State Department's Blunt Appeal Heartens Couple Held in Qatar What are some of the cultural misunderstandings that led to the couple's arrest?  How can employees who are going to foreign assignments prepare for such assignments? . What resources can be used to prepare?

What are some of the cultural misunderstandings that led to the couple's arrest?

The case has been a public relations nightmare for Qatar, which is eager to present itself as a modern, moderate state. 

The couple's lawyer, Najeeb al-Nuaimi, has said that the case highlights cultural differences in the way people view the legal status of children. In the West, he said, children are considered citizens of their country and are given full protection by law. In Qatar, he said, children are not considered citizens and have no civil rights. 

The case also illuminates a cultural divide in how people view the rights of children to travel. In most Western countries, the passport of a child is linked to that of the parent. In Qatar, children have their own passports. 

Mr. al-Nuaimi said there was a cultural misunderstanding about the nature of parental authority. In the West, he said, parents have legal authority over their children, but this does not extend to parental custody. In Qatar, he said, parents are considered to have legal custody of their children, even when the children are older. American diplomats have said that they have presented the Qataris with evidence that the couple acted in good faith and had a right to travel.