Australia has reaffirmed its support for the war in Afghanistan, despite the deaths of two of its soldiers yesterday.

The critically wounded SAS soldier whom Willie Apiata carried to safety under heavy gunfire was the personal bodyguard for John Key on his recent trip to Afghanistan.

"Bugger," a senior official exclaimed. "Well at least the Aussies will be paying for the repair."

Germany's conservative President Horst Koehler tendered his immediate resignation yesterday.

The 1000th American serviceman to die in Afghanistan was killed by a landmine this week.

A New Zealand trade mission is in Guam this week, seeking opportunities for future growth.

A former New Zealand artillery officer has been given a bravery award by the Australian Government.

In an attempt to take the pressure off bomb disposal officers in Afghanistan, combat engineers will now be tasked with blowing up many improvised devices rather than having to dismantle all of them.

A New Zealander caught up in the rioting in downtown Bangkok offers his perspective on the crisis.