Worldwide Response to Shoe Thrower

It looks like this is the most talked about news bit throughout the world, apart from the financial crisis. Those who don't believe in the US invasion of Iraq or are unconvinced with the failed US effort in Iraq, applaud Zaidi's courage and demand his release. On the other hand, those who desire to promote the American-brand of democracy and her business interests feel insulted by what they would call a brash behavior as a journalist and would demand Zaidi's imprisonment.

Was this an uncalled for insult against a nation that calls itself the defender of freedom? Or, was this the delayed yet brave response of a nation that had been insulted and degraded by a five-year war to "liberate" it from oppression?

Shoe thrower 'beaten in custody'

The brother of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W Bush has said that the reporter has been beaten in custody.

Muntadar al-Zaidi has suffered a broken hand, broken ribs and internal bleeding, as well as an eye injury, his older brother, Dargham, told the BBC.

Mr Zaidi threw his shoes at Mr Bush at a news conference, calling him "a dog".

The head of Iraq's journalists' union told the BBC that officials told him Mr Zaidi was being treated well.

The union head, Mouyyad al-Lami, said he hoped to visit his colleague later.

An Iraqi official said Mr Zaidi had been handed over to the judicial authorities, according to the AFP news agency. 

Earlier, Dargham al-Zaidi told the BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Baghdad he believed his brother had been taken to a US military hospital in the Iraqi capital.

A second day of rallies in support of Mr Zaidi have been held across Iraq, calling for his release.

Meanwhile, offers to buy the shoes are being made around the Arab world, reports say.

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