oil production. Such a move would lead to a significant decrease in gasoline prices in the US, which have risen sharply. Mr. Woodward added that the Saudi Ambassador and his family are among the friends of the US President and his family. The White House declined to comment on Mr. Woodward's claims on Monday. Scott McClellan, the White House spokesman, stated that Saudi Arabia has promised to keep oil prices between $22 and $28 per barrel. Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate in the upcoming US presidential elections, expressed hope on Monday that the American people would not become hostages to a secret deal between the US President and the Saudis.
Did the Saudi Ambassador Promise to Increase Oil Production Before the US Elections?
The Saudi Ambassador allegedly promised President Bush to increase oil production before the US elections to help lower gasoline prices and support Bush's reelection efforts. This claim was made by Bob Woodward in a CBS interview. The implications of this promise raise concerns about the influence of foreign governments on US electoral processes.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Saudi Ambassador reportedly promised President Bush to increase oil production before the US elections to lower gasoline prices. This claim was made by journalist Bob Woodward, raising concerns about foreign influence on US electoral processes.
- The promise was allegedly made to help reduce gasoline prices in the US.
- The White House did not confirm the claims made by Woodward.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The US and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing relationship centered around oil, with Saudi Arabia being a key player in global oil markets. The US economy is highly sensitive to oil prices, making this relationship particularly significant.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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