Iraqis hit by missiles deadlier than a shoe

AN Iraqi launches a missile at an American and misses the target.

Worldwide coverage and some condemnation. An American launches a missile and similarly fails to find its target. Little or no coverage.

In the first instance, the missile was a shoe thrown by Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi at President Bush during a press conference. It hardly registers in comparison to the many real missiles the US government has launched at targets in Iraq prior to and during their occupation of the country. These missiles have killed civilians in their hundreds, if not thousands. The disparity cannot be overstated.

Many countries have shown the good sense not to follow the trend set by the US when it comes to invading sovereign nations.

US citizens have told their president what they think of this behaviour and have given him and his policies the boot. In this instance, Muntadar al-Zaidi has chosen to follow the footwear-flinging fashion. Well done, sir. I hope you are released from custody immediately, and that your aim improves with time.

Declan Kenny

Mill Lane

Leixlip

Co Kildare