From Oslo to Tehran, streets are buzzing over the new winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi. It came as a surprise, the Pope and Former Czech President Vaclav Havel had been rumored to be the top contenders. But instead, the Committee made a choice that some say speaks volumes about the politics behind the prize itself.
It is the first win for an Iranian the first win for a Muslim woman and it is sure to focus international attention on the fight for human rights and the plight of women in Iran. There is a message for the west as well. Ebadi was also congratulated by the Nobel committee, and in a very direct way, for her ability to solve problems using non-violent means. A look at this year’s Nobel winner, Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi.
Guests:
Irwin Abrams, author of “The Nobel Peace Prize and the Laureates”
Ali Banuazizi, co-director Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program at Boston College
Mahnaz Afkhami, Iran’s Minister of State for Women’s Affairs
Mehrangiz Kar, Iranian women’s rights activist and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Virginia
Jim Muir, BBC reporter in Tehran