Iraq

Iraq's Prime Minister is claiming a significant victory against Islamic State with the retaking of former dictator Saddam Hussain's birthplace Tikrit. Audio

The Government has struck a deal for New Zealand soldiers to defend themselves in Iraq but won't spell out exactly what the deal says. Audio

The Government has struck a deal for New Zealand soldiers to defend themselves in Iraq. Audio

Thousands of archaeological sites dating back to the beginning of civilization are being destroyed by ISIS in Northern Iraq and Syria. Archaeologist Amr Al Azm is part of a team training activists how… Audio

The UK journalist discusses the extraordinary story of Edward Snowden, and considers the action of spy agencies and their mass surveillance of populations the world over. Harding's interaction with… Audio

The Prime Minister has been forced to defend sending training troops to Iraq following allegations the army there is committing war crimes. Audio

UNICEF says 14 million children in Syria and Iraq are now suffering from the escalating conflict. Audio

The Prime Minister says he has been given assurances that New Zealand's training mission in Iraq will be different to earlier interventions in that country. Audio

Foreign affairs spokesperson David Shearer says advice provided to the Prime Minister, John Key, about the emergence of Islamic State in Iraq ignores the impact of the United States-led invasion of… Audio

The Government is still negotiating with Iraq to secure legal protections for New Zealand soldiers going to Taji Camp north of Baghdad. Audio

The Chief of Defence Force, Tim Keating, says there's no "D-Day" around the Iraq deployment, and it won't go ahead until satisfactory legal protections for the soldiers have been secured. Audio

The Defence Minister is rejecting suggestions of similarities between the New Zealand and Canadian missions in Iraq, following the death of a Canadian solider by allied Iraqi Kurdish forces. Audio

Kim Vinnell explores how targetting journalists is affecting reporting in the Middle East Audio

Australia is significantly increasing its contingent of troops training local forces in Iraq. Audio

The Iraqi army is launching a massive military operation to try and recapture Tikrit from Islamic State militants. Audio

Political commentators Matthew Hooton and Mike Williams discuss Iraq, Tony Abbott's visit to New Zealand and Winston Peter's run for Mike Sabin's now vacant electorate seat in Northland. Audio

Troops bound for Iraq will be able to withdraw from the mission on ethical grounds. A total of 143 personnel are heading to the Middle East to train Iraq's military in the fight against Islamic State.

A New Zealander held hostage in Iraq by Al Qaeda supporters for four months in 2005 is heading back to the country to work with the humanitarian organisation Christian Peacekeeper Teams. Audio

As details of a military alliance between New Zealand and Australia in Iraq continue to be worked through, the Prime Minister has acknowledged that the relationship could result in an increased terror… Audio

An announcement on whether Australian troops will work alongside New Zealanders in Iraq could be made as soon. Tony Abbott met John Key for their annual talks, with the fight against Islamic State at… Audio