Length: 2:17
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A voice-over only piece that shows local Iraqi reaction to the reporter's gesture and the reaction from the Iraqi government.
HEIDI
COLLINS: The fact of the matter is many people in the
United States find the shoe throwing incident a
little bit funny and they're glad the shoes missed
their target. But it is evoking some very powerful
mixed emotions in Iraq.
Michael Ware has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: With world leaders
at a Baghdad podium, in the blink of an eye, one
Iraqi journalist both divided and united his country,
calling the gesture a "farewell kiss" to the American
president. His actions have split Iraqi opinion right
down the middle.
This Baghdad accountant says the shoe-throwing was
wrong and not the behavior of an educated man...
while this mechanic calls it impolite.
But there are now just as many who now cheer the
28-year-old journalist who reported from Baghdad's
Sadr City slum.
"Sure, I was very happy. I consider it a victory,"
says this young law student. "The Americans invaded
and destroyed our civilization, our books, everything
that was beautiful, with even Baghdad losing its
smile."
Some hail the journalist as a national hero. His own
network, al-Baghdadia, is running nationalist music
clips fonted with the reporter's picture and calls
for his immediate release from police custody. Along
the bottom of the screen are the names of politicians
who want him freed, and endless text messages of
support.
And in Sadr City, American flags were set ablaze in a
large demonstration in the streets. Though many
Iraqis found the insult offensive, it was not because
it targeted U.S. president, George W. Bush.
"Bush deserves to have a shoe thrown at him, but it
wasn't proper because he should show respect for the
prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki," says a local
photographer.
Many also agree that the journalist should not be
punished.
"He does not deserve legal punishment. It was
involuntarily behavior in a moment of rage and
emotion," says this mechanic.
"I asked the government to release him," this law
student says.
This accountant thinks the journalist should have to
apologize on his own television network.
Whatever the reaction, it barely seems to matter, for
this moment will surely become another iconic image
of an unpopular war.
Michael Ware, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)