18 December 2008 - 07H38

In the papers
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France 24's journalists bring you a round-up of what's in the international press.
By Clovis CASALI (text)

 

 
Le Figaro (France)
 
 
Mountazer al Zaïdi, the man who threw his shoes at George W. Bush is becoming a legend. The US President has called the incident one of the most bizarre and awkward moments of his presidency. He hoped Iraqi authorities would not punish the man too harshly. According to Zaïdi’s brother,  the police beat him up so badly he’s now hospitalized with a broken arm and broken ribs.
 
He could face up to seven years in jail but, whatever happens, Zaïdi is set to benefit from all of this. A Saudi businessman has offered 10 million dollars to buy the pair of shoes the Iraqi journalist threw. They would be displayed in a so-called “museum for liberty”. A Lebanese television channel is also ready to hire Zaïdi and offer him a lucrative contract.
 
The Guardian (Britain)
 
 
The Guardian says the withdrawal of British troops from Irak will mark “the end of the most controversial operation involving the British armed forces since the Suez crisis 42 years ago”.
 
The Irish Times (Ireland)
 
 
In this southern province of Iraq where the British are stationed, relations at first were good but soon the locals felt let down.
 
Iraqi commanders even accuse the British of handing over Basra to the Sadr supporters and other Shia fundamentalists. According to them, the British lacked sufficient troops and the will to defend the position properly.
 
 
The Independent (Britain)
 
 
 
When he was a student, Barack Obama’s nickname was Barry. He even did some amateur modelling and the Independent got a copy of these rare pictures. The photographer remembers Obama as a keen basketball player who only had one thing in mind and that wasmeeting girls.
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