Many hail journalist who threw shoes at Bush

The pair of shoes tossed at George Bush have reached farther than their owner could have hoped, drawing both criticism and applause in Iraq and around the world.

CTV Newsnet: Chris Preble, Cato Institute, on why some feel the incident is an apt representation of Bush's legacy

An Arab journalist threw his shoes at U.S. President George Bush during a press conference in Baghdad. Many Iraqis feel is an apt representation of Bush's legacy.

CTV Newsnet: Kamran Bokhari, director of Middle East analysis at STRATFOR, on the cultural significance of the incident

In keeping with some of the anti-American sentiment in the Middle East, an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at U.S. President George Bush is being hailed a hero.

Canada AM: CNN's Michael Ware with details on the shoe toss from Baghdad

On an Iraq trip shrouded in secrecy and marred by dissent, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed progress in the war that defines his presidency and got a size-10 reminder of his unpopularity when a man hurled two shoes at him during a news conference.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. Dec. 15 2008 11:40 AM ET

In Iraq, Muntadhar al-Zeidi is a certified hero and all he had to do was throw his shoes.

On Sunday, the Arab journalist launched both his shoes at U.S. President George Bush during a press conference in Baghdad.

The first shoe nearly pinged Bush in the head but he managed to duck just in time. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki tried to block the second shoe as it flew directly over Bush's head.

"This is a farewell kiss, you dog," al-Zeidi yelled in Arabic as he tossed his shoes at Bush. "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."

Khaled Mouammar, National President of Canadian Arab Federation, said throwing a shoe at someone is the "most degrading" insult you could give in the Arab world.

Mouammar compared it to the pie in the face then-prime minister Jean Chretien received back in 2000.

"If you're under occupation you resist in any way you can," Mouammar told CTV.ca from Toronto.

"I'm sure he wasn't allowed to bring in anything else but his shoes so that's the only thing he could use against Bush."

On Monday, thousands of Iraqis took to the streets in protest, demanding that the reporter be released from custody.

In Baghdad's Sadr City, protesters burned U.S. flags and called for al-Zeidi to be released. In Najaf, a Shiite holy city, an American patrol was pelted with shoes by protesters.

"He was actually representing the feelings of the true Iraqi people," Mouammar said.

He said it was a fitting way to mark Bush's legacy in Iraq.

"This is his farewell sendoff, given by an Arab, which was the most fitting way to do it -- an Arab who was a victim from his policies."

Al-Zeidi, reportedly in his late 20s, worked for Al-Baghdadia, a TV station. In 2007, he was kidnapped by Shiite militias and released three days later.

Meanwhile, in Iraq and across the Middle East, al-Zeidi is being hailed as a hero.

Newspapers printed the images on the front-page Monday and one text message circulating throughout Saudi Arabia joked that "Iraq considers Sunday as the international day for shoes."

Even in Canada, some Arabs celebrated after watching the video.

Mouammar said he had a party of about 40 people at his house Sunday when a friend received a phone call from Egypt about the Bush incident.

"We gathered around the computer and we repeatedly watched that thing and we were so proud and happy all of us," Mouammar said.

"He had excellent aim actually. From that distance, in both instances, he would have hit him if he hadn't ducked on the first one and if he wasn't protected by the prime minister on the second one."

With files from The Associated Press

Comments are now closed for this story

RedFoxOne
said

Let's see now...

The Iraqi Health Ministry (part of the Bush-friendly government) and the World Health Organization estimate 400,000 war-related deaths (151,00 due to violence) from 2003 to 2006. This is the most conservative estimate.

Another 3.8 million Iraqis are refugees according to most credible estimates.

We all know (now) that there were no WMD's in Iraq, and we all knew (then) that there were no terrorists. There are plenty of them now though, aren't there? Most intelligence agencies in the western world agree that the Iraq war has increased the threat of terrorism.

And I read comments in here condemning this man for throwing a shoe at the man responsible for this!!! Are you informed? Have you no compassion?

