Quote From: fraeulein I watched the show with growing surprise! America is that great, huh? Why do some people here think everyone wants a visa to stay here? Also: Why doesn't the family attempt to get to know his culture, the country, or religion better? I am an immigrant to America, and I see in her mother's reaction the same I saw in my mother's. She doesn't want me to be in America, and granted, I would have -at least financially and crime-wise- a better life in my homeland. But yet, I choose to stay: for my American husband, for my daughter. Have you nay-sayers ever thought about that? America is not all that. There is to every country a distinct beauty, a flair, and fascination about it... not just evil as soon as it is called 'overseas'. But then again, if you don't want to break out of your ethnocentric belief system, you will never understand.
Then Dr.Phil's solution: great if it works out, but if it don't! Total loss of trust. Then she is 'lost' forever. She is young, she has the energy and the lack of responsibilities that she can just dump her whole family. In my case, my parents didn't 'approve' of my actions. Every time I speak to my mother, she wants me to come back. As long that is in her mind, I will never be able to tell her what is going on (really), or talk about my concerns, frustrations, problems, and so on. It will always turn into: Just come back, we love you, we are family.
And besides all that: What makes some people think she will be safer back home? How many domestic violence cases are there each year in America? And -uh- how many Muslims live here? Last time I checked America is a country with a big Muslim following. There are more Muslims in America living right now than there are Muslims in Palestine. Ever thought about that? Leave the religion out of it! Or do I have to mention the Catholic Church and the second-class members (I am Catholic)? Or all those fanatic bible fans? How can you deny Darwinism? Only in America... over 48% of adults deny it... Is that normal? How many spouses lay dead every year? She can get a crummy boyfriend just as easy here as in Palestine. How much inequality is here? Sexism? Racism? You really believe she has it better here? Plain and simple: no matter where you are and with whom you are, you will have the potential for problems. The family makes a return almost impossible, and on the end of the day she is going to stick with him more the more her family dislikes him. Grow up, Mom. She is a big girl now.
Hmmm - the person you need to share your feelings with are your HUSBAND!! -- not us. If he loves you so much I am sure he will make arrangements for you to go back home and visit with your family (along with any children). If he doesn't, he is no better than Abdullah - but at least the U.S. government would not look the other way while a husband held his wife hostage. Is that what you are saying - your husband is refusing to let you talk, converse, visit (in either direction) your family? Is his parents assisting him in keeping you from your family, screening your calls, giving him money to keep you under lock and key?
Back to the show. This girl is a child. This relationship (and I use the word loosely) with Abdullah was initiated when she was 16 years old. It is obvious he is abusive, immature, and use to getting his way in all situations (heck, even his Dad is assisting him). I don't know what this guy has gone through living in that part of the world with all the violence, but unfortunately it has damaged him in some way. I wouldn't be surprised if the culture had something to do with it also.
I seriously doubt the U.S. embassy would issue a Visa to the likes of him. He hits me as someone who is so unstable, he could easily become a terrorist. Sad, but true.
(Original Air Date: 11/15/07) Dr. Phil continues the story of a young woman who made international headlines when she ran away to Palestine to be with a man she met on the Internet when she was just 16. Katherine was stopped by the FBI and brought back home, but two years later and now an adult, she’s left the United States again to be with Abdullah, the man she says she loves and wants to marry. Katherine’s terrified family thinks she is being brainwashed, and may never be allowed to return home. They say they’ve witnessed Abdullah’s violent temper when he’s verbally abused her over the phone. Now, in an exclusive interview via satellite, Dr. Phil speaks with Katherine and Abdullah together. Is Abdullah lying about letting Katherine return home? Is this couple already married? Talk about the show here.
