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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports
Is the U.S. About to give Saddam a Final Ulitimatum?; Ashcroft Reports to Congress on a big victory, Also Issues a Warning
Aired March 04, 2003 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Showdown Iraq, the 11th hour. As more U.S. troops pour into the region and allies arm, is the U.S. about to give Saddam Hussein a final ulitimatum?
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The choics is Saddam Hussein's to make. It is his choice to determine whether there's war or peace.
BLITZER: Will also U.N. also get a U.S. deadline?
JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: We think that it's time for the council to face that decision.
BLITZER: War on terror. The administration's big guns report to Congress on a big victory.
JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The severe blow to al Qaeda that could destabilize their terrorist network worldwide.
BLITZER: But they also issue a warning.
Will al Qaeda strike back? I'll ask the leaders of the House Intelligence Committee, Porter Goss and Jane Harman.
And how does the president deal with crisis after crisis? I'll ask one of his close confidants.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: It's Tuesday, March 4, 2003. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Washington. Juggling crisis upon crisis, the Bush administration has its hands full facing, right now a triple threat. Ready for war, the White House is laying a final warning to Baghdad, an 11th hour ultimatum for Saddam Hussein.
Battling terror. Seized along with an al Qaeda leader, computer files with hundreds of names and information on possible plots right here in the United States.
And North Korea standoff. Is the United States upping the ante after the interception of the U.S. spy plane by North Korean jet fighters? We're having extensive coverage this hour of all of those developments. And will the Bush administration give Saddam Hussein one last chance before launching a war? Officials are still giving diplomacy a chance, but the clock is ticking with the 11th hour drawing very, very near. We begin with CNN's Chris Burns. He's over at the White House -- Chris.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Wolf. Administration sources we've spoken to today do say that there is discussion of where, whether and when to give a final ultimatum to Saddam Hussein or perhaps just a final warning to expatriates like journalists and aid workers inside Iraq, perhaps a 72-hour warning.
This, of course, just the discussion of which indicates how close we are to war.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BURNS (voice-over): If it isn't a war ultimatum yet, it's increasingly looking like one, both for Saddam Hussein and for the United Nations.
BUSH: I went to the United Nations to remind them that that body has a responsibility to make sure its words mean something. I've reminded them that for 12 long years, the United Nations has asked Saddam to disarm because he's dangerous.
BURNS: The Bush administration, still working the diplomatic window, though working, too, as if it's about to slam that window shut.
Despite Iraq's destruction of Al Samoud missiles, the White House lists tons of anthrax, nerve agents and munitions it says Iraq has yet to account for. The administration continues lobbying for another U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing war and waiting to see what chief weapons inspector Hans Blix reports Friday.
But White House officials say they would likely avoid a vote if they still risk a veto by permanent members France, China or Russia. The administration contents existing Resolution 1441 is enough to justify military action against Baghdad. So when an ultimatum for Saddam Hussein?
ARI FLEISCHER, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: I think it's too soon to say. The president continues to hope, one, that this can be settled peacefully, but two, let's see what the outcome is in New York. Let's see what happens in the Blix report; let's see what happens after the second vote takes place.
BURNS: Meanwhile the president is to meet in Washington with General Tommy Franks, who would lead a war against Iraq. Military planners say they can attack with or without a Turkish-based U.S. force.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BURNS: President Bush plans to meet with and envoy of Pope John Paul II, who contends that war in this case is not justified, not morally justified, however the administration is arguing that it is -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Chris Burns at the White House. Chris, thanks very much.
The Turkish parliament may yet take another vote on whether the U.S. can use Turkey as a base of operations. But in Washington today there are signs the Pentagon is making plans to fight Iraq without Turkey's help. Our senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre is joining us now with details -- Jamie.
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, the message here is whether or not Turkey ever changes its mind. The U.S. is basically making other plans. No hard feelings, say Pentagon officials, but it's time to move on.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MCINTYRE (voice-over): After weeks of hoping that Turkey would allow some 62,000 U.S. troops to use its bases, the Pentagon has basically given up, sources say. Because the decision was the result of a democratic process and by a NATO ally, the U.S. is not complaining too loudly.
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: Our military authorities have options that will still make it absolutely certain that we'll be able to perform this military mission in an efficient, effective way and achieve our objectives.
MCINTYRE: In fact, Pentagon officials say the loss of Turkish bases means the war could come sooner, because there would be no need to wait several more weeks to unload transport ships and prepare Turkish facilities to receive U.S. troops.
Pentagon sources say the Army's 4th Infantry Division, which is still at Fort Hood, Texas may not be deployed, its role filled by the helicopter-borne troops of the 101st Airborne Division now en route to Kuwait.
And the ships carrying the 4th I.D.'s equipment may not be sent on the long trip to the Suez Canal and around to the Persian Gulf, where they would have to unload at already overcrowded ports in Kuwait. Instead, they could just be brought home.
With the arrival of another wave of B-52 bombers in England and the departure of big deck helicopter carriers for the region, sources say central commander General Tommy Franks will tell President Bush Wednesday, in what could be the final pre-war briefing at the White House, that all is ready once he gives the order.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MCINTYRE: So how soon could war come? Well, diplomacy does appear to have some more time to play out. The U.S. has to determine whether or not it's going to get a vote on that second U.N. resolution. But the U.S. military is saying that it's ready to go now -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Jamie, in the midst of all of this, a crisis unfolding with North Korea. The shadowing of that U.S. surveillance plane by four MiG jet fighters. What's the latest on that source of tension?
MCINTYRE: Well, a couple of new developments on that today. One is there was a discussion yesterday about whether or not the North Korean planes actually locked onto the U.S. reconnaissance plane, that unarmed plane. Now it turns out they didn't actually lock on. It also turns out they weren't carrying radar-guided missiles. They were carrying heat-seeking missiles, so it really didn't matter that they didn't lock on. Kind of a moot question.
The U.S. now has not really suspended, but is not flying any surveillance planes on that track for a while, while they decide what action to take. One thing under consideration, possibly sending armed escort planes along with surveillance planes.
However, Pentagon sources say they're leaning against that. They think it would send the wrong message for the U.S. to say that it would have to protect planes that are flying in international airspace. The U.S. asserts that should not be necessary -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Jamie McIntyre with the latest at the Pentagon. Jamie, thanks very much.
Let's look at some other developments in the showdown with Iraq. Russia's foreign minister today warned that Moscow would, if necessary, use its veto power against the Security Council resolution authorizing military action.
Igor Ivanov said Russia would not support any decision that would lead to a war against Iraq. He added that his nation is not indifferent to Iraq's future and therefore would be unlikely to abstain in any upcoming vote.
The U.N. secretary-general, Kofi Annan, today called Iraq's destruction of Al Samoud 2 missiles, quote, "a positive development," but when asked if that's enough to avoid war, Kofi Annan said it's up to the U.N. Security Council. He said the council will base its decision on the overall presentation by U.N. weapons inspectors, who are due to report on Friday.
We're standing by waiting to hear directly from Kofi Annan this hour. We'll bring you his Q and A with reporters live. Stay with us for that.
And as war looms, Israel is setting up an umbrella of Patriot anti-missiles batteries. U.S.-supplied Patriots are being deployed in the Tel Aviv area, while others are being set up throughout the country.
Six hundred U.S. troops have been training with Israelis to test the Patriots, along with the new Israeli-built Arrow missile, which could intercept an incoming Scud at far greater range. More saber rattling on Iraq, this time directly from Saddam Hussein. At the same time Iraqi workers continue to destroy those Al Samoud 2 missiles. Our senior international correspondent, Nic Robertson is in Baghdad with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the national holiday for the Islamic new year televised lessons in bunker building. The training given by ruling Ba'ath Party members in the northern town of Kirkuk.
Nearby in the formerly majority Kurdish town, not far from the northern breakaway Kurdish region, women also practice for conflict.
Also on television, a news anchor reading a message from President Saddam Hussein, heralding not only the Islamic new year, but the possibility of war: "You, the Iraqi people, will be victorious and the despots will be defeated and arrogance will not benefit them."
