This winter was not a good one for farmers in the Fertile Crescent.

A video game that recreates the Battle of El Alamein has been backed by old Kiwi soldiers who want children to learn more about World War II.

Iraq has bought used fighter jets from Russia and Belarus to battle Islamist militants after delays by the US to deliver planes.

Well, which is it? Would New Zealand support a United States intervention in Iraq, as the Prime Minister said in Washington?

United States Secretary of State John Kerry landed in Baghdad last night on a surprise trip to push for Iraqi unity and stability, as Sunni militants advanced in west Iraq after security forces retreated.

Islamists leading the jihadist advance in Iraq are using the World Cup to seek recruits and spread their propaganda via social media, according to reports.

The Iraqi Army and Isis rebels are battling for control of Iraq's largest refinery outside Baiji, north of Baghdad, with each side holding part of the complex.

A WW II Grenade has been detonated in Waikato after being found by children yesterday.

A major new report has revealed that the numbers of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people worldwide has soared to 50 million for the first time since World War II.

The United States should launch targeted military attacks against an emerging "terrorist army" in Iraq if the security of the West is jeopardised, the former head of coalition forces in the country said yesterday.

Tom Sandford admits he has forgotten the details. Asked how he proposed to wife Carol 70 years ago, he pauses, before laughing heartily: "Oh, I can't remember."

It was once the emblem of United States military success in Iraq - the city where American forces defeated their adversaries twice.

The Sunni revolt led by Isis shock troops is getting ever closer to Baghdad, amid fears the capital itself might soon be engulfed by the violence.

Iraq's war of sectarian vengeance has its first pictures of record: images that show Sunni extremist fighters massacring army soldiers.

The search for three teenagers who disappeared last week plunged Israeli-Palestinian relations into a deepening crisis yesterday.

Nicolas Sarkozy thought it was a neat idea: sell Russia two advanced warships and open up a lucrative market for France's troubled armaments industry.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, the US soldier held captive by the Taliban for almost five years, isn't emotionally prepared to reunite with his family.

Prime Minister John Key says the Government "lost contact" with a New Zealander who is believed to have been killed fighting in Syria.

Pakistan security forces relaunched their military operation at Karachi airport last night after gunfire was heard hours after all the attackers had been declared dead.

A veteran who was lucky to survive 60 missions in Lancaster bombers during World War II was present yesterday for the unveiling of new markings on a Lancaster now to be known as "a lucky aircraft".

"Sea," said King Canute, the 11th-century Danish King of England, "I command you to come no further!"

A New Zealander has been killed while fighting in Syria - the first Kiwi casualty in the civil war.