Barrack Obama has recently received the prestigious Nobel Peace prize to the surprise of many worldwide.

Undeniably, Obama’s intentions are most admirable, his main international ideas being ending the war in Iraq responsibly and stopping the creation of nuclear weapons. However, I can’t help but wonder if Obama’s stance on foreign policy has only been able to gain such prestige due to the sheer contrast to that of his predecessor, George Bush, whose pragmatic take on international affairs- “You’re either with us, or against us”, left a lot to be desired.

There seemed to be many other deserving candidates for the award, particularly Denis Mukwege, a medical doctor who has helped 21,000 women suffering from shattering gynaecological injuries as a result of rape in Congo's brutal war. An achievement such as this, one which has helped and relieved so many women, seems to be a more deserving cause at this current moment in time.

It is not that I do not think Obama is a deserving candidate, but I feel that a few months into a Presidency is not enough to warrant such a reward- he has not had chance to flex his muscles and truly put his ideas into practice.

What is perhaps more shocking, is that due to the deadline for Nobel nominations being February 1st of the award year, it means that only ten days after President Obama officially took office he received the nomination. This reaffirms the idea which many have, that Obama got the award primarily for who he is, rather than for what he has done.

I do not doubt for a minute that a few years down the line Obama will have made a great impact upon the world, a positive impact, and he will be accomplished enough to receive the award. However, as it stands I can’t help but think it is all a little premature.