Controversy over Nobel Peace Prize 2009 to President Barack Obama

(Photo Taken from my cell-phone during Summer 2009)

Presidential elections are over but Obamania continues. Awarding Nobel Peace Prize 2009 to President Barack Hussain Obama has fed the political gurus food for their endless talks. Tune in to any television, and views and opinions are shed about this topic. Opinions vary when reporters approach pedestrians on the streets too. The big question is, "Did he deserve it?" If you are asking me, I would say yes. But, another question is, 'Is this going to help him or hurt him?'

President Obama is the third US President besides Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson to win Nobel Peace Prize while still in office. But no one beats him when it comes to the short interval between assuming office and being nominated for the prize, only two months. Obama admitted that even he did not know about his nomination until he knew he had won. Experts and common people alike ask ,"What has he done to win this prize?" And many republicans have passed down their statements that express their dissatisfaction. Obama in his opening speech at Rose Garden said, "I am deeply surprised and humbled...." And so are all the Americans and the world population at large.

What will President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize entail though? Will this recognition give him more legitimacy and credibility to tackle contentious global issues such as tensions with Iran, North Korea and other nations? Palestinian Hamas unit has expressed surprise stating he has not done anything to win this. American political analysts and people at large believe it might fuel to divert him from focusing on local issues as grave as ailing national economy and employment sector to other global issues. Is this Nobel Peace Prize 'A Call to Action', as President Obama claimed? In my view, this Peace Prize serves to recognize the hopes he has raised not only inside     (Photo taken by Digital Subway during Summer 2009)                                              
United States but also worldwide. There were celebrations all across the globe over his prize. It might have been too early to achieve any of those goals/objectives/missions he has promised and accordingly the peace prize to him could have waited another year or two but no one can deny that he has become a global figure, a beacon of hope for not only Americans but the world population at large.

The debates over his prize will continue and probably credibility over Norwegian Nobel Committee will also be raised but the Peace Prize will definitely add more charisma to his personality and probably more glitter to the 'White' walls of his White House.