30 March 2007

Head Scarves...

One thing about the Iranian detention of British sailors really jumped out at me: the head scarf being worn by Faye Turney, the only female in the group.

Now, I was born in Spain, I lived in Italy for several years, and have spent time in many, many countries. I'm all for understanding other cultures, respecting the customs of the others, etc, etc... but I'm not sure that being in military detention really counts as a experiencing the hospitality of a "host country." In fact, I'd say that once a foreign military takes you captive, social obligations to conform to their mores pretty much go out the window.

However, maybe she's just super polite, despite (or because of?) the circumstances. Maybe she agreed to wear the thing out of respect for her captors religious sensitivities. However, I suspect (based, admittedly, on no hard data) she is being forced to wear it - and if that's the case, I wonder what the Iranians think they are accomplishing?

1 comment:

Gabe said...

You know, I was thinking the same thing. Not only did they capture these people, but they're forcing them to acsribe to certain standards. Yeah, the Iranians are making a great case for their innocence to the world.