Peace Prize or War Prize -- What Message Was the Nobel Committee Really Sending?

The Nobel Committee really ought to reconsider changing the name of the coveted prize. They have given the prize not only to President Obama, entrenched in two imperialistic wars, but also to Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Henry Kissinger who each had his own respective conflict(s).

As Howard Zinn notes, it's true that the Committee was giving recognition to Wilson for the League of Nations, to Roosevelt for brokering peace between Russia and Japan, and to Kissinger for signing his name to the paper that ended the Vietnam 'conflict.'

But what's also true is that there were other activists who were truly supporting international unity, who truly opposed the spread of imperialism, and who risked a hell of a lot more than carpal tunnel syndrome to end the Vietnam War. And the Committee ignored them. Just like it ignores Malalai Joya, Natalia Estemirova, and Akosua Adomako Ampofo.

Let's look beyond the fact that Obama was given the prize before he had 'done anything.' Let's look at where we are, now, today. Obama has made no significant progress on ending the war in Iraq, where more than 100,000 US troops are still deployed, and he recently approved 30,000 more troops for deployment to Afghanistan. Since they still ship those troops out with pretty heavy guns, I think it's safe to assume they're not going to be giving kittens to Afghan children while rebuilding a demolished infrastructure under the orders of the Afghan people. I think it's safe to assume they're going to escalate 'business as usual': that means killing suspected terrorists (or anyone who's not wearing an American flag and happens to be in the general area), that means using tactical defense strategies (like dropping landmines that look like toys so children will pick them up and be killed or maimed), that means yet again denying the Afghan people the right to self-determination. Obama's also spreading his wars into Pakistan, invading a sovereign nation that is supposed to be an American friend.

He still engages and aids the Israeli government in their Apartheid of the Palestinian people. You remember the Israeli government? The one that considers assassinating Palestinian activists legitimate strategy and bombed Gaza into oblivion?

At the same time, Obama responded to the police harassment of esteemed Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. by inviting everyone over for a pint. Way to confront the racial issues that still result in police brutality every day at home.

At least 2,000 Marines are helping with the other war (another?)--the war on drugs--and they're joining in on the killing sprees that stem from the administration's willingness to legalize and stabilize the market.

What's peaceful about any that?

So, Mr. Obama, let's cut to the chase. Either give the award back, or preferably, step up to the task. Look up peace. Next to that word is justice. Give it a try.


Posted by Trish