Iraqi Shoe Thrower at Bush Offered Cars, Homes and a Wife

Muntazer al-Zaidi, the Iraqi reporter who famously threw his shoes at George W. Bush in a fit of anger, has been flooded with offers of cars, wives and money in the run up to his discharge from jail.

Zaidi has won the hero worship of millions, who think his act of disobedience did what their leaders had been too cowed to do.

His comment to Mr. Bush: "This is your farewell kiss, you dog. This is for the widows and orphans of Iraq" is still celebrated by the Iraqi public.

Now, in preparation for his release, many offers are rolling in, the Guardian reports.

His former boss has built a new four-bedroom home. A brand new car and the promise of many more also lie ahead. Pledges of harems, money and healthcare are pouring in to his employers, the al-Baghdadia television channel.

"One Iraqi who stay in Morocco called to propose to send his daughter to be Muntazer's wife," said editor Abdul Hamid al-Saij.

"Another called from Saudi offering $10 million for his shoes, and one more called from Morocco offering a gold-saddled horse. After the incident, we had callers from Palestine and lots of women asking to get married to him, but we didn't take their names. Many of their responses were emotional. We will see what happens when he is free."

From his prison room, Zaidi has a sense of the gathering excitement, but not the full extent of the supporters and patrons planning for his release.

Muntazer al-Zaidi has told Maitham, and one more brother, Vergam, that he was planning to open an orphanage when he will be released from jail and will not work again as a journalist.