I have a column up today on the homepage, where I argue that the shoe throwing incident is a sign of progress in Iraq:

Saddam didn’t allow too many of the people who offended him have a fair trial. But now, some 200 lawyers — including Americans — have volunteered to defend the shoe thrower. Khalil al-Dulaimi, last seen defending Saddam Hussein himself, said he was organizing a team for the shoe thrower’s defense.
Speaking to al-Jazeera, al-Dulaimi summarized his legal strategy by channeling Malcolm X: “Our defence of Zeidi will be based on the fact that the United States is occupying Iraq, and resistance is legitimate by all means, including shoes.” Well, it wouldn’t be a fair trial if it didn’t indulge the defense attorney’s baldfaced hyperbole, now would it? Expect al-Dulaimi to be saying, “If the shoe don’t fit, you must acquit!” any day now.