In parks around the capitol, the holiday giving families a chance to relax. Time to be with their children and time to reflect on growing fears of war.
"God willing, there will be no war," says Sharpano Somara (ph). "If it happens, god willing, we'll repel it."
Resignation to the possibility of attack, apparently widespread.
"We expect it within hours or months," says Shakir (ph), an operator of the amusement park, "and Iraq is prepared for it."
(on camera): The holiday, slowing slightly. The destruction of the Al Samoud 2 missiles, three destroyed this day, down from six on the previous day. However, for the first time parts of a missile launcher and five missile engines also destroyed.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: Here's your chance to weigh in on the story.
"Our Web Question of the Day" is this, who's the No. 1 threat facing the United States? Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden?
We'll have the results later in this broadcast. Vote at cnn.com/wolf. While you're there, I'd like to hear from you. Send me your comments. I'll try to read some of them on the air each day at the end of this program. That's also, of course, where you can read my daily online column: cnn.com/wolf.
We're standing by to hear from Kofi Annan, the secretary-general of the United Nations. Once he comes to this microphone, starts answering reporters' questions about the showdown with Iraq, we'll have live coverage.
In the meantime, still to come, unraveling al Qaeda terror plots. The U.S. squeezes Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Will his paper trail lead to other key players?
Also, possible surveillance tapes for September 11. Did al Qaeda use this videotape to plot its attacks? Spanish authorities believe it did, but there's another side. We'll take a closer look.
And the frantic search for a teenage girl who is said to be with a convicted murderer. Police ask the public for help tracking them down. We'll have more on that, much more on that. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Years before the September 11 attacks, planning was in the works.
Coming up, what Spanish authorities believe may be the tapes that scout out targets in New York City. That's coming up. We're back in one minute.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: An apparent terrorist bombing in an airport in the Southern Philippines killed at least 21 people, including an American missionary. Three other Americans are among about 150 people who were injured.
A short time later another bomb exploded at a health center about 30 miles away, injuring at least two people. No one has claimed responsibility for the explosions, which come as the government is stepping up attacks on two rebel Muslim groups.
Top administration officials told the U.S. Congress today that al Qaeda suffered a severe blow with the arrest of its operations chief. CNN's Jeanne Meserve reports that U.S. authorities caught more than just a big fish.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, trumpeted by President Bush.
BUSH: The man who masterminded the September the 11th attacks is no longer a problem to the United States of America.
MESERVE: Mohammed, in U.S. custody at an undisclosed location, is talking to authorities but is not providing what U.S. officials consider useful information.
Government sources say on his computer were hundreds of names. Intelligence officials now trying to determine how many are al Qaeda operatives.
Also on the computer, information about possible terrorist plots and references to the United States, though no blueprints, say sources.
ASHCROFT: The CIA and FIB are cooperating thoroughly to share information from the capture, analyze that intelligence and coordinate follow-up operations.
MESERVE: Apprehended with Mohammed in the raid in Rawalpindi, a second significant al Qaeda figure, say U.S. officials. Mustapha Ahmed al-Hawsawi is alleged to have supplied money to Mohammed Atta, the leader of the 9/11 hijackers, through bank accounts in the United Arab Emirates.
A February 13 raid in Quetta, Pakistan, failed to net Mohammed, but U.S. officials say the son of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman was apprehended. Rahman, the so-called blind cleric, is in jail for plotting to blow up U.S. landmarks.
Meanwhile, unsealed Tuesday, charges against two Yemeni men arrested in Frankfurt, Germany, on January 10. One of them is a Muslim cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Al Hasan Al-Moayad.
ROSLYNN MAUSKOPS, U.S. ATTORNEY: Al-Moayad met with bin Laden and provided over $20 million to al Qaeda.
MESERVE: Much of the money, says the Justice Department, raised at this Brooklyn mosque.
(on camera): U.S. officials say Mohammed's capture they have noticed an uptick in intelligence chatter. They don't know exactly what that signifies.
Meanwhile, although the threat alert level has been lowered to yellow, officials say some additional security precautions are being taken.
Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: We're standing by waiting to hear from the secretary- general, Kofi Annan, of the United Nations. He's talking about the situation involving Cyprus right now.
Once he starts answering questions about the showdown with Iraq, we'll have live coverage.
Also, a triple threat facing the United States. Is the president on the right path towards peace? We'll ask representatives Jane Harman and Porter Goss of the House Intelligence Committee.
And did a terrorist shoot this videotape years before the September 11 attacks? Spanish authorities say yes, but is there more there than meets the eye? That and much more still ahead. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: The loud chorus of opposition to a war against Iraq grows louder and louder.
Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy once again urged today President Bush to hold off on invading Iraq so weapons inspectors would have more time to do their job.
Speaking to a conference of the United Methodist Church, Kennedy warned that war now could make the world more dangerous for Americans.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: No one, no one said it would be easy, but as long as inspectors are on the ground and making progress, we must give peace a chance so that war with Iraq does not distract us from dealing as effectively as possible with the obvious and ongoing threats of terrorism by al Qaeda and the crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: Anti-war dissent is also being voiced by California lawmakers. Several Senate and assembly members expressed their opposition to a possible war in a letter to President Bush urging him to wait until Congress and the U.N. Security Council vote to support military action.
In Boston, meanwhile, a hearing on an anti-war lawsuit against President Bush. A group of American military personnel, parents with children in the military and 12 other members of Congress are challenging the president's authority to wage war against Iraq.
Iraq, of course, is just one of three major international problems facing the United States right now. Terrorism and North Korea are the two other major issues on the president's agenda.
Joining us now from Capitol Hill to talk about all of this, Democratic congresswoman Jane Harman of California and Republican Congressman Porter Goss of Florida. Goss is the chairwoman on the House Committee on Intelligence and Congresswoman Harman is the ranking Democrat. Thanks to both of you for joining us.
Mr. Chairman, let me ask the question that I've been asking our viewers on our Web question of the day. Who's the greatest threat to the U.S. Right now? Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden or Kim Jong Il?
REP. PORTER GOSS (R), FLORIDA: I don't know that I would limit it to just those three. I think that the bombs that went off in Manila show that there are other threats as well.
And it depends what kind of threat you're talking about, Wolf. If you're talking about a nuclear threat, I would say the greatest threat we have in terms of nuclear problems right now may very well be the Kashmir question between Pakistan and India. That is extremely dangerous.
But if you had to pick any of those three characters today, I would say we are going to have to deal with all three of them, because they are all involved in the war on terrorism and the president has committed us to deal with terrorism and we're going to deal with all three of those issues. Albeit, they are different and unique, so we'll deal with them in different ways.
BLITZER: Jane Harman, what do you say?
REP. JANE HARMAN (D), CALIFORNIA: Well, I would cut it a different way. I'd say the bigger threats that Americans are worried about are at home.
Our home towns are part of the war theater and they need assurance that the administration is focusing as much resource and attention on our home towns as it is on the buildup in Iraq.
BLITZER: And you're concerned that they're not getting that assurance?
HARMAN: I'm concerned that not one dollar has flowed under the 2003 budget yet to fire and police departments and so forth, but more important than just the dollars are the strategies that will help keep the hometown safe and the public information campaign, that I think is just in its infancy, that will calm America's fears.
I am impressed that we're working on this, but it is something we must keep our eye on as all of these problems, the ones Porter just mentioned, are erupting all over the world.
BLITZER: Chairman Goss, how close is the president to giving the order to go to war?
GOSS: I have no idea. You'll have to ask him. He's not confiding with me.
My job is to get the best information and make sure that we have the best capabilities to get the best information to the decision makers in this country so they can do the right thing.
And I hope we can count on that process working as smoothly as it has in the past. It is working now and I think it will continue to serve us well in the future. It's done a pretty good job for 225 years in this country.
BLITZER: What about the arrest, Mr. Chairman, of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed? In the scheme of things, looking down the road in the short term, does it make Americans more secure, safer right now? Or as some has suggested, cells out there may decide to unleash terrorist actions because they're afraid of being rolled up?
