The Arab world has chosen a new hero
Posted: Tue 16 Dec 2008, 06:18:03
Residents of Arab countries have taken a new example to be emulated. To become almost idols, 29-year Iraqi journalists Muntadaru al-Zaidi was only a fling in the boots of George Bush, in issuing a pathetic: "This is a farewell kiss, the dog. This is from widows and orphans of all those killed in Iraq" .
The journalist was arrested, the Government of Iraq thousand times apologized for his actions, calling the incident "shameful", Muntadaru al-Zaid urgently tested for alcohol and drugs, and even suggested that he had been paid by someone for insulting the President of the United States. And shoes attached to the cause as evidense.
However, residents of Baghdad have different views on the issue. Many of them feel that apologies al-Zaidi than that. In their view, he acted like a hero, carrying something that would not risk making none of the leaders of Arab countries. His deed discussed everywhere - at work, at home, on the street. And agree: Bush received short shrift.
In the suburbs of the Iraqi capital of Sadr City gathered crowds of demonstrators calling for the release of the journalist. They chanted anti-American slogans and burned U.S. flags. A similar rally was held in the Iraqi Najaf. "He (Bush) deserves, that he threw one hundred and shoes, rather than one - two. Who even asked to come?" - Told demonstrators.
The brother of a journalist Dirham al-Zaidi, in turn, said that Muntadar did what millions dream of Iraqis. Do not remain aloof from the incident and a daughter of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who al-Zaidi awarded a medal for bravery. And for the "shells" the journalist had already offered huge money. In particular, former technical director of the Iraqi soccer team, Adnan Hamad is ready to buy them for $ 100 thousand. Another local businessman has promised to pay for boots any price.
Arabs throughout Middle East is proud act al-Zaidi. And in Saudi Arabia were sent SMS with the text: "Iraq offers to declare an international day of Sunday shoes." Even there were calls to elect a journalist almost president of Iraq.
A Book TV "Al-Baghdadi, who worked at al-Zaidi, said that a journalist should be released from prison because he only used his right to freedom of expression - the very right that States have promised the people of Iraq, when the overthrow Hussein regime. "We are afraid that our correspondents in Iraq would be arrested. We are 200 correspondents," - said the program director of TV Muzhir Hafadzhi. He feared for itself al-Zaidi, which is described as a man with a pronounced with the national identity. He said that the journalist had already twice coming under arrest.
The authorities, despite the popular unrest, steadfast. Al-Zaidi in prison and his release is not going away. As reported by Press Secretary Iraqi Prime Minister Yassin Majid, a journalist threatened to seven and a half years in prison and he will be tried under the law. " Majid added that the deed al-Zaidi qualify as "acts of violence against an official who is the guest of the Iraqi Government."
In conclusion, adding that the Arabs throw in someone's boots - hence causing one of the worst insults. Just like the man described as "dog". Curiously, shoes, which was used as a projectile, 43rd size. And George Bush - the 43rd U.S. president.
