U.S. President Barack Obama wins the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

President Obama is the 2009 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Yes, you heard that right. President Obama did in fact win the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, something that shocked many throughout the world whereas others seem to have seen it coming.

I was definitely surprised to see this awarded to our President as where many of my fellow Americans. In class after it was announced, I was talking to several of my classmates about what they thought about President Obama winning such a prestigious prize. The ultimate question coming off of nearly every classmate's tongue was, "Why?"

I myself even asked that question. I campaigned for President Obama in the previous election, so I would definitely be considered a big supporter of President Obama. Even as a supporter, I still could not help but ask why.

When going through his qualifications, I see that at age 48, he seems too young. Also, I understand that he is working hard to increase world peace, but what has he gotten accomplished so far that is so grand? I cannot come up with an answer to that question.

So after trying hard to figure out why, I decided to see what other people thought was the reason. Some are saying that the Nobel committee will sometimes give the award to someone who they feel is in the process of doing something great. By doing this, they hope to draw more attention to what that individual is doing in an attempt to get quicker more wide spread results.

I can definitely see this being a reason, as President Obama is doing a lot to try and increase the U.S.'s relations with countries throughout the world. I have also heard people who think that he only got it, because he was our first black president. I do feel that just that itself does give U.S. a different look from countries throughout the world, but I cannot see that being the sole reason for his award.

The reason that is published most is that President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." This is according to almaz.com.

No matter what the reason, President Obama receiving this award can have nothing but a positive effect on our country, so everyone put your hands together and congratulate the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner, President Barack Obama!