Like so many people, I woke up to the surprising, I would say stunning, news that Barack Obama had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. While I am a real admirer of the President, I thought it was perhaps premature although I believe he has changed the direction of world events through his policy of multilateralism and dialogue. I thought his speech in Cairo did more to undermine recruitment by terrorist groups than all the bombs and troops around the world. Here is what someone far more qualified than I had to say:
MOHAMED ELBARADEI
The director-general of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, who received the prize in 2005, said in a statement that he was “absolutely delighted,” adding: “I cannot think of anyone today more deserving of this honor. In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself.”
What do you think of the choice of Obama for the Nobel Peace Prize?
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I was surprised by the award, especially because the president has been in office so short a time. I do think there is hope behind this prize that Obama continues his pursuit of peace through reaching out. I expect there will be criticism of the decision because there are so many others who have been working for much longer to contribute to a peaceful world.
ReplyDeleteI think that Obama winning the prize is just plain odd.
ReplyDeleteI imagine, and hope, that Obama will do great things in the future, but at this point it seems as though he was awarded the prize for what will come to be.
Also- I read somewhere, and was amused by the idea, that Obama was awarded the nobel peace prize for not being George Bush, which in some ways I think is more accurate than cynical.
We had a discussion about this during 6th period lunch in the MG office and we came to the conclusion that Obama was given the Nobel because of either:
ReplyDeletea) It was a slap to the face for Bush
or
b) He was actually being rewarded for doing things nobody else has done before.
While he allegedly improved foreign relations, I don't think it resulted in any accomplishment worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. That's the ultimate symbol of accomplishment. He definitely broke boundaries with his campaign and presidency, but his most notable achievement to date is simply instilling hope in the American people for change - in the economy, environment, and nuclear weapons.
ReplyDeleteEven Obama recognized it as a "call to action," indicating that he must NOW act, whereas before, it was hopeful speech and political promises. This prize should not be awarded as encouragement to keep up the good work.
Nominations had to be submitted less than 2 weeks after Obama took office. He was considered even before he became president. During discussion, he was not a front-runner. So why? Perhaps we would have a more accurate view of why he won if we could know who the other nominees were.
I hope he realizes that he now has to live up to the potential, and continue to stay true to his words.
I'd have to agree with the majority here by saying that it's just "too soon."