World Reacts to Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

President's Surprise Selection for Creating a New Climate in International Politics Is Praised, Questioned, Dismissed

(CBS/AP)  Last Updated 9:39 a.m. ET

Calling the United States' president "the world's leading spokesman" for using diplomacy and cooperation to meet global challenges, the Norwegian Nobel Committee this morning conferred the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama.

For an announcement about a peace prize, this one was a bombshell.

CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips said one could almost hear the gasps when the committee made its announcement.

The committee doesn't release a short list of candidates (there were 205 nominations this year), and so the award to Mr. Obama came out of the blue - even to the White House.

CBS News correspondent Larry Miller reports that world reaction has been largely favorable.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy says the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama embodies the "return of America into the hearts of the people of the world."

In a message to the U.S. president, Sarkozy expresses his "very great joy" for Obama and says the honor should strengthen the U.S. leader's determination to work toward peace, justice and "maintaining our planet's great balances."

Yom Egeland, the executive director of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, said the Committee's choice of Mr. Obama was "courageous and positive." Egeland said he believes it was the president's U.N. Security Council resolution to rid the world of nuclear weapons that resulted in the award going to Mr. Obama.

He also said the award may strengthen Mr. Obama's hand in winning international cooperation on key initiatives including climate change, but cautions Afghanistan is a "special case" where he does not expect other nations to increase support for the United States' military effort there.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Mr Obama's efforts for global peace make him the appropriate recipient.

The European Union hopes it would encourage people to create a safer world.

The 2008 Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari, the former Finnish president and veteran troubleshooter in international conflicts, said the award should "encourage" Mr. Obama's Middle East peace efforts.

"We do not yet have a peace in the Middle East ... this time it was very clear that they wanted to encourage Obama to move on these issues," Ahtisaari told CNN television. "This is a clear encouragement to do something on this issue, I wish him good luck."

But former Polish President Lech Walesa, himself a 1983 Nobel Peace laureate after co-founding the trade union Solidarity and leading a 1980 strike in the Gdansk shipyards against the Soviet-bloc government, said, "So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is still at an early stage. He is only beginning to act.

"This is probably an encouragement for him to act. Let's see if he perseveres. Let's give him time to act," Walesa said.

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But timing was not an issue with Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who won the prize in
1984. He said Mr. Obama's award shows great things are expected from him in coming years.

"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," Tutu said. "It is an award that speaks to the promise of President Obama's message of hope."

The Palestinian Authority's Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat welcomed the Nobel Committee's decision, saying he hopes President Obama will achieve peace in the Middle East. But ordinary Palestinians are more skeptical. CBS News' Robert Berger reports many say President Obama has talked about peace, but on the ground, nothing has changed.

Israel's defense minister, Ehud Barak, said in a statement, "I believe the Nobel prize will strengthen President Obama's ability to contribute to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East."

While Israeli Parliament Speaker Reuven Rivlin described the Nobel decision as "very, very strange," he said it could encourage the international community to force a peace agreement on Israel.

But a former Israeli ambassador to the U.N. described the award as "premature."

A Hebrew University political scientist and a former director of Israel's Foreign Ministry called the Nobel decision "brilliant" and said it should provide momentum and encouragement to his peace effort.

"It's a great idea, because it tells him, 'Don't break.The world appreciates you,'" said Alon Liel. "It could give new energies, and an indication to people in this region that the world is not going to
give up on this idea."

In Pakistan's central city of Multan, the reaction of radical Islamic leader Hanif Jalandhri was more muted, saying he was neither happy nor surprised by Mr. Obama's award.

"But I do hope that Obama will make efforts to work for peace, and he will try to scrap the policies of (former U.S. President George) Bush who put the world peace in danger," said Jalandhri, the secretary general of a group that oversees 12,500 seminaries.

"This prize has tripled Obama's responsibilities, and we can hope that he will try to prove through his actions that he deserved this honor."

A dissenting voice was raised from an Islamic Jihad leader who dismissed the prize as "political, not based on morals."

One London political commentator suggested the President won the Peace Prize because "He isn't George Bush."

That qualification found no support from the Taliban, which condemned Mr. Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, saying that he has not brought peace but rather has continued the policies of his predecessor.

"We have seen no change in his strategy for peace. He has done nothing for peace in Afghanistan," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Agence France-Presse by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"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 (President George W.) Bush.

