John Howard

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.

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)

• July 16, 1939: Born

• April 4, 1971: Marries Janette Parker

• May 18, 1974: Elected to Australian Parliament representing Bennelong

• December 1977: Appointed Federal Treasurer

• March 2, 1995: Defeats Paul Keating to become Prime Minister

• September 11, 2001: Howard is visiting New York City during the 9/11 attacks

• March 18, 2003: Formally commits troops to the War in Iraq

• July 1, 2005: Howard's coalition takes control of both houses of Parliament for the first time

• November 24, 2007: Concedes defeat to opposition leader Kevin Rudd