2009 Nobel Peace Prize

U.S. President Barack Obama, January 2009

The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to U.S. President Barack Obama "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." The award was announced on October 9, 2009. As specific examples of the work that led to the award, the Committee highlighted efforts to promote nuclear nonproliferation (particularly in Iran), and a "new climate" in international relations fostered by Obama, especially in reaching out to the Muslim world.

The White House announced Obama would travel to Oslo in December to accept the prize. Obama plans to donate the full 10 million Swedish kronor (US$1.4 million) monetary award to charity. Obama is the third sitting U.S. President to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt won the award in 1906 and Woodrow Wilson won in 1919. In addition, former President Jimmy Carter won the award in 2002, and former Vice President Al Gore shared the 2007 prize with the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Obama won the prize nearly nine months after being sworn in as president.

Initial reaction to the award was mixed. Among Nobel laureates, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore called the award "extremely well deserved", but former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, who received the prize in 1983, said, "So soon? This is too soon. He has not yet made a real input."

Nomination and announcement

The five-member committee, chosen by the Norwegian Parliament to roughly reflect the party makeup of that body, included two members of the Labor Party, one from the Socialist Left Party, one from the Conservatives and one from the far-right Progress Party. All five members backed the 2009 choice, said Thorbjørn Jagland (of the Labor Party), chairman of the Nobel Committee. Jagland is a former Norwegian prime minister who was elected on September 29, 2009, as secretary general of the Council of Europe. The panel met six or seven times in 2009, beginning several weeks after the February 1 nomination deadline. The winner was picked on October 5.

There were a total of 205 nominations for the award. Other nominees, including civil rights activists in China and Afghanistan, as well as African politicians, Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba, Afghanistan's Sima Samar, Chinese dissident Hu Jia, and Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Morgan Tsvangirai, had been regarded as pre-announcement favorites for the award.

Jagland said he hoped the award would assist Obama's foreign policy efforts. He added: "We have not given the prize for what may happen in the future. We are awarding Obama for what he has done in the past year. And we are hoping this may contribute a little bit for what he is trying to do." Jagland said the committee was influenced by a speech Obama gave about Islam in Cairo in June 2009, as well as the president's efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and climate change, as well as Obama's support for using established international bodies such as the United Nations to pursue foreign policy goals. According to The New York Times, when Jagland was "asked if the committee feared being labeled naïve for accepting a young politician’s promises at face value", he shrugged and answered, "Well, so?"

Reactions

Obama's winning of the peace prize was largely unanticipated and called a "stunning surprise" by The New York Times. In a press conference following the award announcement, reporters noted that Obama had been the president for around nine months, and had made only some progress in achieving his ambitious international agenda. Jagland expressed the hope that the prize would add momentum to Obama's efforts, while saying that it had not been awarded for "what may happen in the future. We are awarding Obama for what he has done in the past year. And we are hoping this may contribute a little bit for what he is trying to do."

The award drew criticism that the award was undeserved or premature due to a perceived lack of relevant accomplishments on Obama's part and his role in conflicts abroad. However, opinions were divided.

The committee claimed the choice could be seen as an early vote of confidence in Obama intended to build global support for his policies. The response from U.S. allies was overwhelmingly positive.

Barack Obama

Obama said he was "surprised" and "deeply humbled" by the award. He stated that he does not feel he deserved the award, saying that he did not feel worthy of the company the award would place him in. In remarks given at the White House Rose Garden on the day of the announcement, Obama stated, "I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments but rather an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations."

"[T]hroughout 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," Obama said. "And that is why I will accept this award as a call to action — a call for all nations to confront the common challenges of the 21st century." He said those common challenges included the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons (which he said might not occur in his lifetime), nuclear proliferation, climate change, tolerance "among people of different faiths and races and religions", peace between and security for Israelis and Palestinians, better social conditions for the world's poor, including "the ability to get an education and make a decent living; the security that you won't have to live in fear of disease or violence without hope for the future". The United States, he said, is "a country that's responsible for ending a war and working in another theater to confront a ruthless adversary that directly threatens the American people and our allies".

The award, he said, "must be shared with everyone who strives for justice and dignity — for the young woman who marches silently in the streets on behalf of her right to be heard even in the face of beatings and bullets; for the leader imprisoned in her own home because she refuses to abandon her commitment to democracy; for the soldier who sacrificed through tour after tour of duty on behalf of someone half a world away; and for all those men and women across the world who sacrifice their safety and their freedom and sometime their lives for the cause of peace." He did not take questions from reporters after giving his statement.

In the United States

General reaction within the United States was not unanimous, but there was widespread, sharp criticism of the Nobel Committee from commentators and editorial writers across the political spectrum. According to Washington Post news analyst Dan Balz, "[E]ven among his supporters there was a sense of surprise and even shock on Friday [the day of the announcement], a belief that the award was premature, a disservice and a potential liability." Senator John McCain said the Nobel Committee's decision was likely based on expectations, not accomplishments, but " [...] I think Americans are always pleased when their president is recognized by something on this order".

