By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Barack Obama did not deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize this week. No how. No way, and even strong supporters recognize that fact.

Yes, America is far better off on the world stage led by the intelligent, articulate Obama, rather than the bumbling, gun-slinging George W. Bush.

But the Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded for positive actions in office especially, of course, on the international front.

And Obama has precious few of those kinds of victories.

-- The Middle East?

He gave a feel-good speech on the matter a few months ago. Now he's debating whether to increase (not decrease) U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the war in Iraq is winding down -- just as Bush predicted.

--Africa?

He traveled there over the summer for an official visit and, well, that was about it.

-- Russia and China?

The tensions are still relatively high with both countries. Obama has achieved no great breakthrough, certainly no more than any previous U.S. president.

The Nobel committee praised Obama for creating "a new climate in international politics."

But Obama should have been given time to be judged on his accomplishments, not just his grand campaign promises.

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Obama for his meager work so far in office demeans the award itself.