As the Iraqi people continue to defame likenesses of Saddam Hussein, U.S. footwear manufacturer Nike pledges to proliferate the trend with a new line of "desert sandals".
Nike introduced the line as a "lighter and more durable" design, which will be a critical factor in administering maximum disrespect with minimal effort.
"We witnessed with Iraqis the quick onset of fatigue," Nike V.P. of Marketing Donna Rains said. "Two shoe slaps with the left hand, then two with the right. It's not easy to consistently slap at a picture or statue."
Rains said that after the shoe slapping came the throwing of the shoe, which completely missed Saddam's head in many cases.
The first released design, named "The Punisher", will weigh a mere 4 ounces and is designed to flex after a strike. Nike believes this flexibility provides for a more pronounced slapping sound. Other designs include velcro ankle supports, which aid in balance and stability at high foot speeds. Designers boasted their efficacy, saying that Iraqi quality-of-life should improve immediately.
"A lighter, more ergonomic sandal is key for slapping a Saddam statue as well as fleeing a burnt out palace with thousands of dollars in looted goods," designer Jake Frost said. "I couldn't imagine running through the streets of Baghdad with a stolen TV on my shoulder without good ankle support."
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