Newscast for Thursday, July 2, 2009

US military launches operations in Afghanistan´s Helmand province (Special Exended Version)

US military launches operations in Afghanistan´s Helmand province
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.

US military launches operations in Afghanistan´s Helmand province (Newscast Version)
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.

Senate committee reveals crucial components of health reform bill
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.

US job losses increase in June
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.

Argentina´s capital declares Swine Flu emergency
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.

African Union meets in Libya
African heads of state have gathered Sirte, Libya, for a meeting of the African Union. The AU is a continental organization that deals with several social and economic issues and this week's meeting is focusing on agriculture, development and finding solutions to the food crisis.  Latin American leaders also attended the meeting to talk about how to build economic ties between both continents.  FSRN´s Diletta Varlese reports.

Mumia Commentary; Michael Jackson master entertainer

Mumia Abu-Jamal is an award-winning journalist who chronicles the human condition. He has been a resident of Pennsylvania’s death row for twenty-five years. Writing from his solitary confinement cell his essays have reached a worldwide audience. His books "Live From Death Row", "Death Blossoms", "All Things Censored", “Faith of Our Fathers” and the recently released “We Want Freedom” have sold over 150,000 copies and been translated into nine languages. His 1982-murder trial and subsequent conviction have been the subject of great debate.