Islam And The West

Image source: S Zeimke

If you haven’t lived with your head in the sand literally over the last 24 hour news cycle there is a pretty good chance that you have seen what happened to American President George W. Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq.

For those of you who have some how missed the event and for those who just want to see it again here is the link to the video: George W. Bush Escapes A Shoe Attack

For a western readership that may not be too familiar with the intricacies of shoes and honour in eastern cultures, today’s Daily Telegraph explains the role of the shoe in Arab culture very well:

“Showing the sole of your shoe has long been an insult in Arab culture. To try and hit someone with that shoe is seen as even worse.

The shoe is considered dirty because it is on the ground and an item associated with the foot, the lowest part of the body to the ground.

By hitting someone with a shoe, it shows that they are regarded as even lower…..

…The shoe is such an offensive symbol that it is seen as culturally rude to cross an ankle over a knee and display the sole of the shoe while talking to another person.

The shoe is also considered unclean in the Muslim faith and believers must remove their shoes before prayers, while wearing shoes in mosques is forbidden.

Middle East expert Christopher Walker said is was also customary to remove shoes outside a person’s home because the “sole of the shoe is considered the most contaminated”.

“It is an object of the greatest scorn,” he added.” (Source: Daily Telegraph)

Muntazer al-Zaidi is the now famous Iraqi journalist from the Al-Baghdadiyah channel who was responsible for the shoe attack on Mr. Bush.

Until today you have probably never heard of him so I thought I would take a little of your time to acquaint you with a man who some now around the world are calling a hero:

“Zaidi, 29, a journalist with the independent Iraqi television station Al-Baghdadia based in Egypt, hurled his footwear at Bush on Sunday during a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Although both shoes missed their target, Zaidi captured the world’s attention with an act colleagues said he had plotted for months because he “detested America” and the man who ordered the war on his country.

His brother Durgham said Zaidi had been detained for a day by US forces at the beginning of the year, and that he had been kidnapped in the heart of Baghdad in November 2007 and held for a week by unknown captors….

…At Sunday’s news conference Zaidi jumped up and shouted “It is the farewell kiss, you dog,” as he threw his shoes at Bush.

They missed after Bush ducked and Zaidi was wrestled to the ground by security guards.” (Source: IC Publications)

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