"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," he said.


"A New Climate in International Politics"

In its announcement in Oslo this morning, the Committee said, "The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." The Committee attached special significance to the president's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

The Committee said that as president Mr. Obama has 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. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the U.S.A. is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.

"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. 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."

This is a surprising and controversial announcement, proving that President Obama, whatever his challenges domestically, overseas is still a very popular figure, reports Phillips.

The award appeared to be a slap at President George W. Bush from a committee that harshly criticized Mr. Obama's predecessor for his largely unilateral military actions in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks - as well as a recognition of the new administration's efforts to turn around world opinion towards the United States.

In 2002 President Bush was himself nominated (along with British Prime Minister Tony Blair) by a right-wing Norwegian politician for the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democracy, after having invaded Afghanistan. Another right-wing parliamentarian in Norway nominated Mr. Bush and Blair again for the 2004 Peace Prize. Jan Simonsen said then that even though weapons of mass destruction - the publicly-stated reason for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq - proved unfounded, the two still deserved the peace prize for toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein.

But the prizes went to others. In 2002 the Nobel committee chairman said that awarding the prize to former Democratic President Jimmy Carter for his mediation in international conflicts should be seen as a "kick in the leg" to the Bush administration's hard line in the buildup to the Iraq war.

Five years later, the committee honored Mr. Bush's adversary in the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore, for his campaign to raise awareness about global warming.

CBS News chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer said, "I don't think anybody expected this. The Nobel Committee, I find interesting, said they awarded this for changing the tone of American politics. It's almost as if they're saying we're giving you the Nobel Peace Prize for winning the election. President Bush was very unpopular in Europe and it is almost as if this is more of a comment on the previous administration than it is on the new one."

World leaders have been awarded the Nobel Prize before, notes Phillips, but never this early in office and never for the intention of their policies rather than the results.

In the Kenyan city of Kisumu, the home province of President Obama's father, local radio shows interrupted broadcasting to have live phone-ins so callers could congratulate Mr. Obama on his win. Traders in the market huddled around handheld radios and shouted the news from the windows of local minibuses - known as matatus.

"When I heard it on the radio I said Hallelujah!" said 65-year-old James Andaro. "It's God's blessing. This win is for Africa."

Matatu driver Ajos Rambanya, 27, said: "I am very happy. Someone who is good is known by his deeds and Obama has proven that."

In Washington CBS News senior White House correspondent Bill Plante said the news hit the White House like a thunderclap out of nowhere.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs (whose own e-mail response to reporters this morning was the single word "Wow") told the president, who said he was humbled by the committee's decision.

This is particularly stunning because it comes as the president is in the process of deciding whether or not to send more combat troops to Afghanistan, Plante wondered if winning a peace prize would constrain his options?

Schieffer did not think the peace prize would affect the president's decision on Afghanistan. "I think where the impact will be is the political reaction in this country from both sides."

Schieffer noted one European commentator who asked whether the award would represent a "poisoned chalice" for Mr. Obama. "In other words, is this going to hurt the president rather than help him? And I must say, when you see the reaction that we got to the United States not getting the Olympics from people on the conservative right, you have to wonder: Is this going to widen the part of partisan divide rather than bring people together?"

Did U.S. President Barack Obama deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize?

---

 Yes
 No
 Unsure

[dzm1982]

I think he deserved this award so far, whole world became more optimistic after his election and couple of international visits...

..check notable tributes and quotes on Barack Obama from famous peers: http://www.tributespaid.com/quotes-on/barack-obama

[hmmIwonder]

He who inspires peace, justice, and hope to millions around the world deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

[gboyd41]

hmmlwonder-and who might that be? Surely not the present "winner". I just hope the POTUS and his wife take just one jet to collect his award, may save us taxpayers a few $.

[magnusrobot12]

the bottom line is that Obama won the prize because he is NOT Bush. That's it. They gave him the prize for not being Bush.

[Ceres6]

The night before Mr. Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, some reports coming from Norway and Sweden were indicating that a Colombian woman, Ms. Piedad Cordoba, was the favorite to win it. Even though it cannot be denied that occasionally she has tried to help liberate some people kidnapped by the terrorist group known as Farc, most of her efforts have been to paint that group of criminals as brave Colombian patriots. In addition, she is always looking for ways to help portray Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan tyrant, as a good and innocent guy. And she has insulted and slandered in the most horrible ways the present Colombian government. Therefore, I wonder about the mental stability of the people in the Nobel Peace Prize selection committee. Somebody should check if they are smoking something fishy behind closed doors.

