Eat My Shoe

Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq today, the surprise nature of it being proof that Iraq is perfectly stable and not at all violent. He didn't get the rousing reception he wanted.

Bush was reminded of the intense opposition to his policies when a man threw two shoes at him — one after another — during a news conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Bush ducked both throws, and neither man was hit.

"All I can report is a size 10," Bush joked.

I'll remind you that using your shoe is the highest form of insult in Iraq:

Feet and shoes were imbued with considerable significance in the Middle East and shoe banging holds two meanings depending on whether you are in Jewish or Islamic sectors. Traditionally, the Jewish custom, of shoe banging was used to seal a deal like a gable at an auction. In Islamic tradition, culture determines feet occupy the lowest rung in the bodily hierarchy and shoes are considered unclean. Hence it is commonplace to remove shoes before entering a place of worship; the gesture is to maintain the purity of the place of worship. The same custom is extended to entering a private home because the sole of the shoe is considered the most contaminated. To point a shoe at someone or hit them (or their image) demonstrates a deep insult and means to direct impurity and pollution in their direction.

Thanks for making us the bottom of the shoe of the rest of the world, George.

Meanwhile, the commanding general in Iraq is hinting that he won't respect the status of forces agreement, which ought to be kind of a huge story and one that Barack Obama should be facing question after question over, considering that it has the potential to really harm American lives, as Iraqis lose faith in the pact and take it out on the troops. This could energize the insurgency at all levels. Why isn't this a big story?