While I am sorry that Shezanne Cassim could end up spending a year in an Emirati prison ("U grad held in Abu Dhabi gets year term," Dec. 24), I find myself asking: Why are Americans so arrogant as to expect they shall be treated differently simply because they are U.S. citizens? We expect foreigners to obey the law in our states and country. Should we do the same when we travel or work overseas?

It is actions to the contrary that give the impression of the "ugly American." We do not have the right to demand treatment as if we were in the United States. It is about respecting foreign countries, and their cultures, laws and citizens, when we are guests there.

DEBORAH L. MATHIOWETZ, Eagan