Live-blog: Ashura in Iran - December 27, 2009  —  This is a live-blog report on clashes occurring in Iran on December 27, during the Shia mourning day of Ashura.  As reports come in, they will be placed at the top of this page.  To read this in chronological order it must be read from the bottom up.

Vacation's Over, Mr. President  —  UPDATE:  —  Here is an outstanding piece by a gentleman who was actually on the plane.  It's making me think, and re-think.  —  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roey- rosenblith/over-detroit-skies_b_ 404255.html  —  I will say this: Some of my initial statements …

Napolitano: “The system worked”  —  DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said that the thwarting of the attempt to blow up the Amsterdam-Detroit flight this week demonstrated that “the system worked.”  —  Asked by CNN's Candy Crowley on “State of the Union” how that could be possible …

BUFFOON WATCH.... Some have wondered this year if, in the case of a deadly terrorist attack, Republicans could bring themselves to put patriotism over party, and rally behind a president they disagree with.  —  I think we're getting a sense of the answer.

Why The President Went Golfing Today  —  In his Farenheit 9/11, filmmaker Michael Moore juxtaposes images and words of a terrorist attack in Israel with President Bush's first words about the incident, spoken to a press pool on a golf course, with him leaning casually against a tree.

Airline bomber was barred from Britain  —  David Leppard, Chris Gourlay and Times Online  —  The son of a prominent Nigerian banker, who allegedly attempted to blow up a transatlantic flight over America, was barred from returning to Britain earlier this year.

Dems to W.H.: Drop cap-and-trade  —  Bruised by the health care debate and worried about what 2010 will bring, moderate Senate Democrats are urging the White House to give up now on any effort to pass a cap-and-trade bill next year.  —  “I am communicating that in every way I know how,” …

Percy Sutton, Eminent Politician, Dies at 89  —  Percy E. Sutton, who displayed fierce intelligence and exquisite polish in becoming one of the nation's most prominent black political and business leaders, died on Saturday, The Associated Press reported.  He was 89.

End the filibuster!  An interview with Sen. Tom Harkin  —  Sen. Tom Harkin has served in the Senate since 1984, and currently chairs the influential Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.  Before coming to the Senate, he served in the House of Representatives from 1975 to 1984.