As the opening act of Obama’s fledgling presidency unfolded, the country — and the
world — kept a close eye on the 44th
president’s every important move.

Obama makes a surprise visit to Iraq to thank U.S. troops, and proclaims, “We’ve made significant political progress” in reducing conflict in Iraq. He wins applause from U.S. soldiers by saying the time has come for Iraqis to defend their own freedoms. “They need to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty,” he says.