COVER

Photo Essay

Obama's 100 Days: Behind-the-Scenes

TIME photographer Callie Shell documents the President's historic start on the job

ESSAY

Dumb Intelligence (Commentary)

The torture memos prove that the U.S. sacrificed its moral authority for nothing

WORLD

Postcard from Medellín (Postcard: Medellã­n)

As Colombia gains ground in the battle against insurgents, its focus turns to rehabilitating former child soldiers. A guerrilla war's youngest fighters come in from the cold

On the Bloody Border: Mexico's Drug Wars (The Well / World)

The U.S. has wakened to Mexico's drug wars. The city of Juárez is the place to see if and how they can be won

The Streets of Ciudad Juarez

Photos: The battle to control the flow of drugs from Mexico through Texas escalates into an unofficial war between the cops and the cartels.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

The TIME 100

To help select the world's most influential people, we asked these newsmakers to offer their nominations for this year's list

The 2009 TIME 100 Finalists

Cast your vote for the leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and thinkers who deserve a spot on this year's TIME 100

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dag! (Books)

In his novel Sag Harbor, Colson Whitehead re-creates an '80s summer at the beach in rich nostalgic detail

BUSINESS

Hooray for Boring Banks (The Curious Capitalist)

They're making money again, the old-fashioned way. Good for them, and maybe us

SOCIETY

The Eyes Have It (Life / Fashion)

Forget the lipstick index. This recession, more women are splurging on their lashes

Camping for the Hotel Set (Life / Travel)

Cheap outdoor options that let you sleep in a queen-size bed after a round of mini golf

BRIEFING

The Skimmer

Book Review: The Marriage-Go-Round by Andrew J. Cherlin

LETTERS