You answered your own question "Scott".

>Why does one standard of openness and acceptance apply to the United States and Western nations and another standard of forced cultural compliance apply to the Middle Eastern nations?

Because they CAN, because it's THEIR country.
The Middle East dresses to their CULTURE, no matter how antiquated it is.
What, do you think they all ought to dress like Brittany Spears??

"When in Rome: Do as the Romans do..."
Period.

And Ed, why would anyone WANT to go to Iraq for a vacation? And if they required a veil for a woman, and I was there visiting, I would comply.
This argument is weak......and not going anywhere.