George "Dubya" Bush victim of flying shoe attack

Outgoing US President, George "Dubya" Bush, almost became the victim of a pair of flying shoes thrown by an enraged Iraqi reporter during his farewell visit to Baghdad two days ago. Shoe Thrower al-Zaidi in mid toss (source: Gawker.com) Muntadhar al-Zaidi, a broadcast journalist, threw both of his shoes at the President in a hissy fit, shouting "This is your farewell kiss, you dog". He probably didn't have a very good aim as the first shoe sailed over the president's head. When he perfected his aim for his second one, an alert President Bush ducked just in time to avoid it. Seconds later, al-Zaidi was nailed down by Iraqi security officials and US secret service agents. He was alleged to have been kicked before being pulled outside. As the farewell speech by President Bush went on, witnesses claimed to have heard al-Zaidi's screams going on outside the conference room, a possible indication that he was being further clouted. Screencaps below. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki looks like he's putting on his best poker face. (Source: metro.co.uk) In the Arab world, al-Zaidi is now being revered as a hero. If you do a google search like I did, you'll find that there are several internet shrines being erected in his honour. Thousands of Iraqi protesters are also demanding the release of al-Zaidi from custody. In an interview during the aftermath, President Bush said that he didn't feel insulted or hold it against the Iraqi Government. He even joked that the shoes thrown at him were size 10s. In the Arab culture, throwing shoes is seen as a sign of humiliation. Well, I feel that if President Bush wants to avoid further humiliation, he should order for al-Zaidi to be released soon. Unless he wants to incur further wrath from the Iraqi faithful. And I've a feeling that cheap shoes would be banned from press conferences from now on. Think about it. The shoes would be confiscated by the authorities as evidence. Would you rather throw a pair of Guccis or a pair of Batas?