.‘Shoedenfreude’ and Shame: Reaction From Around Iraq
Update | 1:47 p.m. BAGHDAD — An American military patrol in Najaf on Monday was pelted by shoes thrown by supporters of Moktada al-Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric. In Tikrit, journalists demonstrated in support of the Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at President Bush during a news conference yesterday. And across Iraq, everyone seemed to have an opinion of the flying footwear incident.
Hitting someone with a shoe is a strong insult in Iraq. It means the person is as low as the dirt underneath the sole of a shoe, and the actions of Muntader al-Zaidi, a correspondent for an independent Iraqi television station, were condemned by Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, the Iraqi government and other reporters at the news conference. Mr. Bush was unhurt and made a joke afterward, but the shoes have overshadowed other news coverage of the trip, including an attempt to showcase the new security agreement.
Here is reaction from around Iraq:
Kut– In the provincial capital of Wasit Province, residents took issue with the Iraqi journalist’s methods and felt that he had insulted Iraqis.
Haider Ali al-Seray, 25, said: “What he has done is improper within our Islamic Iraqi society. Whatever his motive is, Bush was a guest in the state of Iraq. We demand that the prime minister issue restrictions for the reporters in order that this will never happen again.”
Ali Hassan Zweyid, a 30-year-old day laborer, said: “They say that Iraq is a democratic state. Morally speaking, he would have better asking Bush some provocative questions to provoke him and despise him.”
Qasim Abdul Ridha, a 37-year-old teacher, said: “What he has done is improper within the profession of journalism. He conducted an aggression against the flag of Iraq. The democracy is not shoes. We demand the government prosecute him.”
Karbala– In the holy city that is a main destination for Shiite pilgrims, residents were split on the shoe-hurtling.
Abu Qasim, 47, said: “What this journalist did is an act of street kids, because he doesn’t know that without America, Saddam wouldn’t have fallen — not for tens of years.”
Abu Sura, 43, called it “rash action that doesn’t fit with his profession, which is supposed to be moderate and neutral as it brings the facts to the people.”
Abu Ali, 48, said: “I congratulate this brave man who expressed the opinion of most of the Iraqis.”
Basra– Iraqis in the oil-rich southern port city of Basra, residents agreed with the Iraqi journalist’s low opinion of President Bush, but not with his actions.
Sayyd Basim al-Musawi, a member in Basra provincial council and the chief of the security committee said: “Professionally, it wasn’t suitable for him as a journalist because there are many democratic expressions that he could have used, like interrupting Bush’s speech during the conference or making noise, but the shoes express the low moral level.”
Dhyaa Mahdi Salih, a 56-year-old lawyer, said: “What this brave journalist did is nothing but rejecting the tyrants in our country. And this journalist deserves to have a statue as he was throwing his shoe at the American president.”
Saeed Naji al-Ibadi, a 49-year-old pharmacist, said: “There’s a reaction against this journalist and his improper behavior as he represents the journalists and educated people in our society. Because he should have rejected the American president with his pen or by embarrassing him with his smart questions, not with his shoes. I totally reject this behavior because it will damage the rights of individuals.”
Nasir Mahmood al-Bahadli, 52, an academic said: “We are Arabs and we have a good reputation in hospitality with enemies before friends. The American president also was accompanying the man who represents the Iraqi government and this made it worse because this journalist also abused the prime minister with his behavior.”
Baquba– In the largely Sunni Arab capital of Diyala Province, many residents were critical of the journalist.
Saeed Shakir al-Sayyd, a 40-year-old teacher, said: “Freedom and democracy should be explained in a correct way. I think what Muntader al-Zaidi did is incorrect and not professional… He’s a journalist and deals with the language of words, and not throwing the shoes and cursing. This man was wrong.”
Nawal Jaafer, 30, said: “Yes, we all hate America because it destroyed Iraq and distributed sectarianism among its people. I think what al-Zaidi did is a real expression on what’s hidden in the hearts of the Iraqis.”
Karim Muan al-Qaisi, a 50-year-old merchant, said: “Despite my hatred of Bush, he’s a president for a big country and a guest for the Iraqi government. And we as Easterners think insulting the guest is an insult for the host. Despite our hatred of the guest, there should be respect and diplomacy.”
Bilal Midhat Hussein, a 44-year-old photographer, said: “It’s not in the nature of the Iraqis to insult anyone — even their enemies. I was a soldier during the Iraqi-Iranian war and we arrested many Iranian soldiers who killed our colleagues, but we never insulted them. And that’s just a simple example of the big mistake of yesterday because this journalist insulted all the rest of the journalists. Because none of the Arab journalists would have dared to do so because they already know the consequences.”
Ramadi– In the capital of Anbar’s largely Sunni western province of Ramadi, some residents condemned the attack.
Ahmad Jeyyad, 36, a professor in the college of agriculture in Anbar University, said: “What we have seen in TV is more than an action by a journalist. It was an action by an Iraqi citizen who lost his mind because of the woes of occupations. My family clapped when they saw the shoe. They praise Muntader for his action, but we do not know the reasons behind it. He may have had one of his family arrested by American forces or he may have political affiliations or other reasons.”
