Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she thinks President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because of “his attitude toward America’s role in the world.”
“His willingness to really kind of challenge everyone ...restores a kind of image and appreciation of our country,” Clinton said in an interview with NBC television broadcast on Monday.
Ms. Clinton said she didn’t think winning the award would have any effect on Mr. Obama’s deliberations over what to do next in Afghanistan, including the question of whether to send large numbers of additional troops into a country where violence has recently surged.
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“I think that the president makes each decision on the merits,” she said in the interview taped during her visit to Zurich, Switzerland. She said the Nobel award is “not going to influence” the tough decisions Mr. Obama faces on Afghanistan.
“Every one of those deaths and all of the injuries of any our men and women in uniform weigh heavily on all us,” Ms. Clinton said.
“I want to guarantee all your listeners that this process will result in a very well thought-out approach.” She said she recognises some are demanding a precipitate withdrawal while others believe there should be a substantial infusion of forces.
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