IAEA's Nobel Peace Prize

Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei and the IAEA were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this morning. The Nobel committee's comments on the decision included:

"At a time when disarmament efforts appear deadlocked, when there is a danger that nuclear arms will spread both to states and to terrorist groups, and when nuclear power again appears to be playing an increasingly significant role, IAEA's work is of incalculable importance."

I couldn't agree more. I find it highly entertaining that Condi Rice sent her congratulations after the U.S. completely lobbied against his third term as IAEA Director General. Less than a year ago the Bush administration asked ElBaradei to step down when his term ended. The U.S. only gave their endorsement grudingly in June when it became clear that everyone else was in favor of ElBaradei continuing at his post. Apparently the Bushies thought ElBaradei was a little soft on Iran and Iraq. Either this opinion has changed or the Bush administration doesn't want to come off all sour grapes.

I'm obviously not a fan of the IAEA on many fronts, but I think they're a very important watchdog in the face of the reemerging nuclear arms race. ElBaradei's official statement can be found here.