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Shoe-Throw Is Arab World's Heartiest Insult

Journo's sole assault on Bush would likely have meant death under Saddam

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 15, 2008 1:05 PM CST

(Newser) – Throwing a shoe at someone is hardly a positive gesture anywhere, but in Arab and Islamic countries, footwear is viewed as ritually unclean: Even mentioning your shoes while insulting someone carries vile significance, the BBC reports. Accidentally displaying an exposed sole is also considered insulting, so yesterday’s loafer-launching aimed at President Bush really was the worst journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi could muster.

The Bushes have had run-ins with this particular taboo before: A floor mosaic of the first President Bush at a Baathist VIP hotel invited guests to rub their soles on the then-president’s face. Recently, posters of President George W. Bush in Arab cities have been decorated with footprints, while Condoleezza Rice has been given the unfortunate nickname of Kundara, meaning “shoe.”

This undated portrait made available shows Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi.
This undated portrait made available shows Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi.   (AP Photo)
Um Sa'aad, a sister of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi wails as she holds a shoe of her brother at his apartment in in Baghdad today.
Um Sa'aad, a sister of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi wails as she holds a shoe of her brother at his apartment in in Baghdad today.   (AP Photo)
Son of a friend of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi  holds his shoes at his apartment in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 15, 2008.
Son of a friend of Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi holds his shoes at his apartment in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
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President George W. Bush dodges shoes thrown at him by Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi from Al-Baghdadia television network, during press conference in Baghdad, December 14, 2008.   (navedzia)

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Dec 16, 2008 6:15 AM CST
He may have "Hurled" an insult but I was seriously impressed with our mans reflexes. Let's settle the whole thing with one game of four-corner dodge ball. Bring it on!

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