Latest from Iraq

Beheading over homosexuality

New images have emerged of three men accused of homosexuality and blasphemy being publicly beheaded at a traffic roundabout in northern Iraq.

Alexander Gillespie: If NZ is entering Isis conflict, let's accept more refugees

One of the lesser-noted points in Prime Minister John Key's speech last year on the New Zealand response to the crisis caused by Isis was that "we will be looking at further assistance to meet....

Isis influence grows as Boko Haram joins

The Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has announced it is joining Isis by apparently releasing an audio statement swearing allegiance.

Can the destruction of statues matter more than the loss of human life?

Abbott confirms 300 more troops

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed yesterday that 300 more of the Australian Defence Force would be deployed to Iraq in a non-combat training role.

Australians travelling to Mosul without reason face jail

Australians travelling to the northern Iraq city of Mosul without a legitimate reason face jail.

Move on Mosul may cause mass flight

As many as one million people could flee Mosul in northern Iraq if the Iraqi Army, backed by US air strikes, seeks to recapture the city this year, aid agencies have said.

Isis: How did it come to this?

New Zealand troops are preparing for a two-year tour in Iraq to help the fight against Islamic State. This is what they are up against.

Iraqi ambassador: Kiwi advisers will bring quality

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.

Cartoon: PM have a snickers

Guilty verdict in American Sniper trial

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

Kiwi troops off to Iraq

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

PM: 'Join the right side'

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.”

John Armstrong: John Key is not winning the debate

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

Troop deployment: PM's full speech

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:

Key to reveal Government's plan for Iraq

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.