Ahmad Abu Risha, the head of Sahwa Council in Iraq, said: “We condemn what happened because the American president is the guest of all Iraqis. The Iraqi government has to choose good journalists to attend such conferences.”
He added, “I had attended the White House and there were reporters known as White House’s reporters. So why are there not well known professional reporters be chosen for such tasks?
“On the other hand, Muntader insulted Iraqi journalists. We are calling for his channel to apologize.” He added that “in spite of everything, we are demanding to release Muntader.”
Ahmad Jbaeir, a 25-year-old law school student, said: “I was very glad when I saw the shoe on TV. I do not care even if he was a journalist or an ordinary citizen, but he expressed the feelings of Iraqis who hate Bush because he killed us. So we are demanding his release.”
Saddam Loqman, a 21-year-old shopkeeper, said: “My father was arrested by Americans and I wish I [could have thrown the shoe] instead, but if I was a journalist, then I have to respect the occupation when I get to the conference hall.” Then he laughed and said, “I think that the Iraqi government will permit journalists to attend conferences only after taking their shoes off.”
Haitham al-Kood, 30, said: “I think Muntader was paid for his action. He has to be pushed by some side. We are demanding the government to prevent such actions. And if only Maliki was in the conference, then Muntader would be dead, but fortunately Bush was in the conference too and he said ‘it is the price of freedom.’”
Babil Province– The predominantly Shiite central province has a number of residents who said they support Muntader al-Zaidi’s actions.
Nahla Salman, a 26-year-old government employee, said: “What he has done is what is stored inside all Iraqis — anger toward Bush’s incorrect policy. But he made it with hurry. He wasn’t supposed to do it while the prime minister was with Bush, but I still think that he did the right thing.”
Police major Ibrahim Sheikh Ofi, 36, the head of the governor’s bodyguards, said: “It was a wild act and it was an unexplained one. He was supposed to be aware of the Iraqi flag. I think he summed up a huge anger inside him. That is why he exploded this way.”
Habib Ahmed, a 26-year-old reporter, said: “I think what he has done was a brave act and he will be marked in history as the first Iraqi and the first Arab who hit the American president with shoes. It seems that he assembled all the anger of Iraqis and he expressed it this way even if it was not a democratic way.”
Mushtaq Kadhum, a 34-year-old photographer, said: “I think that Maliki’s Government has been put between hard choices: either to imprison him and it would look like an agent government, an unpatriotic one, or to release him and that would be illegal in the eye of the occupation. But I think Maliki will release him eventually.”
Baghdad– On Karada Street, the center of a mixed neighborhood in the Iraqi capital of professional workers, residents had diverse reactions to the shoe tossing. Some predicted that the U.S. military would retaliate for the incident.
Dr. Lutfi Al-Obusi, a 58-year-old political science professor, said: “I disagree with that because that is opposite of our Muslim and Arabic traditions. Because Mr. Bush was here to say farewell for Iraq and Iraqis. And in the same time Bush is president of the U.S. and he called for its liberation and freedom. So I hope Mr. Bush will forgive Mr. Muntader al-Zaidi for what happened. And if Mr. Bush will not approve for releasing Mr. Muntader al-Zaidi, that will create big problem. And maybe all the political and religious blocs which are against U.S. will exploit this accident for their benefits. I hope Mr. Obama will take care if he wants to visit Iraq and meet the Iraqis face to face.”
Mohamed al-Hili, a 35-year-old policeman, said: “I am happy for what happened because that will reflect how we do not like Bush. And our government has a different attitude and belief than ours. And I’d like to add that Mr. Muntader is a hero and he must be our president, or at least P.M. We need to replace al-Maliki with the real Iraqi — Mr. Muntader.”
In a telephone interview, Saber Al-Kinani, a 41-year-old history professor, said: “I agree with Mr. Muntader because he gave Bush what he deserves. I believe that was the feeling of all the Iraqis. Listen, America is a big liar because they are calling for freedom … but when you want to say something in the name of freedom against America, that time you will be a terrorist and a big criminal.”
Dr. Alia Hamandi, a 33-year-old dentist, said in a telephone interview that: “I do not want my country, the great Iraq, to face more problems with the United States, because all our sufferings are caused by America, and because we are Muslims, and because we do not like to be slaves. So what happened was how a kind of simple Iraqi free man reflects, and that was awesome.”
Dr. Ala’a Ghandor, a 54-year-old psychologist, said: “I know most of the officials. They were happy for what happened, but they are afraid of saying the truth to avoid losing their positions in the government.”
Salam al-Zubaidi, a 37-year-old supermarket owner, said: “Nobody likes Bush because he hates Muslims and he killed a millions of Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine. And you will see in the next days, we will notice a big increase in the car bombs. That is a simple proof for involving U.S. and Iran in instability of the Iraq situation and political environment.”
