President Obama. I was surprised to hear on the news this morning that he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Admittedly my initial reaction was "for what?" It is not as though he has brokered peace between Israel and the Palestinians, resolved Iran or North Korea's nuclear ambitions, ended the genocide in Darfur, improved the situation in Afghanistan or made any other obvious signs of tangible progress.
I think though there was a shrewd acknowledgment to the change in tone that can make for better peace in the future with this award. No, Obama hasn't brought lasting peace and a successful resolution to the Middle East. Neither have past presidents or Nobel peace prize winners. What Obama does bring is a willingness to engage first in diplomacy with enemies and cooperation with allies rather than a shoot first, ask questions later unilaterism that undermines a global rule of law and global efforts to resolve multinational conflicts, hopefully without military force.
I can already feel the seething anger bubbling up from many Republicans. Fox News already ridiculed the award, and one show host mockingly asked, "Isn't there cash involved with this too, like a million dollars?" as though the President were trying to attempt a different foreign policy tact for the sake of winning a prize and a million dollars. I mean, really, how incredibly ignorant is that statement? No doubt conservative pundits will also lament how the whole world is simply fawning over the charismatic leader and fallen under his spell. Yet over 20 years later Republicans still fawn over Reagan, "The Great Communicator" with nearly evangelical fervor so I don't understand the resentment; it seems more like jealousy to me.
Obviously only time will tell if Obama's strategy and efforts will prove to be successful. But personally, I am proud of my new president for winning this award, and the recognition from the global community that it imparts that we are not a closed minded, arrogant, bullying, war mongering nation. It gives us renewed credibility which in turns grants a certain amount of leverage in future efforts at dealing with those who would act violently against us or other members of the global community.
So congratulations Mr. President. May we all renew our prays for wisdom and strength for you and all of our leaders to work towards peace.
2 comments:
One of my friends suggested that it might create pressure for Obama to focus on peace for the remainder of his tenure as President.
" . . . What Obama does bring is a willingness to engage first in diplomacy with enemies and cooperation with allies rather than a shoot first, ask questions later unilaterism that undermines a global rule of law and global efforts to resolve multinational conflicts, hopefully without military force."
Sorry Steve, I have to go with the critics on this one. Shouldn’t the things he's cited as having done, which you list above, be minimal requirements for the job? Is taking a different tone than your terrible predecessor really enough to warrant such high regard?
Of the 200+ other nominees, there were probably many who made real sacrifices in the advancement of peace. Many of the Nobel nominees have usually persevered through long roads of persecution and suffering, as Nelson Mandela did. I don’t think changing the tone of world diplomacy should come before that sort of real commitment and progress.
I welcome the renewed credibility and the good will he seems to have won the country that you mention. But I think giving this prize to the President for having done little more than talk weakens the status of the prize and is really more of an embarrassment than a genuine mark of exceptionality.
Joe W.
Post a Comment