Barack Obama a Nobel Peace Laureate
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Posted by Tel Asiado Oct 10, 2009 |
October 9, 2009
The Nobel Peace Prize win of American President Barack Obama came as a stunning surprise considering his short period in office. However, it has been interpreted as his "call to action" to work towards the problems that confront the world rather than an achievement award.
Not only critics, but observers and some supporters alike, were shocked by the unexpected choice which began less than two weeks before the February 1 nomination deadline, and Obama, serving so early in his term of office has yet to yield achievements in peacemaking.
President Obama himself was surprised and humbled about his win and feels he doesn't deserve "to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by the prize." He will donate the entire prize of $1.4 million to charity, but hasn't yet decided which organizations will share it. He plans to travel to Oslo to accept the prize.
According to NBC News (Oct 9, 2009, Obama: Nobel Peace Prize a 'Call to Action'), the stunning pick from the Nobel officials "was meant to build momentum behind Obama's initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism."
Aren't awards given when someone has already accomplished something? Well, not this one.
In any case, congratulations for the Nobel Peace Prize win, U.S. President Obama.
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