Personally I see nothing wrong with bowing. It is nothing more than a show of respect for a very important US ally and world leader. I hope respect is shown by US presidents to all worthy figures, regardless of how it is manifested, be it bow, gift, huge, or whatever.

King Abdullah deserves respect. Saudi Arabia is a very authoritarian and undemocratic country but King Abdullah is trying to institute reforms and a gradual opening of his society. Things can't change there overnight but he is doing what he can.