Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize: Time for Action

It has been nine months since Obama’s inauguration, and in spite of him just beginning his term, he has already won the Nobel Peace Price. Obama himself was surprised, but should he be? His goal of a world without nuclear weapons has shaken the world. I want to express my heartfelt congratulations when he visits Japan this November.

The goal of a world without nuclear weapons does not belong only to Obama. Former Secretary of State Kissinger and other diplomats also advocated their total abolition, and it had become a trend in the U.S. government. In the backdrop of Obama receiving the prize, we must give credit to America’s long-standing movement as well.

However, Obama’s personal efforts have been brilliant. During his April speech in Prague, his statement that America, as the sole user of nuclear weapons, had a moral obligation to work towards nuclear disarmament, was both courageous and gracious.

During the July L’Aquila Summit, he laid the groundwork for the leaders’ resolution towards nuclear disarmament, and during the September meeting of the Security Council, he acted as chairman when the council unanimously voted for a resolution towards disarmament. Obama, briskly advancing these proceedings, seemed to symbolize the world itself, moving towards peace and disarmament.

Again, with his reconsideration of the Eastern European missile defense plans (MD) that had troubled U.S.-Russian relations, he has reached an understanding with Russia to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START 1) with a new nuclear disarmament treaty. The two countries’ relationship has been greatly mended since the days of the Bush administration, when relations between them were said to be like that of a new Cold War. Truly, Obama quickly changing the climate of international politics, the stated reason for his award, is not exaggerated at all.

Obama has not only taken the lead with nuclear issues. He displayed his leadership ability at Cairo, Egypt, when he spoke about Middle East peace and harmony with Islam. He has also addressed global warming and proposed countermeasures. As an African-American president with Muslim ancestry, he has become a symbol of harmony between the ethnic religions of the world.

But, one cannot forget those who hate that he has been awarded. They say that he has been unable to make gains for peace in the Middle East, and also point to “Obama’s Vietnam,” or Afghanistan, where the state of affairs continue to deteriorate. The number of threats to the world, like North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and missiles, and Iran’s nuclear development, continue to grow. Under the Obama administration, the world has not enjoyed the fruits of peace.

Starting now, Obama can answer the critics by realizing his goals. Next month, when he tours Asia, I want him to fully feel how much Japan and America’s allies feel threatened by North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles, and how much the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been looking forward to his visit. Isn’t this the new starting point for a world without nuclear weapons? I want to wholeheartedly support Obama and Japan’s fight.