From a non-US perspective, the widespread reaction is one of disbelief that the world’s most important Peace prize has gone to someone who has just begun a rather long and difficult marathon, and is far from the finish line.

Athletes don’t win medals, to run and in the hope they’ll reach the finish line.

The other discomfort I see [from the non-US perspective is] is the ‘we’re no. 1′ hangover.

The world has changed. Former super powers have broken. New ones wielding economic might for political clout are tripping over demons of their own making.

Moving on, while Obama is still very popular outside of American for what he symbolises, what will the impact of this award be on his Presidency in America?

My humble take is it will push Obama closer to the edge of the precipice – he will have progressively lesser space to manoeuver. Pushed to the very edge, he may either fly or may tragically, be a modern Icarus.

Hmm very discomfiting thought that one!

Anita