Bush Shoe-Thrower: Beaten or Not Beaten – Someone is Lying
Kobina Wright
December 16, 2008
There have been two days of rallies across Iraq, calling for the release of 28-year-old Arab journalist, Mutadar al-Zaidi, who threw both of his shoes at President Bush during a press conference, and shouted, "This is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog."
Brother of Zaidi, Dargham, has told news agencies that Zaidi suffers from a broken arm, broken ribs and internal bleeding. However, a spokesperson for the Iraqi military says the allegations are false and that Zaidi is in good health.
The conflicting stories need clarification immediately to restore confidence in the Iraqi government for both Americans and the Iraqi people. The story also needs to be set straight due to many Arabs eyeing Zaidi as a hero for expressing his discontent to a very unpopular American President. Injury to Zaidi behind his outburst may fan flames of American contempt.
Speaking of Zaidi´s popularity, the former coach of the Iraqi national football team, Adanan Hamad has offered $100,000 for the thrown shoes, and a Saudi citizen has offered $10 million.
Zaidi, a graduate of Baghdad University was kidnapped in November 2007 by unknown assailants for three days before being released after they questioned him about his job.
Brother of Zaidi, Dargham, has told news agencies that Zaidi suffers from a broken arm, broken ribs and internal bleeding. However, a spokesperson for the Iraqi military says the allegations are false and that Zaidi is in good health.
The conflicting stories need clarification immediately to restore confidence in the Iraqi government for both Americans and the Iraqi people. The story also needs to be set straight due to many Arabs eyeing Zaidi as a hero for expressing his discontent to a very unpopular American President. Injury to Zaidi behind his outburst may fan flames of American contempt.
Speaking of Zaidi´s popularity, the former coach of the Iraqi national football team, Adanan Hamad has offered $100,000 for the thrown shoes, and a Saudi citizen has offered $10 million.
Zaidi, a graduate of Baghdad University was kidnapped in November 2007 by unknown assailants for three days before being released after they questioned him about his job.