Saudi Arabia is a sovereign nation and free to make and enforce its laws. Their religion and culture oppress women, even going so far as to allow male family members to beat and kill girls and women if they transgress against Islam and the "law" of the land. I just read an article about a father who murdered his daughter after finding her on facebook conversing with a man. Does anyone think this man will be punished for this action?

I have a hard time believing that Islam is a religion of peace. I have no use for any religion but most don't force people to "convert or die." Additionally I can't understand why anyone, especially a woman, would even want to travel to such a country.

Rayanne Stemmler, Detroit, MI

Why are we allowing this to happen.But they can have our boys to died for all of them.

Tino, Westchester , NY

I am a non muslim male who will be shortly residing/working in Saudi. While it may sound that her rights have been abused in this case, the Saudi government has made it absolutely clear of their rules including the rule of being in public with someone of the opposite sex beside your spouse/relation. she should not even be travelling around Saudi without her husband....it is against their rules. if you do not like their rules, don't go to Saudi dude, as easy as that. leave it alone.

Wesley Kelly, Trincity,

its pretty sad that people like this should have the ability to represent an entire religion. Its the erligion that represents the people, and not the other way around. the religion of islam, believe it or not, is actually quite open to womens rights. in every religion, though, there are bad people. its sad that the saudis would do something like that, which is completely AGAINST their own religion.
i guess that sometimes, though, people get culture confused with religion.

Mary , Birmingham, Michigan

The actions of a few people? This was a government-sanctioned entity for God's sake (no pun intended). People don't blame Christianity for violence because - get this - Christians don't commit significant violence, at least in the name of Christianity. Bringing up ancient wars only proves my point further.

You'd think secular rationalists would better appreciate that wishing Islam to not be violent does not make it so, and perfecting snorts of derision in front of the mirror and looking up "alarmism" in the thesaurus does not change immigration and radicalization patterns.

Jon Kruk, Philadelphia, PA USA

A reply to Lance, Chicago, US:
your comment, "Yet people still believe Islam is such a "peaceful and loving" religion. OMG, wake up!" simply shows your ignorance. I can see how much you are influenced by the media. Do we make huge assumptions and conclusions about a religion because of the actions of a few people? It is important to note that the religion of Islam is perfect, however, the people practicing this religion are not. Let's think back about the Virginia tech shootings, I didn't see anyone blaming Christianity and calling it a terrorist religion becaue of what happend. Why are we allowing the media to limit our thinking and inject ideas into our brains? Many of us were created with brains, so let's use them for a change.

HS, Edmonton,

It will take a "revolution" toward alternative fuels. In a perfect western world we'd be moving toward alternatives to oil at the speed of light!!

Ree, USA

ree, VA,

isn't it a case of saudi values for saudi

mozimmal, stoke ,

Even Fred Flintstone and Wilma would have been uncomfortable in this pre-historic setting. What a bunch. Money and manners go their seperate way inside the tent in the desert. Are these people perverts by nature, is that what scares them the most?

Blanshard Meheux, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Come on, get realistic here.

As long as Saudi Arabia is sitting on a mess of oil and as long as the House of Saud is keeping the lid on the Wahhabi sect of Islamic terrorists for the Western powers, religious authorities are pretty much going to be given free reign to run the country however they want. You can bitch and scream, but as long as oil is involved, the House of Saud won't dare upset the proverbial apple cart. Any concession on women's rights by the government will be seen as an intolerable concession to the West. In the powder keg that is Saudi Arabia, striking this particular match is probably not a good idea for anyone. Ergo, there will be no serious expansion of rights for women any time soon.

It will take a revolution, or perhaps running out of oil, whichever comes first, to change the country.

Yes, Saudi Arabia isn't quite the West. Don't like it?

Fine. Move.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

I agree with the writer who states that , if we go to a place like Saudi Arabia we should learn to respect THEIR rules, THEIR culture and ways of doing things. If they want to live under an oppressive regime, then it is up to THEM to throw off their own oppression, not US. Likewise, if they come here, they should respect OUR rules, OUR culture, and OUR ways of doing things. DON'Tcome here if you want to live under Sharia law. Period.

Kip Arnold, Williamsburg, VA USA

Addicts are not in a position to question the morals of their dealer.

R. McIntyre, Washington,D.C., USA

And to think America went to Iraq to spread democracy....spread it to your allies first...lol

Alpha, Toronto, Canada

It is NOT a governmental law in Saudi that a woman may not sit with a man to whom she is not related; it is a religious law.

In most countries, that's a big difference -- otherwise, half the population in Christian-dominated countries would be in jail every Saturday / Sunday, for not "remembering the Sabbath, to keep it holy."

In Saudi Arabia, 100% of the population is Muslim (whether they are, or not... and not counting non-nationals). As a result, there IS NO DIFFERENCE between the governmental laws and the religious laws.

The capital city of Riyadh is still very conservative. But, the more exposed the residents become to freedoms, the more quickly things will change. I've seen women's rights change a lot in the past 5 years.

What happened to Tara X was very unfortunate. I wear an abaya, don't cover my hair, eat with male friends (including at Starbuck's), walk the streets by myself.

But, I know I take a chance every time. I guess I just like to gamble.

Nikki Nichols, Little Rock, AR, USA

I think that their petrol is very important to our economies, so we should be careful not to rock the boat - there will always have to be sacrifices, human sacrifices, if weare to maintain our standard of living.

Brad Chestwell, Trenton, USA

I said it below and I'll say it again...

How many of you have any idea what the Saudi women feel or how they are treated on a daily basis, other than what you hear in the media? Chances are the number is relatively small if any. I lived for 10 years in the Kingdom and wrote two books about it based on first-hand experience. I learned to respect THEIR rules, culture, and way of law. Side by side with a Saudi woman, we built a wonderful school for women, run by women!

Everyone needs to back off Rob of Seattle as he is one of the few that calls this for what it is rather than turning it into a religious flame war.

And I'll repeat again....I lived there for TEN years and I know the Saudi women probably better than anyone posting. I spent every day with hundreds of them. Not all Saudi women are treated like slaves. Actually most are treated very, very well. Do your homework guys...Rob did;)

T.L. McCown, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

Bill....you obviously didn't read the article. Her husband is the one who got her out of jail.

Beth, Brea, CA

I think it's truly sad that we are so afraid of being politically incorrect that we fail to recognize evil when we see it. If the world had used this definition of "tolerance" in the 1930s and 1940s, Europe and Asia, if not the entire world, would be a suburb of the "Greater Reich" today.

Edward, Keansburg, NJ

And here we are reading this article on the very day that the Archbishop of Canterbury advocated the adoption of parts of Sharia, or Islamic law, in Britain. What was he thinking of???

dbc, lincoln, UK

Oh yes! Lets have Sharia law in the UK! More violence and hatred please! I would love to be in fear of my life!

Chris, UK,

When in Rome....

People going to foreign countries need to obey their laws and respect their values.....

Just as those that come to the USA, they should not be working to change our system, but assimilate.....if they can't, then go back home!

Bobc, Ky., USA

The religious police in Saudi Arabia remind me of the Pharisees of the New Testament- using religion as a lash.

Christopher, London,

The more I read about cases like this the more I think that these people are mentally deranged. What a sad reflection on humanity in the 21st century that this type of thing still happens. It is nothing short of disgusting and shameful.

William, Padstow, Australia

Take a long hard look at your politicians. They support the Saudi Government. They support repressive regimes across the mideast, so that you can have cheap oil.

