Excerpts from recent editorials in newspapers in the United States and abroad:

Dec. 28

The New York Times, on Iranian unrest:

We are inspired by the bravery of Iranians who continue to demand their rights, even in the face of their government's relentless and shameful brutality. Iran's leaders are so desperate to repel a rising tide of popular unrest that even Ashura _ which marks the death of Shiite Islam's holiest martyr _ is no longer sacred.

The anniversary, which fell on Sunday, is supposed to be a time of peaceful commemoration. Even during war, Iranian governments have honored the prohibitions against violence during a two-month period surrounding Ashura. Tehran's current rulers have proved again that their only belief is in their own survival.

On Sunday, the police opened fire on a crowd of protesters, reportedly killing at least 10 people, and arrested hundreds more. ...

The government is trying hard to keep the Iranian people, and the world, from learning the full extent of its abuses. Foreign correspondents have largely been barred from the country. Journalists there risk their lives when they dare to do their jobs. Redha al-Basha, a Syrian journalist with Dubai TV, has been reported missing. He was last seen in the midst of the protests, surrounded by security forces. He must be released unharmed. Thankfully there are still many people _ journalists, bloggers, concerned citizens with cell phone cameras _ who are determined to get the word out. ...

The Iranian people are demanding what all people have a right to demand: basic freedoms, economic security, and the knowledge that their government is committed to protecting, not killing its citizens.

On the Net:

http://tinyurl.com/yd99bvx

___

Dec. 28

San Francisco Chronicle, on job creation:

On the one hand, the national unemployment rate stands at 10 percent. On the other hand, Washington's 2009 fiscal year ended on Sept. 30 with a record deficit of $1.4 trillion.

With the federal government approaching its debt limit of $12.1 trillion, the Senate had to vote on a small increase in the government's debt ceiling _ and all of those numbers are making most of our creditors, and some of our voters, very nervous.

So nervous, in fact, that the major question buzzing around Washington for the past several weeks has been whether our leaders should focus on creating jobs (which will take more spending) or reducing the deficit (before there's nothing left to spend). Both factions have some powerful economic evidence on their side. But in the final analysis, what matters right now is getting Americans back to work. ...