First presidential debate in US set for Friday

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From Fazle Rashid
NEW YORK, Sept 22: The first presidential debate for the race to the White House has been set for Friday. The 90-minute event scheduled for 9.0 p.m. Friday (Saturday 7.0 a.m. Dhaka time) will be held at the University of Mississippi.
National security and foreign policies will be the focal points of the first debate. A record number of people both here in America and abroad are expected to watch the debate. This debate will be crucial because the undecided voters may take a side. Both the candidates Barak Obama and John McCain are preparing for the big event.
John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin is taking lesson on foreign policy from legendary Dr. Henry Kissinger as she prepares to meet foreign dignitaries like President Jalal Talabani of Iraq, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan and President Mikheil Saakashvilli of Georgia during the coming session of the UN General Assembly. Pallin who is likely to play an important role under McCain presidency is brushing her foreign policy credentials which is nil at the moment.
Dr. Kissinger who frequently advises McCain on foreign policy imperatives is focusing on Russia, China and Middle East while imparting lesson to Palin. The resurgence of Islamic militancy in Pak-Afghan border will figure prominently in Palin's discussions with Zardari and Karzai.
The debate will revive interest in the presidential race which has been submerged by the catastrophe in US financial market.