Editorial: Between Iraq and a hard place

Te Ururoa Flavell

So now we know what New Zealand's commitment to the war on Isis will be.

This week we learned the New Zealand Defence Force would send up to 143 troops to Iraq to train Iraqi forces against the terror group.

Prime Minister John Key said yesterday it was "a minimal commitment" given New Zealanders already faced an increased risk of domestic terrorist attacks from Isis-inspired jihadists.

But surely that increased risk has risen immeasurably now we have officially joined the fight.

As Waiariki MP and Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said, we are raising our heads above the parapet. Our entering the fray would be seen by Isis as an act of aggression.

That's one of the reasons it is such an important decision. One that should probably require more support than it has had.

A parliamentary vote would likely have been deadlocked 60-60 without Mike Sabin's vote. No vote was held. Opposition MPs and government support partners have criticised the deployment. Mr Key said angrily in response: "This is the time to stand up and be counted. Get some guts and join the right side." Who's he calling "chicken"? As I have said before, this topic needs a level of debate well above the school playground level.

Even constant references to the disgusting murder and torture porn images disseminated by Isis do not sit well. "I will not as leader of New Zealand stand back and see Jordanian pilots burned to death," he has said, and repeated.

As terrible as it is, it is emotional blackmail to use this Isis propaganda as an excuse to go to war. Do not forget they are the ones committing the heinous acts and providing the images.

For whatever reason, the actions of Isis are designed to provoke a response. We should not have been provoked.

Any action by New Zealand should be measured, well thought-out and debated, and the right thing to do.

Now that we have committed to Iraq, it is fair to say not all those criteria have been met.