Seth Delackner, Tokyo, Japan

As much as I hate to say it, Saudi Arabia is a sovereign nation and they have a right to enforce these kinds of laws. I hate how so many self-professed "tolerant liberals" can be so amazingly intolerant of cultures that are unlike their own.

Jordon, Tulsa, OK

how says is not in the Koran? please read the koran, read sharia law, check the "declaration of human rights in Islam" if cuba and rusia where comunist, and noone doubts it, why would you say that Iran and Arabia Saudi are not real Islamic? how much more Islamic can they get?
Islam is not peace, the word Islam means "submission" literally, (submission to the will of allah).
Less excuses and more reality check.

rufo, London,

I believe, this is a matter of sovereignty. Do the Saudis have the right to write their own laws or not. In absolute terms this is unbelievable and should obviously not exist in the 21st century, but who are we to tell the Saudis, what is right in their country. As the saying goes: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". If you don't like it, get out.

Karl Pongs, Corona, California

Well, as crazy as the whole story sounds, The lady knew the laws and rules in Saudi. If she doesn't like it, leave. Otherwise, dont whine and complain when something like this happens.

Jeff, Russellville, Alabama

I'll never get over the irony that these ultra-conservative islamo-fascist officers have no greater friends in the world than the ultra-liberal leftwing in the West.

Matt, Chicago, IL

Why is there no official comment from NOW, so called National Organization for Women... is it because this would actually be a fight for justice and not just an easy way for them to get their names in the media?

Fern, Monterey, USA

She knew the rules and laws before she moved there and before she did this. If she doesnt like it, move someplace else and stop complaining.

Jeff, Russellville, Alabama

And this is the Sharia law so many many of our MP's and bishops say we should be considering so that we can be all inclusive!! God help us!

Ann, Oxford, UK

Maybe those crazies have got it right! Even our western bible says women are here to serve men. It's mainly the women who complain. You don't hear any Saudi men complaining about it do you? So maybe they are right. It is a mans world and maybe women are only here to serve men. Show me any religious text that contradicts that! So, instead of gabbling on with your feminist mantras, howabout observing the thousands of years of history that show us man is the superior gender and just do what you're told! And show a little respect to the man's world and God's laws.

Simon Peter, Toms River, USA

Rob, what the hell is wrong with you? And I thought I was liberal. sheesh, your mentality is like an indignant erection that wont go away, and your fallacious argument does as much harm to at least attempting to solve the worlds problems as any American centric world view can ever do.

Chris , Fairfield, CA, USA

I hope the FBI is watching you, Rob from Seattle, Washington.

Jack, halifax, ns

"Next time learn about them before stepping off the airplane." Rob, Seattle

perhaps they could do the same before they come to england, it'd be rude not to

jb, derby, ENGLAND

Another example of the "religion of peace and love??"

Tony, Tampa, Florida

Yet people still believe Islam is such a "peaceful and loving" religion. OMG, wake up!

Lance, Chicago, USA

Rob, that's right blame the rape victim. Using your logic, we shouldn't accomdate the muslims here by changing our laws to suit them. Oh, wait ,bad example, we are already caving in and doing just that, in the name of political correctness.

Brad, Eleva, Wisconsin

What I think interesting also is how the liberal commentors of Seattle can find a way to bend to the inhuman treatment meted by the Saudis.

Karl , Bellevue, WA

And Rowan Williams thinks we should have Sharia in the UK?

Andrew, Milford Haven,

Chadimus, Why do you want to stifle debate? Does Saudi intolerance appeal to you?

Nite Owl, Calgary, Canada

These women are essentially treated as slaves so lets call it what it is. No one feels uncomfortable denouncing slavery even in countries where it's the norm. There are some customs foreign and domestic that deserve no respect.

Nite Owl, Calgary, Canada

I thank my dad for stopping me from going to Saudi Arabia. They were offering me a six figure salary right out of college. And it was tax free. Too tempting to refuse. But I love my freedom. I don't think I will take bs from some religious police arresting me for having a cup of coffee.

vince, seattle, USA/WA

Just another example of the impotence of Islam. and the "God" of Islam...having to have dress wearing "men" with long beards enforce their oppressive self-serving man made laws in the name of their version of morality. When is the rest of the world going to wake up and see Islam for the cult that it is.

Joe, Boston, MA

Does this mean that Brown will deny the Saudi monarchy visas to visit the UK? Probably not, right? Then let not us high-minded western countries pretend that we can make some sort of moral criticisms. Judge a man by his friends.

M Adams, London, UK

I am not surprised. Having worked in Saudi for years, I know how the " religious police" behave. They are actually detested by their own people.
As for Yara, she should have known better. These are everyday occurances in that part of the world.
Come on, you can not have the American way of life everywhere, particularly in Saudi Arabia - at least for the next hundred years.

Sheikh, Dammam , Saudi Arabia

BP, Lenexa, Ks: "I will say what happen to her is unfortunate,however,she lives her life in a muslim country and should respect the laws of that country or move back here in the US."

You're disgusting! If we believed what you believe, we never would have fought to stop the Nazi death camps, because that's they're laws, and we just have to respect them. Women are being tortured every hour of every day for things like this article. Your ignorance=bliss attitude is just simply disgusting and embarassing.

AyeRoxor, Tampa, FL

well....if I look at the way western women, especially the young, are dressed these days, I would not oppose such a "Fashion Police" here.

robert, vancouver, bc

"We may not all agree on a single set of laws, but we should ALL agree to respect each country's laws and regulations. If you don't like their laws leave..."

Response to John Patrick of Atlanta:
You're exactly right. Which is why the Sharia law sould be outlawed in Great Britian, or anywhere else (such as the U.S)where Muslims immigrate.

Phil, Ft. Myers,

First I would have to say that it is really terrible about what happened here. All she was doing was trying to get her work finished with her colleagues. But why is it that whenever something bad happens, someone always has to say it was the fault of the Bush administration? I am no where near a fan of his but I get so sick and tired of hearing comments like that.

Brian, Lexington, ky

I am sure there are lots of 37-year-old American businesswoman called Yara living/staying in that area so it's going to be so hard for anyone to track her down.

Oh, was that sarcasm?

Chris Jeffs, Manchester,

Is it Islam or fundamentalism?

Tom, London,

to BP in Lenexastan, Ks. re.."She was lucky they did not behead her." You'd love that, wouldn't you? Personally I find it disgusting that you would equate beheading with just yet another quirky 'cultural difference.' As far as I'm concerned this IS the face of islam and it must be stopped.

ric, toledo, Oh

Obviously, the mutawa are out of control at times, and the treatment she received was beneath dignity. But, you have to wonder what this woman Yara was thinking. She has to know she is inviting this kind of abuse from the mutawa. It is common knowledge in Saudi that you don't go out in public with a man not related to you, even if you are a foreigner. Some situations are tolerated (like male drivers and women with children). Did Yara just decide, "To hell with the rules, I'm going to live the way I want"?. If so, she was not particularly wise.

Tim, Lappenranta , Finland

There is much comment here about the position of women under the Saudi religious system. Have I missed the news? Has the whole Christian church conceded that its historic attitude to women - including their ordination - was wrong all along?

I know this is not on the same scale of, but people who live in glass houses should be wary of throwing stones. Or as Christians say, "Let he who is without sin throw the first stone."

Paul, Bristol, UK

While I'm appalled and disgusted by this story, it's not really any different than the puritan Christian values shoved down everyone's throat in America. I personally would like to see the "big three," Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all banned outright. Those zealots have been responsible for so much human suffering in the course of human history. I'm sick of all of them.

