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BAGHDAD – The Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at former President George W. Bush in protest was freed from prison on Tuesday and, unrepentant, he harshly condemned the U.S. presence in his country and accused authorities of torturing him.Muntadhar al-Zeidi's stunning act of protest in December made him a hero for many in and outside Iraq. It struck a chord with millions in the Arab and Muslim worlds who have been captivated and angered by daily images of destruction and grieving since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.But nine months later, there was little public outpouring of support for him, a sign of how things have changed.Since the incident, U.S. forces have pulled back from Iraq's cities, significantly lowering the profile of the U.S. military ahead of a planned full withdrawal from the country....Picture Left:Muntadhar al-Zeidi, center, an Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at former President George W. Bush, is seen on his release from a Baghdad prison Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009.(AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
