HERE is a leader honoured in the world, determined in war, skilful at diplomacy, successful at home, universally respected, enormous electoral triumphs to his name, and about to suffer a crushing, humiliating defeat. Who am I talking about? John Howard today? No, the leader I have in mind is George H.W. Bush, the father of today's US President, in 1992. The paradox at the heart of Howard's dilemma is obvious. The economy is roaring ahead, the nation has never stood higher in international esteem, no one could argue the PM is physically or mentally not up to the job. And...