It all becomes clear

I was so puzzled why that Iraqi journalist threw a shoe at President Bush.

Could it mean he has a mistaken impression of Christmas traditions and was merely wishing W. a happy holiday season? Or likes not having electricity or clean running water? Or is upset that Battlestar Galactica is heading into its final season?

Fortunately, Arab news service Al Jazeera weighs in with a helpful translation:

In Iraqi culture, throwing shoes at someone is a sign of contempt.

Ooooooohhhh. Never would have guessed that.