January 1 

On the first day of January, the world celebrated the coming of a new year and decade. At the same time, however, the United States Embassy in Baghdad was still under attack from the previous day. The attack was caused by a US airstrike on the Kataib Hezbollah in retaliation for a rocket attack that killed a US contractor.

January 2 

The Australian bushfires continued and shocking statistics were released to the public. Currently, 32,400 square miles are on fire. Australians are still struggling, as thousands of homes have been destroyed and the air quality is hazardous. According to CNN, 24 people have been killed, three of whom were firefighters. The local wildlife is also struggling because of the blaze, with an estimated one billion animals having perished. The koala population is expected to drop by 30%. People all across the world are helping by donating to help prevent the spread of the fires.

January 3 

As a result of the attack of the US Embassy in Baghdad, the United States orchestrated the assassination of Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani. The attack was never approved by Congress, but Trump has announced that the strike was needed because of the “imminent” attack on the US that was being planned by Soleimani. Under Article II of the constitution, Trump would not need approval from Congress if such an attack on the US people was imminent. The result of the Iranian General’s death is one that could potentially have serious ramifications.

Soon after the attack was announced, Twitter was filled with memes about it and how the assassination could lead to a potential “World War III”.

January 4

After the death of the Iranian General, thousands gathered to mourn. The death of Soleimani is currently being criticized, with some questioning if the US truly had a valid reason for killing him. The White House maintained that the death was justified, due to General Soleimani conspiring to attack the US. The funeral was looked upon by millions across the world as they waited for the response from Iran, who has declared that there will be retaliation.

January 5

January 5th has been marked as the end of a dynasty within the NFL. The New England Patriots had an outstanding record in the league, especially with their quarterback, Tom Brady. Throughout the league, a vast majority of NFL enthusiasts believed that the Patriots were going to go back to the Superbowl again, but the Tennessee Titans made sure that their reign would come to an end. With winning 20-13 against the Patriots, fans who have hated the Patriots or believed that patriots would win again were stunned by its end. All over Twitter, tweets were spiraling talking about how Tom Brady may retire, as his career may have been brought to an end.

January 6

Tensions with Iran continued, as they announced they were pulling from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) that was created by President Barack Obama in 2015. By pulling out of the agreement, Iran’s deal to halt nuclear development is now invalid. This was similar to when the US first pulled out in 2015 away from the deal back in 2018 as President Trump called the JCPOA “the worst deal ever.”  As tensions have continued to escalate, much of the world is continuing to look and see what will happen next.

January 7

As of January 7th, tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. Iran had launched missiles towards two bases that hold US troops. The missiles caused zero injuries, and that damage towards the bases was very minimal. The cause for the missiles was also an act of retaliation towards the US for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani along with the withdrawal of the JCPOA. Tensions have continued to rise and currently, President Trump has announced how he will be putting economic sanctions on Iran. This is due to the retaliation of attacking two bases that hold both Iraqi and US troops, as well as the killing of a US contractor.

The first week of a new year and decade as been off to quite a start, and as the new year progresses more tensions between Iran and the US may continue to escalate, and hopefully there is to be no war and that fires in Australia come to an end.