Dalai Lama: Obama's Nobel Prize "A Little Early"
Mr. Obama Thursday, but his Nobel win comes under unusual circumstances – not only is he in office for less than a year, but he also announced last week that the U.S. would send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.
"I think if you are realistic, it may have been a little early but it doesn't matter, I know Obama is a very able person," the Dalai Lama told Sky News.
Tibet's spiritual leader, who won the same prize 20 years ago for his peaceful opposition to Chinese rule in his country, described Mr Obama as "young and energetic".
"I think the Nobel Peace Prize gives him more encouragement and also gives him more moral personal responsibility," he said.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Obama said he would use the award to "reach for the world that ought to be." But he also defended his new surge strategy in Afghanistan, saying that he faces the "world as it is" and that "the belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it."
The Dalai Lama told Sky News he hopes to meet with the president in the next few months.
The Dalai Lama also shared his thoughts on Mr. Obama's predecessor, President George W. Bush.
"As a human being I really love him, really wonderful person, very honest, very truthful. But I think due to his adviser's views, some of his policies have been a disaster."
More on Obama's Nobel Prize:
Photos: Obama in Norway
Full Text of Obama's Remarks
Video: Obama's Nobel Prize Speech (excerpts)
Analysis: Can Obama Deliver on Nobel Peace Prize Goals?
Who Should Get Obama's Nobel Prize Cash?