THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2003

"The Nobel Commitee seems to me to have done a great thing in awarding it to a pro-democratic Iranian woman. It's a sign that the world understands the plight of people living under Islamist dictatorships and wants to support those who have made a difference in moving the Muslim world toward greater pluralism and openness. "
via Andrew Sullivan

"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2003 to Shirin Ebadi for her efforts for democracy and human rights. She has focused especially on the struggle for the rights of women and children.
As a lawyer, judge, lecturer, writer and activist, she has spoken out clearly and strongly in her country, Iran, and far beyond its borders. She has stood up as a sound professional, a courageous person, and has never heeded the threats to her own safety."
The Norwegian Nobel Institute