Iraq
Govt keeping close eye on troops in Iraq, won't say if it'll pull them out early
The New Zealand government is keeping a close eye on our troops in Iraq but has not yet said whether it'll pull the last ones out earlier than planned. The Iraqi parliament has passed a non-binding… Audio
US and allies suspend training of Iraqi forces - report
The United States and its allies have suspended training of Iraqi forces due to the increased threat they face after a US air strike in Baghdad on Friday killed a top Iranian general, the German…
UK military accused of Afghan war crimes cover-up
The UK government and armed forces have been accused of covering up the killing of civilians by British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Donald Trump's gift to ISIS
In handing over the ISIS fight in Syria to Turkey, there are fears that US President Donald Trump has helped launch a platform for the Islamic State to make its comeback. Journalist and author Mike… Audio
Political commentators Matthew Hooton & Stephen Mills
Matthew, Stephen and Kathryn dissect the recent announcement of troop withdrawal from Iraq, details of a defence spend up and a likely end to the teachers' dispute. Audio
Troop withdrawal from Iraq
International law professor Dr Al Gillespie on the government's announcement that New Zealand will be withdrawing all troops from Iraq by June next year. Audio
NZ to end its training mission in Iraq in mid-2020
The government has announced it will end its deployment in Iraq by the end of June, 2020, but why has it taken so long, given Labour had opposed it before coming into government? Video, Audio
NZ to pull troops from Iraq
Defence Minister Ron Mark joins Checkpoint live to discuss the government's decision to withdraw troops from Iraq by mid 2020. There are currently up to 95 troops at Camp Taji training Iraqi security… Video, Audio
Hager blasts Defence Force at Operation Burnham Inquiry hearing
Journalist Nicky Hager has accused the Defence Force of not telling the full truth about its operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, in a scathing attack during his presentation to the Operation Burnham… Audio
Nearly 100 dead after ferry capsizes in Iraq
An overloaded ferry has capsized in the Tigris River near the Iraqi city of Mosul, killing nearly 100 people. As Reuters' Tamara Lindstom reports, the ferry was packed with people celebrating the… Video, Audio
Scores dead after Iraq ferry sinking
At least 79 people are dead after an overloaded ferry sank in the Tigris river near Mosul in Iraq.
Ghazwan Alsharif: From Baghdad to the Bay
The true story of how a former Iraqi translator for the US, accused of being a double agent, managed to forge a new identity as an openly gay man in San Francisco. During the Iraq War, Ghazwan… Audio
Kiwi troops deployed overseas get in the festive spirit
It's going to be a white Christmas for some Defence Force troops serving overseas this year.
Labour, NZ First accused of hypocrisy over Iraq decision
Government parties that were highly critical of the original Iraq deployment have been accused of hypocrisy for being part of the Cabinet that approved a further extension. Political Editor Jane… Audio
Are we putting the Five Eyes club above our principles?
The Greens have broken rank with the government and criticised the decision to extend New Zealand's presence in Iraq. Are we putting membership in the Five Eyes network above our governmental… Audio
PM Jacinda Ardern: No cracks in coalition
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has dismissed suggestions of public humiliation by Winston Peters and is adamant there are no cracks in the coalition government. Audio
NZ’s military presence in Iraq likely to change - PM
New Zealand has extended its military presence in Iraq, but has reduced the number of personnel. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the government will review the deployment again early next year. Audio
Government spend-ups and policy base
Constitutional law expert Andrew Geddis covers a few political topics with the Panelists and assesses how the government's performing. The $700,000 Justice Summit - a waste of money? How the Clare… Audio
Middle East wrap, protests in Iran and Iraq
Sebastian Usher reports on the protests in Iraq and Iran, the Syrian war and reform in Saudi Arabia. Audio
Eriksson eyes Iraq position
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is in discussions to become Iraq's new manager.