Politicians and others in power rule the roost. Many are known and seen to be corrupt, inefficient wasters of taxpayer money and distanced from the problems of the people they are meant to serve.

Citizens have no option but to bear with them, right? Wrong, as recent incidents involving "guided missiles" show. Bypassing bodyguards and bureaucratic red tape alike, ordinary people across the world are resorting to hurling objects (shoes being the most popular missile of choice) at public figures. And the University of Cambridge has been the setting of at least two such "air raids"! 

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi was the latest victim and suffered a broken nose and teeth after a statuette caught him square in the face. Well, he's not the only one to face the rage of the guided missiles, as these incidents show…

George W Bush attacked by Iraqi journalist in Baghdad

In December 2008 Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi threw a shoe at US president George W Bush during a press conference in Baghdad. He was jailed for nine months after the incident.

This year, again in December, al-Zaidi himself became the target of a shoe missile hurled at him at his own press conference by a fellow Iraqi.