The last few days have seen opinions differing on the award of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to United States President, Barack Obama. Some popular opposing opinions were:
· It’s not enough to be rewarded for mere intentions;
· He has not really achieved anything in terms of contributing to world peace;
· It’s just too early for him to be given any kind of ‘laureate’ whatsoever;
· There are other more qualified candidates that merit the award;
· The Nobel committee has watered-down the credibility of the Peace Prize.
Well, whatever these opinions are, the fact is that Barack Obama has joined the league of Nobel Laureates of our time and one thing you can’t take away from him is his ‘new style’ of engaging both friends and ‘enemies’ of the United States. He is unarguably displaying a rare kind of diplomacy which seems to be promoting dialogue and dousing tensions across the world.
He has extended open arms to the Arab and Muslim world and is constructively engaging countries like Russia, North Korea, Pakistan etc.
He is showing commitment towards ridding our continent of nukes and he is continuously sensitising all countries towards the need for collective responsibility and accountability in making our world a better place.
In all, rather than talking tough, he is talking sense.
On my part, I’ll say congratulations Mr. Obama and would sincerely hope the award ‘humbles’ him as he said in his acceptance speech.
· It’s not enough to be rewarded for mere intentions;
· He has not really achieved anything in terms of contributing to world peace;
· It’s just too early for him to be given any kind of ‘laureate’ whatsoever;
· There are other more qualified candidates that merit the award;
· The Nobel committee has watered-down the credibility of the Peace Prize.
Well, whatever these opinions are, the fact is that Barack Obama has joined the league of Nobel Laureates of our time and one thing you can’t take away from him is his ‘new style’ of engaging both friends and ‘enemies’ of the United States. He is unarguably displaying a rare kind of diplomacy which seems to be promoting dialogue and dousing tensions across the world.
He has extended open arms to the Arab and Muslim world and is constructively engaging countries like Russia, North Korea, Pakistan etc.
He is showing commitment towards ridding our continent of nukes and he is continuously sensitising all countries towards the need for collective responsibility and accountability in making our world a better place.
In all, rather than talking tough, he is talking sense.
On my part, I’ll say congratulations Mr. Obama and would sincerely hope the award ‘humbles’ him as he said in his acceptance speech.
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