Currency Markets Indicate Trouble In Saudi Arabia Next Year

Bloomberg, Business Insider

A Rare Occurrence In The Saudi Currency Market Tells You That Trouble Is Brewing In The Middle East -- Business Insider

An important shift is developing in Saudi Arabian currency derivatives markets as Iran becomes engulfed in populist protests amid hyperinflationary pressures and armed conflict breaks out between Turkey and Syria, heightening concerns about tensions in the Middle East.

The 12-month forward rate on the Saudi Arabian riyal – or the difference between how many riyals traders think a dollar will be able to buy a year from now and how many riyals a dollar can buy today – has been hovering just above zero for the past two weeks.

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My Comment: To me .... this is an indication that some Saudi Arabia watchers are expecting the Arab Spring to arrive, coupled with the unrest and turmoil for change that it will bring. And for those who have "money in the game" ..... they are showing to the rest of the world that they are now betting on it.

Will The Arab Spring Reach Saudi Arabia?

Will Saudi Arabia Be Next To Fall? -- Michael Rubin, Commentary

After the Tunisian protesters sent Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, dictator for almost a quarter century, packing, the Central Intelligence Agency famously predicted the Arab revolt would not spread. Almost two years later, dictators have fallen in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and a fifth appears on the ropes in Syria. Despite what regional experts and Arab autocrats hoped, the desire for freedom and liberty is contagious. So when Bashar al-Assad’s tenure ends with a bullet in his head or a broomstick in his bottom, what will be the next domino to fall?

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My Comment: Talk about nightmare scenarios.

Sectarian Violence Hits Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Hit By Sectarian Violence As Two Killed -- The Telegraph

Saudi Arabia's Shia east has been thrown into turmoil after two people were killed when police opened fire on demonstrators protesting the shooting and arrest of a popular anti-regime cleric.

The detention of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr triggered the worst unrest in the kingdom's Eastern Province for months, prompting fears that the long-marginalised region could erupt in open revolt.

Hundreds of men marched through the centre of the city of Qatif, chanting "Down, Down with the House of Saud" and "Death to al-Saud", a rare direct challenge to the kingdom's royal family.

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More News On The Sectarian Violence In Saudi Arabia

Angry Throngs at a Funeral in Saudi Arabia -- New York Times
Thousands rally after death of protester in Saudi Arabia (VIDEO) -- RT
Saudi Shi'ites throng funerals of slain protesters -- Reuters
Saudi Arabia says two killed after cleric's arrest -- Reuters
Saudi shootout and crackdown: Two dead as police squash Shia rally -- RT
Iran Criticizes Saudi Crackdown on Protesters, Fars Says -- Bloomberg
Saudis fear revolution will hit kingdom -- Press TV (Iran)
Video of Protests and Clashes in Saudi Arabia -- New York Times