Monday, September 14, 2009

Morocco's gold-saddled horse?




Ask most Moroccans what they think of Muntazer al-Zaidi and they will say he is a hero. This is no surprise as Zaidi is being feted in every corner of the Arab world. The act of throwing his size 10s at George W Bush is etched in peoples memories. There are many who can recall his exact words "This is your farewell kiss, you dog. This is for the widows and orphans of Iraq"

Now, as the journalist walks out of prison, it is not as an ex-crim, but an internationally known figure. As the UK Guardian put it "...his 10 raging seconds, which came to define his country's last six miserable years, are set to take on a new life even more dramatic than the opening act. Pictures of the president ducking have been etched onto walls across Baghdad, made into T-shirts in Egypt, and appeared in children's games in Turkey. Zaidi has won the adulation of millions, who believe his act of defiance did what their leaders had been too cowed to do."


On release, Zaidi will be greeted with a new four-bedroom home built by his former boss. A new car, pledges of money, healthcare and even harems. And, according to his former employers, a Saudi has $10 million dollars for his shoes. There have also been a lot of offers of women wanting to marry him.

And from Morocco? Abdul Hamid al-Saij, the editor at the Iraqi, al-Baghdadia television channel, says, "One Iraqi who lived in Morocco called to offer to send his daughter to be Muntazer's wife,and another called from Morocco offering a gold-saddled horse."

So, who in Morocco is offering a a gold-saddled horse? Our efforts to track down this individual have resulted in a lot of suggestions but no facts. So, if you happen to know the answer, we would love you to share it with us.


2 comments:

Jillian said...

"This is no surprise as Zaidi is being feted in every corner of the Arab world."

Every corner of the Arab world? Every corner of the WHOLE world!

Piggy said...

Zaidi is a hero here in the UK. Most hate Bush for what he has done to the world.