Gates on Afghanistan...Attack in Pakistan...Vaccine delays

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Afghanistan's preparations for an upcoming runoff presidential election will be closely watched to prevent problems that plagued the August voting. The vote between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and chief challenger Abdullah Abdullah is set for Nov. 7.

ISLAMABAD (AP) Suspected militants on a motorbike have shot and killed a senior Pakistani Army officer and a soldier in Islamabad. Suicide bombings and raids on a range of targets have killed more than 170 people in Pakistan over the past three weeks.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A judge in Oklahoma has issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of a new law requiring doctors who perform abortions to report information on women seeking the procedure. The order stops the law from going into effect Nov. 1 until a motion for a temporary injunction is decided.

SWIFTWATER, Pa. (AP) Health officials are blaming the lag in production of swine Flu vaccine in part on a slow and antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs. The federal government originally promised 120 million doses of swine flu vaccine by now. Only 13 million have come through.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies smacked four home runs in their 10-4 rout of the L.A. Dodgers last night. That closes out the National League Championship Series and sends the Phils to their second straight World Series.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-22-09 0251CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list