The Government has a responsibility to keep New Zealanders safe, Prime Minister John Key says, and he is attempting to do that with the deployment of non-combat troops to Iraq.
Key confirmed yesterday that 143 soldiers would be sent to Iraq, to train the local security forces in the fight against Islamic State.
He told Radio New Zealand that if the Government did not send troops it was exposing New Zealanders to people who return from fighting with IS and have a death wish.
“They are directly reaching out to a group of disillusioned, disaffected disengaged young New Zealanders and they are encouraging them to take domestic terrorist acts.”
Key said the Government had a responsibility to weaken the group and try to protect New Zealanders from what is fast becoming a direct threat.
One hundred-and-six defence personnel will be sent to the Taji Military camp north of Baghdad and 37 others, such as staff officers, will go to coalition headquarters and support facilities in the region. The first officers will leave for Baghdad next month, with the main deployment beginning in May.
The Prime Minister's announcement in Parliament was greeted with a storm of criticism from opponents and allies of the National Party alike, who sought a Parliamentary vote on the matter.
Key vented his frustration in the House.
"I will not, will not, stand by while Jordanian pilots are burnt to death, when kids execute soldiers, when people are out there being beheaded.
"I'm sorry but this is the time to stand up and be counted. Get some guts and join the right side."
A club ride on the road to Damascus ... Via Iraq - my cartoon in today's @nzherald pic.twitter.com/2eD4Mw4ytS
— Rod Emmerson (@rodemmerson) February 24, 2015
