His conservative government has been a staunch supporter of the US-led war on terror, sending troops to Afghanistan and Iraq, but public support has swung against him on rising violence and after pictures showing US troops abusing Iraqi prisoners emerged.
Following reports that Australians David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib were mistreated in Cuba, Howard said he would ask President George W. Bush to investigate and expedite military trials for the pair held at the US camp for over two years without charge.
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