Despite the forthrightness of the announcement that we're off to Iraq, much remains unclear, writes Paul Little.

Auckland peace activist Harmeet Sooden is going back to Iraq, where he was held hostage for four months.

Bad news, peaceniks. If you oppose the deployment of NZ troops to Iraq, you are gutless, a coward, at least in the estimation of the Prime Minister, writes Toby Manhire.

There’s been widespread sceptism and outrage in response to the Government’s announcement that New Zealand troops will be sent to Iraq, writes Bryce Edwards.

In November Prime Minister Key referred to ISIL as a ‘game changer’ for New Zealand. I wasn’t convinced, especially as the government was focusing on the domestic aspect in seeking to justify increased surveillance powers.

The decision to commit NZ military contingent to Iraq is a case of misguided foreign policy.

A senior US security official will visit New Zealand next month as part of a tour of the Asia-Pacific.

The quality of New Zealand's training contribution to the Iraqi armed forces would be a welcome addition to the fight against Isis (Islamic State), Iraq's ambassador to New Zealand, Mouayed Saleh, said last night.

A marine has been found guilty of murdering famed US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle at a gun range two years ago.

NZ soldiers training Iraqi troops near Baghdad will not be taking a "them-and-us" view of the Iraqis but a partnership approach.

An angry John Key has lashed out at the Opposition over its attacks over New Zealand's Iraq mission, saying “Get some guts and join the right side.”

Herald political writer John Armstrong says the PM's decision to bypass the media when announcing his decision shows he is failing.

John Key today announced that he was sending 143 NZ military personnel to Iraq to help train Iraqi forces fighting Islamic jihadists. Here is his full statement to Parliament:

New Zealand intelligence agencies could play a role in protecting trainers sent to Iraq but are unlikely to provide information to assist with drone strikes, Prime Minister John Key says.

In the latest propaganda video from Islamic State, hostages are paraded in cages through the packed streets of Iraq and interviewed by their captors.

New Zealand troops sent to Iraq to help in the fight against Isis will not be 'on the front line', Prime Minister John Key says.

Prime Minister John Key has all but confirmed that up to 100 New Zealand Defence Force staff will be sent to the Middle East to help Australia train Iraqi soldiers to fight Isis .

Militants from Isis have burned 45 people to death in the western Iraqi town of al-Baghdadi, according to the local police chief.

Mobile phones are banned and punishments are draconian, yet residents of Iraqi city Mosul enjoy certain benefits under Isis rule.

There is no crime of war, nor crime against humanity that they have not committed, writes Alexander Gillespie. But what is NZ's risk in getting involved?

Last June the US tried a bold rescue mission to gather hostages taken by Isis. It failed. All the hostages have since died. Was the White House to blame?

The Iraqi Government has asked for New Zealand's help to fight the Islamic State by describing the battle as World War III.

Iraq has issued a general invitation to the international community for support, the country's foreign minister says.

They're being lured with promises of reclaiming a lost Islamic empire. But foreign fighters for Isis often in up on the front lines, or as suicide bombers.

The announcement that 150 NZ Defence Force personnel will begin pre-deployment training for Iraq at Linton and Waiouru military camps has been condemned.

New Zealand troops have been given the go-ahead to begin training for a likely deployment to Iraq.

The Jordanian air force pilot burned to death by Isis extremists was reportedly heavily sedated and unaware what would happen.