world

Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush asks for pardon

66 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2008/9 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

66 Comments
Login to comment

Why not ask? It's within his rights. Who knows, Al Maliki might have been impressed. < :-)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'd pay good money to see him throw a shoe at the late Saddam, current head of Egypt, Syria, Jordan or one of those other Gardens of Eden just to see what happens next.

Bring galoshes and a sponge or two.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Shouldn't it be, "I am SUspicious" and not "I am auspicious that my brother wrote that letter"? Easy typo with the 'a' and 's' beside each other, but it does change the meaning somewhat as to how this person feels.

"I'd pay good money to see him throw a shoe at the late Saddam, current head of Egypt, Syria, Jordan or one of those other Gardens of Eden just to see what happens next."

Get over it... bush got a couple of deserved shoes thrown at him. Throwing them at someone who would probably kill you in return is just plain foolhardy, and doesn't in the least make the statement the man did in throwing them at bush. Egypt didn't rush to war in Iraq based on lies, did they? Syria? Jordon? Finally, if you want to get all righteous about who should be attacked and who shouldn't, why hasn't bush attacked NKorea? Iran? Why only Iraq? Same reason... it would be fool hardy and stupid; much moreso than attacking Iraq (but since Iraq would hardly fight back... well... ).

Given that the man has broken lims and is in the klink, it's not a out there to be suspicious at all. The 'request' for pardoning was probably coerced.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Heck, Mr. Smith, I'd pay good money just to see what happens next after this coward throw an insult at the head of one of your Islamo-fascist states never mind shoes.

It seems your friend has recanted though. No more silly drama from him for you.

More's the pity.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So smith is it fair to say you believe throwing shoes is an appropriate response only to people you don't like?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If you beat people hard enough they'll say anything, even 'sorry'.

Maybe he'll do his two years inside, maybe not. Probably depends on how long it takes for bruises to fade and bones to mend. But once he's out, as someone mentioned before, he'll never have to buy another drink. Or whatever it is Muslims buy each other.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My guess is he'll go back to "fair and balanced" reporting from Iraq.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This did take place in Baghdad right? Why is there a trial? big and ugly, sounds like he didnt like to have to be pushed to such actions. It was nice of him to keep his hotheadness within the walls, and not turn to his army bunch of brainwashed "kohai's". This would make the brothers statement correct.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Heck, Mr. Smith, I'd pay good money just to see what happens next after this coward throw an insult at the head of one of your Islamo-fascist states never mind shoes.

Coward? Why don't you do it you big brave man you!

And what happens next? My dear boy, we have not seen all of what happens next yet. Be patient. Even those in your Islamo-fascist states can work slowly.

Maybe he'll do his two years inside

I also hear talk of seven and even fifteen.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is an opportunity for Bush to do something useful and pressure the Iraqis to pardon this guy and let him go, with a warning that the world will be be watching to make sure that he comes to no harm. Maybe a step further and give hima US visa, he would be an instant star over there and would make enough money to support him and his family for years.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Mr. Likeitis, it seems you don't know how this works: I didn't assault anyone (that you know of) in the first place, so your desire to incite me to violence doesn't make any sense.

This coward's the one who assaulted someone. It's ironic he threw shoes at the one guy he knew - he knew - wasn't gonna have anything done to him.

At five-foot four, aroun' three-hundred and twenny pounds, Mr. Likeitis, at least you honed in on my "big"ness.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"...Bush (should) do something useful and pressure the Iraqis to pardon this guy..."

Mr. Gatto, your heart's in the right place, but what's in it for America?

We'll just be accused of meddlin' in the affairs of foreigners.

That just won't do.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good comment from Harry, Curious George should pass the whole incident off as a joke and pardon the guy. It might win him a few brownie points in the muslim world, rather than just being considered as a real brownie in the Austin Powers "nutty flavor coffee" sense of the word.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If you beat people hard enough they'll say anything, even 'sorry'.

His lawyer say's he is in good health Ms. Cleo.

Mr. Zaidi said he was in good health, Ms. Allami said. Rumors have been swirling that Mr. Zaidi was seriously injured during a beating by Prime Minister Maliki’s security detail after the shoe-throwing incident.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/middleeast/19shoe.html

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ms. Cleo, he obviously wasn't beaten bad enough beforehand so he'd know how to properly conduct himself in public.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

USARonin,

I think you are right. The great and illustrious Bush has created a culture in Iraq where it is now safe to throw shoes at foreigners. Wait a minute. Did Saddam forbid that?

