December 15, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 16, 1429

BAGHDAD: President George Bush got a stunning ‘parting shot’ during his farewell visit to Iraq on Sunday when a local journalist, obviously annoyed over the US invasion of his country, hurled both his shoes at him. As the American president was about to shake hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki at a well-attended press conference, the journalist — Muntazer Al-Zaidi of the Al-Baghdadia channel that broadcasts from Cairo — jumped up and shouted: “Here is the farewell kiss, you dog.” He then threw one of his shoes at President Bush who ducked in time to avoid contact. The journalist then threw his other shoe which missed the president narrowly. Many Iraqis apologised to Bush for the attack, but the US president said, “Thanks for apologising on behalf of the Iraqi people. It doesn’t bother me. If you want the facts, it was a size 10 shoe that he threw.” Al-Zaidi was taken away by security personnel.—AFP