This article was written by Danielle

A surprise not only for us, but also the White House, President Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.  The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to award the prize to Obama because of his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” His international initiatives as President include reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

Obama said he did not feel he deserves “to be in the company” of past winners, but would continue to push a broad range of international objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation, a reversal of the global economic downturn, and a resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

“This award is not simply about my administration,” he said.It “must be shared” with everyone who strives for “justice and dignity.”

This year’s Peace Prize nominees included 172 people — among them three Chinese dissidents, an Afghan activist and a controversial Colombian lawmaker — and 33 organizations, the highest number of nominations ever. The Nobel recipient receives a prize of about $1.4 million.

For more information about the President Barack Obama’s win please click here.