Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo/picture alliance
DW: The volume of the US national debt for the first time in history exceeded $34 trillion, according to statistics from the US Ministry of Finance, published on the department’s website on Tuesday. The day before, it was estimated at 33.911 trillion. The previous record level of national debt of $33 trillion was recorded in mid-September.
At the beginning of 2023, the US national debt exceeded the established ceiling of $31.4 trillion. After this, the US Ministry of Finance repeatedly warned about the threat of default if the limit was not raised. US President Joe Biden and Democrats have called on Congress to raise the cap without any conditions. At the same time, Republicans who control the House of Representatives refused to raise the ceiling without cutting budget spending.
On May 29, Biden and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a compromise, and in June Biden signed legislation raising the debt ceiling on January 2, 2025. Until this date, the limit is suspended. The White House assured that the agreement on the national debt would not affect aid to Ukraine.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Ahmed Al-Shara, leader of Syria's new administration, declared a "new era" for Syria during a joint press conference following talks in Damascus. Fidan emphasized that the darkest times for Syria were over, promising a brighter future built on inclusivity and the determination of Syrians.
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A new Gallup poll reveals a growing desire among Americans for a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, which has now exceeded two years in duration. Half of the respondents expressed support for ending the conflict quickly, even if it means Ukraine does not regain all its lost territories—a 7-point increase from March 2024. Support for rapid resolution had previously held steady at 43% since October 2023.
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Senior U.S. diplomats met on Friday with Syria's new de facto ruler, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Damascus, holding what was described as a "good" and "very productive" meeting to discuss the country’s political transition. The U.S. delegation also announced the withdrawal of a $10 million bounty previously placed on al-Sharaa’s head.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday suggested a missile 'duel' with the United States that would show how Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile could defeat any U.S. missile defence system.
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