Noble Peace Prize - Ambitions that will serve us well

IT IS far too early to say whether Barack Obama’s election was a victory for promise over substance. He freely acknowledged as much yesterday when he accepted the Noble Peace Prize in Oslo.

This has not, however, dissuaded those bitterly opposed to the great achievement he represents doing everything they can to undermine him and his office, despite his democratic mandate.

As he accepted the award, he suggested that it was premature and that others might be far more deserving. However, he pledged to continue working on issues that are important for the US and for building lasting peace and security in the world, such as halting the spread of nuclear weapons, addressing climate change and stabilising Afghanistan.