Letter: Obama deserves Nobel prize

I have a few comments on these letters ("Nobel Price for Obama", The Jakarta Post, Oct. 14).

First of all, it is a common misconception that the Nobel peace prize is given to reward someone for achieving results of their actions towards peace. More often, the prize is awarded to encourage those who receive it to see their efforts through, sometimes at critical moments.

Second, President Barack Obama has taken several noteworthy steps towards easing the tension in relationships with the Russian Federation by trashing the former US president's plans of building a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe.

Even more so, Obama has started talks with his Russian colleague Medvedev about the START treaty and continuing to reduce the nuclear forces on both sides.

As for the Middle East, Obama has sent Joe Biden as a mediator to once again attempt to reconcile relations between Israel and Palestine, with small but noteworthy success.

Afghanistan: Pulling out the US and International Forces (yes the US is not alone there) just like that is not a solution to that situation, nor is Obama the only decision-maker in the process. As for the topics of homosexuality and stem cell research, these are extremely difficult and ethical matters and I can understand and respect other people's opinions on them.

Tom Richardson and Paul Kokoski (writters of the two letters) should really study the facts first before writing totally unfounded letters to the newspaper. They are arguably two of the most absurd letters I have ever read.

I admire president Obama for his efforts and courage and I believe he deserves to win that prize more than anyone right now.

Michael Smith
Jakarta