The Guardian on the Nobel: Why now?

[Captain Hilts]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/09/barack-obama-nobel-prize-why

Which is what makes the awarding of this year's prize to a president who has been in office for a mere nine months an odd departure. It is as if the prize committee had been persuaded to give the award on the future delivery of promises.

The citation describes his "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples" in his outreach to the Muslim world and efforts to end nuclear proliferation.

Which is all very well, except that Obama is fighting wars in two Islamic states – Iraq and Afghanistan – and his efforts at international diplomacy, notwithstanding his powerful desire to achieve quick results, has thus far shown almost no progress in pushing forward peace talks in the Middle East and only very partial progress on Iran.

[Buzz Clik]

1. I really think we need a special forum for Guardian articles.

They are generally so full of shit that they really need a place of their own.

[Captain Hilts]

3. It's probably the most progressive major newspaper in the world. Can't have that here!t

[Buzz Clik]

6. We disagree. Being consistently contrary is not the definition of progressive.

The British press has always been known to favor tabloid sensationalism over journalism, and the Guardian is no exception.

[CJCRANE]

2. The agreements about nuclear non-proliferation with the Russians etc

were mentioned several times at the ceremony. That seems to be a big deal for the Norwegians.

[Captain Hilts]

5. I also support the dismantling of the sites in Poland, but you must be

nominated by Feb. 1st.

The sad thing, to me, is that I am confident that in a few years he'll actually earn this award. I just want him to close Gitmo and repudiate the assaults on rights committed by the Bush Admin.

Evidently, folks in the Middle East are pissed by this award.

[Ninga]

4. My opinion is that the award committee knows full well the moral compass of

our President. The committee knows full well that Obama will consider this award every time he has to contemplate the War.

Here are my thoughts: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8691523

[ProSense]

7. Really going to enjoy watching heads explode over this. n/t