I read with interest the article “Examining root of western hostility” (Feb. 2) by Sabria S. Jawhar. I fully agree with the writer that it is our responsibility to wage an intellectual campaign to project the true face of Islam and Saudi Arabia. The western analyst usually rely on unverified reports on the Kingdom due to which their analyses lack objectivity and portray Saudi Arabia in a negative light.

Before commenting on any country, it is important to understand its sociopolitical situation and above all cultural ethos. If, for example, women are not allowed to drive in the Kingdom, it should not be construed as oppression of the womenfolk.

Similarly, this has nothing to do with Islam. This decision basically represents the traditional or should I say tribal mindset. Instead of criticizing the Kingdom or our religion over this issue, the West should respect our culture. The West calls for freedom but does not realize that its ideals of freedom are not universal and cannot work in other social settings.

The trend of opposing or criticizing everything that does not comply with the western standards is very wrong. Such an approach causes friction between members of different cultures.

Talha Al-Dosari

Jeddah