David, Seattle,

antony from ann arbor-

to put it bluntly, yes. when we read your comments and watch fox news we feel like a parent whose child ran away before it finished its education but then went on to have a great career in sales.

R Spandit, london,

Come on, get realistic here.

As long as Saudi Arabia is sitting on a mess of oil and as long as the House of Saud is keeping the lid on the Wahhabi sect of Islamic terrorists for the Western powers, religious authorities are pretty much going to be given free reign to run the country however they want. You can bitch and scream, but as long as oil is involved, the House of Saud won't dare upset the proverbial apple cart. Any concession on women's rights by the government will be seen as an intolerable concession to the West. In the powder keg that is Saudi Arabia, striking this particular match is probably not a good idea for anyone. Ergo, there will be no serious expansion of rights for women any time soon.

It will take a revolution, or perhaps running out of oil, whichever comes first, to change that country.

Yes, it's a screwed up country hosting an adolescent religion with screwed up values. But it's what you've got. Don't like it? Move.

David, St. Louis, Il, USA

Throughout the history there has always been such events where religion is abused. These completely wrong and abusive attutidues should not be connected with any religion..

Banu, istanbul, turkey

Cultural tolerance and understanding is an awfully convenient front for shutting down uppity women...

Morgan, Nashville,

How come we never hear from president Bush about Saudi Arabia's treatment of women, (or the fact that it was 19 Saudis who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks for that matter.) If a Dem President had the connections to Saudi Arabia that Bush has, righties would be screaming at the top of their lungs for something to be done about this. But Bush just loves the Saudi royal family. We never see the US govt doing ANYTHING to stand up to this outrageous conduct by Saudi Arabia, the most ultra-extremist Islamic govt there is. And all we hear from the FOXNews wingnuts is that lefties don't complain about this behavior quite loudly enough. What the hell? I'm a lefty, and I say this is OUTRAGEOUS, and Bush should do something. Remember him, the guy who actually has the power to do something about this? Bush doesn't see anything wrong with what his buddies the Saudis are doing to American women in the name of Allah. I can't wait til we have a POTUS with the guts do stand up to this freakshow Saudi govt

Michael Moss, La Pine, OR

I don't agree that she has rights. When in Rome, you must do as the Romans do. You can't apply your own cultrure's "rights" in another culture. If that was the case, then the Arab man who shot his own "misbehaving" daughters and killed them in Dallas a few weeks ago would not be guilty of murder. That behaviour would not be punished in his own culture. In ours, it would. Women who visit Saudi Arabia must behave the way other women behave in that country. If you don't want to play by their rules, then don't go. I don't condone the behaviour of Arabs in Saudi Arabia in the name of religion. They must be punished here when they murder their daughters for behaving like Westerners.

Laura, Dallas, Texas

To Jan, New Orleans, LA, USA -
No offense taken, yet I DID make positive changes in the Kingdom with Saudi women by my side. Side by side we worked together, exploring new ideas and ways of thought, yet they only accepted the ones that held to their faith, values, and beliefs. The thousands I knew were educated, some owned businesses, and enjoyed life probably more than many women in the west.

To Leyla, Bristol-
The Kingdom began holding national elections in Feb. 2005 and many women were elected even though women did not vote. Stay up on your current events pls.

To John Patrick, Atlanta, GA
Three cheers to you and your wisdom! Saudi has less than 2% crime rate and I felt safer there than any the other 29 countries I've been, U.S & U.K included. Perhaps if we followed their lead we wouldn't have idiots enjoying plush prisons and plasma TVs after slaughtering others.

Why can't people just accept that not everyone sees the world from the same viewpoint?

T.L. McCown, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

Can you spell POWER!

Robert Cornue, San Antonio , Texas

I am disgusted but not suprised by all the (almost exclusively American) comments expressing outrage that the Saudis should enforce their own laws in their own land, and the suggestion that anyone who disagrees is some liberal half-wit.

I do not consider myself to be liberal, but I believe very strongly that we in the west have no more right to enforce our beliefs and cultural norms on others than they do on us. How would you like it if people were demanding you change your laws to accomodate foreign visitors?

Probably noone who isn't American will ever understand what makes you all think you're so wonderful that you can tell the world how to run itself.

Ed Bullen, Sydney, NSW, Australia

I am shocked that there are Americans on here insinuating the US should attempt to restrict Saudi Arabia from practicing its own laws because they are not in line with American law. Would it be appropriate for European nations to force the U.S. to ban guns and capital punishment because those practices are not in line with Western European laws and they may see capital punishment and gun ownership as backward? I think not...

Anthony, Ann Arbor, MI USA

am I the only one holding my nose right now?

cyndi, maywood, ne,usa

To J.R. in Toronto, It is easy to say we should "respect " other cultures, when you and your mother, sister, daughter, aunts etc... are sitting in a free country where women have equal respect next to men. If you pay attention you will notice the men are not arrested in these instances only the women. You can't tell me that the women who are born into these third world repressive "cultures" feel the way you do. In these countries where Islamic men rule, a woman has no chance for a life of Liberty and the persute of happiness. They are to scared to stand up because the truth of the matter is they have been beaten and even murdered in the name of their "moral" encompased Islam". I don't think you thought it through to well before you spoke. My opinion is...There but for the Grace of God go I. I am privilaged to be born in a country such as America, and the last time I checked...Canada was free also.

Deena, Katy, Texas, U.S.A.

As far as American Law is concerned we do take to trial these Muslim men living in the US that kill women. In Kansas City the FBI was monitoring a Muslim. They had a recording of this Muslim man killing his 16 year old girl. He said she was dating and it was wrong. He was convicted of murder and now is in jail. No not know if get got the death sentence. He should of. This happend well before 9/11.

Karri, Denver, Colorado

Is it any wonder why 19 of the hijackers that flew the planes on 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia? The Islamic Wahabism that rules Saudis Arabia is by far a bigger threat to the world than even the Taliban posed in Afghanistan.

But then again any strict fundmentalist religion should be forced into extinction: be it islamic, judiac, or even Christian.

The time has long passed to stop using nonsensical beliefs based on fairy tales as a way to govern over humanity.

Edward , Montclair, NJ

Excellent, now let's pull all the foreign troops from Saudi Arabia and stop supporting their oppressive government.

Democracy will come and, eventually, women will gain rights (although this will not happen straightaway, but the process will have to begin).

Krishan, Sydney, Australia

Davie Smith, Miami Again:
You've Changed My Mind. I Count Myself A Liberal, But your Right, Tis Is way wrong, and needs to be stopped. How?
It's the only Loveing thing to do. I just think Respecting" Combined with other stuff, is the only way it will happen. If we invade, Women and men, and Children Die. Fear of death is why women don't rise up.
See my earlier post about when we want The House Of Saud to see why pressure to Democratize wont work.
We OWE the world a lot. It will take a long reversal of past practces to make the world free.
Militarily, We cant. Were not strong enough Econommicly, We seem to refuse. We need to become better Stewards of Humanity. We want the People of the world to WANT to Be Like us. maybe, appologize for supporting the Shaw, and Get tough with BOTH palestine, AND isreal, will help. I don't know.
The Saudis stay in poewr because of western Oil Money

Think about it.

Dave Smith, Miami, FL

is this the kind of laws that the Arch Bishop of Canterbury wants us to adopt here in the UK?

Garry Sukhija, London, UK

In some countries it is acceptable for woment to be topless in public places, if a woman bares her breasts in a public place anywhere in the USA she will also be promptly arrested and thrown in jail.
Diferent strokes for diferent folks, we should respect each other's customs.

