>> this is "dw news" live from berlin. the u.s. and iranian presidents trading threats amid worries of war as iran's supreme leader weeps at the funeral of the general assassinated, president rouhani ones resident donald trump don't mess with iran -- once president donald trump don't mess with the wrong. the trial of harvey weinstein begins in new york.

he faces similar charges in los angeles. australians counting the cost of the bushfires and appealing for funds to help save their wildlife. but the government is warning the danger is not over yet. plus, the world war i epic "1917" takes best drama investor actor awards stealing the prizes from the expected big winner, netflix. we will report on the golden globe awards. ♪ >> i'm brent goff. to our viewers around the world, welcome. we begin tonight with a twitter storm between the presidents of iran and united states. first, donald trump threatened today to hit as many as 52 iranian targets if iran

retaliates for the assassination of soleimani. president rouhani has tweeted back never threaten the iranian nation. huge crowds turned out for the funeral of the genereral and othehers killed in the drone strike last week. >> weeping over the remains of iran's top military commander. the supreme leader visibly moved as he led funeral prayers for his former close ally. hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects to general kasem soleimani, killed any u.s. drone strike in iraq on friday. his assassination is considered a declaration of war by many iranians. speaking at her father's funeral, the general's own

daughter has promised reprisals. >> families of american soldiers in western asia have witnessed america's humiliation in syria, iraq, lebanon, afghanistan, yemen, and palestine. they will spend their days waiting for the death of their children. >> the anger is spreading across borders. in lebanon, the hezbollah-backed militia has threatened to hit american forces in the region. meanwhile, the iraqi parliament has voted to end the u.s. military presence in the country. 5000 u.s. troops are there supposedly to help defeat islamic state. president trump has warned baghdad it could be hit by tough sanctions if it follows through with a threat. but it is iran's promise of revenge that is focusing minds. tehran has promised it will no longer abide by the 2015 nuclear

deal. raising the stakes even further. brent: this is a very fluid story to talk about. i am joined by our middle east analyst. happy new year. we are just getting reports the u.s. military has written to the iraqi government saying it is willing -- it is preparing to move out of the country. how significant is that? >> i have not seen the letter and cannot confirm the evidence. it sounds reasonable to me. it does not mean they would withdraw all their forces. let's always remember the u.s. have officially withdrawn from iraq in 2011. since 2014 when they were re-invited as an ally to fight isis, they are there at the pleasure of the iraqi government. the iraqi parliament has asked the iraqi government to end the

presence of u.s. troops in iraq. brent: isn't this exactly what iran would want to see happen? >> it is a military problem for the iranians but could be a political gain because who in the iraqi government would dare to take a pro american stance? we saw many members of parliament did not participate in the vote because for them it is not in their interest to have the u.s. leave, especially part of the kurds in the north because they believe the u.s. would counterbalance iranian influence. american air power was important to defeat isis. the iraqis can defeat resurging isis with the help of the iranians but then they would be left at the merercy of their

neighbor to the east. brent: are you concerned if the u.s. military presence is no longer there that we will see a rock fall apart --in iraq fall apart? >> the u.s. presence has not contributed to keeping iraq together. this is another story. when i see in washington is difficulties between combining reasonable tactical or strategic decisions on military affairs with overall policy. that does not go together. we have never seen it as drastically as we see it now. brent: there are lots of worries. at the u.n. today, gutierrez is calling again for de-escalation on both sides. he is not the only one. take a listen. >> stop escalation. exercise maximum restraint. restart dialogue. renew international cooperation.

let us not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war. as always, ordinary people pay the highest price. it is our common duty to avoid it. >>e agree iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. we share concern about iran's missilile tests. anand we are uninited in condedg iran's support for tererrorist groups. a new conflict would be in no one's intererest, so iranan must refrain from further violence and provocations. brent: what do you make about what we heard from nato? nato was briefed today by the united states on the intelligence trump said he had when he made the decision for the drone strike. it seems there is no transparency. >> there is no transparency. what should nato do? the u.s. are by far the biggest member of nato.

without the u.s., nato would be nothing. what i see from nato and european governments is they are not ready to risk disenchantment or two lose the alliance of the support of the americans for iran. they will never do this. the dominant position in europe is trump will be over one day, but the americans will be with us. this is our ally. we are not going to risk this alliance for iran. brent: what about the iran nuclear deal? there will be an emergency meeting this week. >> and made it clear -- they have made it clear the reaction is not directly related to the assassination of soleimani. they announced they would reduce commitment to the nuclear deal anyhow. they did not say they would leave the nuclear deal. one could say the deal is almost

dead. i think this is the most important point. the europeans, what can they do? we are in a be careful what you wish for situation for the americans. for the americans, it was a tactical decision to kill soleimani because they thought illuminating the strategic head of an raining -- iranian and listen the region would harm and rainy and influence -- iranian influence. the ones who died with him were the ones that kept the alliances together. this is why de-escalation is important because now everyone could feel entitled to act and avenge the killings. i think the problem is these people held some sort of discipline. brent: gave some stability to the situation. >> they were strategic heads.

