[RC one]

none of this is especially important. Regardless of whether they are number 1,2, or 3, they are still in a position to threaten dollar hegemony and I have to conclude that Obama’s anti-Putin rhetoric reflects this realization especially in light of the extremes we have gone to in the past to prevent lesser OPEC nations from trading their petroleum products for currencies other than dollars.

[kabar]

We will just agree to disagree. Russia is no threat to the dollar's current position as the global currency.

especially in light of the extremes we have gone to in the past to prevent lesser OPEC nations from trading their petroleum products for currencies other than dollars.

Really? Do you have any source for that assertion?

[kabar]

EIA says that US is No 1, Saudi Arabia @2, and Russia #3 in oil production for 2013.