[bradkt1]

Conservatives always manage to amuse me. In the past, they have repeatedly claimed that the Nobel Peace Prize had been tarnished to the point where it wasn't worth winning.

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to many recipients in the past who had not completed what they had started. Martin Luther King was a recipient but the Civil Rights struggle had been won by no means when he received the award and many of the major Supreme Court victories came after his death in 1968. Apartheid in South Africa continued for 10 years after it was awarded to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This was true for many other cases as well...such as, for example, the women in Ireland who campaigned against the civil war there who received the Prize. One of the express purposes of the Nobel Peace Prize is to recognize the efforts being made by the recipients and to encourage those who receive the Prize to continue their course of action.

So, if they have such contempt for the Nobel Peace Prize, why are conservatives so exercised about it being awarded to President Obama today?

Could it be because they will stop at nothing in their efforts to diminish anything positive about President Obama? I think so. Consider their actions...they refuse to work with him...they insult him and his family at every turn...they question his legitimacy. Had they ever tried to do anything constructive, they might have some credibility...but, of course, the have not and therefore have no credibility.

[FutureNobelPrizeWinner]

I didn't realize they gave out Nobel Peace Prizes for wiping your rear with the constitution & doing the complete opposite of what you said you were going to do before you were elected. Also is that all of you Messiah worshippers can do when someone disagrees or dislikes your "Golden Child" is play the old race card? Sixth grade is over & school's out so why not attempt to grow up and stop sucking on your thumbs. You don't know where they've been. Cheers.

[peacefulbaja]

Obama has done nothing, absolutely nothing to deserve what should be an honor - the Nobel Peace Prize. There are no accomplishments, no goals met, no commitments, nothing but speeches and words. This award diminishes the value and intent of the award. If Obama really cares about peace he will turn down the award until he EARNS it. A very hard position to take but one that has integrity. After all...shouldn't the Peace Prize have a measurable, honorable and tangible reason for its award? If not add it to the Grammy's and the Oscars where acting is not confused with action.

[nearl451]

Yeah, that Jack Johnson. The NERVE of that guy thinking he can beat a white guy.


ut honestly, give the Obama hate a break Neo's. Why do you hate America so much??!!?

[ianlou]

Funny how Alfred Nobel invented Dynamite before establishing the Nobel Prize. What goes around comes around.

[KPeters_from_UK]

by ianlou October 9, 2009 7:27 PM EDT
Funny how Alfred Nobel invented Dynamite before establishing the Nobel Prize. What goes around comes around.

Yes the scientist, Alfred Noble did invent a safer dynamite in the 1860's. But let's not be too simplistic. He started the Noble Peace Prize as form of confession and apology.

[liselle3]

Yeah Obama! He deserves this.

[zoopster1]

So let me get this straight. Obama is sworn in January 20th. The deadline for submitting Nobel candidates is February 1. And yet in that 11 day span, somehow the Nobel committee decided a guy who didn't even have time to unpack his furniture somehow deserved the most prestigious humanitarian award the human race can bestow????

Proof positive how much the Europeans hated George Bush. Enjoy your award Mr. President.

[IndependantObserver]

why do you think that their considerations started when he was elected?

[hologram5]

This is a total joke. He wins the Nobel Peace prize then sits down with his "war" council to decide how to kill more Afghanis. NICE, NOT...

[KPeters_from_UK]

Didn't anyone actually listen to Obama's acceptance of the Peace Prize speech? In his third sentence he said he felt undeserving, then he alluded all the other recipients and nominations (did not mention them by name)and then he stressed his position as Commander in Chief (he said "as Commander in Chief"...)and two wars. He knows exactly what the Peace Prize means and will mean to his future endeavors.

[spdrmusic]

Why is it that anytime someone says anything against Obama they are labeled one or all of these things:

a) anti-American
b) Repuplican extremist
c) conservative
d) racist

I am none of these. I am a Democrat, but I voted against Obama for several reasons, none of them having to do with what's listed above.

