In an earlier version of this article, posted late last night (see post below this one), I expressed some scepticism about the Nobel Peace Prize, even suggesting that it might be pointless. Now that Barack Obama has been awarded the peace prize, I would like to withdraw this criticism. The prize is clearly an award of huge significance, awarded after only the deepest reflection, and won only by demi-Gods. (See reactions further down.)
I am a genuine admirer of Obama. And I am very pleased that George W Bush is no longer president. But I doubt that I am alone in wondering whether this award is slightly premature. It is hard to point to a single place where Obama’s efforts have actually brought about peace – Gaza, Iran, Sri Lanka? The peace prize committee say that he is being rewarded for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy”. But while it is OK to give school children prizes for “effort” – my kids get them all the time – I think international statesmen should probably be held to a higher standard.
It is also very odd timing. In the next couple of weeks, Obama is likely to yield to the wishes of his generals and to send many thousands more troops to Afghanistan. That will mean he is a wartime president, just as much as Bush or Lyndon Johnson. If Afghanistan ends up being Obama’s Vietnam, giving him the Nobel Peace Prize will look even sillier in a few years time.
Reaction to Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:
Obama gets prize for doing his job (FT dot comment)
International reaction: Taliban slams Obama prize (FT.com)
Huffington Post asks, “Whatever Happened to Awarding for Deeds Actually Done?”
Chicago Tribune: “He won! For what?”
Nobel prize for President Obama is a shocker. He should turn it down (Benedict Brogan, Telegraph)
Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize. For What? (Iain Martin, Wall Street Journal)
Kausfiles: Obama should turn down the prize
Is it premature to give Barack Obama the Nobel peace prize? (The Economist)
Common misconceptions about the Nobel Peace Prize (Associated Press)
For views and opinions on the European Union from Peter Spiegel, Joshua Chaffin, Alex Barker and Stanley Pignal, follow the 