JR, Toronto,

When in Rome? Absurd!!! This issue is not about legality of what she did- clearly it was illegal there. The issue is whether it was right or wrong. Clearly it is wrong as it is simply an issue about repressing and controlling women. Thats not to say that some people don't truly believe in this but this kind of treatment is a long standing way of controlling the people (in this case women.)

This is not an issue of culture no more than any of the other abhorrent common events over there are.

Lastly any comparisons to our problems in the west are pathetic. Crime rates are substantially lower and 'freedom' (or whatever we have left of it) can not truly be compared to the levels there. Yes we have our problems but they are nothing compared to other places.

William Volterman, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The antiquated rules used by some religions are nothing more than a "smoke screen" for the maltreatment of women and girls. I find it ironic that it is always the females who are treated like chattle. If oil were not in the picture, the Saudis and the rest of their ilk would soon become extinct because no woman would stay in a country that degrades human life. The Saudis are the most intolerant of people. According to the Saudis only their "tribe" is worthy to be on earth. May God forgive them, because no one else will.

Cynthia, Universal City, Texas

Is this the kind of thing they mean when they talk of tolerance towards other cultures?

David Masu, Zürich,

I am in the oil tool business and have worked with Saudi's and other from this region for much of my career. This is also true of going to class with them in graduate school. The problem that they have is their understanding of the rights of people is such that it is the rights of man not women. That is their loss. On one hand they want the technology from the west in business, defense, and oil to survive but they don't want to move into the 21st century. This is reflective of their attitude toward the West when most of the men on the planes that hit the World Trade Towers were Saudi. It is indiscriminate dislike of the human race. This also happened when American female soldiers worked in T-shirts in the desert heat. They wanted to protect them with our lives and money but comply with rules that less restrictive than rules in the UK around 1066.

JP, Lafayette , USA Louisiana

Rob from Seattle: They should have stoned the woman for her unimaginable transgression, right? And you make a good point, there are other countries out there -- and some of them have inferior and inhuman "beliefs, laws, and social behavior."

Tom, Portland, ME

Don't like the rules in Saudi Arabia? Don't visit. Don't want to depend on Saudi oil, get an electric car and call your Congressperson. Want to whine and complain about the inhumaity and accomplish absolutely nothing... post your rant on this site.

Chadimus, San Francisco, CA

It's not culturally insensitive to demand that basic human rights be honored. Saudi Arabia routinely violates the rights of its women and I'm under no obligation to tolerate these violations by the Saudis as matters of "cultural difference" or for any other reason. Just because Yara was in Saudi Arabia doesn't mean she gives up her right to associate with whom she chooses. You can say she shouldn't have been surprised to find herself arrested...but not that she should have been willing to abandon her rights.

Steve, Seattle, WA

They should have warned her, *then* arrested her? Joe T. in Seattle, what is wrong with you? Would you be saying that about a black guy in South Africa - "Oh, well, warn him first, then arrest him. He should know his place." Would you say that about lynchings in the South in the 1920s? If this were racial, you would be outraged. But have some guy make up a religion that subjugates women (and, basically, everyone else) and have them do it out of your direct line of sight, and suddenly it's all roses. Women have the right to sit in a coffeeshop. I can't believe I have to explain it. Let me put in bluntly: this is not a cultural difference like drinking iced tea instead of hot, and the problem is sure as hell not with Western culture.

That mindset is evil, it is backward, it is abusive, it is discriminatory, it is an abomination. It should be reviled, desipised, and ridiculed by every free Western person. Someone should stand up and say this is wrong.

So what makes it okay with you?

Ella, Tulsa, OK, USA

I sat with a man in Starbucks today. I keep looking out of my window in case the men with beards and white dresses are waiting. I thought MIB stood for Men in Black not Men in Beards.

Matt, Mids, UK

Saudi Arabia and the Muslim religion are just medieval bigotry and hate. The members of the Mutaween are ignorant bullies with government and religion support. The woman knew better but still did not obey the law. She was just stupid.

Tom, Dallas , TX USA

Ahhh. The Religion of Peace strikes again. How come we never hear from the left about Islam's terrible treatment of women? Perhaps that is why, despite billions in oil wealth, they are a 3rd rate world power. Let's see, all in the name of Islam they: demean and subjugate half their population(women), worry first about their children's religious education and secondly about math and science, execute gay people, suppress the creative arts, and quietly aid the attempted destruction of an entire religion/country (Israel). The good news is that they now have an entire generation of men that can't write their own name, but can recite the Koran backwards. I'm sure that's just what their god had in mind; a religion of dimwitted lemmings. Tell me again why I need to learn more about them?

BeanGuy, Cleveland, OH

Lets tell the TRUTH, it is a CULTURE WAR and we are losing!!

Miami, Miami, fl

Sus, the question here is about equality, not just religous rule. We all have to oney the same laws in the US, they aren't dependent on the insecurities of the men who rule our country. Your examples really don't apply to the issue of equality at all.

SMM, Washington , DC

I hope you are not comparing having your beer taken away at 2 am to being thrown in a dirty cell, strip searched and publicly humiliated! What a short sighted view.

JC, Denison, Texas

If you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. Likewise if you are in Saudi respect the law of Saudi.
People at the General Presidency of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice are doing their best to fight anti-social behaviour and disorder based on Islamic law; Islam is the last message sent to all mankind by Allah the Almighty through his Holy Prophet and Messenger Muhammad peace to be upon him. For more information go to: ( www.islam-guide.com ,or, www.islamalways.com).
I respect the fact that we are different in religion and culture, as ALLAH said in the Holy Quran ‘’’ And if your Lord had so willed, He could surely have made mankind one Ummah [nation or community (following one religion i.e. Islam)] but they will not cease to disagree’’, and I would expect to receive the same respect from others about my country’s Saudi Arabia and its internal affairs. Hoping for this world to have peace, harmony, and to understand one another’s differences and choices. Thank you.

Ibraheem abdu, LONDON, UK

I'm finding it harder and harder to sympathize with American women who, by their own choice, reside in Arab countries. Don't they read the newspapers, watch television news, know what is going on there?? Do you think I would take up residence in a country where I might find myself buried up to my head and in the process of being stoned. Not likely and neither should they!

jeanne dixon, clearwater, usa fl

..........and Rowan Williams wants Sharia Law in Britain!

TSA, Leeds,

I really don't know why anyone is surprised by this. Yes, women in fundamental Islamic countries has no basic human rights. This is an American woman in Saudi Arabia, and there is no reason to expect that she would be exempt from their laws simply because she is an American.

Interesting to see that she wants to fight it, but I don't think an outsider, an "infidel", is going to have any effect. Any attempts by women within the country will of course also be shut down. The only chance is if the male population can open their eyes and see women as simply fellow human beings, and not property to be subjugated and hidden away.

Ben, Houston, TX,

The obnoxious rants of some of the posters here are breathtakingly ignorant. You speak as though Western women are 'free'. Where she is not disrepected and abused, as with many women in Muslim countries, she's just carnal currency used to sell everything, from cars to clothes to food. Islam gave women freedom centuries before the Suffragettes tried - they had rights to property/trade, a say in matrimonial matters, rights to custody of children - things the Victorian woman was still dreamng of while Queen Victoria herself condemned such frivolities. The woman is the heart of society in Islamic laws - the Muslim people or 'ummah' are named thus after 'um', or 'mother'. Muslims teach their children that 'heaven is under the feet of our mothers'.

