New Zealand Prime Minister John Key seems to be in a dilemma on committing defence forces to support the U.S. coalition in Iraq. Contrary to earlier positions, Mr. Key is not ruling out deploying New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment (NZSAS) personnel to support the U.S. allies in their fight against Islamic State (IS) militants in Middle East. The NZSAS is considered as the elite combat force of New Zealand.

The PM was also quoted in the media saying "we are assessing security following reports of a terrorist plot in Australia," said a Yahoo News report. But Key said New Zealand would be seeking advice as to what kind of military support it could offer in Iraq and Syria. Regarding deployment of NZSAS, Key said, nothing was ruled out, but not involving will be his preferred option.

In Probable Ally List

However, reports suggest that the US State Department has named New Zealand as one of the 60 countries in the coalition that can support its efforts to counter Islamic State. But Key said he was not aware of any such requests, reported NZ Herald.

On committing defence personnel Mr. Key said it must be a step taken cautiously as Afghanistan had shown such commitments were neither easy nor short term, as ISIS is a greater force than the al- Qaeda-linked Taliban. But Key also emphasised that involvement in Iraq is legitimate as the Government itself is seeking international help. But Syria is a different case.

Call Parliament

Meanwhile, New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has called for a vote in Parliament to decide whether New Zealand should join the fight against ISIS in Iraq. Peters said, he was concerned that Prime Minister John Key is steering New Zealand towards involvement. Mr. Key is under pressure and is changing his position time to time, reported Scoop.

In June, the PM ruled out participation saying a 'heavy price' was paid for being involved in Afghanistan and New Zealand would not repeat that mistake 'in a hurry'. Now Mr Key is saying he wanted look at various options. Committing New Zealand Defence Forces to Middle East should not be decided on the hoof. Being a serious matter, all members of the Parliament should decide it.

Peters reminded Mr Key that when New Zealand decided not to commit troops to the Iraq War in 2004, there was all round applause for its democratic and responsible decision-making on world issues.