Petrodollars

At this time when tensions with Saudi Arabia are running high it is critical to review why the relationship between our two countries is important. When the oil fields were first developed the US committed to protecting the Saudis from outside enemies with the understanding that they would only sell oil for dollars and thus the term petrodollars. Because the Saudis kept their promise the US dollar remained the premier currency around the world. Even though today we are not as dependent on Saudi oil the use of petrodollars helps the US keep it's dominance in world financial matters. Let us not be too quick to sever relations over the killing of this reporter as there is much more at stake.