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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Palestinians Form Human Shield Around Arafat Compound; U.S. Soldiers Ambushed in Iraq; Is U.S. Prepared for Another Terror Attack?

Aired September 11, 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.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: A breaking story happening right now, hundreds of Palestinians outside the compound of their leader. They're forming a shield, a human shield. It's happening in Ramallah on the West Bank.
Tonight, indeed two hot spots are flaring up right now in the Middle East. Yasser Arafat is closer to expulsion and, in Iraq, U.S. soldiers ambushed in another attack, all this and a worldwide terror warning on September 11, 2003.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Exactly two years later, a chilling new warning speaks of plots more devastating than 9/11.

As the hunt goes on for terror leaders are others already rising to take their place?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bin Laden! Bin Laden!

CROWD: Bin Laden! Bin Laden?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We support bin Laden.

CROWD: We support bin Laden.

BLITZER: Are we any better prepared?

Loved ones lost, the next generation remembers a sad and terrible day.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Tamo E. Alvare (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Lynn Edwards Angel (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nina Patrice Bell (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Stars, I like the way they look down from the sky and didn't seem to mind the way I cry. It didn't say I wipe away those tears but tell us, tell us, what's the matter here? But shining through the dark they calmed this day and gently held me in their quiet way. I felt them watching over me, each one and let me cry and cry until I was done.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, THE WAR ON TERROR. Reporting live from the Pentagon here's Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Two years ago it was a target, a horrific scene of death and destruction. Today it's completely rebuilt the nerve center of America's new war on terrorism.

Hello from the Pentagon. One hundred eighty-four innocent people lost their lives here when a hijacked airliner was turned into a flying bomb. In a moment, we'll look at how Americans paused to honor those who died here at the Pentagon, the thousands who lost their lives at Ground Zero once New York's towering World Trade Center, and the field in Pennsylvania where the heroes of Flight 93 fell after rising up against the hijackers.

But first there's breaking news in the Middle East right now and a potentially explosive development. The Israeli Security Cabinet today agreed in principle to remove the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from his West Bank compound, a move that may result in his outright expulsion.

CNN's Matthew Chance is joining us. He's live outside Arafat's compound, his headquarters in Ramallah on the West Bank. Matthew, tell our viewers what's happening now.

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, angry and passionate scenes here in Ramallah as hundreds (AUDIO GAP) gathered and descended on Yasser Arafat's battered presidential compound here. Israel and the U.S. may not like it but hearing some of the slogans being chanted tonight in support of Yasser Arafat (AUDIO GAP) very, very many people indeed, very many Palestinians.

This is a man who is still a very potent national symbol and the threats that are perceived to have been made against him by Israel are seen with absolute fury by the vast majority of people in this town and elsewhere and, as you might expect, by absolute defiance from Yasser Arafat himself.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

YASSER ARAFAT, PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT: It's a (unintelligible) center. No one can kick me out.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They are even saying perhaps they'll come into Ramallah tonight and may try to kill you.

ARAFAT: Maybe to kill me or they can kill me by their bombs.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But you will not leave?

ARAFAT: Definitely not.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thanks, Mr. President.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHANCE: Well, the Israeli government is yet to spell out exactly what it has in mind for Yasser Arafat saying only that it intends to remove what it regards as an obstacle of peace (AUDIO GAP) a spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister here.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RA'ANAN GISSEN, SHARON SPOKESMAN: The major total obstacle to peace is Mr. Arafat. Arafat is an obstacle to the process of reconciliation and peace between Israel and the Palestinian people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHANCE: In Gaza and across the West Bank, Palestinians have (AUDIO GAP) in support of the Palestinian president. He may be under threat but his popularity is received apparently as something of a boost -- Wolf.

BLITZER: CNN's Matthew Chance on the scene for us in Ramallah right now, an explosive situation unfolding. We'll stay on top of that.

The Bush administration at the same time is dealing with this potential crisis in the Middle East.

CNN's State Department Correspondent Andrea Koppel is following the reaction from Washington.

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Responding to Israel's move, the Bush administration repeated its longstanding position on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

RICHARD BOUCHER, STATE DEPT. SPOKESMAN: I think it would not be helpful to expel him because it would just given him another stage to play on.

