America’s longest war – soon approaching its 18th year in Afghanistan – is not over although it may be entering a new phase.

Washington has been very critical of Berlin in the past due to the latter’s failure to meet NATO’s defence spending target, with a shortage of planes also signaling Germany’s inability to meet the required training practice for its pilots.

The United States is planning to expand its military presence in Poland, Vice President Mike Pence says, praising the NATO ally for being among the few members of the Western military alliance who are trying to meet Washington’s spending requirements.