For those who still cling to the "Bush will be proven right" theory - maybe you're right, time will tell, but let's just say that the history of the region tells us otherwise again and again.

In any case, this was a pointless war that the Iraqis have paid dearly for. They have earned the right to throw a shoe. You haven't earned the right to criticize them for it.

Nala
said

Actually, 'craig in calgary', we most certainly DO NOT have to respect the office and this FREE Iraqi chose this method to make a very clear statement.

Paul R -- oh no, Bush is the dog and if you think Iraq is democratic, you're one ignorant character. Bush's daddy helped bring Saddam to power and gave Saddam guns and America kept the Iraqis dying under Saddam for a good long time, so yeah, thanks to the Americans.

The two of you need to read "Shame on You" ... the post is directed at your' kind of arrogant posturing.

Loving Al-Zeida in Ontario!

James
said

So one has to be a christian or conservative or republican to think this is inappropriate.

Is that supposed to be a criticism?

George Bush, whether you like him or not, represents the office of the President. That office is bigger than than George Bush. It is the office of the head of state.

If you don't like Bush's policies, debate it and get public opinion on your side. That has never been the MO of the left. They don't debate. They use the coup method.

Allan Eizinas
said

If Stephen Harper had his way a few years ago then he would now be standing next to Bush and also taken a shoe in the forehead!

MAD IN THE HAMMER
said

to MHB

Just realise that if his reporter did the same thing under Sudan, Iraq before and during Saddams reign or iran or north korea he would never have been heard again. Thats a sign of progress. Get off you high moral standards about the west being the villians here, just ask the 180 victims in Mumbai, what were they guilty of?

Rob
said

If he had thrown his shoes at Saddam, he would no longer need shoes...the very least..he would lose his feet..and maybe his hands...if Saddam decided not to kill him on the spot.
Some people need to get a grip on what's right and wrong. Remember the cartoon that started riots? Imagine a Western threw his shoes at a person of power or religion over there.
I am not a Bush fan, but give him some respect as a world leader.

KRT from Cambridge, ON
said

Dan from the Stan

Your asinine blather is typical of the ignorant men who refuse to see themselves as anything but saviors while slaughtering innocent men,women and children, "it's the cost of war", you say throwing your hands up in the air.

Seems to me, you and others like you are big on bravado and very short on the facts:

1. There are currently over 25 000 people who have vanished into American run, secret prisons world wide. Apparently, you don't even have to throw a shoe for the USA to make you disappear.

2. Those 'celebrations' welcoming the Americans have already been proven to have been staged by the Americans for the camera's as part of their campaign of lies and propaganda to circumvent the truth from reaching the bauble heads in the US.

3. Afghanistan is a different country, ethnic group and culture from Iraq.Based on your inarticulate ramblings, it appears you're unaware of this distinction.

4. Saddam was put in power, armed, kept in power and unleased on the region by the Americans because democracy is the very last thing that America wants to arrive in the MidEast. Do some homework young man.

5. You are very long on empty vapid rambling and very short on the facts, matter of fact, your' post is entirely theoretical.

6. You're obviously not educated enough about democracy to pontificate about it and so cavalierly dismiss the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent people.

You're offensive.

paul
said

Chris in ON
disgusted....You need to get a reality check. This isn't someone disagreeing w/ policy, it's about confronting a man who started a WAR and occupation soley for the profit of his friends (not his country).

Guessing you're a conservative because only republicans and conservatives can be so naive and blinded. Keep going to church and toeing the party lines.

The above is typical of all liberals, not surprising the total lack of intellect and the disregard of anyone who doesn't agree with his "clearly superior" views.

DougB
said

I am no Bush fan by all means, but a few have a good point. If the Russians can have topless weather girls on TV, I say if you are a reporter, want to be in a press conference held by a world leader, then its down to your underwear you go along with your camera man. Its time the press have some stricker rules placed on them. As for this guy, regardless what statement he was trying to make, he just showed how much of an idiot he is.

