Muntadhar al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at then-President George W. Bush in 2008, has spoken about the incident 18 years later. The event occurred during a press conference in Baghdad when al-Zaidi, then 29 and working for Al-Baghdadia TV, launched his footwear at the president.
"This is a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, you dog!" al-Zaidi reportedly shouted as he threw his shoes. President Bush narrowly avoided being hit by the projectiles. The act of protest gained international notoriety, inspiring similar demonstrations in various parts of the world, including India and at Cambridge University.
Details of al-Zaidi's current reflections on his actions and whether he would repeat the protest are available in the latest DC Insider newsletter. The DC Insider is described as a guide to Washington's political landscape, offering exclusive reporting and commentary on the people and events shaping the capital.
This development was published on August 12, 2026.