PBS
Pbs: Over a Barrel
This site focuses on the importance of the concentration of oil in the Middle East to world politics. Read the backgrounder by Charles Krause before reading this transcript of Online Newshour.
Other
New York Times: Opec Finds Politics and Oil Mix
This site has a 1999 New York Times article about world oil prices, OPEC, and the role of politics in the Middle East. While much of the article focuses on recent events, background information is also given.