CAROLYN - you've nailed it! The response of Zeitoun to folks he does not know (as in their not being friends of his family) is VERY common among folks from the Middle East. And although if one does not understand that Middle Eastern culture in general has it's "public side" (which is demonstrated outside of the family) AND its more personal, family/friends side, then it is hard to understand the differences. But among folks from that region it is common: quiet, a bit hesitant/shy - but polite generally - with folks who are not familiar. Yet with family and friends, often a louder tone of voice (in arguments and with one's laughter), and willingness to question/answer a topic for hours.
Over the years, I have met, talked with and interacted on a regular basis with American women who have married men from other countries AND often converted from their birth religion to that of their husbands. Although my own husband is an Egyptian Muslim, I remain a Christian. Yet I have known many female colleagues, some neighbors in Washington DC and other women whom I have met publicly, who were adamant about converting to their husband's faith. Some of the women took the time and effort to learn about their adopted religion, others did not. And it was the latter group who had the most difficult time adjusting.
I can appreciate the wife's struggle - physical health, shock at the circumstances the family found itself in, and concern, worry and fear about the future. These are HUMAN concerns, of course, but in her case, they're also coupled with the emotional trauma of her spouse's imprisonment and what life ahead would be like for her and their children. The "unknown" (especially when it's as severe as what the family experienced) can really wreck havoc in one's life.
Mahlia