I remember when people started burning Dixie Chicks albums when Natalie spoke out against Bush. Most of you are probably people who hated them for that, but now your attacking people who don't like Obama. Why? Are we all supposed to blindly worship people just because they are American and/or the president? If we don't approve of how our government is handling things does that make us anarchists? If we had a president who ran through the streets shooting people and someone called him a murderer, would that make that person anti-American?

Why don't we just start stoning people to death for having different opinions?

I wonder how many people here have Chia-Obamas.

[Sky017]

Wow, I'm surprised. But on careful reflection, it makes sense.

1. This year I have felt safer than anytime in the last 10 years+, and the by his ACTIONS the world is better, certainly we aren't gripped by fear and uncertainty as we have been for many years. The world does indeed seem a more peaceful place.

2. I have seen America respectfully and bravely engage all countries. It's been decades since I've seen that.

3. He HAS taken concrete measures. BANNING US TORTURE is significant. Even when Cheney and others were popping up all the time preaching its necessity.

4. On day one he ORDERED the CLOSURE of that Human Rights nightmare called Guantanamo Bay.

5. He fulfilled his promise and started off his speech in Cairo by greeting in Arabic. Which other US president has been brave enough or diplomatically proficient enough to do such?

6. He has sent his envoys and the respected and tireless Hillary Clinton to have CONSTRUCTIVE dialogue with 'difficult countries'.

7. He has STOPPED (past tense... already done) the COWBOY DIPLOMACY that characterized the US for MANY YEARS.

8. People of the world look up to and admire the US again... All because of Obama's ACTIONS AND DEEDS, not promises.

9. He STOPPED (action) the deployment of a US missile base in Poland which would have created an arms race in that region with Russia.

10. He HAS BEEN (action done) engaging the international organisations (UN, G8, G20) and not going it alone and increasing world anger at the US's unilateral approaches and/or bullying tactics. The US is now more respected and admired than anytime in the last many years. [And no, it's not because the US eleced a black President.]

Then there is the work he has continued to do on Nuclear Stockpile reduction and protection.

It is surprising... and yes there is still more to do. But evaluating everything... it's DESERVED. It's soon, but the actions and changes have been rapid.

Yes, someone may have been toiling away in a village or ONE country for many years. But who else has recently had a more profound (and concrete) change on THE WORLD?

[txlakeside]

Amazing how many dumb as dirt, racist, rednecks are in this country! The world opinion has not been so good for America for a long time and the rednecks are still PO'ed that it was a black man that changed it! Congaratulations Mr. President!

[hungry1968-16]

by stevex47 October 9, 2009 2:44 PM EDT
Interesting how nutjobs feel the need for Obama to justify this win.

Yet never whined about boosh on his justification (lies) for starting the Iraq war.

Typical.






Interesting too, that Bush gave Tenet the "Medal of Freedom", for fabricating the BS intelligence that led us into Iraq, and these same nut jobs NEVER SAID A WORD about it.

But let Obama win a medal that he didn't even think he was in the running for.......

[Arabrab111]

Met and had photo taken with former Pres. Lech Wales two years ago. He is on the short side, and insists on standing in portraits, while everyone else is seated. Hence this lymerick:


There was a man from Gdansk
Who asked if I wanted to dance.
When I said "you're too short!",
He made this retort:
"Just wait till I take off my pants!"

[rexrox2]

The only thing more ironic than Our Obama winning the Nobel Prize, is having a Peace Prize named after the man that invented gun powder. Who else would Europe choose? Who else has done as much as Europe, except.England, to create WORLD PEACE? Why,, I can just see Iran and Korea, ditching their nuclear bomb programs after listening to Our Obama's acceptance speech in Oslo. I can see the prison doors swinging open in Cuba,and Chavez declaring that the media can reopen their doors,Putin and Hua Jintao (sp)saying what can we do to advance the cause of Peace. Peace is not about being popular with your "friends", but being feared by the purveyors of oppression.

[miami_don]

Compare Obama's accomplishments to Reagan?s
_______

Are you serious James? Regan left the country in a economic mess. Gosh, Repulicans war & economic chaos...who would have thunk. You guys sound like the spokesman for the Taliban and there have been times recently that I thought you were.

[stevex47]

Interesting how nutjobs feel the need for Obama to justify this win.

Yet never whined about boosh on his justification (lies) for starting the Iraq war.

Typical.