I am, like the rest of Scandinavia, all in for Obama, but giving him the Nobel Peace Prize in expectation of achievements rather than in acknowledgement of results, dilutes the Prize and takes the edge off the President’s real potential.

Poul Hauch Fenger
Copenhagen, Denmark

This award is a little unfair, especially for those who already have a life dedicated to peace efforts, but whose names might not be as popular as Obama. What has Obama already done and accomplished to deserve this recognition?
Even it serves Obama as an encouragement for him to act in the future, it's odd to see someone being reward (by the Nobel Committee) of something he might achieve.

I thought a nobel prize, is given based on aggregate actions, rather than intentions. At Present barack obama is still a war president, thus his peace preachings mere statements, if in doubt ask the iraqis & afghans.

It's a disgrace. It's not true that Obama has done nothing regarding peace and human rights. He has done this: despite earlier promises, despite pleas from human rights organisations, he has continued to maintain the illegal prison at Guantanamo Bay, where people are being tortured and ill-treated regardless of whether they've broken any law or not. Apart from that, he has indeed done nothing.

Some say he got the award for not being Bush. That is only true to an extent. Obama is very much like a more civilised, softer-spoken version of Bush. The laurate's predecessor also tried to hamper Iran's nuclear ambitions and help Israel&Palestine make peace. Also waged two wars. Also maintained Guantanamo. Also severely violated human rights inside the country aided by so-called Patriot Act and other unconstitutional laws.

Congratulations to President Barack Obama for a deserved Nobel Peace Prize. Barack Obama is an angel of world peace, justice, human rights and fair play.
This is a correct and perfect decision by the Norwegian Peace Institute.

http://www.tellyourstoryandjoke.com
United Kingdom

First reaction – What I wouldn’t give to see the faces of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck when they heard the news!

Seriously, though, maybe this is also recognition of a new literacy and intelligence in human discourse, and a validation of reaching out to the “other” to further understanding; maybe even a harbinger of a new relationship among peoples.

Maybe next year it should be given to miss universe after all she wants world peace as well

Something like this leads one to wonder if the Nobel Prizes are deserving of the prestige they are accorded. Any objective evaluation of President Obama's first nine months would conclude that real accomplishments have not taken place.....maybe they will....but I thought the Nobel Prizes were for those who have done something! Maybe the criteria has changed but has not been announced.

There seems to be a deep ignorance in the understanding of what the 'Peace Prize' even represents. The Dalai Lama is a iconic symbol for the idea of peace in the world, though it is quite clear that his only achievement is the promotion and branding of such an ideal. I personally see no difference here. Obama represents a 'huge' and dramatic change in the perception of geopolitics. He is an inspiration for individuals in war torn African nations. And his achievement in being the first African American leader of the free world seems to have been lost under the negative and shameful campaign of his political opposition. It is a pity that many people have taken for granted the difference he has already made in the minds of the people, not governments, who inhabit this world.

I think Barack Obama deserve a lot of appreciation regarding the work he is doing and the intentions has shown so far . Maybe he will deserve the Nobel Prize in the few coming years but definitely not now . I hope so!

Abdeladim Aithajjoub
Casablanca, Morocoo

I think Barack Obama deserve a lot of appreciation regarding the work he is doing and the intentions has shown so far . Maybe he will deserve the Nobel Prize in the few coming years but definitely not now . I hope so!

Abdeladim Aithajjoub
Casablanca, Morocco

Wow!!! Still recovering from the shock!!! However, I like Obama, I think he's a smart man and I think he's moving in the right direction BUT I would think it's a little premature to award him the prize at this time. His intentions are well & good but I think more accomplishments are needed rather than just good intentions.

On another, rather sarcastic note - succeeding the disaster that was Bush gets us a Nobel Peace Prize...WOW! I knew Bush was bad for everyone but D*MN! LOL!!

President Obama deserves the award. We should learn a lesson from this award. That the committee has gone through exactly where people around the world would expect from the winner. There is a great deal more to be learned in life by struggling to find an answer than from being given the solution.

I'll agree with Poul, because of this price people will probably have a higher expectation of what Obama will achieve.

In 4 years when expectations are not what they hoped, would Obama have to pay the price,and he will not be re-elected.
What did go wrong in the previous 8 years by Buch-government , it is difficult to back right into the next 4 years .
But we will hope for the best, so Obama is worthy of this award, because miracles do happen.

Bye bye from Belgium.

