The decision to honour U.S. President Barack Obama with the Nobel Peace Prize is welcome. It is heartening to see that the Norwegian committee has recognised his efforts at making peace. Critics argue that he has not delivered on any of his promises. We should remember that the issues being addressed by him are sensitive and call for a drastic shift from the hitherto aggressive policy pursued by his predecessor. It cannot be achieved overnight as it needs time and material resources to evolve a consensus.
The Nobel has not only recognised his initiatives but also bound him morally to translate his words into action.
Shivam Sharma,
Aligarh
The burden of expectations from President Obama is enormous as pointed out in the editorial (Oct. 12). The Norwegian peace committee must have thought that well begun is half done, and awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama as an incentive for him to do more on the peace front. The whole world is watching with expectations the outcome of his initiatives, especially on West Asia, nuclear disarmament and global warming. It is now for the President to show the world that he is worthy of the recognition.
Comdt G.V. Mathew (retd.),
Thiruvananthapuram
The American presidency is a seat of immense power — power to wage wars and broker peace. In the past few decades, every major war fought on this planet has had America’s involvement, one way or the other. Successive American Presidents have chosen war as an instrument to settle issues, with disastrous consequences even for their own people.
Mr. Obama was elected on his promise of reversing this trend and he appears genuine. The world looks forward to an era of U.S.-backed peace efforts. Time alone will tell whether the Nobel Committee made the right choice.
Sunil P. Shenoy,
Mangalore Mr. Obama himself has said that he would accept the Nobel Peace Prize as a call to action. Let us hope he will use his diplomacy in bringing down war and terrorism and in contributing significantly to the process of economic recovery.
M. Ramkimurugan,
MaduraiThe Nobel Committee has awarded the Peace Prize to President Obama in anticipation of good results. All tall promises made by him are like blank cheques. The U.S. is facing four major international challenges — bringing peace to Afghanistan and Iraq, dealing with Iran and North Korea, finding a solution to the Arab-Israeli problem, and containing the spread of the Taliban. If he can solve one problem every year during his four-year presidency, he will have richly deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.
B.M. Baliga,
Bangalore
Opinion is divided on whether President Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. What is important is his intention to bring peace. His achievements may not yet be visible. But his approach will certainly lay the foundation for lasting peace in the coming years. His proposal to end the war in Iraq and his gesture to the Muslim world with an intention to strengthen the relationship are significant steps taken by him. Why not a Nobel for good intentions?
Shujaath Ahmed,
Chennai
