Let us start by saying that we in no way condone the throwing of shoes at public officials of any country. Such a demonstration runs quite counter to our sense of appropriate conduct and common decency that should be afforded a visiting head of state. Indeed, it runs quite counter to Iraq’s own gracious Arab culture of hospitality towards guests and respect for all.

 However, the shoes thrown by Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi from Al-Baghdadia television network at US President George W. Bush spoke volumes as to what President Bush has done, both to Iraq as well as to America’s reputation around the world.

The expression of outrage is one that is shared, not just by Iraqis, who have seen their country invaded, their civil structure decimated, and the nation brought to the brink of ruination, but for all those around the world who are appalled at the US invasion and occupation of Iraq, and, indeed, the past eight years of the Bush administration’s unilateral foreign policy.

Iraq will stand forever as a black mark against President Bush. It was an illegal invasion, waged on false pretences and in the teeth of world opinion. Five years on, Iraq remains devastated, and in the shoes hurled by Mr. Zaidi, we find a message filled with significance. His act gave expression to the frustration, impotence, misery, and sheer fury of the long-suffering Iraqi people.

 We hope that the message has hit home. Still we hear rumblings of designs against Iran or other countries, as if the US has learned nothing from the events of the past five years as to the folly of such sabre-rattling and the disastrous consequences, both for the world as well as for themselves.

 Of course, we are gratified to note that in the recent presidential election, the voting public appeared to deal a resounding vote against the philosophy of the Bush administration, and, indeed, President Bush’s popularity rating as at a historic low for a sitting president.

 But what is most important to note is that America’s standing in the world has plummeted due to Iraq and other excesses in projecting American power. That is what the hurling of the shoes signified. We hope that Americans will heed the message and that the country will take a long, hard look at why it is so unpopular, and take corrective measures under its incoming president.