And the Award Goes To...

Less than eight months into his presidential reign, Barack Obama has been awarded this year´s Nobel Peace prize in Oslo.

The award goes for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.
.
"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," the committee said. "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."

The committee said it attached special importance to Obama's vision of, and work for, a world without nuclear weapons.

"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," the committee said.

Not surprisingly, this is a shock for many. It should be noted that Obama took office less than two weeks before the Feb. 1st nomination deadline.

What actually has Obama managed to deliver to date? Such decisions belittle what should be a very prestigious award.

In my life time, such greats as Nelson Mandela ( 1993), HH Dalai Lama (1989), Aung San Suu Kyi (1991), Lech Walesa (1983), Mother Theresa (1979) have been honoured. I just hope Obama can warrant a place in such immense and esteemed company.

I follow Obama´s tweets. They are really dull, which is a shame because he must get involved in some really interesting stuff.

Editor´s Addition: and Obama´s response to the award on Twitter? "Humbled". And so he should!