Sally from Montreal
said

All of you praising this man for throwing a shoe at him! For shame! Have we trailed so far of the track that the majority have become so uncivilized. Yes, Bush should remove the army from there so then these people have no one to blame for their problems but themselves. This little gestures are insecurities and jealousy on your own part and no other reason.

I may not be a Bush fan but I do believe that no one should be shown that much disrespect.
Now for those once again praising this man for acting in such a disrespectful manner I dare you to go over there and do the exact same thing but to their leaders, let's see how much of a good idea it was then.

Craig in Calgary
said

No matter what you think of the President, you have to RESPECT the office. This is not the way to make a statement. He was a reporter/journalist, file an OP-ED, don't resort to looking like a fool.

Shame on those commenters that are cheering this.

Dan
said

How pathetic! Was it really necessary to consult the Canadian Arab Federation over this issue? Is there no other report that considers this act disgraceful?

Ali from Mississauga
said

I think throwing the shoe was wrong. He should not be a journalist if he's going to lose his composure like that, but hey it was funny., Im glad bush had good reflexes cause that shoe would have hurt!

Orwin
said

If this intrepid reporter had any guts he would have taken on Hussein. Only after we have made it safe to do so does he dare do this. COWARD

Greg McNeely
said

What you Bush haters think would happen if you threw a shoe at Putin, Chavez, Castro, Ahmadinawhatever, or even Robert Mugabe? First, the world would never see the shoe thrown. Second it would be the last stupid thing-not to mention the very last thing you'd ever do.

Paul R
said

The shoe thrower el-Zeide is the dog, he would not have dared to throw a shoe at Saddam when he was in power as he would have been taken out an shot. Now, that Iraq is somewhat democratic, thanks to the Americans, he may only be charged with assault

Greg McNeely
said

Al-Zeidi and Mouammar should be thankful that they aren't living in Saddam Hussein's Iraq because they would have been killed for merely disagreeing with the leader. Clearly the majority of Iraqi's appreciate what President Bush and the American soldiers have done to free the people of Iraq. Most risked their lives in the first free election. Mouammar should be ashamed.

Lost Cause
said

Dan from the Stan said "Gaining Democracy is sometimes bloody, but it gives you peace loving cowards the ability to write and say what you want here."

Easy there, Rambo. Our right to free speech is neither in threat nor being served by the mission we're on in Afghanistan.

You've got a lot of nerve coming out here and calling your fellow Canadians cowards and talking down to them so condescendingly when it's our tax dollars that go into your paychecks.

Most Canadians don't want the mission to continue. Shouldn't you listen to the democratic will you're out here blustering about in the process of giving yourself a big sanctimonious pat on the back?

MHB
said

Chris V: When the US occupied Germany in WWII, Germans indeed did not throw shoes at the Americans. They used instead to send their children to blow themselves up in American convoys!. The ex. US secretary of defence referred to this historical fact many times before!.

Chris V
said

Wow...no class from this shoe-throwing idiot and from some of the people posting messages here. Did the Germans throw stuff at the Americans when the USA occupied them after WWII? Did the Japanese throw stuff at the Americans after they dropped two Nuclear Bombs on them? No, they cooperated with the Americans and rebuilt their communities, their economies, and their countries. Look at where Japan and Germany are at now! Two of the most prosperous nations in the world!

To all those Bush-haters...I say consider yourselves lucky you're living in the west. Try living with some of these totalitarian leaders in the Middle East for a week. Try throwing a shoe at Saddam Hussein, Hassan Nasrallah or Bashar al-Assad!

Gregory Boudreau
said

This is just another person trying to get some attention, i think the person who threw the shoe is the one who looks bad.

You might disagree with President Bush, but to do something like this, it just shows how a person lacks class.

Jay Jay
said

Having witnessed as a journalist women and children blown to bits by America�s �smart bombs� thanks to this president, and knowing Bush will never be prosecuted for war crimes, anger probably got the better of him. And besides, the world would have loved to have seen Bush get a shoe to the face.

