Archive - Jul 2, 2009

• US military launches operations in Afghanistan´s Helmand province (Special Exended Version)
• US military launches operations in Afghanistan´s Helmand province (Newscast Version)
  
• Senate committee reveals crucial components of health reform bill
• US job losses increase in June
• Argentina´s capital declares Swine Flu emergency
• African Union meets in Libya
• Mumia Commentary; Michael Jackson master entertainer

• River of protesters enter Honduran capital despite martial law
• Indian court decriminalizes gay sex
• Comorans protest poor airline conditions outside the EU
• Spilled coal ash from TVA breach cleared for deposited in Alabama landfill

The FBI has declassified documents on Saddam Hussein, in which Iraq´s former dictator said he had serious concerns about Iran. In an interview with the FBI before his execution, Hussein explained he didn´t refute US claims about weapons of mass destruction, because he didn't want to appear weak to neighboring Iran. He also denied any connection to Osama Bin Laden.
Meanwhile in Afghanistan, the US has launched a new military operation against Taliban militants, with some 4,000 Marines landing in Helmand province under the cover of darkness early Thursday. Operation Khanjar which means “strike of the sword” seeks to re-establish the Afghanistan government´s control over areas of Helmand which are dominated by Taliban insurgents.
Military analyst and columnist Conn Halinnan writes about national security issues for Foreign Policy in Focus. He spoke with FSRN about operation Khanjar and its possible outcomes.

The FBI has declassified documents on Saddam Hussein, in which Iraq´s former dictator said he had serious concerns about Iran. In an interview with the FBI before his execution, Hussein explained he didn´t refute US claims about weapons of mass destruction, because he didn't want to appear weak to neighboring Iran. He also denied any connection to Osama Bin Laden.

In Washington DC, today, a key Senate committee tasked with drafting health care reform released the meat of the bill. It includes the controversial public option and requirements that would make employers pay for employees. FSRN’s Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

The Department of Labor reports that the number of jobs lost in the US per month increased in June.  Thursday´s figures dim recent optimism that arose from slowing job loss throughout the spring.  FSRN’s Matt Pearson reports.

In Argentina, the capital city of Buenos Aires declared a Swine Flu health emergency as deaths from the H1N1 flu virus continue to rise. More than 17 provinces in Argentina have declared health emergencies in an attempt to slow down the spread of the swine flu pandemic.  FSRN´s Marie Trigona has more from Buenos Aires.