US military launches operations in Afghanistan´s Helmand province (Special Extended 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.