GOSS: Well, I would take the argument that every time you take one of these characters out of play, you're safer. And think that we are definitely safer with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed out of the way.
Now does that mean we might see other actions? People stick their heads up and take a step up and take a shot at us. It could happen. But frankly it's easier for us in our information gathering and our response mechanisms to deal with people when they're out being active than it is when they're hiding in their hidey-holes. So in a way, to get this all out and get these people moving around can serve us well, as well. It would get on with taking them out as we have taken out KSM.
BLITZER: This does show -- This does show, Congresswoman Harman, that the president can fight the war on terror and deal with a showdown with Iraq at the same time, doesn't it?
HARMAN: I agree that it does. I think it's a very big deal and kudos have to go out to the Pakistani Intelligence Service and the Pakistani police. They were part of this.
It shows how important our liaison relationships are. We have to work with the rest of the world if we're going to win the war on terrorism and this is a good example of it.
BLITZER: Is it realistic on the North Korean situation, Mr. Chairman, to think along the lines of a surgical strike, a Cruise missile taking out that Pyongyang nuclear reactor in North Korea and end their nuclear program once and for all?
GOSS: No, I don't think that would be a smart thing to do at the moment. I think what we're looking at from North Korea is more of their brinksmanship.
They are constantly throwing provocations at us and then trying to use them for leverage in a diplomatic negotiation. I think what we saw with our reconnaissance plane was exactly that. I don't necessarily believe it was denial and deception type activity. I don't know all of it yet, but my guess is we're going to see more provocations.
They think this is a good time to try and yank our tail, and my guess is that we are going to continue to respond with a measured and balanced response.
BLITZER: I'll give Congresswoman Harman the last word. The North Koreans simply say they want direct talks with the Bush administration; what's wrong with that?
HARMAN: I think there ought to be direct talks. I think there ought to be cooler rhetoric and we've got to keep our eye on more than two things. It's not just al Qaeda and Iraq, it's al Qaeda, Iraq, North Korea, Israel, Palestine and maybe Iran.
This is a very, very difficult time, and it will require everybody focused, everyone working together. I think we will get there from here, but cool rhetoric is a big part of the answer.
BLITZER: Congresswoman Jane Harman, Chairman Porter Goss, always good to have you on our program. Thanks for spending a few moments with us. And of course, we'd love to hear from you, our viewers. "Our Web Question of the Day" is who's the No. 1 threat facing the United States? Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden."
Log onto cnn.com/wolf. That's where you can vote. We'll have the results coming up.
Is religion driving President Bush's push toward war? We'll ask the man who helped introduce him to Bible study.
Also what Spanish authorities believe are tapes from an accused terrorist. Are these just tourist snapshots of New York City or targets for later attacks?
And a missing teen on the run with a convicted murderer. Find out how he may have used the Internet to lure her away. What a nightmare.
You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer. Coming up, religion, war and politics. What's the connection for President Bush? We'll ask the man who helped turn him on to the church.
(NEWSBREAK)
BLITZER: Back now to the showdown with Iraq. The Bush administration has been fighting an uphill battle trying to line up international support especially among some traditional allies for a possible war against Iraq. Commerce secretary Don Evans found some support though during a recent trip he made to eastern Europe. Evans has been described as one of President Bush's closest friends. The two were in the same bible study group years and years ago in Texas. Secretary Evans is joining us now live from the Commerce Department.
Thanks, Mr. Secretary, for joining us. I know this trip you had to eastern Europe over the last few days of last week was eye-opening in many respects because we spoke over the weekend, but tell our viewers what was the biggest surprise that you found?
DON EVANS, COMMERCE SECRETARY: I don't know if it was a surprise, Wolf, but what I took away from there was how much the people of these three great countries cherish freedom. These are three countries that have only been living in freedom for the last 13 or 14 years. When you think about it, you think about these countries. Those that were born in freedom aren't even out of junior high school yet.
And so, these are countries that clearly understand how important it is to preserve and protect and indeed, strengthen freedom. And so, I heard very encouraging words from all of the people I talked to, from prime ministers to waiters and waitresses. I mean all of these people that I talked to expressing strong support for America, strong support for our position on our position on the war of terrorism and strong position for our position on the world stage with respect to Iraq.
BLITZER: I told that during the Cold War we used to call him a captive nation, the former Warsaw Pact of nations. I've spoken with many of their leaders in recent weeks too. To a certain degree, they see the Iraqi people along the lines they were during the Soviet occupation, if you will, the Soviet empire of the bad old days of the Cold War, don't they?
EVANS: Well, I think they do indeed, Wolf. And I think the president made this point very clear this last week in his speech when he talked about, you know, part of this is freeing the Iraqi people. Part of this is creating the environment in that part of the world, so people can enjoy freedom and democracy. And so, yes, I think that may be part of it.
But I got -- you know, as I said, I mean the strong message to me was that they cherish freedom and they also realize how important freedom is for growing their economy because you cannot have a growing economy without international security and people to be free to go build and grow and develop companies and grow an economy.
BLITZER: You're one of the president's best friends. You know him obviously for many years. You know him quite well. What's going through his mind right now as commander-in-chief, thinking about the possibility that a lot of young men and women will go into harm's way?
EVANS: Well listen, he's continuing to focus on the war on terrorism and continuing the focus on what he needs, what America needs to provide for this world to move toward a world of peace and prosperity, which is a secure and safe world. And so, he's focused on what it is that we need to do to make sure that for -- we're providing the kind of environment for our economy to grow, not only here in America because, as we talked about before, you can't have economic security in America without national security. That's true globally and so the president is very focused on the kind of conditions that they need to be able to provide for this world so we can leave our world for our children and our grandchildren that they would all want to call home.
BLITZER: There's a cover story in "Newsweek" this week -- "Bush and God" is on the cover. What role does the president's deeply felt religious beliefs play as he considers going to war?
EVANS: Well, I would just say, Wolf, he's very comfortable. He's very much at peace. He's able to make these very, very difficult decisions because of his deep faith, and that's where he will find his comfort, that's where he will find his peace. Listen, as you said, these are really, really tough decisions that our great leader has to make and all of the American people can be assured that he will make the right decisions for the right reasons.
BLITZER: When he hears the pope, for example, the leader of the Catholic Church say, "This is a bad idea, to go to war." Obviously, the pope is a very religious man as well. Does the president realize that there's some room for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) disagreement because what he sees as a clear-cut issue of good versus evil? EVANS: What the president realizes that he is the one person that all the American people hold responsible for the national security and economic security of this country. He is the one person that this country -- everybody across his land holds responsible for that. And he is going to honor that obligation, honor that responsibility and as I said, he'll continue to make the right decisions for the right reasons.
BLITZER: Before I let you go, Mr. Secretary, one final question, the criticism that some have leveled against the president for invoking religion as much as he does. Is that a fair piece of criticism?
EVANS: No. I mean, listen, as I've said, he is somebody with a very strong faith, but no. This president is making the right decisions for the right reasons, doing what is in the best long-term best interest for the general well being of the American people. What this president is interested in is peace and freedom, not only today but for years to come and sometimes you have to make these very, very tough, difficult decisions to ensure that we're going to provide peace and freedom for our children and our grandchildren.
BLITZER: Commerce Secretary Don Evans, as usual, welcome back to the United States. Thanks for spending a few moments with us today. Good luck to you and good luck to the president of the United States.
EVANS: Thank you.
BLITZER: Thank you.
An accused terrorist scouting out New York City. CNN obtains tapes that show targets of terror. And did a 14-year-old girl run away with this, this, convicted murderer? The search for a teen that may be in some serious danger, but first, a look at news making headlines around the world.
Rooftop tragedy. A helicopter crashed while attempting to land on the roof of a luxury hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia killing all three people aboard. Police say the chopper clipped the hotel before it plunged into a swimming pool deck on the third floor.
Rolling fire drill. Mindful of last month's subway fire in South Korea, transit officials in Taiwan held a fire drill aboard a moving train. Authorities used a smoke bomb to simulate a fire in one train car. Passengers were evacuated to other cars and rescuers waited nearby.
