Nobel Peace Prize Betting Tips

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono looks set to scoop the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end almost three decades of separatist fighting in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in Indonesia, and should be backed at 2/1 with Paddy Power to do so. The retired military general and statesman, who was the first Indonesian President to be elected directly by voters, has been revered for his tireless work in attempt to bring about reform in a part of the world where unrest and deep poverty had become all too familiar. Some in broadcast and print media have drawn attention to the fact that their has been a catalogue of disasters within the region since SBY's appointment in October 2004. Indeed, two months after this date the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck, while suicide bombings in Bali followed, as did the eruption of Mount Merapi, outbreaks of bird flu and the Java earthquake. A recent study conducted last month by Survey Circle Indonesia found that 78 per cent of those polled believe the disasters represent warnings from nature. In Indonesia, many are deeply superstitious and look to the supernatural for answers to the most posing questions. Some have gone as far as to suggest that events in nature can portend political change. However, such notions are deeply spurious at best, and while tabloids, television commercials and neighbourhood conversations offer 'supernatural' explanations for events such as the Tsunami, tarnishing the government's image in the process, Yudhoyono has struggled to deal with very real problems caused by the natural disasters. And, it has to be said, he has made a darn good fist of it all things considered. All in all, it would seem most unfair to perceive that there is some sort of connection between Yudhoyono's governance and the disasters, even in the most spiritual of terms. Dubbed "the thinking general", Mr Yudhoyono is best known internationally for his leading role in Indonesia's fight against terrorism following the Bali bombing in 2002. His speech on the anniversary of the attack was a deeply moving one, and he has continued to build on his reputation, of being a man of integrity, a strong communicator and firm leader in times of crisis. If SBY does indeed receive the Nobel Peace Prize, his name will be added to an illustrious roll of honour, which includes Mohamed ElBaradei, whom collected the award last year, Jimmy Carter, Kofi Anan, John Hume and David Trimble, Yasser Arafat and Nelson Mandela. This Prize has been awarded to 93 persons and 18 organisations since its inauguration in 1901. Of the 776 Laureates awarded, 725 have been awarded to men while just 33 have gone to women. Martti Ahtisaari is Paddy Power's second favourite for the award at 5/1. The former President of Finland and UN diplomat/mediator, noted for his international peace work, is currently the UN's representative and mediator during the Vienna peace talks that will determine the final status of Serbia's southern province, Kosovo. Third best in the market is Sir Bob Geldof at 6/1, while Bono of U2 is 9/1. Sir Bob, who used the success of the single Band Aid to organise the massive charity Live Aid, and latterly the Live 8 concert, has long fought to raise money to help alleviate poverty in Africa, while Bono's charity work has focused largely on humanitarian issues. Neither would be shock winners, but SBY remains the confident selection to receive this Nobel Peace Prize. Verdict - 2pts Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize @ 2/1 (Paddy Power)