However, when extreme sexist groups such as the Wahabbis who control S. Arabia are endorsed by Western powers for being cooperative business partners or de facto allies, it's no wonder this sort of things goes unpunished. Wahabbism is cruel.

Mia, London,

Her husband's company, and the finance company where she works, should leave the "Kingdom" immediately and take all of their capital with them (if the company she works at isn't a SA company)

What's sinful is our country being involved with these Neanderthals at all

oh wait, there are Bushes, and oil, and money involved

(how many Iraqi's attacked us on 9/11? How many Saudis?)

Mark, Sacramento, CA

And people wonder why President Bush is promoting Freedom in these backwards thinking nations such as Iraq, etc.

AmMan, Thousand oaks, USA/California

I had the displeasure of doing business in Saudi Arabia a few years back. As a woman and an American I was told to NEVER go ANYWHERE without my escort and had to cover myself at all times. I always felt uneasy when in public. One day, part of my hair became uncovered and I had a man approach my escort and offer $250,000 for me. It's a disgusting feeling to have this happen!! Woman are at the bottom of the food chain in Islamic culture. Sorry for not being politically correct, but the truth hurts. I know a few ladies who practice Islam and they ARE the first one's to admit that Islam is sexist, racist and nontolerant religion. (they just cannot say it in public)

CMM, Chicago, Illinois, USA

there's a popular saying about Rome and Romans. Problem with some and I emphasize some Is that they think everyone should abide by their rules even in someone elses backyard. If u don't appreciate Islamic law I can give you good advice on where NOT to open a business but if u must take heed! When in Saudi ......... U know the rest

zeez, leeds,

Women cannot interact with men in public but ohh let me see a man can marry and have 4 wifes. No wonder half of the muslim population is screws in their head when religion and society controls everything. On top of that for hating america there is no darth of muslims wanting to become american citizen. All these muslim citizens should be bared from going back to there own country if the muslim world hates america so much. Also, on a side note I will love to see these muslim fundamentalist man try to do a everything a woman does and goes through everyday. Maybe one day people truly will have equality or atleast make a geniune effort for equality and peace.

jaat, chicago,

Actually, to be frank, these arrests have been going on for years and years. My mate was arrested for having dinner with his nurse girlfriend. Needless to say he was out in 4 hours but she served the mandatory 24.

This is old news - but its an old old country

Shocker, cambridge,

thank God I am an American!!! Long live the USA , down with religious bigots and sexus morons.
Jean, Bothell, Wa.

delores gates, bothell, wa.

Whatever happened to "multi-culturalsim" or even "When in Rome do as the Romans do". How much you want to bet this woman is a liberal. Don't liberals want all of us to be opened minded towards islam? Don't they all belong to the church of "multiculturalism"? Of course, being multiculturaly open minded means one has to close your eyes to the realities of what other cultures are. You see, if you see the realities of islam or other cultures you will see how compltetly evil and degenerate they are, and of course, we all know OUR culture is the only bad one and every other culture is good. That's the main tenet behind "multiculturaism" Everything the white christian does is baaaaaaad because, well he's white, and white is bad, becauuse white's are racist. Now if you make the rational deductive reasoning that that is a racist statement because it negatively judges a culture and a people solely on the basis of race then you'd be technically correct but poitically incorrect-and fired, sued etc

ahksel, Everett,

I am surprised that she is making such a fuss about this. Did she not know that women are treated like second-class citizens in this country? Western decadence i.e. drinking alcohol / women uncovering their arms is condoned inside the foreign compounds but once outside, life is very different. If they didn't have oil, then the US / UK would not give a damn for the Saudis.

Dave, Cardiff, Wales

I like the part where the embassy official declares the matter an internal Saudi matter. Only in a George W. Bush administration can one find such courage.

Only 11 months left World, sorry for any inconveniences.

Roger, Annapolis, Maryland, USA

I'm a Muslim... let's just say that the Saudi brand of Islam (Wahhabis/Salafism) is a very puritannical sect of Islam. True traditional Ahlus Sunnah Islam, is not practiced in that manner. Please don't judge Islam by stories and practitioners such as these.

Luqman, Gloucester,

I will say what happen to her is unfortunate,however,she lives her life in a muslim country and should respect the laws of that country or move back here in the US. I love the US but if I break a law I expect to be fully reprimanded for it. The problem with the US is that so many instances of adultery are tolerated and forgiven,commitments to each other are meaningless. Her punishment stands. She was made to feel belittled so there would not be a next time. She was lucky they did not behead her.

BP, Lenexa, Ks

When I read of incidents like this and of the rape victim who was sentenced to a 200 lashes, it makes me ashamed to be a desert storm veteran. These muttawa who so enjoy brutalizing women and whoever else who draws their ire were/are too soft and lazy to defend their own country.

Dave , anytown , USA

sus, Washington...if you like your country so much why don't you go back...what was done and is done to women daily in muslim countries is deplorable. the muslim religion is all about repression of women and destruction of anyone who doesn't believe in their archaic and WRONG ways.

jeff, houston,

I understand every country has its rules and that they must be followed or face the consequences.

It is however easy to see why certain cultures thrive and others do not.

J Armenta, Newport,

Regardless of where she's from, she committed a crime under their law. We may not all agree on a single set of laws, but we should ALL agree to respect each country's laws and regulations. If you don't like their laws leave. She knew better!
As for the mistreatment, we're only hearing one side of the story. Obviously, she was upset,and still is, angry, resentful, and I'm sure because she's well connected she thought Oh my God this couldn't be happening to me. I am in the US Armed Forces and I've served in Saudi. Because of the way they run their country, they have some of the lowest crime rates.Unlike the way we handle things in the west where we give a rapist a slap on the hand that's what I call mistreatment of women.

John Patrick H, Atlanta, GA

there are worse things happening in Saudia , 20 saudis who wanted elections , transparency , and accountability in saudi arabia , have been kidnapped by their gov and since their families have not heard from them. this happened 6 months ago , I have not heard the west condemn such a thing , NO US or UK not even Amnesty or Human rights decry such measures BUT they all care about the Human rights of Michel KILO who has been arrested in Syria . hypocrisy is sick

Leyla , Bristol ,

In response to Sus from Washington:

Wow you are absolutely right- it is exactly the same thing to receive a sentence of 200 licks and 6 years in jail after being raped and being arrested and humiliated for drinking coffee in the presence of a male business partner- as not being able to buy a beer on Sunday in the US. The attitude towards women is apauling and I really don't see where treating women in such a riduculous manner has anything to do with religion. Also- with the US state laws on liquor (Which are ridiculous) how is this in any way discrimatory against women?
- ticked off US woman

Hope, Atlanta, GA

If we could only apply the same standards, as our friend in Seattle would suggest, to our nations. A simple 'if our culture and law isn't to your liking, then go home or don't come at all' would solve many social and criminal issues. Oh, the curse of an open and want-to-be-inclusive society.

R. Blaine, Washington, DC

Insanity. I cannot imagine that women have not risen up in the Muslim world to protest this treatment. And sus in Washington....how DARE you compare this to not being able to drink after a certain hour in the US? How ignorant can you be? And if you are Muslim WHY are you drinking at all? Sheesh.....takes all kinds.

Paula, Corinth, TX

Diana,

What you wrote is one of the most ignorant statements I have ever read. Being from the Midwest myself, it is people like you who confirm stereotypes.

First of all, saying that people should be ashamed of their religion is ludicrous. In many Middle Eastern countries the government has total control over the population by manipulating peoples religious beliefs.

Many of the things these governments do have no merit when it comes to religion.