Up to speed. One of the world's biggest auto shows is opening in Geneva, Switzerland. Three hundred automakers from 30 countries are showing off their products, everything from economy cars to luxury models, to futuristic likes of fancy.
Rollicking Rio. Fat Tuesday celebrations marked a climax of carnival season. In Brazil, Rio's famed parliament parade continued until down, featuring floats, music and thousands of samba dancers. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but until then it appears anything goes. And that's our look around the world.
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BLITZER: Is it a prelude to terror? CNN has just obtained videotape that Spanish authorities say may be scouting New York City, taking years before the September 11 terror attacks. We'll show you that videotape. That's coming up. We're back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: We're following a developing story right now. A videotape has emerged, which Spanish authorities tell CNN they found in a raid on a suspected al Qaeda cell in Madrid. The authorities believe the tape shows al Qaeda members scouting targets for future attacks. Some clips show the World Trade Center and other New York landmarks. CNN's Jamie Colby is joining us now live from New York with more -- Jamie.
JAMIE COLBY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, we don't know if this is, in fact, a preplanning video, but we know it's not uncommon for al Qaeda to do surveillance on potential terrorist targets several years before they actually hit.
Take a look at the video. It's extremely compelling. It starts out as a family video on a vacation and quickly goes to haunting shots of the World Trade Center towers. There is discussion amongst the people on the tape about what they're seeing. They often will say in English, "Empire State Building." Here's other shots of the towers taken from all angles. There were shots inside. They also focused on the towers' TV and radio transmission towers on the roof in addition to the Empire State Building, which they focused on quite extensively. They showed shots of bustling Times Square.
And these tapes were one of 15 tapes that were found at the Spain home of Ghasoub al-Abrash (ph) Ghalyoun. He was arrested last April when the tapes were seized from his home. He is still awaiting a trial on charges of allegedly belonging to a terrorist organization. His defense attorney spoke to CNN today and here's what he had to say. He said, "We strongly and categorically deny that these tapes had anything to do with the attacks. Even the police have not been able to show this. They were recordings of a family on a trip."
Now, Ghasoub denies the charges. Again, he is awaiting trial. The tape came to CNN from the families of 9/11 victims. They have a lawsuit that they have filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. They are trying to bust the terrorist network, the financial network, by suing several banks, suing Osama bin Laden and some Saudi princes. They are suing to try to bust up and show the money trail. They think these tapes are extremely compelling, but the attorney for Ghasoub also had this to say in terms of his client's potential guilt -- "It is want proven that he belongs to any terrorist group. There's not the least bit of evidence to that effect."
I also had a chance to talk with the attorney who is representing some of the families, one of the lead attorneys, Jack Cordray. He said that his concern was that these tapes showed the sites that you mentioned, Wolf, the World Trade Center and as I said, the Empire State Building, but others as well. Here's what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACK CORDRAY, 9-11 FAMILIES ATTORNEY: From looking at the tapes and from the translations that have occurred and from the findings of the Spanish court, we can determine that this was no mere tourist trip. Also, combined with the fact that there were surveillance tapes of the Sears Tower in Chicago, the Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge -- for instance in the Golden Gate Bridge tape, they point out one particular structural column and indicate that that's a particularly important column.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLBY: Again, it's our earliest review of the tapes, Wolf. It's not for us necessarily to decide if they're preplanning tapes. That's something that the authorities will no doubt be taking a very hard look at -- Wolf.
BLITZER: All right. We'll continue to take a look at that ourselves. Jamie Colby with a good story from New York. Thanks for bringing it to us.
A missing 14-year-old girl and the convicted murderer she apparently chatted with on the Internet. The latest on the Midwest manhunt. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Authorities in Michigan say a missing 14-year-old girl may have run away from home to be with a convicted murderer, a 56- year-old man she corresponded with on the Internet. The two are now believed to be traveling together. CNN's Jeff Flock is keeping track of the story. He's joining us now live from Michigan -- Jeff.
JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good evening, Wolf. From the Cass County courthouse here in Michigan, I wanted to give you the very latest and than I want to give you the latest from Lindsey Ryan's parents.
First let's show you what she looks like -- 14 years old. Her name is Lindsey Ryan, disappeared Saturday night. It appears, at least according to police that she ran off with a man, a 56-year-old man, as you pointed out. We have a picture of him as well. His name is Terry Drake, convicted murderer, member of the Lion Family's Church. She met him in church, which has to be particularly difficult for you to hear, Mr. Ryan.
PATRICK RYAN, GIRL'S FATHER: That's true. That's a horrible violation and I guess what we have to say is that there is nothing safe. You know it's up to the parents to be watching.
FLOCK: Now, you're joined by your wife, your grandmom, your whole family, Lindsey's four younger brothers here. One of the reasons you wanted to come up here on CNN tonight is you wanted to send her a message. Mom, I got to ask you, what's the message?
CAROL RYAN, GIRL'S MOTHER: Lindsey, there's not a better place than it is to be here trying to get you home. I love you. I want you to come home. We are so worried and we care about you no matter what. Honey, come home.
FLOCK: The scary thing is police have determined that she dyed her hair black, apparently to try and be harder to spot. That has got to be a tough one. You had no indication that she was planning to run away or nothing.
P. RYAN: Not a bit. It's unbelievable. It's extraordinary. You are not talking to people here who haven't done a lot to protect their children.
FLOCK: Now, I wanted to tell folks where her -- she was last sighted. Rock Springs, Wyoming and we got a map that kind of gives you a picture of it. Rock Springs, Wyoming on Interstate 80 there. Evanston, Wyoming.
BLITZER: Unfortunately, it looks like we just lost Jeff Flock's picture from Michigan. We'll continue to try to fix that and get that picture up and see if we can bring Jeff Flock back and finish up his report. A heart-wrenching story on the 14-year-old girl who apparently ran away with a convicted murderer. We'll continue to follow this story.
Don't forget, time's running out for your turn to weigh in on "Our Web Question of The Day." Who's the No. 1 threat facing the United States: Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden? Log on to cnn.com/wolf. That's where you can vote and we'll have the results immediately when we come back. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: I just want to update you on Kofi Annan's remarks. The U.N. Secretary-General did not answer questions on Iraq as a result. There's nothing to report on that front.
We have just gotten word from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that that court has now put on hold its ruling banning the Pledge of Allegiance in public classrooms. Without the courts' stay, schools in nine western states would have been prohibited from having students say the Pledge starting Monday. The stay was granted to give the school districts involved in the initial case 90 days to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court here in Washington. The Appeals Court ruled last summer that the phrase "under God," which was added to the pledge in the 1950s is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. We'll continue to follow this court ruling as well.
Here's how you're weighing in on "Our Web Question of The Day." Remember, we've been asking you this question -- who is the No. 1 threat facing the U.S.? Is it Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden? Look at the results. Thirteen percent of you say Saddam Hussein. Fourteen percent of those of you who voted say Kim Jong Il, 41 percent say Osama bin Laden. Remember, this is not, not, a -- 13, 46, 41, those are the numbers. You see them, 13 percent for Saddam Hussein, 46 percent for Kim Jong Il, 41 percent for Osama bin Laden. Remember, this is not a scientific poll, but you can continue to vote, by the way, if you want.
Let's get to some of your e-mails. Willie writes this -- "If America invades Iraq without U.N. support how is that any different from Iraq's invasion of Kuwait? The U.S. is a superpower, but if we expect other countries to follow the rules of the U.N., then we must too."
Joseph -- "If any of the Security Council members veto the U.S. resolution or refuse to support our war in Iraq, then they should lose all the economic and military aid they get form the U.S. if they are willing to let us support them, then they should support us in return."
Finally, this from Brian -- "North Korea is blatantly using nuclear blackmail and making hostile threats to the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. President Bush has clearly made a foolish decision to concentrate on Iraq rather than North Korea. North Korea will take advantage of our military buildup in the Middle East."
That's all of the time we have right now. Please join me tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, as well as at noon Eastern for "SHOWDOWN: IRAQ." "LOU DOBBS MONEYLINE" is coming up.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Ashcroft Reports to Congress on a big victory, Also Issues a Warning>
Aired March 4, 2003 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Showdown Iraq, the 11th hour. As more U.S. troops pour into the region and allies arm, is the U.S. about to give Saddam Hussein a final ulitimatum?
