This morning in Oslo, Norway, came the annoucemnent of the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, and was it a surprise. Gasps were audible in the room when President Barack Obama was named the recipiant by Nobel chairman Thorbjoern Jagland. Obama was awarded the prize "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between nations."
Although Obama was only in office for two weeks before his nomination, there are three key moments that brought on this recognition. First was his speech in Berlin during the campaign where he addressed America's role in the world and the need for understanding and cooperation from Europe. Secondly, was his speech in Prague shortly after he took office. His speech for nuclear disarmament, in the Czech Republic, forshadowed domestic controversies including the Eastern European missile defense shield and multi-lateral diplomacy with Iran. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, was his speech in Cairo. Obama's declaration of a new relationship between Europe and the United States and the Muslim world was really the centerpiece of his effort to reposition the US as a nation that is willing to deal with it's problems in a diplomatic manner, first and foremost. This last point underscores what may really be behind this honor, the departure of George Bush.
Which is why the right-wing in the States have reacted so negatively to the announcement. One can hardly be surprised that the same people who were celebrating Chicago's failed attempt to bring the Olympics to the the US are now aghast that a sitting President has received such a widely respected award. Republican chairmen Micheal Steele was quoted as saying, "It is unfortunate that the President's star power has out shined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights." Obama himself has acknowledged that the award may be premature, saying that it should serve as a "call to action," and that it will provide momentum for his policies and goals.
Obama becomes the 3rd sitting US President to receive the award. The first was Theodore Roosevelt for his "mediation of the Russo-Japanese war." Next was Woodrow Wilson, for his attempts to establish the League of Nations. Former President Jimmy Carter also received the award after he left office for his efforts to advance human rights and economic improvements.
1 comment:
I, too, was pleased as punch to see Obama receive the Nobel Prize. After all, we haven't bombed Iran, yet. The tone has changed so, since Obama has taken the reins of the country, and the rest of the world is relieved that our war-like attitude, our "we'll do it our way, and what are you going to do about it" posture is gone. I have to admit, though, my first reaction was "Wow, the Right's Head will explode!" and its been fun to watch.
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