Did Obama Bow to Saudi King Abdullah?
Does it matter?
Last week during the G-20, President Obama appeared to bow to the Saudi King Abdullah, stirring a controversy that's been mostly overlooked by the media. A grainy video of the apparent bow is available here. Did Obama bow to the Saudi king? If so, why? Does it matter? Post your thoughts.
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Reader Comments
Nixon bowed on US soil to Hirohito--the same guy who BOMBED Pearl Harbor??
However, as the New York Daily News and others have pointed out, Republican president Richard Nixon bowed in 1971 to Akihito's father, Emperor Hirohito — who ruled Japan during the Second World War. True, Nixon's bow wasn't as deep as Obama's but was a bow nonetheless.
In his defence, maybe Cheney is just a little confused as he was used to seeing his former boss showing his respect by holding hands.
Read more: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2009/11/17/353742.aspx#ixzz0XB3bHRQd
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Just plain rude
Actually, Muslim etiquette forbids bowing to any other than God so the Prez came off as beyond rude - especially since no other leader or diplomat in the room was stupid enough to bow to a Wahhabi. A slight bow of the head is permitted but this on your knees nose in the crotch move made him look like some sort of pervert.
It would have been proper to kiss alongside each cheek of the King - but NOT to bow.
The Bow
One of the major issues that have confronted the US over the years is understanding and accepting the culture and customs of other countries. The US is not alone in the world and we need "Friends". Respect the other guy and stop expecting everyone to step down or aside simply because you are an American. The world is a very small place after all is said and done. It takes nothing away from a man who is comfortable with who and what he is to Acknowledge and Respect the next guy. One needs to understand that he or she is not the most important thing in the next guy's world, only in your own mind are you TOP DOG!
The President is mindful of his position and he gives due respect to other leaders. In doing so, he gets respect. He is not afraid. If he were, he would never have run for the Presidency in this America. America, are we ready to accept that there are other people and cultures who have been here just as long or from a historical point of view, a lot longer that us? Help or step off.
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