Obama Arrives in Oslo

Obama's motorcade arrived at Oslo's high-rise government complex to a few dozen anti-war protesters gathered behind wire fences nearby. Obama's first stop was the Norwegian Nobel Institute, where the Nobel committee meets to decide who gets the prestigious prize. After signing the guest book at the Institute with a lengthy passage, Obama told reporters he had penned thanks to the committee members and noted the pictures of former winners filling the wall, saying that many gave "voice to the voiceless."

In the evening, Obama is expected to wave to a torchlight procession from his hotel balcony and stroll with Norwegian royalty to a dinner banquet. He will offer comments a second time there and cap his jaunt to Europe—Obama is due back in Washington by midday tomorrow. Obama's quick stopover miffed some in Norway, but reflects a White House that sees little value in trumpeting an honor for peace just nine days after Obama announced he was sending more troops to war. (More Obama Nobel Peace Prize stories.)