The past year has been a mix of good and bad news, with some clear winners and losers in the world. As we look back, certain events stand out for their importance.
President Donald Trump: President Trump’s strong personality has once again made a big impact in Washington. He is focused on building a legacy as a peacemaker, pointing to several peace agreements made this year. When gentle talks didn’t work, he has used firmer methods to protect America’s interests. One example is Operation Midnight Hammer, a surprise attack on Iranian nuclear sites, which showed great teamwork between America and its allies.
Keeping up this success won’t be easy. The Supreme Court will soon review President Trump’s tariffs, which could take away one of his important tools for dealing with other countries. Also, the midterm elections are coming up, which are often hard for the president’s party. President Trump will need to use all his political skills to keep the Democrats from starting investigations that could slow him down.
The Idea of a Strong Israel: Over a century ago, Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, believed that Jewish people would never be safe in Europe because of deep-seated hatred. He dedicated his life to creating a Jewish state strong enough to defend itself. Recent events have proven him right once again. Anti-Jewish hatred has risen, reminding us that even in generally tolerant countries, there are those who wish harm. But Israel has shown its strength by defending itself against its enemies, proving that Herzl’s vision of a secure Jewish state is more important than ever.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi has broken through barriers to lead her country during a time of great danger. She quickly built a strong relationship with President Trump, who remembers past trade problems with Japan. She is standing firm against strong pressure from China regarding Taiwan.
Takaichi’s experience as a drummer in a metal band has prepared her well to lead America’s important ally in Asia. She will need perfect timing and speed to support her American partner as China tries to slow things down.
However, not everyone had a good year. Some of the losers include:
Those Who Want America to Stay Out of World Affairs: For years, some have argued that America should stay out of international problems, believing they could prevent the country from getting involved in conflicts. They thought President Trump would agree with them and keep America isolated. But while President Trump isn’t part of the usual Washington crowd, he is determined to keep America strong on the world stage. He is passionate about solving international problems and willing to use military force when necessary, showing that he is not afraid to lead.
International Environmentalists: Not long ago, it seemed like the environmental movement was about to take over the world. People at international conferences like Davos believed that climate change was the biggest threat to humanity. They wanted to quickly stop using fossil fuels in favor of wind and solar energy and replace gas-powered cars with electric vehicles.
But this plan is falling apart. The annual environmental summit had very few attendees. Bill Gates reminded everyone that poverty and disease are bigger problems for the world’s poor. The European Union recently gave up on its electric vehicle mandate. Despite their dislike of traditional cars, environmentalists are now struggling to maintain momentum.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei: Khamenei may be one of the biggest losers of the year. Earlier in the year, it seemed like his dreams were coming true when his allies killed many innocent people in Israel. Since then, however, the Israeli military has eliminated many of his top commanders.
For decades, Khamenei carefully built a network of terrorists, a collection of missiles, and a nuclear program. In just a few months, Israel destroyed it all. He is still trying to rebuild his arsenal of terror, but hopefully, the coming year will bring him as much disappointment as the last.