In contrast, support for Obama's reception of the award came from numerous sources as well. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stated, "President Obama is working to restore American leadership worldwide and build bonds of friendship across the globe. The Nobel Peace Prize is a testament to his leadership and vision and a tribute to American values. I offer my congratulations to President Obama on this outstanding achievement." Rachel Maddow, a political commentator on MSNBC, suggested that Obama received the award for, amongst other things, his efforts to improve cooperation between nations.

Criticism of the award came mainly on grounds that it be undeserved or premature due to Obama's perceived lack of relevant accomplishments, and due to his escalation of military conflict abroad, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A Los Angeles Times editorial said the committee "didn't just embarrass Obama, it diminished the credibility of the prize itself". Both editorials agreed with the idea that the Nobel Committee was implicitly criticizing the policies of the Bush administration.

Many commentators also criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the prize for inappropriate reasons. Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson wrote, that the committee members "have forfeited any claim to seriousness. Peace — the kind of peace that keeps people from being killed and oppressed — is an achievement, not a sentiment. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee can no longer distinguish between the two. Intending to honor Obama, the committee has actually embarrassed him." New Republic editor Peter Beinart called it a "farce", saying "(Obama's) done nothing to deserve the prize."

Commentary's Peter Wehner wrote that the award was meant to be a "slap" at former President George W. Bush. Wehner added, that the Nobel Committee "long ago ceased to be a serious entity; this choice merely confirms that judgment." Fred Greenstein, presidential historian and author and professor of politics emeritus at Princeton University, told FOXNews.com that giving President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize is a "premature canonization" and an "embarrassment to the Nobel process." Liberal blogger Mickey Kaus, on Slate, and George W. Bush administration U.N. ambassador John Bolton, amongst others, called for Obama to not accept the award, and pundit Michael Crowley speculated that it would not help Obama.

Republican Party chairman Michael Steele used the award to raise money and criticized Obama, saying, "‘What has President Obama actually accomplished?’ It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights." Democratic Party National Committee communications director Brad Woodhouse mocked opposition criticism of the award by saying, "The Republican Party has thrown in its lot with the terrorists — the Taliban and Hamas this morning — in criticizing the President for receiving the Nobel Peace prize." Allan Lichtman, professor of history at American University, pointed out that Obama's award was different from the previous sitting U.S. presidents who won the award. Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson "were six or seven years into two-term presidencies, and Obama has not completed a single year of his presidency, so it makes very little sense."

Former Vice President Al Gore, himself a past recipient, said the award is "extremely well deserved [...] Much of what he has accomplished already is going to be far more appreciated in the eyes of history as it has been by the Nobel Committee."

Long-time activist and well-known author Naomi Klein referred to it as a “cheapening of the Nobel Prize”.

In Norway

A poll conducted by Synovate for the newspaper Dagbladet showed that 43% of the Norwegian population believed giving Obama the prize was right, while 38% believed it was wrong. 19% had no opinion. The poll showed a sharp divide between younger and older people; of those over 60 years of age 58% were for and only 31% against it. Of those between 18 and 29 years of age, only 25% approved of the decision, while 42% disapproved.

The award divided opinion among politicians. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg congratulated Obama for a "well-deserved prize". Siv Jensen, leader of the opposition Progress Party, said that while Obama had taken several good initiatives the committee should have waited to see their results. Erna Solberg, leader of the Conservative Party, also said that the prize came early and increased pressure on Obama to live up to the expectation. Torstein Dahle, the leader of the tiny leftist party Rødt, called the award a scandal, citing the fact that Obama was the commander-in-chief of a country at war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan

President Hamid Karzai said that Obama was the "appropriate" person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. "His hard work and his new vision on global relations, his will and efforts for creating friendly and good relations at global level and global peace make him the appropriate recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize," said Siamak Hirai, a spokesman for Karzai.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the decision was ridiculous, saying:

The Nobel prize for peace? Obama should have won the 'Nobel Prize for escalating violence and killing civilians' ... He reinforces the war in Afghanistan, he sent more troops to Afghanistan and is considering sending yet more. He has shed Afghan blood and he continues to bleed Afghans and to boost the war here ... We have seen no change in his strategy for peace. He has done nothing for peace in Afghanistan ... When Obama was elected president, we were hopeful he would keep his promise to bring change. But he brought no change, he has continued the same old strategy as Bush.

