Cultural Exchange

by 3rd Way

Many of us knew the invasion of Iraq was a mistake from the start, the majority of us now think it was a misguided effort. One of the few positive things to come from this war is an exchange between American and Middle Eastern cultures. I hope some Iraqis have learned something valuable from the Americans working in their country. American journalist could learn a little something about the harsh reality Middle Eastern journalists bring to a press conference. According to the AP the disrespect shown to our president by a journalist during his farewell tour is a customary sign of contempt.

It was at that point the journalist stood up and threw a shoe from about 20 feet away. Bush ducked, and it narrowly missed his head. The second shoe came quickly, and Bush ducked again while several Iraqis grabbed the man and dragged him to the floor.

In Iraqi culture, throwing shoes at someone is a sign of contempt. Iraqis whacked a statue of Saddam with their shoes after U.S. marines toppled it to the ground following the 2003 invasion.

When future American politicians screw up as badly as Bush has and give unsatisfactory evasive answers to journalists questions I hope American journalists learn from their Middle Eastern colleagues and send a size 10 at their head. I just hope they can duck as well as Dubya.