According to Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize should go “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.” By that standard, Obama has done a lot in a short period of time.

For one thing, his actions are a far cry from Bush. Obama is sending the right message about scaling down and retooling the missile defense system planned for Poland and the Czech Republic. He’s shown good leadership by insuring the U.S. is on the right path in Afghanistan before increasing our presence there. And, he’s increased diplomatic contact with Cuba and acknowledged Israel isn’t always right and the Palestinians aren’t always wrong. He’s changing the tone all around the world.

Although there is some merit in the committee’s decision, it seems more a “call to action” (as Obama calls it) than anything. And for that, Kate, I have hope.