I think the point some of us are trying to make is that it doesn't matter whether it is cruel or not, one culture should not interfere with another. They have no right and more often than not it causes war.
Yes, by our definition it's so barbaric it's incomprehensible but it's non of our business unless it hinders our progress in some way. Do we, in the west, honestly believe we are some kind of universal force of righteousness and fair play?
Situations like this really test my moral stance on this but it is my moral stance. I'm sure many other cultures could put across a very compelli