1. He abolished CIA practises of Torture at day one in his office ( human rights you remember) and

2. set a deadline of one year for closing Guantanamo, but for reaching this goal he needs the approval of US Congress and citizens, and the cooperation of other countries . Well, which countries have been supportive of realisation of that closure till now?

3. The USA is ahead of the time schedule set by Obama for withdrawing its combats troops from Iraq.

4. Almost from day 1 he appointed special envoys to the Middle East and Afghanistan / Pakistan, just to express how much he wants progress in getting goals established in the complicated peace process and bringing peace closer in these regions. And how much cooperation is he getting from the governments involved? A fraudulent Afghan regime, a right-wing Israeli government and a divided Palestinian authority ( Fatah – Hamas ) and a Pakistani Secret Service and Army with a double agenda.

5. At least the goals he has set out for the USA in regards to the challenges of global climate change gives some good hope of an agreement to be reached in Copenhague within a few months time, and that is a big CHANGE to George Bush's refusal to support and join the Kyoto treaty.

6. He promised a dialogue with Iran and despite the hostile Iranian regime they have been sitting together via diplomats in Geneva, and there will be inspectors admitted etc., and he got the cooperation of the Russians and Chinese for that.

7. He decided not to install the defense missile shield in Poland and Czechia, a foolish decision by George Bush, despite strong opposition in US Congress and Poland and Czechia.

And don't forget for everything he does he needs the cooperation of US Congress members! And you know how much influence has corporate lobbyism and hostile partisanship in Congress!

Others might say he has only given nice speeches, but let also not forget how his words reduce tensions and that alone is peace!

Perhaps my fellow Americans will now begin supporting our President instead of working against him. The President can’t make progress completely on his own. Let Congress begin to represent the people who elected Obama, the people THEY , indead, were elected to represent and begin constructive help instead of obstinate opposition. President Obama has made me proud to be an American and I am very happy he unexpectedly won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Carol W. Germany

Congrats to President Obama, on winning the Noble Peace Prize.....

Emily
(Trinidad & Tobago)

Perhaps, as they have done frequently in the past, the Nobel Committee should have not awarded the Peace Prize this year. I support President Obama; while living and working in Kabul I am directly effected by his foreign policy decisions. Yet I do think that the Nobel Committee made a convincing argument why he deserves the Peace Prize this year. Basing their choice on changed policies and aspirations does not meet the high standards for this award. If they chose to announce that there is no prizewinner this year, the Committee could have shown the courage that they hope Obama will bring to peaceful developments over the next three+ (maybe seven+) years. I am proud of President Obama and I will be more proud of him when he reaches the expectations put upon him by the Nobel Peace Prize.

hello, i'believe Mr obama deserves the nobel peace prize, even though it is not enough time for him to prove himselfe more, but i'm absolutely agree for Mr president o be awarded this prize,I'mean how come after he promised to close the gouantanamo's prison and troops withdrawal in iraq ,not to be given it? he do deserve it

o i'forgot to congratulate him, and i' also wanna say that if he proves himselfe more and more from now on, he will absolutely get rewarded again and again in the next comming years....congratulation again rational man

zakaria from moeocco
tinghir

Now it’s not a matter of asking whether or not Mr Obama ‘deserves’ the Nobel Peace Prize. Now it could be a matter of asking whether or not the Nobel Committee made the right decision. Over the many years since man set foot on earth, he has achieved a lot. Today we have new and most advanced technology, economic growth and political will. We have achieved a lot. Maybe it’s time to change and time for change. It’s time we perceive and seek objectives differently. Maybe! With all what we have today, this is not a time to wait and see what a ‘man’ can do next.

Yes, I believe Barack Obama deserves to receive the Nobel Peace Prize this year. Who has done more in the past year to move the world in the direction of a durable peace? I can think of no one.

Given the chance, this is what I would say, as a fellow American, to the President:

Well done, Mr. Obama. You have done much good already, Yet so much important work remains to be done. Perhaps this gesture by the Nobel Committee will be of some assistance in the difficult but noble journey for peace that you have begun. Godspeed!

REG CROWDER
Brittany, France
http://www.RegCrowder.com

I can't wait for the Jonathan Mann interview.
The sound of silence will be deafening.

Frits Plantinga correctly details why I also thinks Barak Obama deserves to win the Nobel Peace Prize. I am surprised but well pleased for him. Congratulations.

