Security beefed up for Olympic 'torch relay' down under

AUSTRALIA: Police began an unprecedented security crackdown in Australia's national capital on Wednesday to protect the Olympic flame from protests during the latest leg of the torch's troubled journey around the world.

China had hoped the torch's progress would be a symbol of unity in the run-up to the Beijing Games.

But at several previous relays, the flame has drawn anti-China protests over human rights and Beijing's crackdown in Tibet, as well as pro-China demonstrations.

"All of our planning to date has anticipated that there will be issues," Canberra police commander Mike Phelan said. "I'm very confident that we have enough resources in place," he said.

The Australian relay is on Thursday, but pro-Tibet demonstrators have already beamed laser signs on to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge reading "Don't Torch Tibet".

Canberra, Wednesday,