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.

With Vice President Joseph Biden at his side, President Obama signs executive orders outlawing “enhanced interrogation” techniques. He orders the CIA to cease “renditions,” i.e., sending prisoners to countries that practice torture to elicit confessions. Obama signs off on closing Guantanamo prison within one year.