When I caught the news,I was pretty taken aback I have to say, while I recognise that Barack Obama has re-kindled hope for so many in the world, for me, the jury is still out. I am reminded that he is a politician, and this section of the community have not a particularly good record for being true to their word. However, I was very impressed with his acceptance speech which among other things described this award as 'a call to action', so I like so many others will continue to hope that faith in him has not been misplaced.
With regard to the motivation behind this award, I understand that the award is by way of encouraging the present trend towards friendship and diplomacy rather than mistrust and conflict. If it succeeds in this, then what I say is Bloody Hooray.