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The special local elections in New York's 20th Congressional District can be considered an early referendum on the Obama presidency, according to many political commentators.

Democrat Scott Murphy and Republican Jim Tedisco are competing to replace Kirsten Gillibrand. Gillibrand has moved up to the Senate, being appointed by Governor Paterson to the seat left vacant by Hillary Clinton after Clinton resigned to become Secretary of State. This particular seat has been traditionally dominated by Republicans.

Local elections usually run on local issues and the personalities of the contestants. But Barack Obama has backed Scott Murphy in the campaign advertisements, and the national issues loom larger than they do normally this time around.

Seventy nations are participating in the talks about reconstruction in Afghanistan in the Hague. The new American strategic initiative unveiled by President Obama last week will be the focus of the discussions: a modest increase in troops, more civilian participation, and wider world involvement in Afghanistan.

One important issue is the need to pay for security in Afghanistan: international support now raises $25 million a year, when the need is estimated to be around $2 billion.

Another is the unhappiness of Afghanistan's neighbors (Iran, China, Central Asian republics, India) with the American strategy of engaging the 'good' Taliban.

Kai Eide, head of the UN mission in Afghanistan, said international coordination is essential to progress in the area, but peace is not going to come easily.