Does President Barack Obama Deserve The Nobel Peace Prize?

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Approaching the world’s major conflicts through engagement and dialogue versus confrontation landed President Barack Obama a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. I personally send you kudos for that. On the flipside of it all, this nomination has set off some pretty serious controversy. To be or not to be, this is the question surrounding it all. Are you just as confused as I am? Well then let’s look at the facts.

His nomination reflected mostly upon European appreciation for Obama. Their committee goes on to say, “Thanks to Obama, the USA is playing a more constructive role in international diplomacy.” Good stuff, right? Of course!

Then you have these other officials who are neutral with the whole thing. These experts are saying that Obama should respectfully turn down the prize because his vision has yet to be turned into concrete results. That’s understandable…you want to make sure he does what he says he is going to do first before you go just flouncing the Nobel Peace Prize around at someone, don’t you?

Then you have the Islamic Hamas who think that Obama doesn’t even deserve the prize. According to them, Obama failed to give the Palestinian people their legitimate rights. Fawzi Barhoum states that, “Obama should change his manner and be fair.” President Obama supposedly promised that the conflict in the Middle East would be his priority. All in all, though, the PNA (Palestinian National Authority) hopes that Obama will be able to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Now that we’ve reviewed all sides of the situation, it’s time for my educated suggestion for President Barack Obama. (I voted for you, so don’t take this the wrong way). I think that he should go ahead and take the experts’ advice and respectfully decline the prize. While it has to be flattering to be nominated for such an award, you must not let that cloud what’s right. That award is for recipients who have completed what it is that they set out to accomplish. I think that if he accepts that prize, not only will it cause more unnecessary tension between the Middle East and the US, but those who have actually done great things to receive that award will be equally upset. I love our president. As much as I would love to see him get that prize, I would love it more if he actually earned it.