now, you have a plethora of shia militias that could do whatever they want because they want to avenge the killing of soleimani. this may not be serving tactical or strategic interests. brent: daniel, as always, we appreciate your insights. thank you. here are some of the other stories making headlines around the world. forces under the libyan strongman say they have taken the city in a rapid advance. the coastal city is located between the capital of tripoli admin ghazi --and b benghazazi. if confirmepolice in uganda havd the singer as he arrived for a rally. they say the event was illegal although it had been authorized by the electoral commission. he's hoping to run for president next year. he has been facing harassment from government authorities.

a man described by a prosecutor is the most prolific rapist in british legal history has been sentenced to life in prison. the foreign student from indonesia was convicted of 159 sex offenses. not all of his male victims have been identified. the trial of former film producer harvey weinstein has begun in new york. he is facing charges of rape and sexual assault brought by two women. at the same time, he faces new charges in los angeles. the l.a. district attorney has charged with raping one woman at assaulting another in 2013. weinstein has denied the new york charges. he says any sexual encounters that took place were consensual. >> the disgraced former hollywood mogul harvey weinstein arriving at the new york supreme court. the 67-year-old continues to use a walking frame as a result of

an august car accident. the film producer will face five charges brought by two women, including one of rape. that woman remains anonymous. the other is a former production assistant who alleges the producer forcibly performed oral sex on her. >> both of my clients have been very brave, very courageous, because they are willing to testify under oath to tell the truth so help them god. >> six women in total are scheduled to testify.. if found guilty on all charges, weinstein could spend the rest of his life in jail. >> we will continue to press on and remind everyone in this great country you are innocent until proven guilty. >> more trouble materialized for harvey weinstein went the district attorney announced more charges. >> i am here today to announce my office has charged harvey weinstein with sexually

assaulting two women in los angeles county. when the cases completed in new york, we expect him to appear in a courtroom in los angeles county to face these charges. >> the former movie mogul's second date with justice will have to wait until after proceedings in new york are finished, a process that could take up to two months. brent: for more on harvey weinstein, i'm joined by our correspondent outside the new york supreme court where the trial is taking place. good evening to you. we know about 80 women accused harvey weinstein of sexual harassment. this trial is only about to the cases. --two cases. my his that? -- why is that? >> it was whittled down to two cases in new york. it is important i mention that there are new charges being

brought against harvey weinstein in los angeles just announced today in the united states. going back to this trial in new york, there are some very serious charges being brought against harvey weinstein. there are five charges in total. two counts of predatory sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual act, and two counts of rape. if convicted of these charges, harvey weinstein could end up in prison for life. today, we saw him arrive at the courthouse behind me with the help of a walker. there has been some criticism against harvey weinstein for that, claiming surgery is the use and for reason -- is the reason for using the frame. with regard to the charges against him, we expect both accusers will take the stand.

the prosecution wants to bring in other women who had allegations or accused harvey weinstein of sexual acts against them to also be brought in as witnesses, despite the fact those accusations did not end up in charges against harvey weinstein. the reason is to build up the prosecution's case to show this is a man who has allegedly been engaging in serious behavior over the past decade or two. brent: we know there has been a lot of reporting about who will be attending this trial, especially today. we also know the accusations sparked #me too movement. how will the outcome of the trial impact that movement? >> the #metoo movement advocates were at the courthouse. some remain around here now.

earlier this morning, there were many here to speak to the media. there is a huge media presence here. there is a lot of interest in this in the united states and internationally. they were speaking about the gravity of this and how important it is that these charges result in a conviction against harvey weinstein to send a message to other women who have been the victims of these kind of crimes brought against harvey weinstein that he is convicted. they do feel if they go to the authorities, it will result in these predators seeing charges against them and being convicted of those crimes. they wanted to stress that today down at the courthouse in manhattan. brent: the news of the new charges in los angeles is just

coming across now. how much of a shock is that where you are? >> it has come as a bit of a shock. it is well known in the united states that there were two against harvey weinstein, one in los angeles and one in london it is reported. in many respects, it comes as a shock on the opening day of the trial expected to take place. first, we need jury selection. then we will have eight weeks of trial and then deliberations. a big shock in the united states , particularly today at the start of this. brent: thank you. in australia, the government is pledging help totaling 1.5 billion dollars for communities ravaged by bushfires.

prime minister morrison warns the fires will continue burning for months. at least 24 people have died. thousands have lost their homes. >> returning to the rubble. a break in the weather is getting some bushfire vicictimsa chance to reflect on what they have lost. >> everything is g gone. we have got nothing. memories. maybe find a shovel or something in the shed, but that is about all we have. the wewe do have our animals and our lives. we have to be thankful for that. >> videos are still emerging from the recent dadays of devastation. this onene from an air force ple tryingng to deliver supupplies o trapped residents. it was forced to turn back. what was a skiing resort in the snowy mountains is now a charred wasteland. similarr scenes abound across

australia's fire ravaged southeast. while cooler temperatures and light showers are providing sprinkles of relief, authorities warn the worst may be to come. >> we cannot be complacent. fire season will last until at least the end of march. given weather conditions, it could go beyond that time. >> the fires are still burning. they will be burning for months to come. >> after facing heavy criticism, the government now says it will commit billions of dollars to the relief effort. but more helping hands are still needed. animal rescue shelters caring for injured wildlife are seeking donations. this rich country is now fighting to save its natural treasures. brent: our next-door he also touches on climate change and what happens to people when it does not rain. in the philippines, a lack of rain threatens water supplies

for millions in manila. a new chinese-funded reservoir in the north is supposed to help but critics say it will displace thousands of indigenous people and destroyed large areas of forest. she sent us this exclusive report. >> the river has always run through the mountain range in the philippines. controversial dam project could change its course foreverer. ahead is the planned construction site for the dam. along this f forest wall, it wil be built. you have to imagine all around us will be submerged under more than 60 meters of water. washing g ay communities like ththis one. the village i i closest to the dam site. here, the indigenous people have lived alongside peasant farmers forr generations.. signs oppoposing the dam abound.

>> i don't agree with the dam. especially if it is going to destroy the sourceces of our incocome, like our cropspsnd coconutt trees. if they build a dam at the expense of our families' livelihoods, it may serve others but what about us? >> the dam is meant to secure water supply in manila, the cacapital, 40 kilometers away. >> the water situation is a serious matter. we cannot meet the growing demands without the dam. >> philippine authorities argue displacing thousands is worth securing water for more than 12 million people with the controversy alone from china.

critics say less damaging and cheaper alternatives were ignored, as was due process. >> we are insisting on the law according to the indigenous peoples rights act. the presidede should have gotten our free and informed cononsent befofore he borroweded money or entered any kind of agreement wiwith china. >> the governmnment has vowed to use extraordinary powers to force the project through. many fear the loss of a way of life in accordance with the rhythms of nature andnd proteted of the environment. >> i am old. whwh about my y grandchildren ad their children? where are they supposed to live? whatat if they relocatate us too manila? how would we survive? we are not used to life there.

>> here in the mountains, the stage is set for an ever occurring impasse between the desire for preservation against what others insist his progress. brent: you are watching "dw news" from berlin. here are other stories making headlines around the world. police in india say dozens were injured when students and teachers were attacked. critics are calling for action to be taken against the perpetrators.. pupuerto rico has been struck ba 5.8 magnitude earthquake off the southern coast that caused several homes to collapse. it is the largest of several quakes to shake the island in the past week. no casualties have been reported. now for a look at the first big hollywood event of the year, the golden globe awards. they are often seen as an indicator of what to expect at the oscars next month.

it was a night of upsets with several surprise winners taking home the most coveted prizes. >> the red carpet lit up with smiling celebrities and flashing cameras as the stars of hollywood gathered for thehe golden globes awards ceremony. it is the first major red carpet event of 2020. the big surprise winner was "1917" which won best d rama. "o"once upon a time in hollywoo" won best comedy. the tv comedy script the top prize while the triple talent writer-producer-actress to calm the award for best comedy actress. tom hanks won a lifetime

achievement award for his decades of roles in many well loved films. many recipients used the stage to call attention to current events and political issues like gender equality, climate change, and the bushfires in australia. >> together, hopefully, we can be unified and make some changes. it is great to vote. but sometimes, we have to take that responsibility on ourselves. we don't have to take any jets -- private jets to palm springs. >> the comedian and host closed the ceremony asking the audience to donate to australians affected by the fires. brent: sports news now. the florida ski jumping tournament has ended in austria. the skier from poland when into the final day as the overall leader even though he had not won on any of the first three holes.

he dominated the final proceedings to come away with the tournament crown. >> on the men's large hi ll, he took the lead with a jump of 136 meters. that was after going 140 on his first effort. then the man who started the day with the lead soared 140.5 meters after a jump of 143 earlier in the day. and that sealed the title for the 29-year-old pole. he took, the coveted golden eagle -- he took home the coveted golden eagle for the first time. he was joined by the runner-up from norway and the man who finished second on the day and third overall. brent: here is a reminder of the

top stories we are following. iran's leader led the prayers today at the funeral a general qasem soleimani and others killed by a u.s. john strike on friday. the iranian president has warned president trump to never threaten his country. you are watching "dw news" live from berlin. after a short break, i will be back to take you through "the day." stick around.

. one of the two hundred for twenty four correspondents around the world. the clolosest now striking ten m here in paris these all the latest world headlines from france twenty four. is in tehran is thousands packed the capital streets to bid farewell to the top commander qassim solely money. was killed in a u. s. drone strike iran's foreign minister says washington's created global anti american fear written branca by carrrrying out the assassination we'll have more. from all correspondence catch of uncle just on it in washington. precious sexual crime charges in los angeles the harvey weinstein is the hollywood movie mogul of his in new york quotes for the opening day of his trial