Dan from the Stan
said

Steve, how right you are. Under Saddam's regime Mr. Al-Zeidi wouldn't be heard from ever again. I remember the Iraqi people having days of celebrations when the US took Saddam out of power. In that time, journalists like the one in question interviewed countless Iraqis with stories about how thankful they were that democracy was coming to their country AND stories of their suffering. Having fought in Afghanistan twice I'm reading comments that are theoretical at best.

Basically, I'm saying that most of the people who have commented on this story have a short memory span and they haven't lived their days wondering if they'd see their home again. If a journalist did that in North America he'd have time in jail or some sort of punishment. He wouldn't be killed, which is what WOULD'VE happened under a tyranny like Saddam's. As for the widows and orphans, it's a sad part of war that the innocent die sometimes. Soldiers try to be careful to keep the casualties low of civilians, but one of the biggest killers of them is something out of our hands, suicide bombers.

So, on the one hand you keep a dictator in power with his people pleading for intervention or you take him out and try to support a government that will take the people of Iraq's interests into view. Now if they had just set up this gov't and left the it would've been toppled in weeks. Why? Because in that part of the world if a leader of their tribe isn't in power they want to kill off any opposition to it and once again set up a tyranny.Gaining Democracy is sometimes bloody,but it gives you peace loving cowards the ability to write and say what you want here.

Ironic
said

Mr. Khaled Mouammar should be proud. He saw a display of discontent (although inappropriate) that won't result in the reporter being tortured or killed for his act. Now consider how the reporter would be treated if he had done the same under saddam's regime. Or what would happen if he done the same thing to a leader in Saudia Arabia or Iran.

Jen
said

This journalist is echoing the true sentiments/feelings of the Iraqi people. Bush decimated Iraq, the people, their towns and cities, not to mention their history and archives, to touch on a few things. Bush is taking the bullet for all this unnecessary killing and destruction. This journalist will be remembered for a long time to come.

Joel in Kamloops
said

GWB was pretty funny in his response.

Iraq may be happy to get rid of US soldiers, but I wouldn't be surprised to see major regional tensions boil out shortly after the US leaves. US troops are a stabilizing influence.

I'm glad I'm on the other side of the world.

It ain't going to be pretty.

Stay tuned.

Shame on you
said

Democracy has come to Iraq?

Shame on each of you that is spewing this offensive bile.

America unleashed Saddam on the Iraqis therefore it reasons that the US actively prevented democracy in Iraq.

Are you aware that after Georgie Senior invaded, sanctions killed 500 000 Iraqi children due to lack of medical care? Shame on you.

The illegal American invasion of Iraq has killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people, caused the rape of thousands of girls and women and left the nation that holds the historical ancestry of mankind in complete destruction. Shame on you.

How quickly the sheep forget that the Americans invaded under the pretense of LIES, remember the WMD's that never were? and the Al-Queda connection that never was?

Now history is being re-written to make the evil invasion of Iraq about Democracy instead of lies, oil and Israel.

Lost Cause
said

Bush decimated Iraq. He charged in there and leveled the place and massive looting ensued. Throughout the invasion countless civilians were slaughtered.

Then, in a move of pure strategic brilliance, he made it illegal for anyone who served in Saddam Hussein's military to work in their own country. And they left piles of munitions lying around, even as his own military advisers stressed that they should be picked up in put in a safe place. So then you have hundreds of thousands of extremely angry ex-soldiers who cannot legally work and massive caches of weapons lying around for them to pick up. Next stop, mass insurgency.

Those shoes were not just thrown at Bush. Everyone who supports that catastrophic invasion can stand with Bush on the receiving end of that just insult. I hope you're all proud of yourselves. Afghanistan is just as bad, and it's Bush's war too. We need to get out of there and apologize to the people of Afghanistan for supporting Bush's wars of aggression.

RJ in Ontario
said

Mr.Daly of Missisauga ... oh you mean how far Iraq has come from the American created, armed and supported vile dictator Saddam?

Yeah, the Iraqi's really should show more gratitutde for being killed by Americans instead of Saddam.

Cambob: Would you like to know who the real enemy is? You and your ilk, too intellectually lazy to collect the facts but, quick as a bunny to invade and murder for lies and American world domination via militirism.

