The SAS is being re-deployed to Afghanistan to send a message to the killers of five NZ soldiers and lead patrols against the Taleban, a defence analyst has suggested.

Robert Ayson says the good news is that we are being courted by Washington and Beijing at the same time. But is the attention needed?

The Taleban says NZ troops are easier targets than other Coalition forces.

People reacted angrily to Barbara Sumner-Burstyn's comments about a woman soldier killed in the line of duty, calling them disrespectful and ill-informed about NZ's role in Afghanistan.