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The choics is Saddam Hussein's to make. It is his choice to determine whether there's war or peace.
BLITZER: Will also U.N. also get a U.S. deadline?
JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: We think that it's time for the council to face that decision.
BLITZER: War on terror. The administration's big guns report to Congress on a big victory.
JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The severe blow to al Qaeda that could destabilize their terrorist network worldwide.
BLITZER: But they also issue a warning.
Will al Qaeda strike back? I'll ask the leaders of the House Intelligence Committee, Porter Goss and Jane Harman.
And how does the president deal with crisis after crisis? I'll ask one of his close confidants.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: It's Tuesday, March 4, 2003. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Washington. Juggling crisis upon crisis, the Bush administration has its hands full facing, right now a triple threat. Ready for war, the White House is laying a final warning to Baghdad, an 11th hour ultimatum for Saddam Hussein.
Battling terror. Seized along with an al Qaeda leader, computer files with hundreds of names and information on possible plots right here in the United States.
And North Korea standoff. Is the United States upping the ante after the interception of the U.S. spy plane by North Korean jet fighters? We're having extensive coverage this hour of all of those developments. And will the Bush administration give Saddam Hussein one last chance before launching a war? Officials are still giving diplomacy a chance, but the clock is ticking with the 11th hour drawing very, very near. We begin with CNN's Chris Burns. He's over at the White House -- Chris.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Wolf. Administration sources we've spoken to today do say that there is discussion of where, whether and when to give a final ultimatum to Saddam Hussein or perhaps just a final warning to expatriates like journalists and aid workers inside Iraq, perhaps a 72-hour warning.
This, of course, just the discussion of which indicates how close we are to war.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BURNS (voice-over): If it isn't a war ultimatum yet, it's increasingly looking like one, both for Saddam Hussein and for the United Nations.
BUSH: I went to the United Nations to remind them that that body has a responsibility to make sure its words mean something. I've reminded them that for 12 long years, the United Nations has asked Saddam to disarm because he's dangerous.
BURNS: The Bush administration, still working the diplomatic window, though working, too, as if it's about to slam that window shut.
Despite Iraq's destruction of Al Samoud missiles, the White House lists tons of anthrax, nerve agents and munitions it says Iraq has yet to account for. The administration continues lobbying for another U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing war and waiting to see what chief weapons inspector Hans Blix reports Friday.
But White House officials say they would likely avoid a vote if they still risk a veto by permanent members France, China or Russia. The administration contents existing Resolution 1441 is enough to justify military action against Baghdad. So when an ultimatum for Saddam Hussein?
ARI FLEISCHER, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: I think it's too soon to say. The president continues to hope, one, that this can be settled peacefully, but two, let's see what the outcome is in New York. Let's see what happens in the Blix report; let's see what happens after the second vote takes place.
BURNS: Meanwhile the president is to meet in Washington with General Tommy Franks, who would lead a war against Iraq. Military planners say they can attack with or without a Turkish-based U.S. force.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BURNS: President Bush plans to meet with and envoy of Pope John Paul II, who contends that war in this case is not justified, not morally justified, however the administration is arguing that it is -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Chris Burns at the White House. Chris, thanks very much.
The Turkish parliament may yet take another vote on whether the U.S. can use Turkey as a base of operations. But in Washington today there are signs the Pentagon is making plans to fight Iraq without Turkey's help. Our senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre is joining us now with details -- Jamie.
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, the message here is whether or not Turkey ever changes its mind. The U.S. is basically making other plans. No hard feelings, say Pentagon officials, but it's time to move on.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MCINTYRE (voice-over): After weeks of hoping that Turkey would allow some 62,000 U.S. troops to use its bases, the Pentagon has basically given up, sources say. Because the decision was the result of a democratic process and by a NATO ally, the U.S. is not complaining too loudly.
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: Our military authorities have options that will still make it absolutely certain that we'll be able to perform this military mission in an efficient, effective way and achieve our objectives.
MCINTYRE: In fact, Pentagon officials say the loss of Turkish bases means the war could come sooner, because there would be no need to wait several more weeks to unload transport ships and prepare Turkish facilities to receive U.S. troops.
Pentagon sources say the Army's 4th Infantry Division, which is still at Fort Hood, Texas may not be deployed, its role filled by the helicopter-borne troops of the 101st Airborne Division now en route to Kuwait.
And the ships carrying the 4th I.D.'s equipment may not be sent on the long trip to the Suez Canal and around to the Persian Gulf, where they would have to unload at already overcrowded ports in Kuwait. Instead, they could just be brought home.
With the arrival of another wave of B-52 bombers in England and the departure of big deck helicopter carriers for the region, sources say central commander General Tommy Franks will tell President Bush Wednesday, in what could be the final pre-war briefing at the White House, that all is ready once he gives the order.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MCINTYRE: So how soon could war come? Well, diplomacy does appear to have some more time to play out. The U.S. has to determine whether or not it's going to get a vote on that second U.N. resolution. But the U.S. military is saying that it's ready to go now -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Jamie, in the midst of all of this, a crisis unfolding with North Korea. The shadowing of that U.S. surveillance plane by four MiG jet fighters. What's the latest on that source of tension?
MCINTYRE: Well, a couple of new developments on that today. One is there was a discussion yesterday about whether or not the North Korean planes actually locked onto the U.S. reconnaissance plane, that unarmed plane. Now it turns out they didn't actually lock on. It also turns out they weren't carrying radar-guided missiles. They were carrying heat-seeking missiles, so it really didn't matter that they didn't lock on. Kind of a moot question.
The U.S. now has not really suspended, but is not flying any surveillance planes on that track for a while, while they decide what action to take. One thing under consideration, possibly sending armed escort planes along with surveillance planes.
However, Pentagon sources say they're leaning against that. They think it would send the wrong message for the U.S. to say that it would have to protect planes that are flying in international airspace. The U.S. asserts that should not be necessary -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Jamie McIntyre with the latest at the Pentagon. Jamie, thanks very much.
Let's look at some other developments in the showdown with Iraq. Russia's foreign minister today warned that Moscow would, if necessary, use its veto power against the Security Council resolution authorizing military action.
Igor Ivanov said Russia would not support any decision that would lead to a war against Iraq. He added that his nation is not indifferent to Iraq's future and therefore would be unlikely to abstain in any upcoming vote.
The U.N. secretary-general, Kofi Annan, today called Iraq's destruction of Al Samoud 2 missiles, quote, "a positive development," but when asked if that's enough to avoid war, Kofi Annan said it's up to the U.N. Security Council. He said the council will base its decision on the overall presentation by U.N. weapons inspectors, who are due to report on Friday.
We're standing by waiting to hear directly from Kofi Annan this hour. We'll bring you his Q and A with reporters live. Stay with us for that.
And as war looms, Israel is setting up an umbrella of Patriot anti-missiles batteries. U.S.-supplied Patriots are being deployed in the Tel Aviv area, while others are being set up throughout the country.
Six hundred U.S. troops have been training with Israelis to test the Patriots, along with the new Israeli-built Arrow missile, which could intercept an incoming Scud at far greater range. More saber rattling on Iraq, this time directly from Saddam Hussein. At the same time Iraqi workers continue to destroy those Al Samoud 2 missiles. Our senior international correspondent, Nic Robertson is in Baghdad with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On the national holiday for the Islamic new year televised lessons in bunker building. The training given by ruling Ba'ath Party members in the northern town of Kirkuk.
Nearby in the formerly majority Kurdish town, not far from the northern breakaway Kurdish region, women also practice for conflict.
Also on television, a news anchor reading a message from President Saddam Hussein, heralding not only the Islamic new year, but the possibility of war: "You, the Iraqi people, will be victorious and the despots will be defeated and arrogance will not benefit them."
In parks around the capitol, the holiday giving families a chance to relax. Time to be with their children and time to reflect on growing fears of war.
