Former British PM Tony Blair Honored at SMU

DALLAS (AP) - While in Dallas to accept an award from Southern Methodist University, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair talked about the need to bring peace and freedom to the Middle East and to continue fighting terrorism.
Blair was honored yesterday at SMU with the Tower Center's Medal of Freedom, which the university says is given every two years to someone "who has furthered the cause of freedom throughout the world."
Blair, who resigned last year after a decade as prime minister, is now the Mideast peace envoy for the so-called Quartet of Mideast negotiators: the U.S., European Union, United Nations and Russia. He's taken on the responsibility of helping Palestinians strengthen their economy and institutions in preparation for a Palestinian state.
Blair is the sixth recipient of the Tower award. Past recipients include General Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, President George H. W. Bush, General Tommy R. Franks and John McCain.
Blair was honored yesterday at SMU with the Tower Center's Medal of Freedom, which the university says is given every two years to someone "who has furthered the cause of freedom throughout the world."
Blair, who resigned last year after a decade as prime minister, is now the Mideast peace envoy for the so-called Quartet of Mideast negotiators: the U.S., European Union, United Nations and Russia. He's taken on the responsibility of helping Palestinians strengthen their economy and institutions in preparation for a Palestinian state.
Blair is the sixth recipient of the Tower award. Past recipients include General Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, President George H. W. Bush, General Tommy R. Franks and John McCain.