The visit was a thank-you to Howard, a staunch US ally on Iraq who sent a small number of Australian troops to the war despite severe opposition at home.
Hundreds of thousands attended peace rallies across Australia -- once forcing Howard to leave his official residence on foot when anti-war protesters barricaded the exit. But his popularity has since soared.
"Times get tough when you make tough decisions, and we both made a tough decision," Bush said. "But there was never any doubt in his mind. He was steady under fire. He stood his ground when he needed to stand his ground because he understands the difference between right and wrong."
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