Outgoing US President George W Bush’s recent flying visit to Iraq was dramatically improved by a brief incident during a press conference. An Iraqi reporter threw a shoe at him. Technically, I suppose he threw two shoes at him, but it was the first one that got most people’s attention. In fact, as he missed with the second one too, he might as well have not bothered throwing it. It was all a bit embarrassing for him by then, a bit like watching women play Cricket.
I could not help but chuckle at the hilarity of a plimsoll based attack, but as I am not from the Middle East, I was surprised to learn that shoe throwing, and showing the soles of your feet, is just about the most offensive thing you can do in that part of the world. Yes, shoes.
I must admit that I think us Westerners are having our legs pulled a bit here. In the land that invented the suicide bomber, they claim the worst thing you can do is throw a shoe at someone? If it really is the biggest insult of all, then why aren’t Al Qaeda arming themselves with racks upon racks of Flip-Flops and Espadrilles?
I feel a bit sorry for Muntadar al-Zaidi, the shoe thrower, as shoes cost real cash money. However, a bag of your own excrement, does not. A bag of shit would have made an even more entertaining clip, as would a bit of throwing practise. If there were concerns about sneaking in a bag of faeces then he could simply have headed in a bit early, armed with an empty bag.
All in all I praise his efforts, as once again people are taking an active interest in Middle East politics, which can only be a good thing.
george w bush · Iraq · shoe
Lin · December 18, 2008 at 9:07 am
If the BNP had used these practices I may well have joined (I would have put in lots of practice previously of course)!
I have a whole wardrobe of rarely worn, if ever, shoes. What about furry slippers and wellies? yes, I have those too.
Keef · December 18, 2008 at 10:34 am
If shoes are now to be classed as weapons my wife and daughter both have enough to make the Keef household the subject of a UN investigation. That’s just great I can expect to come home tonight to find we’ve been invaded by the USA and the bastards have nicked all my beer out of the fridge. It’s bad enough my son drinking it when he comes home from Uni.
clarissa · December 18, 2008 at 12:33 pm
what do you suppose the N. Koreans do?
Lin · December 18, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I think the North Koreans make the trainers with the flashing lights in the heel for 2p a pair wages. Imagine having a war with these!
Megan · December 18, 2008 at 2:15 pm
They can’t validate shoe based violence as women have a natural edge what with all the spiky pointy things we put on our feet. Plimsoles indeed – face down a four-inch spectator Mary Jane and then call yourself a man.
GrumpyB · December 18, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Ahhhh, so that’s where all the weapons of mass destruction went.
People are wearing them on their feet!
Sneaky.
Sewmouse · December 19, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I’m told there is a movement afoot here in the USofA to send 10000’s of shoes to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC.
I’m in.
Admin comment by Mr Angry · December 19, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Sewmouse – You should get in touch with Heather Mills, I am sure she has quite a few going spare.
Mr Happy · December 20, 2008 at 4:14 pm
The land that invented the suicide bomber? Try the Japanese and then the IRA.
I’m liking it.