Iraqi Shoe Thrower Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

In what is being viewed as a harsh verdict for Muntadhar al-Zeidi, an Iraqi court has ruled that he is guilty of assault for throwing his shoes at then-president George W. Bush. And although al-Zeidi never struck the quick-thinking Bush with his shoes, the assault charge held up in court. Public opinion polls in Iraq seem to indicate that the majority of the population supports al-Zeidi and his ultimately harmless protest of Bush and the U.S. presence in Iraq.

There seems to be some confusion in the defense strategy, arguing that al-Zeidi was simply performing a democratic form of civil disobedience or protest. But the fact that he was trying to hit Bush with the shoes would seem to undermine that theory.

And even though al-Zeidi was in fact convicted of assault in this case, he was given the minimum possible jail sentence of 3 years. It would be interesting to know George W. Bush's take on the sentencing and whether he believes that his "attacker" should be serving such a significant jail sentence for his actions. Bush is generally considered to be an easy-going individual and he certainly couldn't have taken too much of the constant criticism he generated to heart.

Over 60% of Iraqis polled considered the reporter a hero, while less than 25% considered him a criminal.