COMMENT: There is no doubt that Isis is barbaric, but so are the military responses of the West that contributed to its creation in the first place.

A US ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended, writes Audrey Young.

John Key says he is pleased the US has accepted invitation to send a ship, but that our anti-nuclear law means it could be weeks before visit is confirmed.

According to an anonymous staffer, Donald Trump wants a VP who will do the hard yards so he can take a back seat.

Biden said the US and New Zealand had a vested interest in ensuring continued growth, stability and economic prosperity through the region "and I think we are better equipped to do that when we stand side by side to advance our mutual interests".

Celebrity mogul Donald Trump has achieved a landmark moment in American political history, completing his unlikely conquest of the Republican Party.

COMMENT: It's official. Donald Trump - yes, that one, the one from TV - is legit running for President.

As students of comparative civil-military relations, we were surprised to read the Herald's editorial, "Coup's failure hopeful sign for democracy."

COMMENT: They look so accessible and they're talked about as though they're everyone's next door neighbour.

COMMENT: Donald Trump is adding fuel to Wall Street anxiety about his candidacy, jabbing directly at big banks this week with new language.

Watch NZ Herald Focus: Russia's participation in the Rio Olympics is still uncertain as the IOC explores legal options for banning the country from the Games. Also Lady Gaga and her fiancé, Taylor Kinney, are ending their 5 year relationship

Trump made a splashy debut on the convention stage to introduce his wife, Melania, whose speech was a highlight of an otherwise uneven evening.

Turkish authorities have expanded a crackdown on military officials in a massive purge of opponents following a failed coup.

Here are questions we will know the answers to by the end of the week.

Melania Trump's speech was the high-point of the night - unfortunately it might be because it was copied from Michelle Obama.

COMMENT: Melania said the Trumps will bring kindness, love and compassion to the White House.

Cleveland is getting rowdy as pro-Trump, anti-Trump factions clash ahead of the Republican National Convention.

Having summoned democracy to his side, the Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may need to be more willing to honour it.

COMMENT: For such a wily campaigner Kevin Rudd has left his run late for the world's top diplomatic post.

COMMENT: After the attack in Nice, Donald Trump was able to promote his idea of banning Muslims in the United States.

Republican Party will be focused on two goals in Convention: reintroducing Donald Trump, and healing the leftover wounds of a brutal primary season.

"I promise you, the President has a big stick."

COMMENT: It is a nation that seems incapable of throwing off the shackles of its racism.

Chief Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson faced a wave of criticism and mockery after being named Britain's Foreign Secretary.

COMMENT: Helen Clark has stormed through the transparent part of her bid to lead the United Nations.

Theresa May has moved into 10 Downing St to become the UK's second female PM, taking charge at one of the most turbulent times in recent history.

Prime minister John Key was a guest of the French President, Francois Hollande at the Bastille Day commemorations in Paris Chris Froome was allowed to keep the yellow jersey after the Tour de France race jury ruled he lost his bike in unfair circumstances.

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