Brokenwind, that experience is not surprising. If you want to read how problems and mistakes are handled in that part of the world, or if you are ever traveling there, do yourself a favor and google "saving face middle east" and you will understand. In their culture, saving face means never admitting a mistake and everyone else there understands that is just the way it works. The end result is nobody ever admits any wrongdoing and to accuse someone or suggest someone is wrong is seen as a huge insult.
It is probably the best thing that ever happened to you. I enjoy spending time in that part of the world and the people are wonderful, but growing up in 'Murica, it is enough to drive you crazy when confronted with a problem and everyone is shrugging their shoulders instead of solving it.