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• John Howard was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia. He is the second longest serving prime minister in Australian history. A vocal supporter of George W. Bush and United States foreign policy, Howard was seen as the leader of the "new right" in Australia. He failed to secure a fifth term in November of 2007, losing the election to Labor Party candidate Kevin Rudd. In February of 2007 he made a highly controversial comment implying that a Barack Obama win in the 2008 Presidential Election would answer the prayers of Al Qaeda. He had also drawn criticism in Australia for his increasing support of the Iraq War, expansion of anti-terrorism legislation, and introduction of a mandatory detention policy towards those without valid visas.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born on July 16, 1939
  2. Birhtplace: Sydney, Australia
  3. Attended the University of Sydney
  4. March 11, 1996: Assumed position of Prime Minister
  5. Head of Australia's "New Right" Liberal Party Australia
  6. Close ally of U.S. President George W. Bush

• Presidential Medal of Freedom

  On January 13, 2009, George Bush presented Alvaro Uribe with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The medal is the United States' highest civil award. Bush also awarded the medal to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Columbian president Alvaro UribeHuffington Post: Bush Chooses Uribe, Blair, Howard For Medal Of Freedom (January 5, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Kevin Rudd | John Howard Loses Re-election | Australia | George W. Bush | Janette Howard

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