Alwan Al-Saidi, a 47-year-old grocer, said: “When I saw that on my son’s cell phone, really I cheered up. And I said ‘Yes, Bush take our cruise ground missiles.’ … I am sure we will face a lot of problems with the water, power and car bombs now…they will be in the way that Iraqis do not like.”
Harith al-Obaidi, a 35-year-old pharmacist, said: “I disagree with what happened because in this time we need to be more quiet until we get the full liberation. At that time we can do anything. But I am happy for one reason and that is Bush became an example for Obama to let him be different than Bush and to help us for the best.”
Hussein al-Dulaimi, a 39-year-old engineer, said in a telephone interview that: “We need to do more than that with Bush, but I do not think that this is the way to our victory … We need to win as much as we can of the U.S. trust to accelerate their withdrawal soon.”
Mohamed al-Haiyali, a 29-year-old soldier manning a checkpoint, said: “We have the power, the Army and the richest country in the world. So we do not need somebody to protect us, and Muntader told Bush that, but in different way.”
Diwaniya– In Diwaniya, the capital of rural southern Qadisiya Province, Iraqis were mixed in their reaction. Some people felt that Mr. Bush should have been given more courtesy because he was a guest of the prime minister, but others said they felt the incident was an understandable reaction to widespread anger about the U.S. military presence in Iraq.
Haitham Karem, a 32-year-old soldier, said: “What happened in the conference is a personal expression for an Iraqi journalist and a citizen. His action is a kind of freedom. The officials have to understand it.”
Ahmad Hasan, a 29-year-old television correspondent, said: “Muntader’s action is not a civilized action by a journalist, but he sent a message from an Iraqi citizen showing that there are many Iraqis who object to the American presence and the [security] agreement.”
Haider Quraishi, a 40-year-old journalist, said: “The action was a frank objection by a member of the educated class in Iraq to the [security] agreement. And the government has to release Muntader immediately. I do not think Bush is upset, but Maliki is really upset.”
Abdul Zahra Hmood, a 54-year-old farmer, said: “It is shame to have an act of aggression against a guest of the Iraqi people inside the Iraqi homeland. A man who has political affiliations has to keep away from journalism and work with political parties.”
Mohammad Ismaeil, a reporter, said: “What happened is a shame, and it was because there is not a law governing press and media in Iraq.”
Samarra– In the ancient city of Samarra, residents largely spoke out in support of Mr. al-Zaidi.
Tawfeeq Qais, a 31-year-old barber, said: “Muntader expressed his opinion about the freedom and democracy brought to Iraq by Bush. Bush has to take responsibility for it, and this action should be considered as a kind of democracy.”
Um Mohammad, a 36-year-old housewife, said: “Long live your right hand, Muntader. This is what the American president deserves. I am calling to release Muntader al-Zaidi.”
Abu Ali, a 55-year-old laborer, said: “It is a wedding of all Iraqis. Muntader’s action is less than Bush deserves for killing, displacing and bloodletting Iraqis. I will blame the Iraqi government and American forces if anything wrong happens to Muntader.”
Mohammed Ibrahim, 51, said: “Bush deserves more than that because his soldiers have killed Iraqis. If Saddam had occupied America and killed the American people, then what would be their reaction? What we do expect Muntader to do when he watched the American forces kill Iraqis according to Bush’s order? Long life for your hand, Muntader.”
Dr. Qutaiba Rajaa, 58, said: “Although that action was not expressed in a civilized manner, it showed the feelings of Iraqis who refuse the American occupation. Muntader expressed the real Iraqi feelings.”
Najaf – In the holy Shiite city of Najaf, 100 miles south of Baghdad, demonstrators chanted: “Bush, Bush, is a cow, your farewell was by a shoe,” and, “The shoe got its goal straightly, but Maliki turned it away.”
“These demonstrators are refusing the president of evil as well as renewing their refusal of the [security] pact,” said a man named Hazim Araji. “And we have coordinated such demonstrations in the whole of Iraq.”
Dhafir Mahdi, a 40-year-old hotel manager, said: “It was an immoral personal action and it does not reflect Iraqis’ opinions. And he can show his view by another way.”
Salih Mahmood, a 44-year-old merchant, said: “The Iraqi citizen is well known for his hospitality and it is a shame to behave badly with a guest even if we have some objections about [the U.S.] being in Iraq.”
Ahmad Ali, a 24-year-old student, said: “I do not like Bush and refuse many of his policies in Iraq, but at the same time I do not agree about the action which brought bad reputation to Iraq, Iraqis and the Iraqi Prime Minister.”
Mohammad Hussein, a 37-year-old shopkeeper, said: “It is an immoral shameful action and it does not reflect the real image of Iraqis. I wish to have the journalist punished fairly.”
Laith Salam, a 32-year-old laborer, said: “Americans made many mistakes in Iraq and Bush deserved it because he is their leader and he used to insult other people, but in spite of everything it was not a nice action.”