We must be hard up for good news if our defense of the invasion reduces us to pointing out that a guy can now throw a shoe without being drawn and quartered.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We must be hard up for good news if our defense of the invasion reduces us to pointing out that a guy can now throw a shoe without being drawn and quartered.

I don't consider pointing out a guy can now throw a shoe without being drawn and quartered in Iraq as nothing short as the best example of real Democracy in action.

I also find ironic that many posters that have commented on this story on this thread and on other threads related to the story, actually seem to wish that he was tortured just to show how much the invasion was failure.

Showing their real "compassion" for the Iraqi people.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

sailwind,

I don't understand your first sentence. Do you mean that it is a sign of democracy in action that an Iraqi can throw a shoe at the American president? If so, I don't understand that.

Some posters have suggested that we have a huge gain in democracy because Iraqis would be dealt with harshly had they thrown shoes at Saddam or that citizens of Muslim countries would be similarly dealt with should they throw shoes at their leaders. I think these are not apt comparisons. Granted, Saddam might have given the journalist a medal (to which the granting of a pardon may be tantamount) for throwing a shoe at Bush, but I don't see that he would have exsanguinated him. So, I really don't see how this affair shows anything about democracy at all.

I don't wish the journalist to have been tortured. And I'm not sure who you think wishes him to have been. I think there is legitimate speculation that he may have been dealt with harshly. Can you honestly say that an American who threw a shoe at, say, Maliki would not be treated the same in the US?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Do you mean that it is a sign of democracy in action that an Iraqi can throw a shoe at the American president?

He made his protest at a press conference......A free press, a protest, an arrest for breaking the law and now a lawyer to represent him........

How much more of basics of Democracy in action do you want?

I think these are not apt comparisons.

I really believe you are in the extreme minority on that viewpoint.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Al-Zeidi’s case has riveted Iraq, with many Iraqis considering him a national hero for defying a president whom many of them blame for destroying the country.

they will now further add: destryoing a pair of shoes worth US$10M or compare it with destryoing a world heritage site. Anyway, it is hard to believe this journalist will beg for pardon just for 2 year prison term.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think these are not apt comparisons.

I really believe you are in the extreme minority on that viewpoint.

Then I will say clearly that I am in complete agreement. Many have gone from saying "he was free to do this" to "well, he won't be put to death". The shoe throwing has not got crap to do with democracy and freedom and success in Iraq. His punishment might though.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

His lawyer say's he is in good health Ms. Cleo.

No she didn't sailwind. She said that he said he was in good health. One would think his lawyer would be able to know the fact directly, no?

I also find ironic that many posters that have commented on this story on this thread and on other threads related to the story, actually seem to wish that he was tortured just to show how much the invasion was failure.

I want to see al-Zeidi out on bail, attending interviews and getting photographed. I for one most certainly do not hope he was tortured, but it seems he was beaten immediately after the incident. I will suggest the worst right up until it is made abundantly clear that he has not been tortured. I will be more than happy to have my suspicions dashed.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What Harry said.

And what likeitis said.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

USARonin: "throw an insult at the head of one of your Islamo-fascist states"

Since when are all states that believe in Islam fascist, and since when are they MINE? Anyway, we know full well you would pay good money to see guys like him go up and insult or throw shoes at dictators besides bush.... so long as it's not you who has to hurl the insults, eh? That's essentially how the whole thing in Iraq works, right? you guys cheer for it at home on your stools, so long as you don't have to enlist and fight yourselves. Bush was much the same way himself -- too scared to fight for his country, but desired to be known as the 'war president' by sending others to die on his behalf. So... care to rethink your flippant labelling of people as 'cowards', because if not I can think of a few more the label can easily be applied to, including the would-be recipient of the tossed shoes.

sailwind: "I really believe you are in the extreme minority on that viewpoint."

Sorry, I'm with likeitis, Harry, Cleo, SezWho, and everyone else on the board except you. So... ummmm... guess that makes YOU the 'extreme' minority who believes in your comparison.

SuperLib: "So smith is it fair to say you believe throwing shoes is an appropriate response only to people you don't like?"

Not sure which hat you pulled that jump-to conclusion out of. I think it's an appropriate response for people who deserve it, bottom line. That bush MORE than deserves it, but you don't like that fact, is no reason to draw the conclusion that I think only people I don't like should get a shoe. I sure as hell don't like Kim Jong Il, the leader of Iran, Hugo Chavez, and others, and I think they damn well deserve a whole lot of shoes thrown at them (like bush), but I did say it would be FOOLHARDY to do so. As it is the man only suffered a few broken limbs and some torture.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Remember one thing in all of this; in the Arab world showing someone the soles of your shoes is a serious insult, hitting someone with, or throwing your shoes at them, is a sign of utter contempt. This is why this guy is such a hero in the Arab/Muslim street, his actions meant much more than burning 1000 US flags and chanting Death To America at every opportunity. This is why Bush should at least make the effort to get the guy freed and let the whole thing be quietly dropped.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We'll just be accused of meddlin' in the affairs of foreigners.

