In the politics of the fight between East and West, the role of women in society is often brought out as a measure of what is right and what is wrong. Accusations are thrown around, but so often without an understanding of the culture to which they are being applied. In Western societies the veiling of women is seen as an imposition that takes away rights and freedom; in cultures where veiling is customary, it is seen as a way of protecting women. But the veil is just one issue on thesurface of deep-rooted differences between our cultures.