One last thing, saying that scholars need to systematically critique a religion points to how numb minded you are. I am sure Scholars can critique any religion. To bring about change you need end the power religion in government. A secular state would ease many of these problems.

I hope you are ashamed of yourself.

Andrew Shoemaker, Eden Prairie, USA / MN

I agree with Zeke,
"For all women that have posted in this blog and said she should have just followed the rules, if you lived there you could have been arrested just for participating in this blog right now." this is not right no matter where you are! but the sad thing is that nonthing will change untill the muslims change themselves. america can try to change this for years but nothing will happen until they want it! Untill then, let them have there fun in there country. i will be at starbucks after work with a variety of woman!!!

sean, COL. HTS,

Let me get this straight, you are comparing being jailed for being the victim of rape to not being able to buy a beer on Sunday? Get a grip...you are going to have to come up with a better argument that that!

Erika, battle creek, MI

Wow, it seems religion creates too many problems. I'm not even a red state republican but it just seems like there is no hope left for these extremists...or any extremists for that matter.
I was raised Methodist, which is just a place holder for non-denominational Christian--I hope I chose the right one. How many religions are there these days...at least 100+? So I guess I've got a 1% chance of qualifying for Heaven if I did land on the right one. Now have I lived my life right to qualify for Heaven under Christian standards?
I don't know, I'm beginning to wonder if religion was created as a means for getting people to fall in line...

Nick, Medina, Ohio

Putting aside what one thinks is just or unjust, humane or not, as that is all in retrospect - if you are a foreigner who decides to live in a foreign country, you should understand and respect their laws, rules, mannerisms and culture and religion. Even if they may not all be fairly balanced. YOU chose to go and live there. YOU have no right to tell them how to live. If the locals there don't like it there themselves, they leave. Not all, but many do chose a life elsewhere. Just the same - foreigners who come to YOUR home land have no right to say the way the locals are treated is unjust, or the way they themselves have been "mistreated" must be changed - especially if they have broken a local law. You have to keep in mind that your home land laws may not apply elsewhere, and your home land "views" and "common sense" and "justice" may not be accepted there.

M.S., Dhahran, KSA

The fact that she is most likely Muslim / Arab in appearance probably meant that they went even harder on her as "one of their own".

Even if the US bought all its oil from non-Saudi sources, the Saudis would still be rolling in dough from all the other coutries that would buy it at exactly the same price. That's not a knock on pushing for energy independence (based on a mix of increased exploration in North America, alternate sources and conservation) which is fully worth it for security reasons along, but with the growth in India, China and other parts of the world, there are plenty of petro customers.

Mike, New York, NY

To sus in washington:

There's a big difference between not being able to buy booze on sundays and being thrown in jail for sitting with the opposite sex. Isn't consumming alcohol considered a sin under sharia law also? The laws in the US are indeed based on judao-christian values, but they do not trample our citizens human rights, unless of course you consider getting tanked at any time of the day or night a human right.

marl, danbury,

It seems that most of thes religious groups, like the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, have an unusually strong urge to strip search the woment that they arrest !!!!!! This tells me a lot about the men on the comission, and the religion that supports it. It is mor a "prevention of virtue and promotion of vice for the men. The woment are simply objects of their lust that the men like to pretend that they are protecting.

John, Dayton, oh

How daft can things get! In the UK we have...

Dr Williams says Muslims should have a choice in legal disputes

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams says the adoption of Islamic Sharia law in the UK is "unavoidable".

Dr Williams told BBC Radio 4's World at One that the UK has to "face up to the fact" that some of its citizens do not relate to the British legal system.

He says Muslims should not have to choose between "the stark alternatives of cultural loyalty or state loyalty".

Dr Williams argues that establishing Sharia law in the UK would help maintain social cohesion

How long before we get stoning, etc, in the UK, I dread to think. Why should we have to put up with all this medeival rubbish.

Stan Waters, London, UK

If a woman/man is beaten or violated...something obviously should be done. However, to go to that extent in the name of religion...is unspeakable!!! Most religions teach about love and forgiveness...not violence and sheer stupidity.

KLL, jackson,

As abhorrent as it seems to be, this isn't something is surprising. Why not let the Saudis be the Saudis without interference from outside. If you recognize a government as soverign, then you tacitly agree that they have every right to make laws that are valid only inside their borders. Let's be honest here. We want their oil. But do we want their oil and want to force a way of life that is not common within their culture? The US has enough character & moral issues within it borders, that should preclude our involvment in those of other country. We haven't exactly set a shining example in the Middle East.

Daniel Howard, Dallas, Tx,

Barbaric. I suppose Islam will eventually come into the 21st century, but it may be closer to 2099 than 2009.

Dave, Los Angeles, CA

Good thing the religious police don't follow all those rich Saudis when they travel elsewhere in the world or most of the travelling royal family and friends would be in prison.

J Oke, Hamilton, Canada

Things like this should be viewed as an outrage throughout the country. I rarely meet people who care because everyone around these parts thinks fox news is the devil. It makes me so angry. They can come over hear and get treated like, well, Americans, and we go over there and get oppressed. Maybe we should start treating Saudis in this country in the same regard as the Saudi government, if that's what it can be called, treats Americans? Maybe that would wake up the liberal base in this country and scare the royal family? Of course this would never happen, so hopefully we put our Saudi military bases to good use and implement regime change in that country. Seriously! They're not even stopping with their own country. Slowly but surely Muslims are trying to get the US to accomidate to their ignorant customs. Once it starts happening here its going to be hard to reverse.

Nathan Kors, Tacoma, WA

Things like this should be viewed as an outrage throughout the country. I rarely meet people who care because everyone around these parts thinks fox news is the devil. It makes me so angry. They can come over hear and get treated like, well, Americans, and we go over there and get oppressed. Maybe we should start treating Saudis in this country in the same regard as the Saudi government, if that's what it can be called, treats Americans? Maybe that would wake up the liberal base in this country and scare the royal family? Of course this would never happen, so hopefully we put our Saudi military bases to good use and implement regime change in that country. Seriously! They're not even stopping with their own country. Slowly but surely Muslims are trying to get the US to accomidate to their ignorant customs. Once it starts happening here its going to be hard to reverse.

Nathan Kors, Tacoma, WA

America and the rest of the civilized world need to end their addiction to Saudi oil so that Western funds no longer go to such a barbaric society.

Sam Walker, Washington DC, United States of America

Stuff like this never happened under Saddam Hussein. His regime allowed women to drive, not cover themselves up, and be doctors and teachers. If a country needed to be invaded, it was Saudi Arabia, the source of the 9/11 hijackers.

Tony Martin, South San Francisco, CA

Pressure the Saudis for an investigation into the clearly anti-Islam behavior of some religious police.
Do not mention that a woman is involved.
Do not even mention that it was prompted by a power outage.

Mention only that their religion has been sullied by people claiming to have support of their religious regime, who force people to sign false documents in the name of Islam.

If the House of Saud can not do this, than it is reasonable to promise full national and international exposure of this story, and how the Saudis have obviously lost their claim to be spokesmen for the true Islam, since even the uneducated can see that subjugating the truth can not be true Islam.

M James, Boston, MA

Too bad we didn't invade Saudi Arabia. It needs to be escorted into the 21st century.

Lesley, Verdemont, USA/California

This is the direction the Republican party hopes to take the USA.

