In the recent months, tensions between the U.S and North Korea have risen exponentially. Problems arose when North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 4th with the capability to strike Alaska. In a recent report on the July 28th missile launch from scientist David Wright with the UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists) he stated, “Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago appear to be well within range of this missile, and that Boston and New York may be just within range.” This sparked high alert for the U.S government and induced fear into many in anticipation for WWIII.

In the early days of August, Donald Trump, President of the USA, and Kim Jong Un, North Korean dictator, feuded, placing threat upon threat. Among these threats were tweets from Trump such as “Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely.”  Later, Kim Jong Un released that North Korea would “retaliate against the U.S. with tremendous muscle” if the South Korean and U.S. military exercises did not cease.

However, an inconvenience for the U.S. arose when “China’s government says it would remain neutral if North Korea attacks the United States, but warned it would defend its Asian neighbor if the U.S. strikes first…”

In the meantime, Guam, a U.S territory, had been preparing for a strike from North Korea. So much so “The territory’s Homeland Security Adviser George Charfauros told CNN he was confident of their defense systems.” Many citizens of Guam have continued with their daily lives as if it didn’t affect them. Even in a television interview with the governor of Guam, Eddie Baza Calvo, he states, “I have never felt more safe or so confident with you at the helm” when referring to having Trump as President. Even with the looming threat of a strike on their island the people of Guam and tourists continue to enjoy the island. 

As if realization finally struck Kim Jong Un, he receded the missile threat against Guam. This was a big relief for the citizens of Guam and the U.S. offering a moment of calm, for now.