If you ever apply the same relish to getting informed as you have to willful ignorance, there would be no opportunity for America to create reasons for the "terrorists" to attack in retaliation.

The entire Bush Administration is made up of war criminals and Al-Zeidi is a freakin hero.

Tom in Montreal
said

It's unfortunate that many on this blog condone the actions of Muntadhar al-Zeidi shoe throwing. I may not be a Bush fan, but this kind of public disrespect for a head of state, can only reflect poorly on the people of Iraq if they hail him as a hero. There are plenty of heads of state out there in the Arab world that opress their people under a dictatorship. Should they choose to duplicate this act with them, surly they would be beheaded. I hate to admit it , but I have to aggree with Bush..... Democracy has arrived in Iraq. But for how long???

Kathy from Ottawa
said

I suppose this "breach of security" will mean everyone must go shoe-less at press conferences. Wait for it. It will happen.

paul
said

Steve in Mississauga... you are bang on!

Steve Daly, Mississauga
said

The shoe was launched... nothing. Nothing happened!

There was no sharp 'crack' of an AK-47 assault rifle, no flat report from a Makarov pistol. The reporter's body wasn't dragged unceremoniously into the street as a warning to others.

There were heroes in that room... the regular Iraqi security forces who let rule of law reign supreme and arrested Muntadhar al-Zeidi.

All the buffoon al-Zeidi did was demonstrate how far Iraq has come. It looks like more than a few people have missed that point.

AH
said

To disgusted

I am from arabic origin and I can assure you that all arab leaders deserve a shoe throw similar to the one G. bush had if not worse.

The policies of the arab leaders who are backed by some westeren goverments is the reason for all the tension between arabs and the western world.

More than 50% of the arab people are living in conditions that are not accepted even for animals in other countries.

No arabic needs to apologize for this shoe throw at Bush whose actions led to hundred of thousands of deaths among the Iraqies, thousands of orphans and widows, complete destruction to the country's past, current and future.

Cambob
said

"he was able to (lame) duck the wayward soles..."

The murderous schemers of 9/11 must be enjoying every minute of this. Provoke America and America lashes out. America becomes hated. The terrorists win. Sure, it's all Bush's fault. Bush started wars, and killed thousands for no reason at all.

How quickly you shoe cheering buffoons forget who is the enemy.

Good on him!
said

I applaud this man for doing what he did!! He reflects the frustration of his people and made his point in a way that spoke volumes. Through his pointless war, Bush and his administration are to blame for the deaths of thousands of innocents in Iraq, and in his own country in the form of soldiers.
He is also the shameless instigator of a fear-mongering propaganda scheme that has made the world its victim since he came to office. I imagine a lot of people wish they could have been the ones to have thrown the shoes.

Politricks
said

I have the feeling Dubya and Cheney will have some trouble with foreign travel once out of office.

Similar to Henry Kissinger, we can only hope some sort of justice can be found through a war crimes tribunal.

Gitmo, Abu Ghraib, pre-emptive war doctrine, rendition flights, use of depleted uranium, bombing of water treatment centers and civilian power plants...

We can only hope for a serious push for war crimes and crimes against humanity charges.

They set dangerous precedents, maybe its time we the people draw the line and set some of our own.

MHB
said

So, you are expecting people in the middle east to receive Bush with flowers?. If this is your expectation, then you are either very ignorant or naive!. Bush is the one who is supporting all dictaorships in the midlle east!. In a US ally country like Egypt, there are over 20,000 political detainees in jails without trials some for years (you do not hear about it thanks to US support). Bush is the one who razed many Iraqi cities killing tens of thousands of people!.

Have you ever heard about a city called "Fallujah" that was 75% destroyed by the US army?. Bush is the one who is supporting the ongoing starvation of 1.5 million humanbeings in Gaza!. over 275 Palestinian patients lost their lives so far in this crime!. The US just forced the Iraqis to sign a security treaty, against the overwhelming opposition of the Iraqi people, to legalize the US occuptation of the country!. Whether you like his action or not, one must admits that the journalist who did is a brave man because he knew that the puppet Iraqi regime will likely murder him!. Actually, he did what billions of people around the world, not only in the middle east, would have loved to do!.

said

If this story makes you smile, then ask yourself this: Who would you rather have in power over you, Bush or the Arabs?

