"Who, Obama? So fast? Too fast -- he hasn't had the time to do anything yet."
Even some of the president's admirers must have shared the puzzled reaction of Poland's Lech Walesa, the 1983 Nobel Peace Laureate, upon learning of President Barack Obama's selection as this year's recipient.
Europe loves Mr. Obama because he's not George W. Bush, whose war-on-terror policies are reviled, but is that really a prizeworthy distinction? It shouldn't be.
His selection is an honor for this country, yet the word premature springs to mind. Mr. Obama has made some eloquent speeches, most recently reaffirming a commitment to diplomatic engagement before the U.N. General Assembly. And he has done some good things, too, like ordering the eventual closing of the prison at Guantanamo and outlawing waterboarding.
That's a good start, but no more than that. The Nobel Peace Prize should represent something more than a pat on the back for good intentions.
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