which added to severe us economic problems in 1971?\npeace talks in the middle east\na recession\na drop in…

Brief Explanations:

A recession is an economic downturn that brings negative impacts like reduced economic activity and job - losses, worsening economic problems. Peace talks in the Middle East are more of a geopolitical event not directly an economic problem - adder in this context. A drop in unemployment is a positive economic sign, not a problem. Reduction in federal spending can sometimes be a measure to manage the economy and is not an economic problem in itself that added to severe US economic problems in 1971.

Answer:

B. a recession