Journalist retraining scheme for Muntadhar-al-Zaidi?
Unfortunately, my playful prediction that the Iraqi authorities would meet out summary justice to the shoe thrower was justified, as this BBC report illustrates: Shoe thrower ‘beaten in custody’. Apart from demonstrating absolute contempt for any civilised behaviour, this shows that George W Bush was either powerless to influence the actions of his ‘hosts’ in Bagdhad, or complicit. I would prefer to believe that he is just dumb, and the situation is out of control, but either way, it’s sad. Meanwhile, several Arab potentates are vying for the right to buy the shoes. Touching one’s enemy with shoes is a traditional sign of contempt serious matter in Iraqi custom, I’m told. Munthadar-al-Zaidi was not engaged in a copycat version of the notorious Alex Ferguson boot throwing incident which led to the departure of Golden Balls David Beckham. This was much more serious and for that reason we’ll hear no more from him.
John J Kelly
