Something political is going on - I'm not the only one to notice the irony in offering the Nobel Peace Prize to a US President who is currently discussing an expansion to the war in Afghanistan.Some quotes:
"I believe the Nobel Committee has not met the conditions of Alfred Nobel's will where he stipulates it is to be awarded to those who work for an end to militarism and war, and for disarmament. This is not the first time the Nobel Peace Committee in Oslo has ignored the will of Alfred Nobel and acted against the spirit of what the Nobel Peace Prize is all about," Mairead Maguire.
"He just became the president. Things are just the same as the way they were by the administration of Mr. [George W.] Bush. Things are not better, things are worse and worse." Obaid Alam, Afghanistan, "The number of U.S. Army [troops] has increased here. The number of terrorist attacks increased here. I’m kind of confused whether that Nobel Award [is] for all those things."
“Who, Obama? So fast? Too fast — he hasn’t had the time to do anything yet…For the time being Obama’s just making proposals. But sometimes the Nobel Committee awards the prize to encourage responsible action. Let’s give Obama a chance." Lech Wałęsa
"It's a joke. How embarrassing for those who awarded it to him because he's done nothing for peace. What change has he brought in Iraq, the Middle East or Afghanistan?" Liaqat Baluch
"To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace." President Barack Hussein Obama II
"But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes. That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century."
Let's hope so.
