UP Ibalon Bicol: Norwegian Nobel Committee too early for Obama's peace prize?

Norwegian Nobel Committee too early for Obama's peace prize?

10/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Obama for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." But critics -- especially in parts of the Arab and Muslim world -- called its decision premature.”---Reuters (10/09/09, Moskwa, W.)

Many were caught by surprise--- even the awardee in the White House. How could Pres. Barack Obama who just started laying down his plans as the US president won a prize of such distinction? Did the Nobel skidded into irrelevancy that it lost the honor bestowed to Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa or Henry Kissinger? Is politics again behind the selection? Could someone be deserving of a recognition for a vision of peace that remains to be seen? Could it be too early to pay tribute to someone for an accomplishment that needed to be validated in the future?

Obama is set to receive a cash prize of $1.4 million and citation in a glittery ceremony in Oslo, Norway.

For those who don’t agree that Obama deserves the controversial citation, a day laborer in Iraq quipped, the man hasn’t changed anything to be worthy of anything. A leader of a conservative party in Pakistan thinks the peace prize is an embarrassing joke. Polish president Lech Walesa thinks Obama has no contribution so far. A Hamas leader believes the president who suffers from dwindling job approval rating back home has to do a lot to prove his worthiness of the reward.

Obama is facing policy problems in the Iraq-Afghanistan wars, a healthcare plan that is met with strong opposition from the public, a soaring joblessness and deficit unheard of before.

The same eloquence that captivated the American electorate in November is the same language that made the Nobel Committee came slobbering for the president who in his statement said he was very much humbled. However, choosing Obama casts doubts on such premature accolades---Many think there is political intent to push for the president to get the award. Whether such prize is fitting for Obama or is it losing meaning and prestige, what is oddly clear is the Nobel can after all be handed down on the basis of good intention before a job is considered laudable and well done. (Photo Credit: Roddickremix) =0=

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LABELS: Nobel Prize, Pres. Barack Obama, Oslo, Norway, tribute, homage, Totie Mesia