[kabar]

Arab custom. Men also hold hands in many parts of Asia.

[Mr. Mojo]

Arab custom.

It's also an Arab custom for men to kiss other men in greeting, but I doubt the President would plant one on Abdullah's cheek. .....at least I hope not.

[cvq3842]

Forgive my cultural ignorance, but I thought in some Middle-Eastern countries the left hand was also considered the "toilet hand" and therefore touching someone with it was a no-no. Obviously I am misinformed.

[Brilliant]

Lot's of customs that are hard to ID with...

[Sir Gawain]

It's also an Arab custom to wipe your ass with your hand.

[Lekker 1]

Arab custom. Men also hold hands in many parts of Asia.

...and portions of the west coast of the U.S.

[montag813]

Arab custom. Men also hold hands in many parts of Asia.

This is not an Arab nation.

[QQQQQ]

Exactly.

I don't think we should make fun of customs of other countries.

President Bush is accomodating the Arab custom of his guest.

That is a sign of respect towards your guest and there is nothing wrong with it.

I am sure there are things that we do here, which look peculiar in other cultures.