evidence: Here’s the thing, though: Not all Middle Eastern countries are the same. Yes, the idea that a woman should be covered ties in with the idea of modesty, which links back to Islam, but each country interprets and enforces modesty in different ways. In Qatar, women wear the abaya and the shayla—their national black robe/head covering combo—not because they are forced to, but because it’s part of their cultural identity. And even though the traditional dress is black, the abaya and shayla come in a variety of different colors, fits, and details (like rhinestones or embroidery), and women can wear whatever the heck they want underneath, so when it comes to self-expression, women do have freedom of choice.