Posts Tagged ‘Prize’

Only nine months into his presidency, Barack Obama has earned one of the most prestigious awards in the name of peace. Addressing reporters at the White House Obama said “”I am both surprised and deeply humbled.”

After a grueling start to his presidency, Obama has had to face head on challenges such as the global recession, nuclear non-proliferation and two wars. Despite the divisions amongst nations on how to deal with ongoing conflicts, the timing of the award may pave the way for better relations and an emboldened president to achieve the goals he ambitiously pursues. However, the President admitted that he didn’t believe he deserved the award.

Obama’s message of hope and change has been popular in Europe and to some extent viewed as a positive step forward in the Middle East. In June, Obama gave a moving speech to the Muslim world in Egypt and embarked on a new chapter of co-operation and mutual respect to reset the switch after relations during the Bush era had reach an all time low.

Some however, have criticized the award as the ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to claim lives and have caused incredible hardships amongst communities in the Middle East. There is growing opposition to NATOs military presence in the region, and America, as well as its allies, face difficult challenges in the years ahead.

Time will tell if Obama’s actions and American foreign policy have made significant and positive changes to the global community, but one thing is for sure, there is a long way to go before the message of change is transformed into action.

By Iain Alexander