Mosul — In Mosul, the largely Sunni Arab capital of Nineveh Province, residents said they supported the shoe-tossing Iraqi journalist.
Mohammad Zaki, a 27-year-old lawyer, said: “I appreciate the heroic position of Muntader al-Zaidi. I appreciate his love to home and his challenge to the occupier. I will blame Maliki if anything wrong happen to him or to his family.”
Jasim Mohammed, a 24-year-old laborer, said: “Muntader’s action got back the Iraqi dignity. He got back part of our gravity. God bless you Muntader. We are demanding the Iraqi forces to release him.”
Adnan Majwari, a 44-year-old Kurdish journalist, said: “It was a historical moment and if there are organizations who care about human rights and journalists freedom in Iraq then Muntader al-Zaidi has to be released immediately.”
Dr. Amal al-Annaz, a 48-year-old professor, said: “These are the real Iraqis who are well known for their magnanimity. Throwing a shoe on Bush was not a random action, but it is the result of every wound caused by the American president to the Iraqi people, women and children.”
Ahmad Sameer, a 22-year-old student, said: “It was the moment of the age because Bush will never forget it and it was a reminder to Bush about his wars and causalities in Iraq, but in an Iraqi way.”
“I swear by God that this man has freely expressed all Iraqis’ opinions and brought their wishes to reality,” said Mudhar Adeeb, an engineer.
Fawaz Ahmad, a 45-year-old day laborer, said: “He performed an excellent job and a great challenge. Bush deserves more than that.”
“He has done what the whole world could not,” said another man, Hazim Edress.
“This is the second insult directed to America after September’s events,” said Jasim Abdullah, a 29-year-old shopkeeper, in reference to the Sept. 11 attacks. “I suggest having an auction to sell the shoe.”
Yaareb Yousif Matti, a 45-year-old teacher said, “This is the killers and criminals’ dessert. They are Iraqi people’s killers. I swear by God that all Iraqis with their different nationalities are glad about
this act.”
Kirkuk – In the tense northern city of Kirkuk, where at least 48 people were killed in a restaurant bombing last week, many praised the actions of the Iraqi journalist, which they said represented a largely non-violent way of expressing opposition to American policy in Iraq, and therefore, was a step forward toward democracy.
“Muntader’s action is the top of heroism,” said Farhan Khalaf, a teacher. “He represents all Iraqis’ tragedies and sadness, but he has not become a suicide bomber, nor planted an I.E.D., nor beheaded anyone. He practiced the democracy which brought by the American. He has to be released at once. He is in all people’s hearts in Iraq and in the whole world. I am sure that he will supported by the Democrats in America.”
Maten Omar Karkoli, a Turkmen shopkeeper, said: “Muntader has represented the peaceful resistance. It is the language of democracy which was brought by America, but I just wonder if Bush was beaten by a shoe, then by what would Iraqi people beat their political leaders and representatives?”
Atyya Mejbil Obaidi, a governmental employee, said: “Bush threw bombs and rockets at Iraq and he destroyed my home by drawing a divisive strategy. So does he not deserve to get something from Iraqis?”
Others disagreed. Sarkoon Hanna, a Christian pharmacist, said: “The journalist is supposed to cover the event, not to give Iraqi’s a bad reputation, embarrassing the government and the journalists who were at the conference in the Green Zone.”
Shirzad Rasheed al-Barazanji, an agricultural engineer, said: “What happened showed the hatreds planted in Iraqi hearts. I am a Kurd, and if I was in his place I would ask Bush an embarrassing question, but not act like that. I do not set aside that behind that journalist, there is a political agenda against Bush and Maliki.”
“When the American army entered Iraq,” he added, “people welcomed them by throwing flowers, but Bush was told farewell by a shoe. So the new American authority has to be careful in their strategy in Iraq.”
Sulaimaniya — In the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya, in northern Iraq, where pro-American sentiment is strong, residents condemned the incident.
“This is unsuitable action by an Iraqi journalist,’ said Kamal Wahbi, a 49-year-old engineer. “I was watching TV last night when I saw it. His action served terrorism and radical national extremism. I think he could send the same message by asking Bush embarrassing questions.”
“I spent five years in Saddam’s jails,” said Saman Qadir, a 51-year-old mechanic. “This journalist has to throw flowers on Bush, not a shoe, because Bush saved the Iraqi people from a bloody regime. Malaki has to raise a case against this journalist.”
“This journalist wanted to show himself to the world but he did not advance the interests of Iraq,” said Sherwan Kameran, 42. “It was an immoral act by a person who claimed to be a journalist.”
“If this journalist had a specific opinion about something, he could have shown it in a professional manner by asking a provocative question, not by an unsuitable action,” said Serwan Ghareeb, a
25-year-old journalist.
Buhra Najeeb, a 38-year-old housewife, said: “I was watching TV when I saw that action and I was afraid that Bush may launch a war against Iraq, but I felt assured when I saw Bush laughing. Anyway, the action was unacceptable.”
