The reason New Zealand troops are being sent to Iraq is to contribute to the anglo-American alliance, according to author and journalist Nicky Hager who spoke to a crowd of around 70 Palmerston North residents at Te Manawa on Monday night.
Hager gave a 30-minute presentation explaining who ISIL are and how they came about, and what New Zealand's involvement in foreign conflicts has meant in the past.
"ISIL are a product of United States foreign policy in the Middle East, this fight against ISIL is Iraq version two or three and it would seem that we haven't learnt a bloody thing from the last war."
He said the National government is choosing an option that is as little of a contribution as possible, while still being seen as part of the 'Five Eyes' alliance. He also said sending 16 trainers is a joke and more of a political gesture than anything.
Manawatu Muslim Association president Hazim Arafeh made sure the crowd was aware ISIL were not representatives of Islam, even though they claim to be, and the Muslim community condemns the extremist group. He said they disagreed with the National government's decision to contribute Kiwi troops.
