Australian Prime Minister John Howard faces opposition from all sides but is still expected to succeed in pushing through contentious workplace reforms and tough anti-terror laws starting next week. While Howard holds the most powerful government mandate in nearly 25 years, his government’s popularity is falling and he is facing a revolt from his backbench on Australia’s effective ban on the abortion drug RU486. He is also under public pressure over his failed bid to persuade Singapore to spare the life of an Australian drug smuggler due to be hanged next Friday.Full Story