That just won't do.

The victim of an attack also gets his say.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We'll just be accused of meddlin' in the affairs of foreigners. That just won't do.

Won't do at all. Invading, dropping bombs, destroying infrastructure so's people have no water, gas or electricity and can't walk through the local market or hold a wedding without getting blown up, fine. Meddlin', no way.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I want to see al-Zeidi out on bail, attending interviews and getting photographed.

Why? We reward people who commit assault now?......Little confused on the morals here, always thought assault was like a bad thing.

Heck, I remember how people here were so up in arms because someone was supposed to have shouted "kill him" in reference to Obama at a Palin rally.

This guy actually committed an act of physical violence and one no less on the President of the United States and you want him out giving interviews.

Go Figure

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We reward people who commit assault now?

I think what likeitis means is that he wants to see exactly how much damage gets done to people who are arrested in the new Iraq. Due process of law, and all that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Why? We reward people who commit assault now?

If those things look like rewards to you, than you must be one stoic SOB! Imagine if I suggested he get a Snicker's bar!

This guy actually committed an act of physical violence and one no less on the President of the United States and you want him out giving interviews.

Perhaps I should have said "get interviewed by a third party". I want to see his face telling us what is happening, and I want it NOW. So should you. Every minute that passes is casting huge doubts on the job done in Iraq. Wanting otherwise only proves you have your doubts too.

The guy has to go to jail by the rules. I never said any different. He committed assault. I may applaud the assault but I am not demanding his freedom. I am demanding bail or visitation by third parties including his lawyer, his day in court, and his eventual imprisonment albeit I would make it brief.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think what likeitis means is that he wants to see exactly how much damage gets done to people who are arrested in the new Iraq. Due process of law, and all that.

Well apparently it doesn't include broken arms or torture, after all he did write a letter asking for a pardon. Pretty hard to do if you arms are supposed to be broken and you don't write a letter asking for a pardon under duress, you sign a piece of propaganda your torturers hand you after you've been broken......Ask John McCain.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How did a broken arm get to be broken arms? And how do you know he penned the letter?

I think you have way too much faith my friend. You are also seeing double.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And how do you know he penned the letter?

Ummmm......I read the article?

It's being reported worldwide?

Might have a little to do with it ya think.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How did a broken arm get to be broken arms?

Another question then? It's 50/50, if only one arm was suppose to be broken it just so happened to be the arm he doesn't write with? I venture to say he's a righty judging by the shoe toss.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You can write with a broken arm provided its been tended to. Its even possible to write with the off hand, or even your teeth!

Ummmm......I read the article?

It's being reported worldwide?

I can say the same about the reports of his broken arm. You saw fit to doubt that, and I agreed with you. You doubted the word of his brother. I agreed. Why now balk at the idea of doubting the government, particularly when the very man in question is not seen nor heard from? Even his lawyer is making vague statements. Apparently his family is not getting visitation. No interviews of guards. etc. This really seems too hush hush, don't you think?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

draw a picture/cartoon - penalty is death. utter a negative statement even if its the truth - get fired from you job Name a teddy bear with the name of the prophet and get jailed in the desert. (BTW, my brother's name is and has always been the same as the Christian prophet or whatever he was. Nothing ever happened to him.)

Make a movie, sure negative, but penalty is death. A woman's hyman doesn't bust due to the husband being limp, and gets shot to death. Get raped because you took a ride when you car is broken with men you don't know - you get stoned.

get into some beef with a diplomat in Roppongi, you get arrested. Throw a show at a head of state and you get praise.

I feel like this, I can talk about my family, I can talk about my ethnicity, I can talk about my wife, I can talk about my country, and I can talk, disrespect my president - but you can't. At least Jessie and Al at least had some balls in telling that to Hugo.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

apparently it doesn't include broken arms or torture, after all he did write a letter asking for a pardon

Apparently my left nostril. According to the PM's spokesman, he wrote a letter. Could be someone else wrote it and he was 'persuaded' to sign it with a bloody thumbprint. Have you seen the letter? Would you be able to read it if you did? Me neither. That's why I'd like to see the man himself in front of the TV cameras, obviously unhurt and speaking of his own free will, saying that he wants a pardon.

