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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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23

Arab World Head-Over-Heels About Return of 'Hero' Shoe-Tosser

Zaidi hailed as Goliath-battling David

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(Newser) – The Iraqi journalist who hurled both his shoes at George Bush during a speech in Baghdad last year will be released early from prison next week to a hero's welcome, a free house and offers of money, a wife, and a gold-saddled horse, reports the Guardian. Muntadar al-Zaidi "is a David and Goliath figure," whose "shoes were his slingshot," said one Iraqi fan. "When the history books are written, they will look back on this episode with great acclaim."

Zaidi was certain he would be shot by the US Secret Service when he hurled his shoes, but "he was not afraid to die," according to his brother. "This is your farewell kiss, you dog," Zaidi said as he managed to fire both shoes at Bush, who ducked out of harm's way. "This is for the widows and orphans of Iraq." Zaidi plans to quit journalism for good and hopes to open an orphanage for Iraqi children, said his brother.

A Jordanian man waves a pair of shoes with the word Bush written on the soles during a demonstration last year in support of shoe tosser Muntadar al-Zaidi.
A Jordanian man waves a pair of shoes with the word Bush written on the soles during a demonstration last year in support of shoe tosser Muntadar al-Zaidi.   (AP Photo/Nadeer Daoud)
Jordanian protesters supporting Muntadar al-Zaidi hold a banner showing former president Bush dodging a flying shoe.
Jordanian protesters supporting Muntadar al-Zaidi hold a banner showing former president Bush dodging a flying shoe.   (AP Photo/Nadeer Daoud)
Shoes with the names of Iraqis lost in the war are lined up on the sidewalk outside the Iraqi Consulate in Washington last year.
Shoes with the names of Iraqis lost in the war are lined up on the sidewalk outside the Iraqi Consulate in Washington last year.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
A poster of Iraqi journalist Muntadar Al-Zaidi and a pile of children's shoes are on display outside the Iraqi Consulate to the US last year.
A poster of Iraqi journalist Muntadar Al-Zaidi and a pile of children's shoes are on display outside the Iraqi Consulate to the US last year.   (Getty Images)
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23 comments
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QuackQuack
Sep 9, 09 3:21 AM CDT
From a white Anglo Saxon American: Bush is was & always will a fuck-wit, they should have thrown a bomb at the asshole. Reply
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armywife
Sep 9, 09 3:22 AM CDT
oh good grief. david and goliath? give me a break. all you did was throw shoes at the guy, it's not like you saved your country or did anything noble. and for the record, even if you had shot at president Bush, the secret service would have tried to take you down *without* killing you, so that you could stand trial. however, i think starting an orphanage is a good idea, so the guy isnt a total dipshit. tell you what though, that country is sure hurting for heroes if "guy who threw shoes at powerful world leader" is the best they can do. and what's this about him getting a wife? what, do they just give those away like door prizes over there? "hit a president and get a wife!" this story is just crazy all around. Reply
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IndependentThinker
Sep 9, 09 10:15 AM CDT
Open opposition of America's evil is quite Heroic in many countries, including America.
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+7
QuackQuack
Sep 9, 09 3:24 AM CDT
Bush has done more to Fuck-up America than any prez in history. Reply
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+7
IN RESPONSE:
armywife
Sep 9, 09 3:33 AM CDT
well, i wont argue with that, but your statement is pertinent to this article in *what* way...?
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