Baghdad Bureau
I am reading this, and checking again at the top. Yeap, this is the NYT, are they getting a bailout??
We need to use that energy, or they will.
Hitting someone with a shoe is a strong insult in Iraq. It means the person is as low as the dirt underneath the sole of a shoe, and the actions of Muntader al-Zaidi, a correspondent for an independent Iraqi television station, were condemned by Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, the Iraqi government and other reporters at the news conference. Mr. Bush was unhurt and made a joke afterward, but the shoes have overshadowed other news coverage of the trip, including an attempt to showcase the new security agreement.
Here is reaction from around Iraq:
Kut– In the provincial capital of Wasit Province, residents took issue with the Iraqi journalist’s methods and felt that he had insulted Iraqis.
Haider Ali al-Seray, 25, said: “What he has done is improper within our Islamic Iraqi society. Whatever his motive is, Bush was a guest in the state of Iraq. We demand that the prime minister issue restrictions for the reporters in order that this will never happen again.”
Ali Hassan Zweyid, a 30-year-old day laborer, said: “They say that Iraq is a democratic state. Morally speaking, he would have better asking Bush some provocative questions to provoke him and despise him.”
Qasim Abdul Ridha, a 37-year-old teacher, said: “What he has done is improper within the profession of journalism. He conducted an aggression against the flag of Iraq. The democracy is not shoes. We demand the government prosecute him.”
Karbala– In the holy city that is a main destination for Shiite pilgrims, residents were split on the shoe-hurtling.
Abu Qasim, 47, said: “What this journalist did is an act of street kids, because he doesn’t know that without America, Saddam wouldn’t have fallen — not for tens of years.”
Abu Sura, 43, called it “rash action that doesn’t fit with his profession, which is supposed to be moderate and neutral as it brings the facts to the people.”
Abu Ali, 48, said: “I congratulate this brave man who expressed the opinion of most of the Iraqis.”
Basra– Iraqis in the oil-rich southern port city of Basra, residents agreed with the Iraqi journalist’s low opinion of President Bush, but not with his actions.
Sayyd Basim al-Musawi, a member in Basra provincial council and the chief of the security committee said: “Professionally, it wasn’t suitable for him as a journalist because there are many democratic expressions that he could have used, like interrupting Bush’s speech during the conference or making noise, but the shoes express the low moral level.”
Dhyaa Mahdi Salih, a 56-year-old lawyer, said: “What this brave journalist did is nothing but rejecting the tyrants in our country. And this journalist deserves to have a statue as he was throwing his shoe at the American president.”
Saeed Naji al-Ibadi, a 49-year-old pharmacist, said: “There’s a reaction against this journalist and his improper behavior as he represents the journalists and educated people in our society. Because he should have rejected the American president with his pen or by embarrassing him with his smart questions, not with his shoes. I totally reject this behavior because it will damage the rights of individuals.”
Nasir Mahmood al-Bahadli, 52, an academic said: “We are Arabs and we have a good reputation in hospitality with enemies before friends. The American president also was accompanying the man who represents the Iraqi government and this made it worse because this journalist also abused the prime minister with his behavior.”
Baquba– In the largely Sunni Arab capital of Diyala Province, many residents were critical of the journalist.
Saeed Shakir al-Sayyd, a 40-year-old teacher, said: “Freedom and democracy should be explained in a correct way. I think what Muntader al-Zaidi did is incorrect and not professional… He’s a journalist and deals with the language of words, and not throwing the shoes and cursing. This man was wrong.”
Nawal Jaafer, 30, said: “Yes, we all hate America because it destroyed Iraq and distributed sectarianism among its people. I think what al-Zaidi did is a real expression on what’s hidden in the hearts of the Iraqis.”
Karim Muan al-Qaisi, a 50-year-old merchant, said: “Despite my hatred of Bush, he’s a president for a big country and a guest for the Iraqi government. And we as Easterners think insulting the guest is an insult for the host. Despite our hatred of the guest, there should be respect and diplomacy.”
Bilal Midhat Hussein, a 44-year-old photographer, said: “It’s not in the nature of the Iraqis to insult anyone — even their enemies. I was a soldier during the Iraqi-Iranian war and we arrested many Iranian soldiers who killed our colleagues, but we never insulted them. And that’s just a simple example of the big mistake of yesterday because this journalist insulted all the rest of the journalists. Because none of the Arab journalists would have dared to do so because they already know the consequences.”
Ramadi– In the capital of Anbar’s largely Sunni western province of Ramadi, some residents condemned the attack.
Ahmad Jeyyad, 36, a professor in the college of agriculture in Anbar University, said: “What we have seen in TV is more than an action by a journalist. It was an action by an Iraqi citizen who lost his mind because of the woes of occupations. My family clapped when they saw the shoe. They praise Muntader for his action, but we do not know the reasons behind it. He may have had one of his family arrested by American forces or he may have political affiliations or other reasons.”