KOPPEL: But President Bush has said Arafat is part of the problem not part of the solution and since June, 2002, the U.S. has lobbied to replace him with a prime minister.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I call on the Palestinian people to elect new leaders, leaders not compromised by terror.

KOPPEL: Mahmoud Abbas, who resigned Saturday as the Palestinian's first prime minister after just four months on the job, was a U.S. favorite but Abbas was unable to persuade Arafat to cede control of key Palestinian security forces. In fact, Arafat aides tell CNN all security forces will now likely be consolidated under Arafat's control.

EDWARD ABBINGTON, PALESTINIAN AUTH. CONSULTANT: He is the hub of the wheel and all the Palestinians around him are like the spokes. They revolve around him. They get their power and their status from him. KOPPEL: He may be older, still isolated in his Ramallah headquarters barred by Israel from leaving but Arafat is no stranger to adversity or the ups and downs of Palestinian politics.

Forced into exile in Tunisia in 1982 from Lebanon, 12 years later Arafat had returned to Ramallah a hero. At the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, then President Bill Clinton treated him like a peacemaker.

The key to his survival, Arafat is described as a master manipulator who never closes off his options even with his enemies, case in point Arafat's tacit alliance with Hamas and other militant groups now with more popular support among Palestinian people. That's why, experts say, Arafat has given them a green light to pursue terrorist attacks against Israel.

(on camera): For now, the Bush administration says it has no plans for high level phone calls to either side. Said one senior State Department official, the U.S. is still trying to figure out exactly what Israel intends to do with Arafat, whether it has decided indeed to expel him or whether its threats are just rhetoric.

Andrea Koppel, CNN, at the State Department.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Andrea Koppel thanks very much Andrea.

Only within the past few minutes the president of the United States has been meeting and speaking with wounded U.S. troops over at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: First of all they're analyzing it. Secondly, his tape reminds us that the war on terror goes on. As well, his rhetoric is trying to intimidate and, you know, create fear and he's not going to intimidate America.

We are at war because of what he and his fellow killers decided to do two years ago today and we will stay at war until we have achieved our objective the dismantlement of terrorist organizations and it just reminds us of the duty we have got to do. And, I say we, my administration and all who serve our country and our duty is to protect our fellow citizens from people like bin Laden.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The president together with the First Lady Laura Bush over at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He's been spending some time with wounded U.S. soldiers, also speaking forcefully about terror threats facing the United States.

There was a warning of more terror plots that came out earlier today. The State Department issued what's being called a worldwide caution saying there are signs al Qaeda may attempt a massive attack against Americans potentially more devastating than 9/11.

Our National Security Correspondent David Ensor has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The chatter level is up somewhat in recent days among suspected supporters of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda according to U.S. intelligence officials adding to concern the group may seek to pull off some kind of attack to mark the period of the second anniversary of 9/11.

None of the information, though, is specific or credible as to location, method, or timing. Still, it was enough for the State Department to issue a new worldwide caution to Americans.

"We are seeing increasing indications that al Qaeda is preparing to strike U.S. interests abroad" it says. "We also cannot rule out the potential for al Qaeda to attempt a second catastrophic attack within the U.S."

The State Department said the new warning had nothing to do with Wednesday's broadcast of a new tape from al Qaeda showing bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri.

CIA officials say technical analysis shows it really is the voice of al-Zawahiri on the tape but as for the alleged bin Laden voice they are just not sure. Administration officials said they did not find anything new in the tape.

BOUCHER: We certainly do think that the, you know, airing of these kind of tapes at great length with their hateful rhetoric is not helpful to the overall situation and doesn't particularly add to the news of the day.

ENSOR: Al-Zawahiri does but nowhere on the tape does bin Laden speak of recent events. U.S. officials say they suspect this video of bin Laden may actually be older than others released earlier though Al-Jazeera television said it was probably filmed this past spring.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ENSOR: U.S. officials say someone as media savvy as bin Laden could be expected to prove he's still able to record tapes by referring to recent events. If it's really him and it really is recent, said one, why didn't bin Laden want to prove it -- Wolf.

BLITZER: David Ensor thank you very much for that report.

