"Kjell Terje Ringdal, a Norwegian public relations expert, said: "Acoolly and strategically calculated evaluation of 'realpolitik' liesbehind this decision.

"It's a smart move, since he wants to keep a low profile and he wants to avoid the (Nobel) medal shining too bright."

Therewas controversy when he received the award as critics argued that hedone almost nothing to further peace around the globe.

Mr Obamawill receive the prize nine days after ordering the Pentagon to step upthe military offensive in Afghanistan by sending 30,000 additionaltroops."