In its surprise choice out of 205 entries, the Norwegian Nobel Committee cited the president's creation of a "new climate in international politics" and his work on nuclear disarmament, even though he is just nine months into his presidency.

In announcing Obama winner, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people

Speaking with White House reporters yesterday, Obama said he wasn't sure he had done enough to earn the award, or deserved to be in the company of the “transformative figures” who had won it before him.  Notwithstanding, he said, “I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century.”

According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."

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