Elsewhere by nation

• Australia – Stuart Rees, director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, questioned the award. “We've all got our fingers crossed Obama can wave his magic wand and make these things happen,” he said. “Perhaps the Nobel organisation wants to give him a magic wand. I think the guy is full of promise, but I don't think the promise has been realised yet particularly in regards the Middle East.”
• Bangladesh - Economist Muhammad Yunus, a co-winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, said Obama has brought a new spirit to the international stage. "He has excited the young people of the world,” he said. “There's now meaning and direction for the world. It's an endorsement of him and the direction he is taking. It's as much about what he will achieve as what he has already achieved. It's a powerful message that the peace prize has given.”
• Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated "President Obama's efforts and vision to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people are applauded by all Canadians"
• Cuba – Former president Fidel Castro considered the award "positive". He said the prize should be seen as a criticism to the "genocidal policy" carried out by "not a few number" of US presidents. He said the award compensated Obama's loss in Copenhagen when Chicago lost its bid to host the 2016 Olympics, which provoked "angry attacks from far-right adversaries".
• France – President Nicolas Sarkozy wrote: "...I know that [the Nobel] will reinforce your determination to act for justice, for peace, and to preserve the great balances of our planet...[it] finally confirms the return of America in the hearts of all the peoples of the world".
• Germany - Chancellor Angela Merkel stated "His call for a world free of nuclear weapons is a goal we all should try to make a reality in the coming years. It will certainly encourage the US president but also help us to help him"
• India – President Pratibha Patil sent a congratulatory message to Obama that read: “I am sure that this honour would inspire all those who believe in promoting international peace and justice to achieve enduring harmony and fraternity among nations...the people of India join me in conveying to you our good wishes for the continuous success of your nation for positive change.”
• Indonesia - Masdar Mas'udi, deputy head of the Indonesian Islamic organisation Nahdatul Ulama, praised Obama’s policy towards his country as confirmation of his worthiness as a Nobel laureate. “I think it's appropriate because he is the only American president who has reached out to us in peace,” he said. “On the issues of race, religion, skin colour, he has an open attitude.”
• Ireland - Taoiseach Brian Cowen praised the announcement. “In his first year of office, President Obama and his administration have sought to address many difficult international challenges and issues,” he said. “He has worked patiently with countries from the Middle East and elsewhere, at the United Nations, the G20 and with the European Union partners to overcome them. Ireland has consistently supported the need for sustained diplomatic engagement on disarmament and I welcome the U.S. president’s efforts in this regard.”
• Israel – President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres congratulated Obama in a letter, stating, "Under your leadership, peace became a real and original agenda. And from Jerusalem, I am sure all the bells of engagement and understanding will ring again. You gave us a license to dream and act in a noble direction".
• Kenya – Wangari Maathai, the 2004 Nobel Peace Laurate, said "Many people are waiting for miracles, when miracles have already happened. The getting of the senator into the Senate, the way he conducted his campaign, the way he won... In America it may not look as big a thing as it was to the rest of the world, the hope and the aspiration it provides for the rest of the world."
• Palestinian Authority - Ahmed Yousef, deputy foreign minister of Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, said: "We believe he has been rewarded or judged based on good intentions towards peace but not on his achievement. [...] It was too early to award him. He has not done that much yet."
• Poland – Former president Lech Walesa, who won the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize for his work as the co-founder of the Solidarity trade union, questioned Obama’s award. “So soon?” he said at a press conference. “This is too soon. He has not yet made a real input. He is proposing, he is starting, but he still has to do it all.”
• Russia – Former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who won the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize, conveyed his congratulations to Obama in a letter published on the Gorbachev Foundation web site. “I congratulate you on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize,” wrote Gorbachev. “I am convinced that it is the right decision, which significantly reinforces our family of Nobel laureates.” Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said the award will encourage further U.S.–Russian cooperation.
• South Africa - Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize, expressed his support of the award decision. “It's an award coming near the beginning of the first term of office of a relatively young president that anticipates an even greater contribution towards making our world a safer place for all,” he said. “It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope.”
• Syria – Muhammad Habash, a member of parliament and director of the Islamic Studies Center in Damascus, stated: "We in Syria believe that Obama's initiative has been suitable, and that Syria is now witnessing important steps to correct the relationship with the United States. I believe everyone here will be very happy for Obama."
• United Kingdom - Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent Obama a private message congratulating him. Mairead Corrigan, co-winner of the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize, expressed her disappointment with the choice, stating, "[g]iving this award to the leader of the most militarized country in the world, which has taken the human family against its will to war, will be rightly seen by many people around the world as a reward for his country's aggression and domination." The Times of London, in an online editorial, called the prize "blatantly political," opining that "the prize risks looking preposterous in its claims, patronising in its intentions and demeaning in its attempt to build up a man who has barely begun his period in office, let alone achieved any tangible outcome for peace."
• United Nations – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the choice of Obama as the Nobel laureate. “We are entering an era of renewed multilateralism, a new era where the challenges facing humankind demand global common cause and uncommon global effort,” Ban said in a press statement. “President Obama embodies the new spirit of dialogue and engagement on the world's biggest problems: climate change, nuclear disarmament and a wide range of peace and security challenges.”
• Vatican City - Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi, in an interview with L’Osservatore Romano, said that news of the award “is greeted with appreciation by the Vatican,” adding that Obama was honored for his efforts “to promote peace in the international arena, particularly in the recent effort in favor of the nuclear disarmament."
• Zimbabwe - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who was himself one of the favorites to win the prize, said President Obama was "a deserving candidate" and an "extraordinary example".

External links

• Announcement: The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009, The Norwegian Nobel Committee