Iraqi Journalist Gaoled for 3 Years

"We expected the decision because under the Iraqi criminal code he was charged with assaulting a foreign leader on an official visit," Attabi said, adding: "We will appeal this decision."

Indeed. To thine own self be true. I am horrified the journalist was gaoled for 3 years for throwing a shoe at George Bush, but the Iraqis have looked upon the action from their own legal perspective in their own way. They have stayed true to their own code of conduct and ignored the fact it was George Bush. The whole world threw shoes at Bush after that happened. they went to the online site and threw shoes. We all wanted to throw shoes and more at George Bush for what he had done to the Iraqis. That they have suffered all they have at the hands of an unwarranted invasion, that they have lost so many people, have had to put up with so much and have had bombs raining down on their children's heads, and yet, at this point in time there is no thought of revenge, but what they believe to be the legally right thing to do...then now we know why they have survived...and will survive. They have looked at the harm which was done to a world leader visiting their country. Then the journalist, well, he could have shot George Bush and no one would have been surprised. He could have been very violent and no one would have held it against him. What he chose to do was use his own culture to express how he felt. He felt disgusted.  He expressed that disgust by throwing a shoe and showing he wished to insult George Bush. Not bomb him. Not torture him. Not kill his children and shed his blood. Just throw a shoe to insult him...which George Bush ably avoided. There is no way he should be in gaol except his country has judged him and that it is the punishment. Iraq has taught us a lot. We cannot interfere in their laws but I should like to think we could use diplomatic channels to plea for the freedom of the journalist.