The last day for nominations was [originaltext] The Norwegian Nobel Committee

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to President Barack Obama. In the United States and around the world, there was praise for the decision, but also criticism. Some suggested that the Nobel committee acted too soon. (6) The last day for nominations was February first, less than two weeks after the President took office. (7) The announcement came the same week as the eighth anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. President Obama spent the week in a series of meetings to consider future policy in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. Administration officials say they expect decisions within a few weeks.