Democracy in the Middle East. Here we go ...
 

Saudi Arabia?s first ever elections will take place in October to fill the 120 member Shura council.

Wonder if it'll end up more like Turkey or Jordan?

Domino effect?

I wonder if it would wield any real power. Most power in KSA is in the hands of the Saud family with localized deference to "morality police" aka local imams


Maybe the better question to ask would be--how can Western Democracy be fused with local customs to produce mutually desired outcomes such as equality before the law and cultural tolerance?

No it doesn't. The Saud family is more and more powerless. The Wahhabists have practically took over and the Saud can't take a decision if it's not approved by the Wahhabists. They're trying to stop them by organising elections, hopefully it'll go well but I doubt it.