Ahmad Abu Risha, the head of Sahwa Council in Iraq, said: “We condemn what happened because the American president is the guest of all Iraqis. The Iraqi government has to choose good journalists to attend such conferences.”
He added, “I had attended the White House and there were reporters known as White House’s reporters. So why are there not well known professional reporters be chosen for such tasks?
“On the other hand, Muntader insulted Iraqi journalists. We are calling for his channel to apologize.” He added that “in spite of everything, we are demanding to release Muntader.”
Ahmad Jbaeir, a 25-year-old law school student, said: “I was very glad when I saw the shoe on TV. I do not care even if he was a journalist or an ordinary citizen, but he expressed the feelings of Iraqis who hate Bush because he killed us. So we are demanding his release.”
Saddam Loqman, a 21-year-old shopkeeper, said: “My father was arrested by Americans and I wish I [could have thrown the shoe] instead, but if I was a journalist, then I have to respect the occupation when I get to the conference hall.” Then he laughed and said, “I think that the Iraqi government will permit journalists to attend conferences only after taking their shoes off.”
Haitham al-Kood, 30, said: “I think Muntader was paid for his action. He has to be pushed by some side. We are demanding the government to prevent such actions. And if only Maliki was in the conference, then Muntader would be dead, but fortunately Bush was in the conference too and he said ‘it is the price of freedom.’”
Babil Province– The predominantly Shiite central province has a number of residents who said they support Muntader al-Zaidi’s actions.
Nahla Salman, a 26-year-old government employee, said: “What he has done is what is stored inside all Iraqis — anger toward Bush’s incorrect policy. But he made it with hurry. He wasn’t supposed to do it while the prime minister was with Bush, but I still think that he did the right thing.”
Police major Ibrahim Sheikh Ofi, 36, the head of the governor’s bodyguards, said: “It was a wild act and it was an unexplained one. He was supposed to be aware of the Iraqi flag. I think he summed up a huge anger inside him. That is why he exploded this way.”
Habib Ahmed, a 26-year-old reporter, said: “I think what he has done was a brave act and he will be marked in history as the first Iraqi and the first Arab who hit the American president with shoes. It seems that he assembled all the anger of Iraqis and he expressed it this way even if it was not a democratic way.”
Mushtaq Kadhum, a 34-year-old photographer, said: “I think that Maliki’s Government has been put between hard choices: either to imprison him and it would look like an agent government, an unpatriotic one, or to release him and that would be illegal in the eye of the occupation. But I think Maliki will release him eventually.”
Baghdad– On Karada Street, the center of a mixed neighborhood in the Iraqi capital of professional workers, residents had diverse reactions to the shoe tossing. Some predicted that the U.S. military would retaliate for the incident.
Dr. Lutfi Al-Obusi, a 58-year-old political science professor, said: “I disagree with that because that is opposite of our Muslim and Arabic traditions. Because Mr. Bush was here to say farewell for Iraq and Iraqis. And in the same time Bush is president of the U.S. and he called for its liberation and freedom. So I hope Mr. Bush will forgive Mr. Muntader al-Zaidi for what happened. And if Mr. Bush will not approve for releasing Mr. Muntader al-Zaidi, that will create big problem. And maybe all the political and religious blocs which are against U.S. will exploit this accident for their benefits. I hope Mr. Obama will take care if he wants to visit Iraq and meet the Iraqis face to face.”
Mohamed al-Hili, a 35-year-old policeman, said: “I am happy for what happened because that will reflect how we do not like Bush. And our government has a different attitude and belief than ours. And I’d like to add that Mr. Muntader is a hero and he must be our president, or at least P.M. We need to replace al-Maliki with the real Iraqi — Mr. Muntader.”
In a telephone interview, Saber Al-Kinani, a 41-year-old history professor, said: “I agree with Mr. Muntader because he gave Bush what he deserves. I believe that was the feeling of all the Iraqis. Listen, America is a big liar because they are calling for freedom … but when you want to say something in the name of freedom against America, that time you will be a terrorist and a big criminal.”
Dr. Alia Hamandi, a 33-year-old dentist, said in a telephone interview that: “I do not want my country, the great Iraq, to face more problems with the United States, because all our sufferings are caused by America, and because we are Muslims, and because we do not like to be slaves. So what happened was how a kind of simple Iraqi free man reflects, and that was awesome.”
Dr. Ala’a Ghandor, a 54-year-old psychologist, said: “I know most of the officials. They were happy for what happened, but they are afraid of saying the truth to avoid losing their positions in the government.”
Salam al-Zubaidi, a 37-year-old supermarket owner, said: “Nobody likes Bush because he hates Muslims and he killed a millions of Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine. And you will see in the next days, we will notice a big increase in the car bombs. That is a simple proof for involving U.S. and Iran in instability of the Iraq situation and political environment.”
Alwan Al-Saidi, a 47-year-old grocer, said: “When I saw that on my son’s cell phone, really I cheered up. And I said ‘Yes, Bush take our cruise ground missiles.’ … I am sure we will face a lot of problems with the water, power and car bombs now…they will be in the way that Iraqis do not like.”