Meanwhile, there was a huge firefight today on a key front in the war on terror. U.S. forces in Iraq coming under attack about 60 miles west of Baghdad.

Our Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson is in the Iraqi capital. He's joining us now live with the latest -- Nic. NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, coalition officials have released details of that attack now. They say a convoy traveling along a highway was targeted by men using rocket-propelled grenades. When the convoy was disabled, two of the vehicles were destroyed. They the attackers opened up with small arms fire.

According to eyewitnesses the attackers had masks on. They were firing from houses at the side of the road. They say that the firefight went on for about an hour. Now, according to those eyewitnesses they say several U.S. soldiers were injured in this attack but according to coalition officials they say just one U.S. soldier injured.

But this area west of Baghdad has been deemed by security experts here at this time to be the area where there has been not only the biggest surge in activity and attacks against coalition forces but it's an area where they believe that the terror group, the foreign fighters, the Ba'athists, whoever they are, are beginning to engage in some serious training and weapons building -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Nic Robertson with the latest from Baghdad. Thanks very much, Nic, for that report.

And, joining me now with some special insight into the war on terror the Democratic Congresswoman Jane Harman, she's a key member, the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee in the House of Representative. Congresswoman, thanks very much for joining us.

This building behind the both of us, the Pentagon, are you satisfied now that there has been a dramatic improvement that everything has already been done that should have been done over these past two years to deal with another potential terror attack?

REP. JANE HARMAN (D-CA), ARMED SERVICE CMTE.: My answer to that sadly is no. It was an amazing miracle and triumph of human courage that it was rebuilt in a year. We were all here a year ago at a very moving ceremony but our homeland security effort is floundering.

It's understaffed. It's under funded. There is no integrating strategy and one of the big issues here during the attack was the lack of interoperable communications. Three different fire services came to the scene and the only way they could talk to each other was by physical runner.

BLITZER: So, haven't they fixed all that?

HARMAN: It's not fixed. According to the Arlington County Fire Chief Ed Plaugher they can talk to each other now but they can't talk to the FBI or the federal government.

BLITZER: So who is responsible? It's been two years. What should they -- is it a matter of money?

HARMAN: It's partly a matter of money. It's a matter of technology and it's a matter of leadership. I represent parts of L.A. County. There are 88 cities there and 55 police departments, 33 fire departments. This is still a major problem in L.A. It's a highest priority. Another one is information sharing and these things just haven't happened yet.

BLITZER: Well, let's get to some of the news of the day right now. First of all, Yasser Arafat seems to be fighting for his life right now, almost literally. Should the Israelis go ahead and expel him or let him stay on the West Bank?

HARMAN: Well, the sad news today is that he is now becoming the center of attention, which is what he always craves. I agree that he's an obstacle to peace. I haven't seen one thing that he's ever done, since his return to Israel and prior to that that has improved the situation for the Palestinian people.

They have some younger capable leaders that they could get behind but he's prevented that. I would like to see him totally removed from politics but I would not like to see him further destabilize the very fragile road map.

BLITZER: Because Secretary Powell and the State Department, you heard our Andrea Koppel's report, what they're afraid is if the Israelis expel him they almost make him stronger, make him a martyr.

HARMAN: Yes. I think it's a risk but they're obviously fed up and they feel that they can -- there will never be a reasonable government there as long as Arafat controls everything and he still controls everything.

BLITZER: You're a leader on the House Select Intelligence Committee, is the U.S. safer now as a result of removing Saddam Hussein from power? Are Americans safer?

HARMAN: That's a hard question to answer, Wolf. I think that the prospect of more safety is out there and I think that removing Saddam Hussein and certainly trying, although we're not getting very far yet, to answer the questions about the weapons of mass destruction which he did have are very important things.

However, there's no stability in Iraq. You just reported on the attack on some U.S. convoys today. There is an inadequate plan to stabilize Iraq. The president's asked for almost $90 billion. That's more than twice the annual budget for our Homeland Security Department at a time when that's not working and more Americans could die here.

BLITZER: Are you going to support him with that sum?

HARMAN: I'm going to ask tough questions. Congress must ask tough questions before we vote for any of that money and I'm also going to ask how it's going to be offset. I would like to see these tax cuts that were excessive rolled back.

BLITZER: Well, he says that's not going to happen.

