No SAS for Iraq

Stuff reports:

Prime Minister John Key has all but ruled out giving the SAS a role for now in the fight against Islamic State in Iraq.

Key said using the SAS ran counter to New Zealand’s current mission in Iraq, which was focused on equipping Iraqi soldiers to take the fight to IS themselves.

United States defence secretary Ash Carter issued a global call for extra help last December, including elite troops, air strikes, and the provision of ammunition and training.

But Key indicated the SAS was off the table.

We are doing our bit with the trainers, but as that two year deployment comes to an end, the question will be what next? The Islamic State provides a threat well beyond its own borders  The UN Security Council has sanctioned use of force. We should continue to play a role.