Presidential Elections in countries across the globe have often sprung unfathomable surprises. In an interesting turn of events, on Wednesday, an Iraqi journalist who had flung his shoes on then United States President George Bush, during his visit to Iraq, will be running for President’s office. Yes, you heard that right. The journalist, Muntazer al-Zaidi, will be running for the post of President’s office, as elections are scheduled to take place later this month.

On his visit to Iraq in the year 2008, former US President George Bush was subjected to utter humiliation. During a press conference, on December 14, Muntazer al-Zaidi threw his shoes at Bush, who was answering the media persons present in the room. The Iraqi journalist had then shouted ‘This is a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, you dog!’ while throwing his shoes towards the former US President.

Watch Iraqi Journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi Throwing Shoes at Former US President George Bush:

However, President Bush had then downplayed the incident saying, “It doesn’t bother me. If you want the facts, it’s a size 10 shoe that he threw.” The incident drew intense criticism around the world, but surprisingly garnered supported in equal measure. Muntazer’s act of throwing shoes was one-of-the-first times when a protest was being displayed in such nonchalant manner. Following this incident, there have been numerous similar incidents around the world in the decade that has passed by.

10 years down the line, the same Iraqi journalist is now running for Presidential Elections that are to take place in Iraq on May 12, reportedly. This comes as something astonishing. We all know what reception US President Donald Trump received when he announced his presidential run!

It seems really silly to compare two countries with different establishments, different philosophies, different geography and different demography. How will Muntazer Al-Zaidi fare at Iraq Presidential Elections 2018 is for the country’s electorate to decide! However, the Iraqi journalist's nomination for the same reminds us that Politics is a different ball game altogether, and one can never draw conclusions due to its unpredictability.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2018 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).