Jenna's Bush, Washington, DC

I think the US should persue alternative fuels and clean coal at all costs. Our tolerant close "friends" the Saudi's are still living in the 6th century culturally. The US is only a short whim away from the current non-elected ruler (King) aka dictator if he was in South America, deciding that the great satan, the US, is not worthy of their oil. They could have us completely at their beck and call. This is not a far-fetched idea. It is completely possible and probable if we have a massive disagrement in the future defending Israel or if some other joker in the Royal family eventually inherits the leadership position.

Marc, tallahasee, Fl.

Another example of how this hideous relgion as practised by this hideous excuse for a state oppresses women. Islam can never reconcile its medieval ways with our western way of life. All this rubbish about all cultures being respected is utterly wrong. We are simply more decent. We don't treat our women with utter disdain and brutality, we don't maim people for relatively minor crimes, we try to live and let live. Unfortunately, many muslims and particularly the Wahabbis in Saudi Arabia are just as bad as the Nazis: anybody who lives or believes differently from them is subhuman scum that must be destroyed. This is the enemy the West is up against. We better wake up and aim to weaken them economically to the point of irrelevance over the next fifty years or so (preferably sooner) by getting off our oil addiction. I dread to think what would happen if they had the relative military and economic might the Nazis had enjoyed!

S P, Swansea, UK

Now I feel better.

We protect Saudi Arabia and charge them $0.

George Bush and his family and friends must feel great supporting those barbarians.

We should charge Saudi Arabia & Bahrain 1 trillion dollars for protecting them and then leave and let them sort it out.

Cheers,

Bruce Sammut

Bruce Sammut, Naples, FL

An the the good Dr, Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury wants to allow Sharia law to be used in the UK. That's crazy. These people are living in the stone age and they want to impose these barbaric laws on civilized people. Let them do it in Saudi Arabia but not in Christendom. Even the idea of such barbaric principles should be against the law in our countries.We have already been through the Dark Ages of Christendom and now we have to suffer the dark ages of Islam to please immigrants who have come to our countries because their society does not allow for them to have a decent life economically yet they claim their spiritual lives are better than ours? Hogwash. It is hypocrisy at its highest.

Thomas Sorensen, Chicago, , IL USA

unfortunately this is what religion does, it steals, kills and destroys. This is not of God. God is love and our way to Him is a heart issue. It is not about a bunch of rules that degrade women or even men. Jesus himself had it with the religous leaders when HE walked the earth. I pray that this dear woman will be restored completely from the shame this religous men brought on her. I also pray that they will be convicted in their own hearts and repent for their shameful actions....

kimberly stevens, portland, oregon

Speaking as an American (which many foreigners here irrationally hold against me) and as a liberal (which many Americans here irrationally hold against me), history teaches us that the progress of freedom does not necessarily come from "doing as the Romans when in Rome." It comes from opening up borders, both economically and socially, so that oppressed people can discover and achieve what the freer parts of the world have. Yara is heroic to stay in Saudi Arabia for the cause of fighting their ignorant draconian laws, just as Susan B. Anthony was right to fight for voting rights in a country where she could not legally vote, and just as Rosa Parks was courageous to disobey racial segregation laws that she knew needed to be ended.

James Davis, San Antonio, TX USA

abda, bournemouth -
The laws of Britain are plainly outlined an accessible for all. The difference is they have no "secret police" to intimidate and harass the populace (i.e., make them sign false confessions in fear of their lives). Sharia law is not the answer anywhere, it is the problem. Have you ever seen a country voluntarily convert to Islam? For a Muslim to convert to another religion means death. This is not a free or peaceful system.
By the way, what was her violation?-drinking coffee and holding a meeting in a coffee house - wow - sounds treasonous! She was in a curtained area, she was respectful to her captors, she wore local garb (so she tried to fit in).
How was she treated - humiliation (forced to strip down in front of men - isn't this against their religion?) disrespect, bruising, cursing by a judge, no doubt left to rot if not for political intervention.
Ask yourself- why don't I live there? Because you would have no civil liberty or self-determination.

jay c, Berkley, USA/CA

It seems to me that if my fellow American decides to live and work in Saudi Arabia, she should obey the laws of the land. What seems strangely foreign to her should not matter. Obey the law. Period. And for her to say, "I can't just surrender to the terrorist acts of these people,” is so typical of why the world hates Americans. It's THEIR COUNTRY! It isn't terrorism for Saudi Arabia to enforce their own laws. I may not agree with the law and I may be personally disgusted by the hypocrisy of the law, but it's still the law. But explain to me why she was strip searched other than cheap thrills in the name of Islam?

Jim, Chattanooga, Tennessee

This is to all you anti-american idiots who thrash american ways of life: When your country goes into peril from a natural disaster, what country goes to your aid? When your country is attacked, what country do you call upon for aid? When your country is starving from famine and drought, what country do you call upon? Our country is taken for granted on many occasions because we have a different lifestyle. Maybe America should wake up and quit giving aid to other countries that slap US in the face after we help them. And unlike other FOREIGNERS I am proud to say who I am and where I am from and not be a coward like some certain people.

Brit, Arden, USA

I find it fascinating to read the responses to this article. One accepts the reality that, for some reason I can't fathom, Muslim men are incapable or controlling themselves around women and must, therefore, make it a crime to co-mingle; and defends this dysfunctional behavior on their part. Then one other immediately attacks the poor woman simply because she is an American and, as such, made the unforgivable sin of expecting civilized behavior on the part of officials of the government - which is ridiculous when dealing with a society that has not evolved any further than the 7th. century. And then, of course, you have the isolationist argument that all ills of the world are caused by our simply not staying home and leaving everyone to do as they will, regardless of the harm that may cause. I am not sure what the reference to Israel has to do with the situation, unless it is the belief of the writer that, but for the Jews, there would be no strife in the middle east.

T, Davis, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

As much as we want men in Muslim countries to respect women and give them equal opportunities and treatment under the law it will never happen. I simply cannot understand how a country that is so 21 century in the business world is so backward in respect to religion and equality of the sexes. We in the west, and I mean Christians, will never understand this and all we can do is stand up and speak out when atrocities such as this happen. God bless her in her struggle to change islamic law. I'm afarid she is facing a terrible up hill battle in that barbaric place.

John Hudson, Canutillo, Texas

When Saudis come to the USA, they don't change and live by our culture. Why should Americans have to live by they Islamic rules when we are not islamic?

No country is free that lives by a religious law, because fallable men "interpret" the religious law the way they want. Every man is sinful, no matter how hard he tries not to be.

Tyre Hester, Snellville, Georgia USA

I think ALL Americans, men/ women alike should be not only enraged, but scared for the wellbeing of this woman. I'm sure that she did not know that she was doing anything wrong, and I'm sure if she knew it was wrong, would not have done it.

That could be your mother, sister, daughter or even a friend. It is absolutley and down-right disgusting that something like that is even happening. Where the hell is our President now? He should be calling "his good friend" the king of Saudi Arabia and getting somethiing done about this. If it was someone he knew we would probably be going to war over this.

By the sounds of it, those Saudi people sound like savage tyrants.

And as for the any comments of women being less than a man, or evil, or anything like that.. look around. EVERYONE on this earth came from a woman, so it looks like everyone better respect any and ALL women, and thank them.
Women of the world STAND UP FOR YOURSELVES!

I'm Proud to be a strong American woman!

Lynne, Boston, USA, Massachusetts

I do not see how anyone with a modicum of sense could equate smoking a joint with the slavery of the Arab women all over the Muslim world. Of course, we should stand up to these clerics. After all, it was not too long ago that we had separate schools, bathrooms and buses for Black Americans. Was that right? !!! Women couldn't vote in America. Was that right? !!!!! These Clerics are Saudi Arabias KKK. They just wear a different kind of sheet. Evil recruits cowards. Arab men are just horrible to their women because they are cowards.