President Obama is not responsible for the economic crisis in the US, nor is he for the war waged both in Afghanistan and Iraq. All that mess was caused by the Bush Administration. Since his inauguration, his diplomatic weapon has been dialogue, something Georges Bush could not do. America can not remain an eternal warrior. The world admires the ongoing process towards peace in the Middle East, with Iran and North Korea. The atmosphere looks peaceful worldwide. Negotiations will certainly take time but all this is encouraging. So, President OBAMA deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
Congratulations Mr President!

Even though president Obama has yet to prove his capabilities as the new american president, he has already succeeded in giving hope to millions of people. The accomplishment of gaining the trust of most of the american people is a huge step in the direction that we have wanted for so long. This gives him an oppertunity to finally make something happen.

Obama deserve the prize. For 1 reason. For residing the Security Council and passing Maintenance of international peace and security (Nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament resolution). Peace and harmony is somehow sweeping worlds governments across the globe. The reason: The demise of eight years of terroristic Bushistic regime. The new US administration policies brought hope. The prize is a medal for every American.

Unfair, to say the least.

As an Iranian I beilive Mr. Obama deserves the prize more than anyone. He has brought hope to people of the world, even in a country which was labeled as part of the axis of evil by former president of US.

To those that question the achievments of president Obama, I need to remind that Mr. Obamas' outreached hand of peace to Iran, has been one of the major contributers of creating the green wave of democracy in Iran. He has achieved what Bush administration could not manage during 8 years of empty threatening rethorics.

Mr. Obama surely is deserving of the title Presedent of the Unted States. Nobel Laureate for Peace? We all have the potential and promise to do great things, should we also be rewarded for what we have not achieved? No, this is illogical and it is unfortunate that the Nobel award, earned by great minds such as Curie, Rutherford et al, whether it be for peace, science or other, is made cheap by being given to someone who merely bears the promise but not the achievement.

Somewhat ironically, Barack Obama owes this award to George W. Bush. All he had to do to was to serve as contrast to his combative predecessor, and whoa, all of a sudden it lands in his lap!

The world keeps forgetting that the United States can actually continue to pursue George W. Bush policies, which were almost dictatorial and bully-like policies. But Mr. Obama decided to choose humility as a person and also as the US President, he does a good work of selling the US positively to the world. He said Salamu alaikum to the Arabs etc, some people feel he is weak but these are good signs for a better future all over world. I believe the Nobel committee have looked critically at all the angles before he was chosen. He deserves it and I congratulate him for it.

Sometimes the reaping of crops are honored; sometimes because good seeds were planted.The Nobel Committee obviously felt that Obama has planted good seeds on lands that Bush had left barren and bare.

this nobel disrespects the efforts of people like the dalai lama and mother teresa who worked years to get this prize. anyways now since he has got it atleast he should make an effort to get minimum 1% of the work these people did.

Maybe it was a bit early for Obama, but can you think of who has done more for peace? From all the people who are disappointed with the prize, I'd like to see their list of who was better deserving.

For whatever it is worth, I think the world should see Obama's award as a symbolic recognition of efforts directed at promoting world peace.

Peace be upon him! An inspiration to a new generation. Courage to go out and empower the marginalized in Chicago (and therefore beyond). Strength and wisdom to use his mixed heritage to be a bridge between black and white, North and South, blue collar and white collar, Kenya and Kansas, developing nations and developed, East and West. He is gracious in the face of the constant snapping of partisans who can see no good in anything he does.

That said, Mr. President, be bold, meet sincerely with the "enemies" of the USA: meet with Castro, meet with Ahmadinejad, meet with Hamas, meet with Kim Jong-il–Love the enemy, be perfect as your Father is in Heaven.

- Carlton Johnson

[...] Nobel Peace Prize Obama unique among presidential Nobel winners Why did Obama win - CNN / International Desk:  Obama’s Nobel Win Peace be upon him! An inspiration to a new generation. Courage to go out and empower the [...]

I think Obama should not have won the nobel prize. Althogh i am a supporter of him, he has still not acheived what he has preached, and there are others who deserve better.

President Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Price because he is an embodiment of World Peace and Hope for all peoples around the globe.I applaud the Norwegian Peace Commission for making this bold and wise decision.Why were Americans not surprised when Obama was elected the first American President to be Chairman of the United Nations Security Council after only 9 months in the Oval office.This action should have sent a strong message to the American people that by voting him into power, they have given to the World a Leader who's not a threat to World peace.The World order is changing very fast and Obama understands the dynamics of a peaceful 21st Century World.He has put America on a path to economic recovery and is reaching out to the entire world through dialogue to win the peace so that Americans can live in peace at home and for America to regain its position as the Leader of the free world. The GOPs and their supporters are busy pushing to stampede him into rush decisions to put more American youths in Harms Way in Afghanistan without giving it some deep thoughts.That is the GOP style but President Obama and his team will do what is right for the American people and the Afghan Region. Americans and other sceptics should be rest assured that he will come up with many more surprises as he is God sent to tell the truth and deliver the World from the hands of Tyrants,Oppressors and Economic Saboteurs.You aren't seen nothing yet !!! I wish him Success in dealing with all challenges that confront him at home and around the globe.God willing he will surely succeed in changing the World.

As Ghandi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." By eliminating torture and returning to the ideals upon which our country was founded, by reaching out to the Muslim World with his speech in Cairo, by fully engaging in diplomacy as a means of resolving disputes between nations, Obama has taken action that gives us hope for the future. The problems we face have been long in the making, and they will take a tranformational leader to eliminate them. In awarding this prize to Obama, the awards committee is saying "in this man, our hope for the future lies." I think they were very wise to recognize this, and to show the rest of the world the truth of this statement. If only the naysayers could see this, or at least suspend the toxic talk and give the man a chance, perhaps we could move forward.

Nothing Obama has done thus far as President, nor accomplished anything during his entire life that justifies his winning and accepting the Nobel Peace Prize. So, give back the prize Mr. President you have not earned it! The Nobel Prize should be awarded for ACCOMPLISHMENT AND JOB WELL DONE – not wishful thinking.

Not qualified? Not to worry. If he turns the USA around on global warming, nuclear non-prolieferation, Iraq and Afghanistan, he'll deserve a second award. This one represents a global sigh of relief.

this is ridicules

It all depends on man’s social and political status and how influential his voice can be echoed thought out the word Obama sincere words for change, vision for international diplomacy and cooperation has injected hope and calls for action for peace. His message has been heard by all nations and I think surely this voice from such strong platform the white house must be credited and be welcomed by all of us in the world. What is imperative is the scale of the message’s effectiveness and I congratulate the Nobel Prize Committee for realizing the value of Mr. Obama’s Message to the world.

Abbas Hajihabib
Tehran Oct.10/09

President Obama definitely deserves Nobel peace price. He tries to build-up friendship and peaceful dialogue among different nations with mutual respect.
He spells peace in the world without bullet and war.

Our president Obama has done more to raise the prestige of the United States in the short time that he has been president than our former president did in eight years. He really deserves more than the Nobel Peace Prize, he deserves the respect of all of us in America.

Obama a nobel peace prize, don't think so, I believe this a tactic by the nobel committe to make the U S, act in a peaceful manner towards situations around the world. But give credit to Obama he is making a efforts to brings around the world. This will definitely put pressure on him.

from : Osman
Perth Western Australia

Obama has shown very good intentions, and they have led to good outlook on things.

But I think the Nobel commity has absolutely lost sight and contact with reality.

This man, Barack Obama, not only has achieved nothing great but is also in his first year of presidency! What kind of lunacy does it require to see that Barack Obama does not qualify at the moment for a Nobel Peace Price?

But not only is the Nobel organization to blame, so is Obama! He should have realized that the time isn't right, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, and what he should have done is thank fo the award but deny it in light of those arguments. Saying that it is too early to be giving out awards and that after his job is done, if he has done anything good to the world, then only maybe he should be considered for an award.

But considering the circumstance which I have already mentioned, I sense something fishy. It is absolutely not normal, my sinical mind tells me something running along the lines of "someone payed someone for Obama to get it, to boost his image in the US and worldwide" is what I think is happening.

Whcih begs the question: who is running this show? And for what reasons? Whatever the reason, it includes a view of the world population as a shepherd views his sheep. And in some ways, I notice this, we are all acting as sheep instead of asking the right questions – but how can we blame ourselves, we seem to have NO power.

I'm a 100% supporter of President Barrack Obama and I think he deserved this title even before the title was awarded to him. I knew
he would win one day maybe after his presidency. Never knew that a sitted president could win such a title.

People say the title is premature for a President who's just only few months in office, yeah okay, they could be right but I think the 'Nobel Peace Committee should not be taking for a fool. They had to act fast cause there's a growing tention in the nuclear problems with Iran and North Korea.

Awarding this Title is a symbol of peace. We want no more wars. This world doesn't need that no more. And to award this Title is a way to mellow down the temper of the President in order to resolve this issue peacefully by dialogue than to have another war.