LOS ANGELES — John Howard, often the most patient and sure-footed of Western-style political leaders, is reported to be losing patience with the current Iraq government and mulling over options for an Australian troop withdrawal.
Howard, who has served as Australia's prime minister longer than George W. Bush has been America's president, is no dummy. The Australian people have soured on the war effort, to which their country has committed about 1,500 troops. And the facts on the ground in Iraq do not seem to be improving rapidly.
America does not go to the polls until late next year, but the probability is that Australians will choose their next government before yearend. Howard, the prime minister since 1996, has seen his opinion ratings deteriorate and faces the prospect of leading his Liberal Party (read: conservative party) to defeat.