Harith al-Obaidi, a 35-year-old pharmacist, said: “I disagree with what happened because in this time we need to be more quiet until we get the full liberation. At that time we can do anything. But I am happy for one reason and that is Bush became an example for Obama to let him be different than Bush and to help us for the best.”
Hussein al-Dulaimi, a 39-year-old engineer, said in a telephone interview that: “We need to do more than that with Bush, but I do not think that this is the way to our victory … We need to win as much as we can of the U.S. trust to accelerate their withdrawal soon.”
Mohamed al-Haiyali, a 29-year-old soldier manning a checkpoint, said: “We have the power, the Army and the richest country in the world. So we do not need somebody to protect us, and Muntader told Bush that, but in different way.”
Diwaniya– In Diwaniya, the capital of rural southern Qadisiya Province, Iraqis were mixed in their reaction. Some people felt that Mr. Bush should have been given more courtesy because he was a guest of the prime minister, but others said they felt the incident was an understandable reaction to widespread anger about the U.S. military presence in Iraq.
Haitham Karem, a 32-year-old soldier, said: “What happened in the conference is a personal expression for an Iraqi journalist and a citizen. His action is a kind of freedom. The officials have to understand it.”
Ahmad Hasan, a 29-year-old television correspondent, said: “Muntader’s action is not a civilized action by a journalist, but he sent a message from an Iraqi citizen showing that there are many Iraqis who object to the American presence and the [security] agreement.”
Haider Quraishi, a 40-year-old journalist, said: “The action was a frank objection by a member of the educated class in Iraq to the [security] agreement. And the government has to release Muntader immediately. I do not think Bush is upset, but Maliki is really upset.”
Abdul Zahra Hmood, a 54-year-old farmer, said: “It is shame to have an act of aggression against a guest of the Iraqi people inside the Iraqi homeland. A man who has political affiliations has to keep away from journalism and work with political parties.”
Mohammad Ismaeil, a reporter, said: “What happened is a shame, and it was because there is not a law governing press and media in Iraq.”
Samarra– In the ancient city of Samarra, residents largely spoke out in support of Mr. al-Zaidi.
Tawfeeq Qais, a 31-year-old barber, said: “Muntader expressed his opinion about the freedom and democracy brought to Iraq by Bush. Bush has to take responsibility for it, and this action should be considered as a kind of democracy.”
Um Mohammad, a 36-year-old housewife, said: “Long live your right hand, Muntader. This is what the American president deserves. I am calling to release Muntader al-Zaidi.”
Abu Ali, a 55-year-old laborer, said: “It is a wedding of all Iraqis. Muntader’s action is less than Bush deserves for killing, displacing and bloodletting Iraqis. I will blame the Iraqi government and American forces if anything wrong happens to Muntader.”
Mohammed Ibrahim, 51, said: “Bush deserves more than that because his soldiers have killed Iraqis. If Saddam had occupied America and killed the American people, then what would be their reaction? What we do expect Muntader to do when he watched the American forces kill Iraqis according to Bush’s order? Long life for your hand, Muntader.”
Dr. Qutaiba Rajaa, 58, said: “Although that action was not expressed in a civilized manner, it showed the feelings of Iraqis who refuse the American occupation. Muntader expressed the real Iraqi feelings.”
Najaf – In the holy Shiite city of Najaf, 100 miles south of Baghdad, demonstrators chanted: “Bush, Bush, is a cow, your farewell was by a shoe,” and, “The shoe got its goal straightly, but Maliki turned it away.”
“These demonstrators are refusing the president of evil as well as renewing their refusal of the [security] pact,” said a man named Hazim Araji. “And we have coordinated such demonstrations in the whole of Iraq.”
Dhafir Mahdi, a 40-year-old hotel manager, said: “It was an immoral personal action and it does not reflect Iraqis’ opinions. And he can show his view by another way.”
Salih Mahmood, a 44-year-old merchant, said: “The Iraqi citizen is well known for his hospitality and it is a shame to behave badly with a guest even if we have some objections about [the U.S.] being in Iraq.”
Ahmad Ali, a 24-year-old student, said: “I do not like Bush and refuse many of his policies in Iraq, but at the same time I do not agree about the action which brought bad reputation to Iraq, Iraqis and the Iraqi Prime Minister.”
Mohammad Hussein, a 37-year-old shopkeeper, said: “It is an immoral shameful action and it does not reflect the real image of Iraqis. I wish to have the journalist punished fairly.”
Laith Salam, a 32-year-old laborer, said: “Americans made many mistakes in Iraq and Bush deserved it because he is their leader and he used to insult other people, but in spite of everything it was not a nice action.”
Mosul — In Mosul, the largely Sunni Arab capital of Nineveh Province, residents said they supported the shoe-tossing Iraqi journalist.
