Fulfilling the will of Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize recognizes and awards those who “have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding of peace congresses” (Nobelprize.org). For over 100 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee chooses awardees based on the criteria specified by Alfred Nobel. The outstanding works of Nelson Mandela, Elie Wiesel, Mother Teresa, and Malala Yousafzai all have one thing in common: they have all been award with a Nobel Peace Prize. Although the prize honors prodigious peace and humanitarian workers and organizations, this particular Nobel Prize continuously experiences controversy due to the nature of the prize. Controversy sparks over notable omissions
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With nominations for the 2009 prize being only eleven days after Obama took presidential office and it only being eight months into his presidency when he was awarded the prize, the Nobel Committee’s decision sparked controversy and mixed reviews across the world. Many question whether that was enough time for Obama to make a big enough impact to deserve the prize. The committee shares that the prize was given to Obama in order to aid and support what he sought out to do during his presidency, which leads some to question if it is ethical to give out such a highly respected and sought after prize like the Nobel prize to someone for potential work rather than work that has already been completed. Although Barack Obama pushes for social change and justice, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of doubts as to whether he should have been awarded the prize, which provokes a question that must be asked: Was Barack Obama the best option for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize or were there superior
With nominations for the 2009 prize being only eleven days after Obama took presidential office and it only being eight months into his presidency when he was awarded the prize, the Nobel Committee’s decision sparked controversy and mixed reviews across the world. Many question whether that was enough time for Obama to make a big enough impact to deserve the prize. The committee shares that the prize was given to Obama in order to aid and support what he sought out to do during his presidency, which leads some to question if it is ethical to give out such a highly respected and sought after prize like the Nobel prize to someone for potential work rather than work that has already been completed. Although Barack Obama pushes for social change and justice, there seems to be an overwhelming amount of doubts as to whether he should have been awarded the prize, which provokes a question that must be asked: Was Barack Obama the best option for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize or were there superior