Video: Iraqis Aren’t Laughing at Shoe Tosser

BAGHDAD — When an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at President Bush this week, the president swiftly ducked and responded with a joke. Across the U.S. more jokes followed. But in the streets of Baghdad, where hitting someone with a shoe is a strong cultural offense, the incident was taken more seriously. Even among Iraqis who do not support the U.S. military in Iraq.

My colleague Riyadh Muhammad and I asked some Iraqis what they thought should happen to the Iraqi journalist, what would have happened if he had tried this with Saddam Hussein, what Mr. Bush’s legacy would be in Iraq and what they expected from president-elect Barack Obama.
Baghdad Buraeu