"God willing, there will be no war," says Sharpano Somara (ph). "If it happens, god willing, we'll repel it."
Resignation to the possibility of attack, apparently widespread.
"We expect it within hours or months," says Shakir (ph), an operator of the amusement park, "and Iraq is prepared for it."
(on camera): The holiday, slowing slightly. The destruction of the Al Samoud 2 missiles, three destroyed this day, down from six on the previous day. However, for the first time parts of a missile launcher and five missile engines also destroyed.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: Here's your chance to weigh in on the story.
"Our Web Question of the Day" is this, who's the No. 1 threat facing the United States? Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden?
We'll have the results later in this broadcast. Vote at cnn.com/wolf. While you're there, I'd like to hear from you. Send me your comments. I'll try to read some of them on the air each day at the end of this program. That's also, of course, where you can read my daily online column: cnn.com/wolf.
We're standing by to hear from Kofi Annan, the secretary-general of the United Nations. Once he comes to this microphone, starts answering reporters' questions about the showdown with Iraq, we'll have live coverage.
In the meantime, still to come, unraveling al Qaeda terror plots. The U.S. squeezes Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Will his paper trail lead to other key players?
Also, possible surveillance tapes for September 11. Did al Qaeda use this videotape to plot its attacks? Spanish authorities believe it did, but there's another side. We'll take a closer look.
And the frantic search for a teenage girl who is said to be with a convicted murderer. Police ask the public for help tracking them down. We'll have more on that, much more on that. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Years before the September 11 attacks, planning was in the works.
Coming up, what Spanish authorities believe may be the tapes that scout out targets in New York City. That's coming up. We're back in one minute.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: An apparent terrorist bombing in an airport in the Southern Philippines killed at least 21 people, including an American missionary. Three other Americans are among about 150 people who were injured.
A short time later another bomb exploded at a health center about 30 miles away, injuring at least two people. No one has claimed responsibility for the explosions, which come as the government is stepping up attacks on two rebel Muslim groups.
Top administration officials told the U.S. Congress today that al Qaeda suffered a severe blow with the arrest of its operations chief. CNN's Jeanne Meserve reports that U.S. authorities caught more than just a big fish.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The capture of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, trumpeted by President Bush.
BUSH: The man who masterminded the September the 11th attacks is no longer a problem to the United States of America.
MESERVE: Mohammed, in U.S. custody at an undisclosed location, is talking to authorities but is not providing what U.S. officials consider useful information.
Government sources say on his computer were hundreds of names. Intelligence officials now trying to determine how many are al Qaeda operatives.
Also on the computer, information about possible terrorist plots and references to the United States, though no blueprints, say sources.
ASHCROFT: The CIA and FIB are cooperating thoroughly to share information from the capture, analyze that intelligence and coordinate follow-up operations.
MESERVE: Apprehended with Mohammed in the raid in Rawalpindi, a second significant al Qaeda figure, say U.S. officials. Mustapha Ahmed al-Hawsawi is alleged to have supplied money to Mohammed Atta, the leader of the 9/11 hijackers, through bank accounts in the United Arab Emirates.
A February 13 raid in Quetta, Pakistan, failed to net Mohammed, but U.S. officials say the son of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman was apprehended. Rahman, the so-called blind cleric, is in jail for plotting to blow up U.S. landmarks.
Meanwhile, unsealed Tuesday, charges against two Yemeni men arrested in Frankfurt, Germany, on January 10. One of them is a Muslim cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Al Hasan Al-Moayad.
ROSLYNN MAUSKOPS, U.S. ATTORNEY: Al-Moayad met with bin Laden and provided over $20 million to al Qaeda.
MESERVE: Much of the money, says the Justice Department, raised at this Brooklyn mosque.
(on camera): U.S. officials say Mohammed's capture they have noticed an uptick in intelligence chatter. They don't know exactly what that signifies.
Meanwhile, although the threat alert level has been lowered to yellow, officials say some additional security precautions are being taken.
Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: We're standing by waiting to hear from the secretary- general, Kofi Annan, of the United Nations. He's talking about the situation involving Cyprus right now.
Once he starts answering questions about the showdown with Iraq, we'll have live coverage.
Also, a triple threat facing the United States. Is the president on the right path towards peace? We'll ask representatives Jane Harman and Porter Goss of the House Intelligence Committee.
And did a terrorist shoot this videotape years before the September 11 attacks? Spanish authorities say yes, but is there more there than meets the eye? That and much more still ahead. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: The loud chorus of opposition to a war against Iraq grows louder and louder.
Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy once again urged today President Bush to hold off on invading Iraq so weapons inspectors would have more time to do their job.
Speaking to a conference of the United Methodist Church, Kennedy warned that war now could make the world more dangerous for Americans.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: No one, no one said it would be easy, but as long as inspectors are on the ground and making progress, we must give peace a chance so that war with Iraq does not distract us from dealing as effectively as possible with the obvious and ongoing threats of terrorism by al Qaeda and the crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: Anti-war dissent is also being voiced by California lawmakers. Several Senate and assembly members expressed their opposition to a possible war in a letter to President Bush urging him to wait until Congress and the U.N. Security Council vote to support military action.
In Boston, meanwhile, a hearing on an anti-war lawsuit against President Bush. A group of American military personnel, parents with children in the military and 12 other members of Congress are challenging the president's authority to wage war against Iraq.
Iraq, of course, is just one of three major international problems facing the United States right now. Terrorism and North Korea are the two other major issues on the president's agenda.
Joining us now from Capitol Hill to talk about all of this, Democratic congresswoman Jane Harman of California and Republican Congressman Porter Goss of Florida. Goss is the chairwoman on the House Committee on Intelligence and Congresswoman Harman is the ranking Democrat. Thanks to both of you for joining us.
Mr. Chairman, let me ask the question that I've been asking our viewers on our Web question of the day. Who's the greatest threat to the U.S. Right now? Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden or Kim Jong Il?
REP. PORTER GOSS (R), FLORIDA: I don't know that I would limit it to just those three. I think that the bombs that went off in Manila show that there are other threats as well.
And it depends what kind of threat you're talking about, Wolf. If you're talking about a nuclear threat, I would say the greatest threat we have in terms of nuclear problems right now may very well be the Kashmir question between Pakistan and India. That is extremely dangerous.
But if you had to pick any of those three characters today, I would say we are going to have to deal with all three of them, because they are all involved in the war on terrorism and the president has committed us to deal with terrorism and we're going to deal with all three of those issues. Albeit, they are different and unique, so we'll deal with them in different ways.
BLITZER: Jane Harman, what do you say?
REP. JANE HARMAN (D), CALIFORNIA: Well, I would cut it a different way. I'd say the bigger threats that Americans are worried about are at home.
Our home towns are part of the war theater and they need assurance that the administration is focusing as much resource and attention on our home towns as it is on the buildup in Iraq.
BLITZER: And you're concerned that they're not getting that assurance?
HARMAN: I'm concerned that not one dollar has flowed under the 2003 budget yet to fire and police departments and so forth, but more important than just the dollars are the strategies that will help keep the hometown safe and the public information campaign, that I think is just in its infancy, that will calm America's fears.
I am impressed that we're working on this, but it is something we must keep our eye on as all of these problems, the ones Porter just mentioned, are erupting all over the world.
BLITZER: Chairman Goss, how close is the president to giving the order to go to war?
GOSS: I have no idea. You'll have to ask him. He's not confiding with me.
My job is to get the best information and make sure that we have the best capabilities to get the best information to the decision makers in this country so they can do the right thing.
And I hope we can count on that process working as smoothly as it has in the past. It is working now and I think it will continue to serve us well in the future. It's done a pretty good job for 225 years in this country.
BLITZER: What about the arrest, Mr. Chairman, of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed? In the scheme of things, looking down the road in the short term, does it make Americans more secure, safer right now? Or as some has suggested, cells out there may decide to unleash terrorist actions because they're afraid of being rolled up?
GOSS: Well, I would take the argument that every time you take one of these characters out of play, you're safer. And think that we are definitely safer with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed out of the way.