I could have sworn the article originally said he had apologised for embarrassing the Iraqi PM, not for throwing his shoes at Bush. Is there some judicious editing going on, I wonder?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

sailwind: "Little confused on the morals here, always thought assault was like a bad thing."

Then bush DEFINITELY needs to be hit with more shoes.... a whole lot more! I'm glad that, morally, you agreed the assault on a sovereign nation was a crime and should be punished. A stretch, yes, but you get my point -- if what this guy did was bad, what bush did is unforgivable world-wide.

"Well apparently it doesn't include broken arms or torture, after all he did write a letter asking for a pardon. "

So you think the guy up and penned the letter himself? You have absolutely no doubt that a man who stood up and threw BOTH his shoes -- the most insulting thing possible in the Arab world -- at the president of the USA, suddenly decided to pen a letter with at least broken arms reversing his feelings? Quite the faith you have, so long as it fits your desires, I guess.

"Ask John McCain"

Old songbird, McCain? The guy who STILL can't use email because of his war wounds? All you're saying there is that this guy DEFINITELY didn't pen his own pardon request.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

On Thursday, Dana M. Perino, the White House press secretary, said President Bush had urged the Iraqis “not to overreact, because he was not bothered by the incident, although it’s not appropriate for people to throw shoes at a press conference, at any leader.”

Bush made his statement and it was as good as one can get.

Also every report I can find says the Lawyer and the Judge both say he has no major injuries and is in fine health.

I guess the best thing to do is not read those extremist rags and look for bad news on the subject, and wait for the court case when everyone will get lots of pictures of the man injured or not.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Smith

I would believe the man penned a letter to get out of jail. Hes in jail looking at bars, it changes a persons attitude very quickly. Also the letter is to the PM and asked the PM to forgive him for insulting the country not Bush. He hasnt changeds his stand at all. Really should read the article or the 10000000000 other ones on line right now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The only message I can see is that it's OK to assault people you don't like. Kind like on the other thread where some called for Cheney to be water boarded. I guess the Left really was never against these things....just against them for certain people. And those certain people would be anyone who doesn't work for the US government.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Liberals will always try to shunt responsibility and try to cause havoc. The responsible thing to say is "I am sorry for throwing my shoes, and am willing to accept any/all penalties for said act"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Kind like on the other thread where some called for Cheney to be water boarded"

That's only because he advocates it. Heh, and we all know fine well how his tune would change on the subject if they bagan to strap dick in...

Tensions are high in Iraq - as is the neocon's body-count. I think dubya was lucky this as just a pair of shoes, as wether or not the head-banging right like hear it, a lot of Iraqi's hate the US at lot more than they did before Shock and Awe.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think this reporter could technically request asylum in the US, as he became a political prisoner when he was arrested.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

the shoe terrorist needs to have a bag placed over his head and the process of waterboarding initiated. -While Cheney oversees with his careless smirk.

Liberals be damned.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bush needs a whack in the head, shame the guy missed. How can Bush and Cheney escape without paying a cost for the thousands of deaths they are directly responsible for. A bounty on both of them perhaps to be tried in the world court for war crimes? I wish! Let the shoe guy go home to his wife and kids.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

sailwind,

Breaks my heart that you think I'm in the minority, it does.

The question I raised was not about democracy in action. It was one of the aptness of comparing an Iraqi's freedom to throw a shoe at Saddam with an Iraqi's freedom to throw a shoe at Bush. The comparison is fundamentally flawed and that was my point. A flawed comparison is proof of nothing.

So what if the guy has a lawyer to represent him? Surely you are not telling me that Saddam was prosecutor, judge and jury for every case in Iraq and that he forbade individuals representation. As for the free press, I'm certainly prepared to believe that it is more free than under Saddam, but I don't know exactly how free that is. And it's not like there weren't protests under Saddam either--a good many of them against America, I believe.

Yes, Iraq is now more democratic than it was. But shoe-throwing has got nothing to do with that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

SuperLib,

Would being OK to assault people you don't like include orchestrating an invasion to remove a man from power? Apparently a lot of people think that was OK.

Being on the Left--wherever that is, if it actually has a location in fact and not just as a cipher for people who are more liberal than you and who disagree with you--has nothing to do with whether or not it is OK to throw a shoe at people you don't like. If there were a Right (and given our language wouldn't that be a pompous position of self-congratulation!) the folks who inhabit that joyless continent would be just as willing to express their dissatisfaction with a pie in the face.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

SuperLib: "Kind like on the other thread where some called for Cheney to be water boarded"

You're really off the ball today. People 'called for Cheney's waterboarding' as a sarcastic response knowing full well that if the shoe was on the other foot Cheney would be 100% against torture. In other words, if he's for it, let him give it a try first and see if he's still for it after, which of course he wouldn't be. You really are seeing only what you want to.

