For “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation among peoples” Obama is this years winner!
Here are a few excerpts from Obama’s Nobel citation (source CBS news):
“Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. “
“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world’s population.”
“For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world’s leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama’s appeal that. “Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.”
Is this too early for him? But the right timing for us? Who needed more this nomination: Obama or we? We, in need for hope that there will be a better tomorrow? Is this a confirmation that by believing that “we can” we might really change the world? A welcome self-fulfilling prophecy?
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October 9, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Hannes Offenbacher
For sure – also my first reflex was “what the fuck…” because it seems to be very early – giving him a nobel prize.
BUT: as u also mentioned – I think it is a symbolic act for us AND if this prize is giving him the power and the bravery to countine the way of change – it is great.
November 12, 2009 at 10:17 am
Alexander Hrach
My reaction on that news was exactly the same as the speaker of the white house: WOW.
I totally embraced the decision of the Nobel Price committee and I feel the explanation given here (http://nobelpeaceprize.org/en_GB/home/announce-2009/) is so clear, comprehensive and concise, there’s not much I can add. Maybe one thing, answering the headline of this article:
I am positive, WE are the ones who need Obama’s Nobel Peace Price.
Because the qualities we can recognize in Obama (to name a few: braveness, hard work, passion, cleverness and integrity – and very obvious, love for peace and the whole mankind) these are qualities every one of is carrying inside him- or herself, too.
So everything which is capable to wake those qualities and make them shine, in all of us, is worth giving thanks – and a celebration.