Now does that mean we might see other actions? People stick their heads up and take a step up and take a shot at us. It could happen. But frankly it's easier for us in our information gathering and our response mechanisms to deal with people when they're out being active than it is when they're hiding in their hidey-holes. So in a way, to get this all out and get these people moving around can serve us well, as well. It would get on with taking them out as we have taken out KSM.
BLITZER: This does show -- This does show, Congresswoman Harman, that the president can fight the war on terror and deal with a showdown with Iraq at the same time, doesn't it?
HARMAN: I agree that it does. I think it's a very big deal and kudos have to go out to the Pakistani Intelligence Service and the Pakistani police. They were part of this.
It shows how important our liaison relationships are. We have to work with the rest of the world if we're going to win the war on terrorism and this is a good example of it.
BLITZER: Is it realistic on the North Korean situation, Mr. Chairman, to think along the lines of a surgical strike, a Cruise missile taking out that Pyongyang nuclear reactor in North Korea and end their nuclear program once and for all?
GOSS: No, I don't think that would be a smart thing to do at the moment. I think what we're looking at from North Korea is more of their brinksmanship.
They are constantly throwing provocations at us and then trying to use them for leverage in a diplomatic negotiation. I think what we saw with our reconnaissance plane was exactly that. I don't necessarily believe it was denial and deception type activity. I don't know all of it yet, but my guess is we're going to see more provocations.
They think this is a good time to try and yank our tail, and my guess is that we are going to continue to respond with a measured and balanced response.
BLITZER: I'll give Congresswoman Harman the last word. The North Koreans simply say they want direct talks with the Bush administration; what's wrong with that?
HARMAN: I think there ought to be direct talks. I think there ought to be cooler rhetoric and we've got to keep our eye on more than two things. It's not just al Qaeda and Iraq, it's al Qaeda, Iraq, North Korea, Israel, Palestine and maybe Iran.
This is a very, very difficult time, and it will require everybody focused, everyone working together. I think we will get there from here, but cool rhetoric is a big part of the answer.
BLITZER: Congresswoman Jane Harman, Chairman Porter Goss, always good to have you on our program. Thanks for spending a few moments with us. And of course, we'd love to hear from you, our viewers. "Our Web Question of the Day" is who's the No. 1 threat facing the United States? Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden."
Log onto cnn.com/wolf. That's where you can vote. We'll have the results coming up.
Is religion driving President Bush's push toward war? We'll ask the man who helped introduce him to Bible study.
Also what Spanish authorities believe are tapes from an accused terrorist. Are these just tourist snapshots of New York City or targets for later attacks?
And a missing teen on the run with a convicted murderer. Find out how he may have used the Internet to lure her away. What a nightmare.
You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer. Coming up, religion, war and politics. What's the connection for President Bush? We'll ask the man who helped turn him on to the church.
(NEWSBREAK)
BLITZER: Back now to the showdown with Iraq. The Bush administration has been fighting an uphill battle trying to line up international support especially among some traditional allies for a possible war against Iraq. Commerce secretary Don Evans found some support though during a recent trip he made to eastern Europe. Evans has been described as one of President Bush's closest friends. The two were in the same bible study group years and years ago in Texas. Secretary Evans is joining us now live from the Commerce Department.
Thanks, Mr. Secretary, for joining us. I know this trip you had to eastern Europe over the last few days of last week was eye-opening in many respects because we spoke over the weekend, but tell our viewers what was the biggest surprise that you found?
DON EVANS, COMMERCE SECRETARY: I don't know if it was a surprise, Wolf, but what I took away from there was how much the people of these three great countries cherish freedom. These are three countries that have only been living in freedom for the last 13 or 14 years. When you think about it, you think about these countries. Those that were born in freedom aren't even out of junior high school yet.
And so, these are countries that clearly understand how important it is to preserve and protect and indeed, strengthen freedom. And so, I heard very encouraging words from all of the people I talked to, from prime ministers to waiters and waitresses. I mean all of these people that I talked to expressing strong support for America, strong support for our position on our position on the war of terrorism and strong position for our position on the world stage with respect to Iraq.
BLITZER: I told that during the Cold War we used to call him a captive nation, the former Warsaw Pact of nations. I've spoken with many of their leaders in recent weeks too. To a certain degree, they see the Iraqi people along the lines they were during the Soviet occupation, if you will, the Soviet empire of the bad old days of the Cold War, don't they?
EVANS: Well, I think they do indeed, Wolf. And I think the president made this point very clear this last week in his speech when he talked about, you know, part of this is freeing the Iraqi people. Part of this is creating the environment in that part of the world, so people can enjoy freedom and democracy. And so, yes, I think that may be part of it.
But I got -- you know, as I said, I mean the strong message to me was that they cherish freedom and they also realize how important freedom is for growing their economy because you cannot have a growing economy without international security and people to be free to go build and grow and develop companies and grow an economy.
BLITZER: You're one of the president's best friends. You know him obviously for many years. You know him quite well. What's going through his mind right now as commander-in-chief, thinking about the possibility that a lot of young men and women will go into harm's way?
EVANS: Well listen, he's continuing to focus on the war on terrorism and continuing the focus on what he needs, what America needs to provide for this world to move toward a world of peace and prosperity, which is a secure and safe world. And so, he's focused on what it is that we need to do to make sure that for -- we're providing the kind of environment for our economy to grow, not only here in America because, as we talked about before, you can't have economic security in America without national security. That's true globally and so the president is very focused on the kind of conditions that they need to be able to provide for this world so we can leave our world for our children and our grandchildren that they would all want to call home.
BLITZER: There's a cover story in "Newsweek" this week -- "Bush and God" is on the cover. What role does the president's deeply felt religious beliefs play as he considers going to war?
EVANS: Well, I would just say, Wolf, he's very comfortable. He's very much at peace. He's able to make these very, very difficult decisions because of his deep faith, and that's where he will find his comfort, that's where he will find his peace. Listen, as you said, these are really, really tough decisions that our great leader has to make and all of the American people can be assured that he will make the right decisions for the right reasons.
BLITZER: When he hears the pope, for example, the leader of the Catholic Church say, "This is a bad idea, to go to war." Obviously, the pope is a very religious man as well. Does the president realize that there's some room for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) disagreement because what he sees as a clear-cut issue of good versus evil? EVANS: What the president realizes that he is the one person that all the American people hold responsible for the national security and economic security of this country. He is the one person that this country -- everybody across his land holds responsible for that. And he is going to honor that obligation, honor that responsibility and as I said, he'll continue to make the right decisions for the right reasons.
BLITZER: Before I let you go, Mr. Secretary, one final question, the criticism that some have leveled against the president for invoking religion as much as he does. Is that a fair piece of criticism?
EVANS: No. I mean, listen, as I've said, he is somebody with a very strong faith, but no. This president is making the right decisions for the right reasons, doing what is in the best long-term best interest for the general well being of the American people. What this president is interested in is peace and freedom, not only today but for years to come and sometimes you have to make these very, very tough, difficult decisions to ensure that we're going to provide peace and freedom for our children and our grandchildren.
BLITZER: Commerce Secretary Don Evans, as usual, welcome back to the United States. Thanks for spending a few moments with us today. Good luck to you and good luck to the president of the United States.
EVANS: Thank you.
BLITZER: Thank you.
An accused terrorist scouting out New York City. CNN obtains tapes that show targets of terror. And did a 14-year-old girl run away with this, this, convicted murderer? The search for a teen that may be in some serious danger, but first, a look at news making headlines around the world.
Rooftop tragedy. A helicopter crashed while attempting to land on the roof of a luxury hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia killing all three people aboard. Police say the chopper clipped the hotel before it plunged into a swimming pool deck on the third floor.
Rolling fire drill. Mindful of last month's subway fire in South Korea, transit officials in Taiwan held a fire drill aboard a moving train. Authorities used a smoke bomb to simulate a fire in one train car. Passengers were evacuated to other cars and rescuers waited nearby.
Up to speed. One of the world's biggest auto shows is opening in Geneva, Switzerland. Three hundred automakers from 30 countries are showing off their products, everything from economy cars to luxury models, to futuristic likes of fancy.
