which shall be annually distributed in the form of prizes to those who, ***during the preceding year***, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind
The Emir's done some good stuff over a number of years, but it's only his actions in the preceeding year (not YEARS) that are eligible for consideration.
I think the author doesn't understand how the Nobel peace prize is awarded.
He might be advised to read Alfred's will (http://nobelprize.org/alfred_nobel/will/short_testamente.html) although I'll be nice and provide him with the pertinent bit:
which shall be annually distributed in the form of prizes to those who, ***during the preceding year***, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind
The Emir's done some good stuff over a number of years, but it's only his actions in the preceeding year (not YEARS) that are eligible for consideration.