Michelle Obama forgoes a headscarf and sparks a backlash in Saudi Arabia

Washington Post ^ | 1/27/15 | Adam Taylor

[Libloather]

**SNIP**

As noted by the Associated Press, Michelle Obama did not wear a headscarf or veil Tuesday. In Saudi Arabia, that's unusual: The country is one of the few on Earth where women are expected to cover their heads, and most Saudi women wear niqabs.

Exceptions are made for foreigners, however, and Michelle – who did wear loose clothing that fully covered her arms – appears to have been one of them. In photographs from the official events, other foreign female guests are also shown not wearing headscarves.

More than 1,500 tweets using the hashtag #ميشيل_أوباما_سفور (roughly, #Michelle_Obama_immodesty) were sent Tuesday, many of which criticized the first lady. Some users pointed out that on a recent trip to Indonesia, Michelle had worn a headscarf. Why not in Saudi Arabia?

[Libloather]

Did Hussein use it to hide his Nicorette?

[exit82]

Did she fist bump the new king, too?

They can’t go back to Chicago fast enough.

[BenLurkin]

She needs one of these

[Ann Archy]

Is there a FATWA out for her????Prayers.

[TexasFreeper2009]

Anyone as ugly as Moochelle should be required to wear a bag over their head at all times !

[Fungi]

She would look lovely in a burka.

[ansel12]

[Fungi]

See number six.

[2banana]

The country is one of the few on Earth where women are expected to cover their heads, and most Saudi women wear niqabs.

And they are all muslim countries...

[Morgana]

I don’t believe it! For the first time Mooch did something for Women that I am proud of!!!

[alloysteel]

Michelle would DESTROY the symmetrical beauty and the aesthetic appeal of the burka.

Kind of a reverse Midas touch.

And jeez, didn’t they know better than to drag her away from her Indian holiday?

[ViLaLuz]

I thought women were the only ones required to wear headscarves.

[immadashell]

If Odumbo wears his Mom Jeans in Saudi Arabia does he cover his head?

[Irenic]

Good!

[definitelynotaliberal]

Why such gross exaggeration? Would it not have sufficed to say simply, “A burka would vastly improve her appearance?” Lovely? Really?!!

[Mastador1]

But, did they still bow in subservience?

[Fungi]

You have a point. My suggestion was we would not have to see that - - - -, fill in the blanks.

[molson209]

Her Muslim husband should get a grip on her

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

As Austin Powers’ might say, “Put a burqua on it baby!”

[Michael.SF.]

Come on guys, if you had a choice wouldn’t you want Moochelle to cover her face? Can you blame them for being mad?