Bush hits trail, Gore finishes debate preparation
Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W Bush prepared for their crucial first presidential debate in different ways on Monday as a new poll showed the Vice-President creeping back to a four-point lead.



Afghan refugees return to a devastated land
There are now 2.1 million Afghan refugees, both registered and unregistered, in Pakistan and 1.4 million others in Iran. Pakistan is encouraging them to return; UN officials and Afghans say Iran was simply forcing them out.



Russia to supply Smerch multiple rocket launchers
It’s going to supply 18 Smerch multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) to India, government-controlled television station ORT said on Monday, in connection with the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which a package of defence deals is expected to be signed.



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