Swedish diplomat puts worst foot forward, accidentally offends Iran
Peter Tejler, Sweden"s new diplomatic envoy to Iran, caused an uproar recently for, well, baring his soles. Tejler was meeting with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when he crossed his legs, which exposed the soles of his shoes. An irate Ahmadinejad retued the gesture to an apparently oblivious Tejler.
Ahmadinejad was furious because to some Muslims, the gesture is an insult, as shoes are seen as unclean because they are "closer to the ground, closer to the devil and farther away from God.” According to an Iranian news account, Ahmadinejad retued the gesture "in response to the impoliteness of his interlocutor.” [Source]
Tell us about a time you offended someone by accident
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Mike Gallagher
Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.
