EDITORIAL
A fitting choice for Nobel Peace Prize

Even in the best of times, Iran is not an easy place for women. But that never deterred Shirin Ebadi from challenging the repressive post-revolution regime of hard-line mullahs and fighting for human rights.

Ebadi, 56, her country's first female judge under the shah's monarchy, is this year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, a most fitting honor at a time when many see Islam and democracy as irreconcilable. Ebadi, a devout Muslim who represented women, street children and political prisoners, is living proof they are not.

We can only hope her Nobel win inspires women around the world to mobilize and challenge oppressive regimes.