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In his first foray into the annual meet-and-greet fest known as the UN General Assembly this week, US President Barack Obama will seek to make his impact on the major issues facing the world.

Having faced domestic arguments over his healthcare reforms and warnings over Afghanistan, the high expectations he has raised internationally will now be tested.

Mr Obama makes his first General Assembly speech on Wednesday. This should set the tone for his diplomacy over the next years.

This is his agenda.

Iran

Afghanistan is a huge problem for him, but it is principally a military one at the moment.

Iran is probably the most difficult diplomatic challenge facing him right now.

Because Iran is refusing to accept the demands from the Security Council for it to suspend the enrichment of uranium, the US and its allies are trying to rally support for increased sanctions, especially on Iran's oil and gas industry.

Mr Obama is trying to get Russia and China's support. He will have meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at which this is expected to be discussed.

At the same time this week, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be making his impact at the UN, probably refusing to stop enrichment but maybe saying, as the Iranians have been stating recently, that they do not intend to make a nuclear bomb.

Climate change

Mr Obama... >>>