Two months ago, the mere thought of freedom was out of the question in Libya.
He did not address that issue today, other than to say: "There are people in Iraq who hate the thought of freedom.
While it is often uncomfortable to own feelings that place us outside of a uniform belief system, the very idea of moving towards freedom of thought and freedom of speech and of action, seem tempting.
Freedom of thought, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement: imagine living in a world where such fundamental liberties were curtailed by the ruling class of the day.
Freedom of expression, freedom of thought and freedom of information are the hot-button issues of today (think Charlie Hebdo, Edward Snowden, WikiLeaks), so Magnus Lindberg is right on the money with his latest work, Accused, given a hugely impressive world premiere by the always exciting London Philharmonic Orchestra last week.
Their strong links to the Chinese state have led some western academics to accuse them of threatening freedom of thought and freedom of speech.
Freedom of thought, freedom of action, free markets, free societies, free man and woman.
"If you want to protect your country, you will encourage freedom of thought and freedom of conscience and freedom of expression," he said.
Asked what the difference is between freedom of thought and freedom of expression, she replied, "Well, freedom of expression can be taken in many ways.
They know that there will be no security for their families as long as freedom of thought and freedom of political action are not guaranteed by the law of the land" ("Letters From Burma," 1997).