"The only message I can see is that it's OK to assault people you don't like."

That's because that's all you want to see, and because clearly in this regard and on this thread you are extremely short-sighted. You apply this 'logic' yourself to people you don't like, like Saddam Hussein and his former government, no? Or are you saying it was wrong to attack them?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

he should be given global hero status for throwing shoes at the worlds most known and hated war criminal.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

that if the shoe was on the other foot Cheney would be 100% against torture

And I'm guessing if people were throwing shoes at you, you'd be 100% against it. In reality it's best to have a "no shoe throwing" policy so you don't have to change your stance depending on who the target it. You don't like the target, so you're OK with it. If it was someone you liked, you'd probably be against it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"And I'm guessing if people were throwing shoes at you, you'd be 100% against it"

If I'd ordered the aggressive act of bombing the city of Baghdad, a place I remind you once again that was home to 5 million innocent people, and got it this wrong 5 years down the line, I think I'd be getting off lightly with shoes and insults being hurled at me.

Defending the indefendible once again bites the dust....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Like I said.....you aren't against assault as long as it's against the right people. Just like torture. Is it OK if some Iraqis who support Saddam's removal beat up that reporter? Is it OK if someone throws something at Obama when he's president and goes to Pakistan after he continues to order cross border bombings like he said he would?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

PM Maliki needs to apply full weight of Iraq law to this criminal if he wants to set a good example of law and order to his country. If he fails to do this, I will not be surprised when next time a bag of dog poo exploded on his face or even worse ..a grenade.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I really understand the guy's anger and morally, I think he was completely justified in what he did.

However, at the end of the day - If you can't do the time; don't do the crime.

The guy is a journalist. The pen is mightier than the shoe. He should have taken his justified anger out on the putz by exposing his numerous mistruths about Iraq; not by committing assault.

On the other hand, as a non-Iraqi, it's easy for me to say he should keep his emotions in check. Comparatively, I've suffered far less due to bush's idiocy. Had I lost a child or spouse because of him, I cannot say that I would be capable of keeping my emotions in check either.

Taka

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The pen is mightier than the shoe.

That truism is certainly not lost on Bush and pals.

He should have taken his justified anger out on the putz by exposing his numerous mistruths about Iraq.

To what end. George Bush's pen has already been used to sign his own pardon. To undo that will take the combined power of both the pen AND the shoe.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"he was completely justified in what he did"

That must be why the Iraqi security guards arrested and interrogated him.

"I've suffered far less due to bush's idiocy"

Is this the idiocity that has prevented any terrorist attacks on U.S soil, icluding Kentucky, since September 11, 2001?

Checking...

Yeah, it is!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Is this the idiocity that has prevented any terrorist attacks on U.S soil, icluding Kentucky, since September 11, 2001?

Checking...

Yeah, it is!

Always thinking of yourself, eh Sarge? Its not about what happened to others, its all about you and yours. That ends justifies any means.

Well you STILL need to check your friggen sources, and it seems your only source is the old and broken down wetware between your ears. I cannot believe anyone in the year of 2008 is STILL drawing a connection between 9/11 and Iraq.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The idea that Iraqis should STILL be grateful to Bush is like you have a guy who heroically saved your daughter from being raped by another guy. Oh, yes, you are thankful, even if it is readily apparent the "hero" did it for his own selfish reasons.

But then the next day he participates in gang raping your daughter even though he is not the worst of the offenders. Are you still thankful? Hell no. He does not even go back to neutral status. Throwing your shoes at him is about the least you would want to do.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Is this the idiocity that has prevented any terrorist attacks on U.S soil"

This statement has been proven un-true more than once, despite it being splurged out on lany an occasion by the whitehouse propoganda slime machine.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

unfortunately for the Iraqis the U.S. will be there for at least a century. by that time, quite possibly Babylon may have well moved to D.C.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

" I am auspicious" ? suspicious, perhaps?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush asks for pardon: Never apologize! If you do it - Do it to the all the way or talk about it here online.

LOL

0 ( +0 / -0 )

But if he's pardoned, then everyone will start throwing shoes ... wait - we're in a deep recession. We can't afford to lose even one shoe. Okay, pardon away. Now, is there any way we can get him on the U.S. talk show circuit?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi is a Sadrist and is reportedly very "fond" of Iran.

Iraq has its own laws, written by democratically elected leaders. They will decide this buffoon's fate.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites