With much of the world’s attention focused on US President Donald Trump’s historic visit to the Middle East or the fluctuating progress of talks between Russia and Ukraine, a quiet but consequential event took place last week that largely escaped notice.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth summer, there appears to be no end in sight despite US President Donald Trump’s repeated pledges to broker a negotiated settlement.

The issue of Europe not spending enough on defense has irked American policymakers for decades. The criticism peaked during President Donald Trump’s first term and it remains a contentious issue in his second one.

According to the US government’s annual threat assessment, released by its intelligence community this week, Daesh remains the most significant terrorism challenge facing America and its partners.

In recent weeks, much international attention has focused on the war between Russia and Ukraine, and US President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring the fighting to an end.