Iraqi Journalist Throws Shoes at President Bush

Iraqi television correspondent Muntadar al-Zeidi threw two shoes at President Bush during a press conference in Baghdad today, saying "This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss, you dog." Sources keep noting that throwing shoes is a particular insult in Iraqi culture, as if throwing shoes at people is a mark of esteem elsewhere. The president is in Iraq on a last visit before turning the presidential reins (and related metaphorical shoes) over to Barack Obama. If nothing else, Bush has demonstrated some pretty good physical, if not political, reflexes. Bush, who was not hurt in the shoe attack, reported that the shoe was a size 10.