Gulf News readers surprised by announcement
Feel it's far too early in President's career but may deter him from making 'rash' decisions
Dubai The Norwegian Nobel Committee's announcement to award this year's Peace Prize to US President Barack Obama was met with surprise by Gulf News readers.
Most felt it was far too early in the President's term to award him for mere efforts to peacefully resolve long-standing rivalries in international politics.
Ahmad Al Khatheri, a 24-year-old Canadian expatriate, said: "I am quite surprised by the announcement as I never expected a US President to win a peace prize. Obama is definitely friendlier with countries compared to his predecessors, but I think that is how presidents should be."
Losing ground
However, Al Khatheri gave Obama credit for the sea change in attitude within the US administration towards traditional rivals.
"Talking to Iran was a very good step. Most presidents had entirely avoided addressing Iran directly. Obama has gone out of his way to make peace and he looks like a down-to-earth person, willing to listen to rivals," Al Khatheri said.
However, Jonard Tabing, felt that such a prize held no relevance, as most of the important decisions were not taken unilaterally by the US President.
He said: "Obama's hands are tied and most of the decisions are influenced by pressure groups or people working behind the scenes. I feel like Obama has set out to play chess, when he is only equipped to play checkers."
He was also intrigued by the timing of the announcement.
"Obama had been losing ground within the US and the prize will help him regain some popularity rating points."
However, Shivani Singh, a Dubai-based Indian expatriate, sidelined the arguments, calling Obama a genuine person with enormous potential, dignity and intellect.
"He has given hope to humanity, which in itself is quite an achievement. He has captured the spirit of this age and has a vision, which is shared by people around the world," she said.
Weigh heavily
Singh also felt that the prize would weigh heavily on Obama's shoulders and he would think twice before taking "a rash decision".
