The award is more about influence than accomplishment

[Johonny]

The Norwegian Nobel Committee countered that it was trying "to promote what he stands for and the positive processes that have started now." It lauded the change in global mood wrought by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation, and praised his pledges to reduce the world stock of nuclear arms, ease American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthen the U.S. role in combating climate change

Well that just cranked up the pressure on Obama huh? He's in the middle of deciding the future of the Afghan war (one which NATO is very much involved with) and her comes Europe with a not so gentle push for peace. Coincidence? At the very least the writing is on the wall that NATO is not going to be in Afghanistan too much longer. For sure more Americans know about Obama's "arrested for entering your own home" policy than his nuclear policies. There is now suddenly a lot more pressure on Obama to talk about this stuff. Will it work? Well that prize to Hitler never did any good, but Obama isn't Hitler. Well that prize to MLK certainly have him more gravitas on the world stage and put a lot more pressure on the US to change it's policies. Jimmy Carter's prize has generally influenced every American president since to at least give lip service if not direct negotiations to Israeli-Palestinian peace. It certainly influenced for the positive Carter's whole life since. On the other hand it helped keep Kissinger stink free post Watergate which was not a good thing. I imagine today Obama is surprised as anyone to get this thing. I imagine a man with this much pressure on him, didn't exactly need more in this form. This prize might influence the future direction of his presidency, but clearly according to the committee that was the whole point of rewarding this one today. Overall some of the worst peace prizes have been for "things accomplished" and some of the best for things "not yet done". So in that sense this award really isn't out of line for this committee.

[paulsby]

1. correct. read the citation

it specifically says it was issued for his EFFORTS and doesn't say his accomplishments: “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"

[Johonny]

2. I'm not sure I would have voted for him

He is fighting two wars has closed gitmo and worse really isn't considered in America to be the leader of the anti-war movement or the global warming movement even if he is the leader of the country. As a liberal though I'm thrilled that Obama has spoken about these issues and the Nobel committee has basically given it's seal of approval that these issues we voted for are important values. Now will it prevent Obama from placing 40,000 more troops in Afghanistan... it sure didn't make it easier for him to go in that direction.