Mohammad Zaki, a 27-year-old lawyer, said: “I appreciate the heroic position of Muntader al-Zaidi. I appreciate his love to home and his challenge to the occupier. I will blame Maliki if anything wrong happen to him or to his family.”
Jasim Mohammed, a 24-year-old laborer, said: “Muntader’s action got back the Iraqi dignity. He got back part of our gravity. God bless you Muntader. We are demanding the Iraqi forces to release him.”
Adnan Majwari, a 44-year-old Kurdish journalist, said: “It was a historical moment and if there are organizations who care about human rights and journalists freedom in Iraq then Muntader al-Zaidi has to be released immediately.”
Dr. Amal al-Annaz, a 48-year-old professor, said: “These are the real Iraqis who are well known for their magnanimity. Throwing a shoe on Bush was not a random action, but it is the result of every wound caused by the American president to the Iraqi people, women and children.”
Ahmad Sameer, a 22-year-old student, said: “It was the moment of the age because Bush will never forget it and it was a reminder to Bush about his wars and causalities in Iraq, but in an Iraqi way.”
“I swear by God that this man has freely expressed all Iraqis’ opinions and brought their wishes to reality,” said Mudhar Adeeb, an engineer.
Fawaz Ahmad, a 45-year-old day laborer, said: “He performed an excellent job and a great challenge. Bush deserves more than that.”
“He has done what the whole world could not,” said another man, Hazim Edress.
“This is the second insult directed to America after September’s events,” said Jasim Abdullah, a 29-year-old shopkeeper, in reference to the Sept. 11 attacks. “I suggest having an auction to sell the shoe.”
Yaareb Yousif Matti, a 45-year-old teacher said, “This is the killers and criminals’ dessert. They are Iraqi people’s killers. I swear by God that all Iraqis with their different nationalities are glad about
this act.”
Kirkuk – In the tense northern city of Kirkuk, where at least 48 people were killed in a restaurant bombing last week, many praised the actions of the Iraqi journalist, which they said represented a largely non-violent way of expressing opposition to American policy in Iraq, and therefore, was a step forward toward democracy.
“Muntader’s action is the top of heroism,” said Farhan Khalaf, a teacher. “He represents all Iraqis’ tragedies and sadness, but he has not become a suicide bomber, nor planted an I.E.D., nor beheaded anyone. He practiced the democracy which brought by the American. He has to be released at once. He is in all people’s hearts in Iraq and in the whole world. I am sure that he will supported by the Democrats in America.”
Maten Omar Karkoli, a Turkmen shopkeeper, said: “Muntader has represented the peaceful resistance. It is the language of democracy which was brought by America, but I just wonder if Bush was beaten by a shoe, then by what would Iraqi people beat their political leaders and representatives?”
Atyya Mejbil Obaidi, a governmental employee, said: “Bush threw bombs and rockets at Iraq and he destroyed my home by drawing a divisive strategy. So does he not deserve to get something from Iraqis?”
Others disagreed. Sarkoon Hanna, a Christian pharmacist, said: “The journalist is supposed to cover the event, not to give Iraqi’s a bad reputation, embarrassing the government and the journalists who were at the conference in the Green Zone.”
Shirzad Rasheed al-Barazanji, an agricultural engineer, said: “What happened showed the hatreds planted in Iraqi hearts. I am a Kurd, and if I was in his place I would ask Bush an embarrassing question, but not act like that. I do not set aside that behind that journalist, there is a political agenda against Bush and Maliki.”
“When the American army entered Iraq,” he added, “people welcomed them by throwing flowers, but Bush was told farewell by a shoe. So the new American authority has to be careful in their strategy in Iraq.”
Sulaimaniya — In the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya, in northern Iraq, where pro-American sentiment is strong, residents condemned the incident.
“This is unsuitable action by an Iraqi journalist,’ said Kamal Wahbi, a 49-year-old engineer. “I was watching TV last night when I saw it. His action served terrorism and radical national extremism. I think he could send the same message by asking Bush embarrassing questions.”
“I spent five years in Saddam’s jails,” said Saman Qadir, a 51-year-old mechanic. “This journalist has to throw flowers on Bush, not a shoe, because Bush saved the Iraqi people from a bloody regime. Malaki has to raise a case against this journalist.”
“This journalist wanted to show himself to the world but he did not advance the interests of Iraq,” said Sherwan Kameran, 42. “It was an immoral act by a person who claimed to be a journalist.”
“If this journalist had a specific opinion about something, he could have shown it in a professional manner by asking a provocative question, not by an unsuitable action,” said Serwan Ghareeb, a
25-year-old journalist.
Buhra Najeeb, a 38-year-old housewife, said: “I was watching TV when I saw that action and I was afraid that Bush may launch a war against Iraq, but I felt assured when I saw Bush laughing. Anyway, the action was unacceptable.”
Baghdad Bureau
I am reading this, and checking again at the top. Yeap, this is the NYT, are they getting a bailout??
We need to use that energy, or they will.
posted by madtom at 10:41 PM
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