Iraqi Shoe-Gate: al-Maliki Lets Muntazar al-Zaidi Dangle

Public Relations Act of the Day: the release of a letter to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, purportedly from Muntazar al-Zaidi asking for a pardon for his "big and ugly act". Al-Maliki's spokesman was far from subtle in his presentation of the letter, which has not actually been seen by anyone: it seems that Yaseen Majid spoke "exclusively" to almost every major American and British news outlet.



Doing this, the al-Maliki Government has given itself flexibility in its handling of al-Zaidi. It can now claim kindness and compassion by approving a lenient sentence for assault by deadly shoes. On the other hand, as Majid make clear al-Maliki was "leaning toward allowing the Iraqi judicial system to determine [al-Zaidi's] fate", the Government can also watch as the journalist gets a long term in prison.

And there's a bonus. With its dramatic release of the "letter", the Government could get rid of those troubling allegations that al-Zaidi, who has still not been seen by family, friends, or lawyers, was beaten by Iraqi security forces. I could not find any mention this morning of al-Zaidi's isolation and possible injuries.