Enough said.

Chris in ON
said

disgusted....You need to get a reality check. This isn't someone disagreeing w/ policy, it's about confronting a man who started a WAR and occupation soley for the profit of his friends (not his country).

Guessing you're a conservative because only republicans and conservatives can be so naive and blinded. Keep going to church and toeing the party lines.

logical
said

Well, the key difference here is that Arab countries are not in Canada or America occupying our countries. How is that not obvious or relevant to you?

"I wonder how well the Arabs would take it if western journalists, who didn't like what was going on in Iraq or Iran threw their shoes at Arab Leaders whenever they held public meetings? What's good for the goose....."

Richard
said

I would like to have seen this idiot throw his shoes at Saddam. It is always easy to be cute when there will be no consequences.

Yes We Can!
said

"This is a farewell kiss, you dog," al-Zeidi yelled in Arabic as he threw his shoes.

"This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."

==

Al-Zeidi is a freaking hero AND this event is going to be a historical turning point in the Arab world to galvanize a movement to take back their nations and resources from the dogs of America.

It's also, the beginning of this "president's" pariah status in the world.

Alex
said

I think Mr. Mouammar's comment about "gathering around the computer and repeatedly watching the clip, being so proud and happy", reflects very poorly on himself. As the National President of the Canadian Arab Federation I would think a person in his position would want to act more appropriately and to represent himself and his orgzanization in the most positive light.

Marian Atkinson
said

I also hail the journalist who threw the shoes at Bush. And Bush is too stupid to realize that this is the greatest of insults! I just hope the journalist is released from custody asap.

Josh in Ontario
said

MR in Toronto, you have no class.

I'm no fan of Bush, but he handled it pretty well if you watch his Q&A after the shoe throwing session. the people of Iraq are going to learn very quickly how well their security forces are able to deal with insurgents without the help of the US military.

Darren
said

Bush's response showed a lack of empathy. He said after the attack something along the lines of "This is no different then any type of democratic oppostion. I dont know what his (the journalist) specific issue was..." Well he should make an effort to learn what it was. Remember when Pope John Paul II met and talked to his attacker? George Bush should do the same, and at least portray a sense of empathy to try to understand why this man chose to vent that way. Sometimes the obvious is not so cleat to those on ivory towers.

Mark from New Brunswick
said

it just goes to show reporters and media in Iraq
and North America have alot in common.

They are all Bush haters but what will look good on all of them here and Iraq is when history shows Bush was Right !

RickL
said

In Arab culture this is the ultimate sign of contempt. To be fair, I wouldn't know how many people this journalist represents.

Having said that, I find it's too much of a coincidence that they threw their shoes at Saddam's statue after it was pulled down and now they're throwing them at Bush.

However, I don't believe in coincidences for a minute.

An American Canadian Against the Iraq War
said

On behalf of Canadians and Americans out there who have oppossed military action in Iraq, kudos to al_Zeidi! You have our thanks!

To those who lament Bush's near-hit with al_Zeidi's left shoe, get off your soapbox. It's a shoe. I would have loved a pie in the face, but, hey, if this means the same thing then I will celebrate it.

My Fellow Americans
said

...and now, Bush is a "shoe" in for retirement.

Will
said

Dubya should have been an NFL running back with reflexes like that - move over Wes Welker! Wasted talent, really. ;-)

MR in toronto
said

Good idea. Bad aim.

Free him (no I dont mean Dubya)

disgusted
said

I wonder how well the Arabs would take it if western journalists, who didn't like what was going on in Iraq or Iran threw their shoes at Arab Leaders whenever they held public meetings? What's good for the goose.....

Zhimmy
said

You think there our friends?

There our friends are even our enemies. I am not Bush fan!

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