AP
Excerpt: By
KARL RITTER and MATT MOORE, Associated Press Writers
Karl
Ritter And Matt Moore, Associated Press
Writers
OSLO
– President
Barack Obama
won the 2009 Nobel
Peace Prize
on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind
his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim
world
and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.
Obama
said he was surprised and deeply humbled by the honor, and planned
to travel to Oslo to accept the prize, which he said he does not see
"as a recognition of my own accomplishments," but rather as a
recognition of goals he has set for the United States and the
world.
"I
do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many
transformative figures that have been honored by this prize," Obama
said.
Many
observers were shocked by the unexpected choice so early in the
Obama presidency, which began less than two weeks before the Feb. 1
nomination deadline and has yet to yield concrete achievements in
peacemaking.
Some
around the world objected to the choice of Obama, who still oversees
wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan
and has launched deadly counter-terror strikes in Pakistan
and Somalia.
Members
of the Norwegian
Nobel Committee
said their choice could be seen as an early vote of confidence in
Obama intended to build global support for his policies. They 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.
DJMS
Commentary: Wow! Where to begin. Oh, where to
begin!
Well, I suppose we could begin with the fact that
Carter and Gore won this prize too. So, well, there ya go! We could
also say, "Are they serious?" hmm... Stupid is that stupid
does?
Less than two weeks into his farce-of-a-presidency, he
was nominated for this. Does that say anything here? And did you
catch what Obama said about goals that HE has set for the United
States and the WORLD? Hello, big head! Someone needs to tell him
that he is not the president of the world.
Why is it such a
big deal to those people that he kisses up to his own kind, the
Muslims? Where is the great thing in that? And jeepers, I don't even
think he had bowed to that Muslim king yet. Was it his having ripped
us apart to others?
He might want to bring extra security
with him to pick up that award. Clearly this is a set
up!
Debra...
