Donald Trump

On Jan. 3, early morning Baghdad time, the United States killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

Trump threatened additional economic sanctions on Iran, but drew back from ordering retaliation for the strike.

He said he had been informed that attacking cultural sites would be against international laws.

"The Department of Defense did excellent work," Pompeo said.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Monday that troops will "follow the laws of armed conflict."

Prisoner transfers to the U.S. will remain barred.

Two distinguished veteran aviators are about to receive honorary promotions thanks to recent legislation.

The action followed reports that North Korea had warned of a possible missile launch or nuclear test for late December.

It's perhaps unsurprising that the dominant themes have been turnover and conflict -- internal as well as external.

Trump's decision to intervene in the cases has been met with outcry from some who say the move invites more bad behavior.