Rollicking Rio. Fat Tuesday celebrations marked a climax of carnival season. In Brazil, Rio's famed parliament parade continued until down, featuring floats, music and thousands of samba dancers. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but until then it appears anything goes. And that's our look around the world.
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BLITZER: Is it a prelude to terror? CNN has just obtained videotape that Spanish authorities say may be scouting New York City, taking years before the September 11 terror attacks. We'll show you that videotape. That's coming up. We're back in just a moment.
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BLITZER: We're following a developing story right now. A videotape has emerged, which Spanish authorities tell CNN they found in a raid on a suspected al Qaeda cell in Madrid. The authorities believe the tape shows al Qaeda members scouting targets for future attacks. Some clips show the World Trade Center and other New York landmarks. CNN's Jamie Colby is joining us now live from New York with more -- Jamie.
JAMIE COLBY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, we don't know if this is, in fact, a preplanning video, but we know it's not uncommon for al Qaeda to do surveillance on potential terrorist targets several years before they actually hit.
Take a look at the video. It's extremely compelling. It starts out as a family video on a vacation and quickly goes to haunting shots of the World Trade Center towers. There is discussion amongst the people on the tape about what they're seeing. They often will say in English, "Empire State Building." Here's other shots of the towers taken from all angles. There were shots inside. They also focused on the towers' TV and radio transmission towers on the roof in addition to the Empire State Building, which they focused on quite extensively. They showed shots of bustling Times Square.
And these tapes were one of 15 tapes that were found at the Spain home of Ghasoub al-Abrash (ph) Ghalyoun. He was arrested last April when the tapes were seized from his home. He is still awaiting a trial on charges of allegedly belonging to a terrorist organization. His defense attorney spoke to CNN today and here's what he had to say. He said, "We strongly and categorically deny that these tapes had anything to do with the attacks. Even the police have not been able to show this. They were recordings of a family on a trip."
Now, Ghasoub denies the charges. Again, he is awaiting trial. The tape came to CNN from the families of 9/11 victims. They have a lawsuit that they have filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. They are trying to bust the terrorist network, the financial network, by suing several banks, suing Osama bin Laden and some Saudi princes. They are suing to try to bust up and show the money trail. They think these tapes are extremely compelling, but the attorney for Ghasoub also had this to say in terms of his client's potential guilt -- "It is want proven that he belongs to any terrorist group. There's not the least bit of evidence to that effect."
I also had a chance to talk with the attorney who is representing some of the families, one of the lead attorneys, Jack Cordray. He said that his concern was that these tapes showed the sites that you mentioned, Wolf, the World Trade Center and as I said, the Empire State Building, but others as well. Here's what he had to say.
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JACK CORDRAY, 9-11 FAMILIES ATTORNEY: From looking at the tapes and from the translations that have occurred and from the findings of the Spanish court, we can determine that this was no mere tourist trip. Also, combined with the fact that there were surveillance tapes of the Sears Tower in Chicago, the Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge -- for instance in the Golden Gate Bridge tape, they point out one particular structural column and indicate that that's a particularly important column.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLBY: Again, it's our earliest review of the tapes, Wolf. It's not for us necessarily to decide if they're preplanning tapes. That's something that the authorities will no doubt be taking a very hard look at -- Wolf.
BLITZER: All right. We'll continue to take a look at that ourselves. Jamie Colby with a good story from New York. Thanks for bringing it to us.
A missing 14-year-old girl and the convicted murderer she apparently chatted with on the Internet. The latest on the Midwest manhunt. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
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BLITZER: Authorities in Michigan say a missing 14-year-old girl may have run away from home to be with a convicted murderer, a 56- year-old man she corresponded with on the Internet. The two are now believed to be traveling together. CNN's Jeff Flock is keeping track of the story. He's joining us now live from Michigan -- Jeff.
JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good evening, Wolf. From the Cass County courthouse here in Michigan, I wanted to give you the very latest and than I want to give you the latest from Lindsey Ryan's parents.
First let's show you what she looks like -- 14 years old. Her name is Lindsey Ryan, disappeared Saturday night. It appears, at least according to police that she ran off with a man, a 56-year-old man, as you pointed out. We have a picture of him as well. His name is Terry Drake, convicted murderer, member of the Lion Family's Church. She met him in church, which has to be particularly difficult for you to hear, Mr. Ryan.
PATRICK RYAN, GIRL'S FATHER: That's true. That's a horrible violation and I guess what we have to say is that there is nothing safe. You know it's up to the parents to be watching.
FLOCK: Now, you're joined by your wife, your grandmom, your whole family, Lindsey's four younger brothers here. One of the reasons you wanted to come up here on CNN tonight is you wanted to send her a message. Mom, I got to ask you, what's the message?
CAROL RYAN, GIRL'S MOTHER: Lindsey, there's not a better place than it is to be here trying to get you home. I love you. I want you to come home. We are so worried and we care about you no matter what. Honey, come home.
FLOCK: The scary thing is police have determined that she dyed her hair black, apparently to try and be harder to spot. That has got to be a tough one. You had no indication that she was planning to run away or nothing.
P. RYAN: Not a bit. It's unbelievable. It's extraordinary. You are not talking to people here who haven't done a lot to protect their children.
FLOCK: Now, I wanted to tell folks where her -- she was last sighted. Rock Springs, Wyoming and we got a map that kind of gives you a picture of it. Rock Springs, Wyoming on Interstate 80 there. Evanston, Wyoming.
BLITZER: Unfortunately, it looks like we just lost Jeff Flock's picture from Michigan. We'll continue to try to fix that and get that picture up and see if we can bring Jeff Flock back and finish up his report. A heart-wrenching story on the 14-year-old girl who apparently ran away with a convicted murderer. We'll continue to follow this story.
Don't forget, time's running out for your turn to weigh in on "Our Web Question of The Day." Who's the No. 1 threat facing the United States: Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden? Log on to cnn.com/wolf. That's where you can vote and we'll have the results immediately when we come back. Stay with us.
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BLITZER: I just want to update you on Kofi Annan's remarks. The U.N. Secretary-General did not answer questions on Iraq as a result. There's nothing to report on that front.
We have just gotten word from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that that court has now put on hold its ruling banning the Pledge of Allegiance in public classrooms. Without the courts' stay, schools in nine western states would have been prohibited from having students say the Pledge starting Monday. The stay was granted to give the school districts involved in the initial case 90 days to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court here in Washington. The Appeals Court ruled last summer that the phrase "under God," which was added to the pledge in the 1950s is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion. We'll continue to follow this court ruling as well.
Here's how you're weighing in on "Our Web Question of The Day." Remember, we've been asking you this question -- who is the No. 1 threat facing the U.S.? Is it Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il or Osama bin Laden? Look at the results. Thirteen percent of you say Saddam Hussein. Fourteen percent of those of you who voted say Kim Jong Il, 41 percent say Osama bin Laden. Remember, this is not, not, a -- 13, 46, 41, those are the numbers. You see them, 13 percent for Saddam Hussein, 46 percent for Kim Jong Il, 41 percent for Osama bin Laden. Remember, this is not a scientific poll, but you can continue to vote, by the way, if you want.
Let's get to some of your e-mails. Willie writes this -- "If America invades Iraq without U.N. support how is that any different from Iraq's invasion of Kuwait? The U.S. is a superpower, but if we expect other countries to follow the rules of the U.N., then we must too."
Joseph -- "If any of the Security Council members veto the U.S. resolution or refuse to support our war in Iraq, then they should lose all the economic and military aid they get form the U.S. if they are willing to let us support them, then they should support us in return."
Finally, this from Brian -- "North Korea is blatantly using nuclear blackmail and making hostile threats to the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. President Bush has clearly made a foolish decision to concentrate on Iraq rather than North Korea. North Korea will take advantage of our military buildup in the Middle East."
That's all of the time we have right now. Please join me tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, as well as at noon Eastern for "SHOWDOWN: IRAQ." "LOU DOBBS MONEYLINE" is coming up.
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Ashcroft Reports to Congress on a big victory, Also Issues a Warning>
