The Saudi monarchy is VERY nervous rright now. The execution of that Shi-ite cleric has outraged Shi-ite dominated Iran, and others around the globe. Iraquis are also enraged by this act. All we need now is to see a host of suicide bombers attack the royal compound - or assasinate members of the Saudi royal family.
The withdrawal of Saudi state subsidies to the local poplulation is going to add fuel to the fire and unrest within the kingdom. As revenue from crude continues to decline, they will be hard pressed to meet the needs and demands of the local population. This factor alone brought down the Shah in 1979.
We may be in for a firestorm about to erupt in that area of the world. It wouldn't surprise me to see the US rush in to help defend the Royals - they will have no option.

One wonders what the major oil producers must be thinking at this spoint. This could be an opportunity to boost the price of crude. Many are languishing in a quagmire of debt - some close to bankruptcy and ruin. This might be an opportunity to shut out the Saudis for good and restore the health of this industry. But, somehow, I doubt that this will happen - or perhaps it could.

Anything is possible.