abaya

Given the tight security of the press conference (no doubt), I don't think a gun would have been an option. His shoes were probably all he had to throw at the president, other than maybe his tape recorder, notebook, or some other article of clothing. I think it was a pretty smart tactic of protest, given those constraints... essentially non-violent, but extremely symbolic given the local meaning of throwing one's shoes at someone you despise.

__________________
And think not you can direct the course of Love;
for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
--Khalil Gibran