2009 Nobel Peace Prize when asked if they were personally glad that Obama won the award, 46% of respondents said they were and 47% said they were not glad (poll margin of error +/-3%). There was widespread criticism of the Nobel Committee's decision from commentators and editorial writers across the political spectrum. "The New York Times" published a mildly-supportive editorial which said the prize was "a (barely) implicit condemnation of Mr. Bush's presidency. But countering the ill will Mr. Bush created around the world is one of Mr. Obama's great achievements in less than nine months in office. Mr. Obama's willingness to respect and
2013 Nobel Peace Prize in that country [Syria] and end the suffering of its people." United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon congratulated the organisation's work. "USA Today" quoted a London-based Syrian opposition activist who doubted Syrian people would be celebrating the award. Similarly, a spokesperson for the Syrian National Coalition labelled the prize "ironic". Pakistani politician Imran Khan called on the USA and Russia to destroy their own chemical weapons. 2013 Nobel Peace Prize The 2013 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, for their "extensive work to eliminate chemical weapons". The award citation indicated the organization