It is difficult for many Americans to understand basic, sometimes violent, conflicts between our culture and others. Too often we take it for granted people of other nationalities and faiths think as we do.
A dispute in Saudi Arabia, a staunchly Islamic country (though a U.S. ally), reinforces that point. There, women are not permitted to drive motor vehicles.
Why?
Well, according to one report commissioned by the Saudi government, because allowing women to drive will promote allegedly undesirable "mixing" of males and females - and may encourage premarital sex.
It all may seem silly to Americans - but not to Saudis. Many agree whole-heartedly with the report and the existing law.
The old warning may be correct: East is East and West is West - and never the twain shall meet, at least culturally.
