So much for the "partnership of equals"...

Bob Woodward's new book reveals Howard's early commitment to overthrow of Saddam:

Australian PM John Howard "was more worried about public opinion before the war than he let on. He told Bush he needed a final phone call before the launch order so it did not look as if Australia was being taken for granted.

Just days before the war, 'Howard was worried about Australian public opinion', writes Woodward. On March 16 Bush phoned Howard from Air Force One as he flew from the Azores summit with Blair and Aznar.

Bush explained that he would deliver a speech the next day in which he would issue a 48-hour ultimatum to Saddam.

Apparently concerned, Howard asked Bush whether this was going to be the declaration of war speech. 'No,' Bush assured him. 'It's an ultimatum speech'.

Howard then told Bush he needed 'one last official word' before the war started. 'Otherwise, it would look to the Australian people like Bush just started the war without even telling his biggest allies.'

'No, no,' Bush assured him. 'This isn't the last call you're going to get from me.'"