The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize: A Controversial Choice?
As the world eagerly awaits the announcement of this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, one name has dominated the speculation: Donald Trump, the President of the United States. Since taking office, Trump has boldly asserted his eligibility for this prestigious award, claiming to have ended 'seven wars' and brokered peace in various global conflicts. But is he truly deserving of this honor, or is this a controversial move that could spark debate and divide opinions?
The Trump Factor: Peacemaker or Political Prestige?
Trump's claims to have ended multiple wars have been met with both praise and skepticism. While some wars he mentions were indeed brought to an end, his role in these ceasefires is a matter of debate. Here's a closer look at his alleged peace-making efforts:
Israel-Gaza War: Trump believes he deserves the prize for his role in ending this two-year-long conflict. While the US has provided critical military support to Israel, Trump is also credited with pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the fighting. However, the peace plan's implementation and its potential for lasting peace remain uncertain.
Iran-Israel Conflict: This war ended with a Trump-brokered ceasefire, but the US was an active participant, striking Iranian nuclear sites alongside Israel. Iran retaliated by attacking a US military base in Qatar.
India-Pakistan Aerial War: Trump announced a ceasefire after four days of fighting, with Pakistan crediting him for halting the conflict. However, India denies his involvement.
Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute: A truce was reached after mediation efforts by Trump, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, and Chinese negotiators. Only Cambodia has publicly thanked Trump for his role.
Serbia-Kosovo Relations: Tensions have remained high, but no full-scale war has occurred since Trump's return to power. Kosovo and Serbia signed a deal under Trump's first term.
Egypt-Ethiopia: Trump claims to have ended a war between these nations, but they have not been engaged in any military conflict.
Rwanda-DRC Peace Deal: Brokered by Trump, this ceasefire is fragile, with high tensions persisting between the two countries.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Agreement: Trump oversaw this agreement at the White House, promising to end a long-standing conflict. However, in a subsequent interview, he confused Azerbaijan with Albania.
The Controversy and Criticisms
Not everyone agrees with Trump's self-proclaimed peace-making credentials. Nina Graeger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, believes Trump's contributions to peace are not substantial enough to warrant the prize. She highlights his retreat from international institutions, his attempts to acquire Greenland from Denmark (a NATO ally), and infringements on democratic rights within the US as factors that do not align with Alfred Nobel's will.
Trump's military actions also raise questions. He ordered attacks on Somalia, Yemen's Houthis, and boats in the Caribbean, including those originating from Venezuela. Additionally, he has threatened to annex Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal.
The Nobel Peace Prize, established by Alfred Nobel, is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to 'fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the promotion of peace congresses.' However, the prize has a controversial history, with past winners like Henry Kissinger, Shimon Peres, and Barack Obama facing criticism for their roles in conflicts and human rights abuses.
The Decision and Potential Fallout
Nominations for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize closed shortly after Trump's return to the White House. Netanyahu, Hun Manet (Cambodia's PM), Nikol Pashinyan (Armenian PM), and Ilham Aliyev (Azerbaijani President) have all endorsed Trump for the prize. Within his cabinet, Steve Witkoff and Albert Bourla (CEO of Pfizer) also support his candidacy.
However, according to the Nobel Committee's rules, nominations made after July 31 will be considered for the 2026 prize. Pakistan has already nominated Trump for next year's award.
If Trump does not win, there are concerns about his potential reaction. The US has already imposed tariffs on Norway's exports, and the Trump administration has expressed trouble with Norway's decision to divest from US company Caterpillar over its links to Israel's war on Gaza.
In a military meeting, Trump stated that not receiving the award would be 'a big insult to America.' He believes the prize should go to someone who has 'done a damn thing' or even to 'the guy who wrote a book about the mind of Donald Trump.'
The decision of the Nobel Committee is eagerly awaited, and the potential fallout from their choice is a topic of much speculation. Will Trump be awarded the prize, or will the committee opt for a more traditional and less controversial choice? The world watches with bated breath.
