Latest from Iraq

PM: Troops would face big Isis risk

John Key has admitted that though any Kiwi troops sent to Iraq would be "behind the wire", they'd still face significant risk from attack by Isis supporters posing as soldiers.

Defence training for Iraq 'just in case'

Defence Force staff have begun training for potential deployment to Iraq to support the fight against Islamic State (Isis), Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has confirmed.

'Jihadi John' body double?

The British Isis killer known as "Jihadi John" may have a body double, according to a new video analysis.

Latest Isis video marks a change of tack

Much has changed in Iraq and Syria in the six weeks since the last Western hostage, Alan Henning, was beheaded.

Jihad the new cruise destination

Would-be jihadi fighters are increasingly booking tickets on cruise ships to join extremists in battle zones in Syria and Iraq, hoping to bypass efforts to thwart them in neighbouring Turkey, said Interpol officials.

No combat roles for troops: Brownlee

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says any deployment of soldiers to train the Iraqi Army will not be the same as Afghanistan.

PM ramps up SIS and Five Eyes

John Key has promised the SIS will get more powers and staff to respond rapidly to potential threats by NZ-based supporters of Islamic State.

The cost of defeating Isis

Iraqi forces have driven militants from Jurf Al-Sakhar, but all that’s left is a shell. The town is now emptied of its 80,000 residents, and building after building has been destroyed.

Beehive open for business

Prime Minister John Key has laid out his Government' agenda for the next three years, with housing and the fight against terror groups at the top of the list.

Aussie jets strike Iraq targets

Editorial: Parliament should decide whether we go to war

If New Zealand decides to send forces to support an international response to the "Islamic State" in Iraq and Syria (Isis), the decision will be made by the Government not Parliament, the Prime Minister has explained.

PM: NZ won't be a target

Any commitment of military assistance to counter Islamic State militants in Iraq should not make NZ more of a target for terrorism, Prime Minister John Key says.

Abbott plays down Iraq deployment

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is playing down the prospect of deploying Australian combat troops on the ground in Iraq.

Brian Rudman: If Key wants to send troops, here's a better war

The argument that if we don't join the American crusade to wipe out Muslim fanatics in Iraq and Syria, they'll swoop down to Godzone and behead us all is a rerun of the old Vietnam War domino theory....

Isis fight is Govt's decision

PM says any plan to give assistance to efforts against militants will probably be debated in Parliament but the ultimate decision is the Government's alone.

SAS not ruled out...

Key: SAS could join Isis fight on ground

NZ's elite SAS personnel aren't yet on standby for deployment to combat Islamic State militants - but the PM can't rule out sending them in if asked.

Haste over Iraq unsettling