Editorial: Thought needed for war on Isis

Today Prime Minister John Key will meet Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott to discuss, among other things, Isis and Australia's military actions against the militant group. Photo / NZME.

Twenty-six years ago I was walking to work as a reporter at the Natal Mercury Newspaper in Durban, South Africa when I saw and heard the explosion four blocks ahead of me.

As a fearless (foolhardy) young hack, I started running towards it. Most people were running away from it, but I went towards it, because that is where the story was.

These were the dark days of apartheid and the then liberation movements were embarking on a strategic campaign of disruption that included explosions in key points in the major cities.

I was twenty-one-years-old and for me, the story was everything (probably still is). When I arrived there was chaos. A Central News Agency (CNA) store (similar to Whitcoulls) had been blown up, but thankfully no one was killed or seriously injured.

It may have been a good journalistic experience but it was a traumatic human one. The cause being fought for was just, but some questioned the methods they employed.

These days, the Islamic State (Isis), which is a big threat to peace, is pure evil.

Although the above story may be difficult to comprehend for many living in peaceful New Zealand, take it from me - we need to do everything to ensure Isis does not bring its terror here.

Today Prime Minister John Key will meet Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott to discuss, among other things, Isis and Australia's military actions against the militant group, as well as the domestic risk to Australia. Mr Key said he hoped to inform us what response the Government proposed in terms of the threat.

Do we send our troops to join the fight or will that merely make us a target?

Let's hope Mr Key and his government think very carefully about this one.