Obama's road to Nobel Peace Prize

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Nobel observers were shocked the award was presented so early in Obama's presidency. The Nobel Committee says the decision was designed to encourage a series of his peace initiatives. Let's take a look at what has led to him winning the award.

From the very first moments of Obama's presidency, he pledged action to re-cast America's image and role overseas.

Within two days of taking office, Obama ordered the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison.

A month later, he announced plans to end the US combat mission in Iraq by 2010, and pull out the majority of troops.

In June, he delivered a speech about relations between Americans and Muslims, hoping to ease tensions.

US President Barack Obama said, "I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world."

Obama also tried to resume stalled peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel's Minister of Defense Ehud Barak said, "I think we came out with the understanding that the US is ready and wants to apply its weight to the Middle East peace process."

With his vision of a nuclear-free world, Obama pushed forward talks with Russia to reduce their nuclear warheads.

US President Barack Obama said, "As the two major nuclear superpowers, we have made a commitment that we will reduce our nuclear stockpiles and move forward on our part of the bargain."

Meanwhile, in the first international summit hosted by Obama, the G-20 moved to give developing countries a bigger say in decision-making.

US President Barack Obama said, "The G20 will take the lead in building a new approach to cooperation, to make our institutions reflect the reality of our times we will shift more responsibility to emerging economies within the International Monetary Fund, then give them a greater voice."

Obama's election and foreign policy moves have improved the image of the US around the world.

The Nobel Committee lauded the change in the global mood encouraged by Obama's calls for peace and cooperation.