I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with Alex Deane and, perhaps, a lot of people who read this site. I could think of fewer people more worthy of the award Tony Blair received from the National Constitutional Center.
It seems manifestly unfair to discuss Blair's contributions to freedom without mentioning foreign policy. By being so instrumental in overthrowing the Taliban and Saddam Hussein, Blair has given millions freedom from oppression, dictatorship and mob rule. This is a freedom that remains fragile, yet it would have been impossible to achieve without Blair's unwavering commitment in democracy promotion abroad. A functioning education system, women's rights, greater government accountability, democracy - these were all concepts unthinkable in Afghanistan before the US and British led invasion. Iraq's superior infrastructure means that it perhaps has an even greater chance of becoming a fully fledged, functioning democracy. Afghans and Iraqis deserved an opportunity to fight for their liberty. Blair helped to deliver it.
It was these liberal interventionist principles - expanded upon in his 1999 speech in Chicago - that had led to his previous interventions in both Sierra Leone and Kosovo. On both occasions his instincts were dead on the money. In Sierra Leone, especially, Blair is seen as a hero.
In contrast, the record of Conservative governments in recent times on this area has been shameful. The Major government not only refused to overthrow Hussein after the original Gulf War, it also sat back and refused to support the domestic uprising against the dictator - an uprising that was mercilessly crushed. Major also did nothing to stop the Srebrenica massacre - in which over 8000 were killed - and the genocidal Slobodan Milosevic. And - it is unfortunate but I think necessary to point out - even Thatcher opposed German reunification, one of the most inspiring examples of human freedom overcoming tyranny imaginable.
I, like many, disagreed with vast amounts of Blair's policies during his time as PM. However, his commitment to spreading the benefits that democracy brings should be a source of pride - not ridicule or shame. Sorry Con Home readers - but Tony Blair is a friend of liberty.
