U.S. President Barack Obama Accepts Nobel Peace Prize

U.S. President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway Thursday and in his acceptance speech the war-time leader addressed the controversy surrounding his nomination.

“In part, this is because I am at the beginning, and not the end, of my labors on the world stage. Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize — Schweitzer and King; Marshall and Mandela — my accomplishments are slight,” he said.

“But perhaps the most profound issue surrounding my receipt of this prize is the fact that I am the Commander-in-Chief of a nation in the midst of two wars. One of these wars is winding down. The other is a conflict that America did not seek; one in which we are joined by 43 other countries — including Norway — in an effort to defend ourselves and all nations from further attacks.”

Obama received the award just nine days after he ordered 30,000 additional troops into Afghanistan. The U.S. President penned the majority of his 4,000-word speech, which was about twice the length of his inaugural address.

While the speech renounced armed conflict, he also admitted history has proven violent measures often must be employed to protect peace.

“A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler’s armies. Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaida’s leaders to lay down their arms,” the American leader said. “To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism, it is a recognition of history.”

Obama spoke about the justification of war and said an armed response is apposite in self defence, aiding an invaded nation or to protect human rights.

“I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people,” he said.

The U.S. President also addressed the nuclear ambitions of Iran, the systematic rape in Congo and the genocide in Darfur while describing what kind of peace the world strives to achieve.

“For peace is not merely the absence of visible conflict. Only a just peace based upon the inherent rights and dignity of every individual can truly be lasting,” he said.

Obama’s relatively short visit to Norway – 24 hours – and the fact that he’s passing on the traditional second day of Nobel celebration activities has annoyed some in the nation.

Aside from the prestigious honour, Obama also received a cheque for $1.4 million.