Caption Says: ‘A Baathist journalist exchanges his tools.’
On Microphone is Written: ‘Al Baghdadiyah,’ which is
the satellite network of reporter Muntadar Al Zeidi.
[Sotal Iraq, Iraq]
‘The Shoe Affair’ continues to create tremendous controversy in the Arab world – and there is a bit of a backlash against the young reporter at the heart of it. This article from Iraq’s Sotal Iraq is perhaps the most vociferous Iraqi repudiation we have seen of the behavior of Muntadar Al Zeidi, the journalist who used his standing as a reporter to do what very few could: get close enough to President Bush to throw something at him.
According to the newspaper, Al Zeidi’s act is just what one would expect from someone schooled in the ways of Saddam and his Baathists.
For Sotal Iraq, Malum Abu Ragheef writes in part:
“Of course no one believes that the motive behind the reckless behavior of the correspondent from Al Baghdadiyah satellite TV reflected patriotism or love of country. Journalists don’t express themselves by throwing shoes, hurling insults or cursing. … The journalist’s weapons are his words, his courage and the precision of his questions – not shoes and curses. These were part of the curriculum of the Baathists, which took hold not only in the souls of young journalists, but even among senior politicians.”
By Malum Abu Ragheef
Translated by Nicolas Dagher
December 15, 2008
Iraq – Sotal Iraq – Original Article (Arabic)
Of course no one believes that the motive behind the reckless behavior of the correspondent from Al Baghdadiyah satellite TV, Muntadar Al Zeidi, reflected patriotism or love of country. Journalists don’t express themselves by throwing shoes, hurling insults or cursing. These are leftovers of what we saw and lived through during the Baathist era of Saddam, when public corruption and violations of human rights were matters of course.
No press conference attended by a Baathist official was free of foul language or irresponsible behavior. This type of foul behavior was a hallmark of the Baathists, who lent legitimacy to misconduct and a lack of education. And has anyone forgotten the runaway Izzat Al Duri and his lack of manners wherever he attended Arab conferences?
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