Jim, Phoenix,

No offense lady, but what in the heck would anyone with western values want to do in those backwards, with 7th century mentality, male dominated, brain washed countries. Don't bother trying to make a difference cause most women in those countries are not going to help you make changes, nor they are going to support your views, otherwise they would have made changes by now and you would have been able to carry on with your business at the coffee shop. People have evolved with time, modernity has moved forward yet in the mid east the status quo remains as is and whats more horrifying is how they continue to treat women not just in saudi but in the mid east at large....amazing!!!

jan, new orleans, la, usa

How many of you have any idea what the Saudi women feel or how they are treated on a daily basis, other than what you hear in the media? I lived for 10 years in the Kingdom and wrote two books about it based on first-hand experience. I learned to respect THEIR rules, culture, and way of law. By referring to the traditional attire of Saudi men as a “white dress,” clearing shows Yara’s disrespect and ignorance of the Saudi culture and her actions reinforce her insolence. Why do Americans feel they have the moral or obligatory right to change others? I am an American and I love my country, but I am not so pompous as to think I would, could, or should try to change someone else or impose my views on them. Yara WILL NOT make a difference by remaining in a country that she doesn't respect or understand. During my time in Saudi, I fostered positive change by starting the first educational learning center for women and I did so by respecting their laws and culture. Three cheers for Bob & Rob!

T.L. McCown, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

Just because america is so weak of a country that forigenors can go there and get by with acting whatever way they did in there own countrys, does`nt mean that americans can go and act however they like in other countries. This woman is arrogant, and deserves whatever punishment she gets. She should have known better. Good for the Saudies for not letting her get by with it.

Jeremy, Baldwin, USA, WI

Watched the movie "The Kingdom" last night, message of the movie is that we cannot co-exist. As much as I disagree with US foreign policy and oil control agenda, I'll take the illusion of freedom over no freedom and I am glad I am on the right side.

g, Canada,

Unfortunately, that is the way of the Middle Eastern society. I’m not sure why anyone would want to live in, let alone visit Saudi Arabia or any other Middle Eastern nation. It’s not like they really care for each other. Women have been mistreated in their society for years. It happens all over the globe. We keep business and economic relations open with Saudi Arabia because they have oil, which gives them enough economic influence to bail many nations out of hot water (they have done it with us). As long as they have that ability, no one really cares what they do. Granted, most of their people live in the Stone Age and are plagued by huge gaps in economic class, but at least they have religious police to humiliate and dehumanize their fellow citizens. If they do feel like having a drink, or looking at non cloaked women, they can always vacation here in the states. We love everyone, regardless of how stupid they are.

Jeremy, St. Louis, MO

I absolutely agree this is horrific. The persecution of any group of people based on superficialities, like gender, religion, race or nationality is grotesque. I applaud Yara and women like her (of which there are many, and more each day) who are standing up for their rights and trying to bring their cultures into the modern era. Truly, they are the only ones who can do so. Yara is entirely correct: if she flees, she has allowed these bullies and fear mongers to win.

Instead, what we, as international spectators must do is remember our own struggles in the not so distant past that continue to affect us today. We must ensure that we do not allow these practices to once more invade our culture, as they are wont to do. We have the power to vote with our ballots, our wallets and our words. We must continue to do so.

alex awesome, philadelphia, pennsylvania, united states

I think that the views of Saudi Arabia's Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice are rubbish. The men on that commission are commiting sins everyday. I know that I will never travel to Saudi Arabia because of the lack of justice, lack of sensibility, and their lack of respect. Men and women are equal. They need to get that threw their thick heads.

Most people, Ontario, Canada

When is Bush going to invade Saudi Arabia to bring democracy to the country?

alan, germany,

Isn't it interesting how AFRAID radical Islamic men are of women. There is definitely a serious warp in the development of their character to make them so hateful and afraid. And perverted. I can pretty well guarantee they were watching during the strip search. Look what the TALIBAN did to young girls in Afghanistan. Disgusting. And they judge this woman? This radical movement needs to be prevented from spreading its poison. How? I wish I had the answer. At the least, the Western democracies should deport the radical clerics and close their madrasas.

Ingrid, Boca Raton , FL

Do not blame GOD for the sins of man......

If you have read the Quran.. you would find that this treatment of a woman is not allowed,,,

What you have are some very bad people who are USING gods words,,,

to justify there twisted ideas of what life should be,,,,

Mostly for their own political power...

Francis, minneapolis, MN,USA

sus, Washington,
Please by all means go there but just stay...........
Your attitude is not traditional American We are a religious country founded by religios people by a loving religion not the religion of hate and kill!

John, Seattle , USA, Washington

Saudi Arabia will not and can not change
its ways as long as Islamiust fascism
maintains its tentacles throughout
its society on every person living in
Saudi Arabia.

karl anglin, northridge, USA California

Why do people accept abuse in the name of religion. It remains abuse regardless of the excuse given. As a civilized society we must renounce persecution and the outdated "laws" that support it. If this results in rejecting the religion itself - so much the better.

Arthur C Martin, New Hope, PA

Being an American isn't so bad afterall. so stop the whining

Jack B, Jaefferson city, MO

If you go to Saudi Arabia, or deal with them, you practically are bringing this mess onto yourself. I am never setting foot there or doing business with these religious zealots. There are enough normal people in the world to do business with.

Robert Langdon, Berlin, Germany

The comment that the woman was obviously breaking the law in that country doesn't excuse the vile treatment she was given and the obvious bias of the Judge.
My opinion is we should put these medievil societies beyond the pale and not do business with them, especially the selling of arms to them.
Don't forget most , if not all, of the 9/11 murderers had Saudi passports. It scares me rigid.
Adrian Turner

Adrian Turner, aberystwyth, Ceredigion wales

In response to the chap from China. You have absolutely no idea what your talking about. This Saudi incident was clearly about proper moral and ethics and how to treat people. I don't care what country you live in, everybody should be equal. Obviously you have no idea of that living in a communist state that has no concern with individual rights.
And get your facts right will you. There has been many other powerful empires that have dominated in the past, the US is not the first one. Yes we must respect the values and manner of thinking of other, however, if this manner of thinking is disrespecting any human being for some ridicualous religouss or political tradition, then we as North Americans and Europeans understand that you must fight for good and decency becasue states Saudi Arabia and many others are ruled by despotic tyrants who persecute and torment their citizens on a daily basis. Now, we are in the wrong with defending and protecting states like this, that's another topic

Daniel, North America,

A lot of responses here talk about having respect for Islamic traditions and culture, particularly when living in an Islamic state. Fair enough. But why isnt' the reverse true? In the US, covering one's face is considered rude if you think about it. Americans associate covered faces with masks and criminals. So why don't Muslims have to respect our traditions? It all seems hypocritical to me.

heraclitus, boston, mass

... now why do people always have to bring america america this hasnt got to do with american laws or western laws for that matter, but Human rigths laws that have been ratified by hundreds of countries of all faith !

... to sus in washignton you may like to serve yourself a glass of booze before your read this : it's one thing to not like one law or another you got votes to express your opinion else wise in it's smaller form you got blogs and forums on the Net except perhaps in SA, China or Burma, it's very different to not like a law and to be abused morally and physically this woman had been living in that country for 8 years she defintley must have known her limits of expression but that time she got a bad surprise !

May her case be taken seriously and h