Australia Poll Rivals in TV Clash

As the election approaches, Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, and his opponent, Labor leader Kevin Rudd, have faced each other in a TV debate. In the live, 90 minute clash, the two sparred over economic policy, climate change and troop levels in Iraq. Both politicians grew more irritable as the debate went on but neither was able to land a knockout blow. Opinion polls put Mr. Rudd ahead of the long-serving Mr. Howard at present.

Thailand Sets Date for Election

Thailand has set a date for the first general election following last year's coup that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power. The electoral commission said the election would be held on December 23. Thailand's military-installed government had promised elections by the end of the year after it won approval for a new constitution. Nearly 58% backed the new draft in a referendum earlier this month, though many pro-Thaksin areas rejected it.