HARMAN: Well, you know, he says that's not going to happen but I don't think money grows on trees and I think it is just unreasonable and irresponsible to ask for continued spending and not make any compromises and sacrifices.

BLITZER: Thanks for coming over to the Pentagon on this, I guess, special day two years after 9/11. Jane Harman thank you very much.

HARMAN: Thank you.

BLITZER: We'll continue to watch the breaking story unfold right now in the Middle East. Yasser Arafat is being threatened by the Israeli government with expulsion. We'll go live to Ramallah to see what's happening there.

Also, a new call for attacks in Iraq, coming up what sparked a new fatwah or a religious order against U.S. and coalition troops?

And, we'll also go live to Ground Zero for a look at the emotional ceremonies marking two years since the attacks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Richard Anthony Acheta (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My loving father Patrick Adam (ph) we love you and miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my grandmother Asaya Castillo (ph) we love you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And my mother (unintelligible) and I love you mom.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my brother, Bobby Hughes (ph) we love you. We miss you and you are an angel and hero that will never be forgotten.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my mother (unintelligible) we love you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Think your local airport security is tough? Wait until we take you here, once a launching pad for the September 11th attacks, why this airport is now likely to deter terrorism, that story and much more coming up on this special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: It was a day that shook America to its soul and exactly two years after the 9/11 terror attacks, Americans today pause to reflect and remember.

We begin in New York City with CNN's Jason Carroll. He's live at the scene where the World Trade Center towers once stood -- Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And, Wolf, family members say this was a day and a chance for them to get together to be with other people who shared the same sense of feelings and the same sense of loss.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL (voice-over): At Ground Zero, thousands came to mourn those who died here. They came holding pictures, flags, and flowers, pausing for moments of silence at the exact times the Twin Towers were hit and then collapsed.

The names of everyone who died...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALES: And our loving father Battalion Chief Joseph Grinblack (ph).

CARROLL: ...read by relatives mostly children.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My mother and my hero Stephanie Marie McKenna (ph), I love you.

CARROLL: All 2,792 names.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALES: And our uncle William Bernstein (ph), we miss you.

CARROLL: City leaders came. The mayor read a poem about the attacks by America's poet laureate at the time Billy Collins.

MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK: So many names there is barely room on the walls of the heart.

CARROLL: The former mayor who led the city through the tragedy quoted Winston Churchill.

RUDOLPH GIULIANI, FMR. NEW YORK MAYOR: We shall not fail or falter. We shall not weaken or tire.

CARROLL: Not far from Ground Zero, relatives of Windows on the World restaurant workers tossed flowers into the Hudson River for each loved one killed. They lost 73.

And, uptown, a service by the Port Authority, which owned the trade center, they lost 84. Vice President Dick Cheney paid his respects.

Back at Ground Zero, family members collected earth from the site another remembrance of loved ones.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Edward James White III.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: One family member who lost his son said that today was a day that was very tough for him. He said every day is tough. It's something that you never get over but he did say that today made him feel just a little bit better -- Wolf. BLITZER: CNN's Jason Carroll, a very emotional day in New York City.

United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a Pennsylvania field after its passengers fought back against the hijackers. They may have prevented another devastating attack on the nation's capital.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Todd Beamer (ph), Alan Devin (ph).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In rural Shanksville today, bells began tolling at 10:06 a.m., the moment the plane went down. They rang once for each passenger and member of the crew, 40 people now remembered as heroes.

Here at the Pentagon it was a day of somber remembrances of lost heroes and friends along with grim warnings that America's war against terrorism is far from over.

Joining me live here from the Pentagon, our Senior Pentagon Correspondent, Jamie McIntyre -- Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, as you well remember a year ago this area behind us was filled with thousands of people to mark the anniversary. This year the observances were comparatively low key.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE (voice-over): The day begin with a wreath laying in Arlington National Cemetery.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A moment of silence.

MCINTYRE: And a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the precise time two years ago terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon. It was a day for remembering the fallen.

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Let us recommit ourselves to their cause and to our mission, the triumph of freedom over tyranny.

MCINTYRE: For renewing resolve.

GEN. RICHARD MYERS, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN: This war on terrorism will be a long, hard struggle requiring our patience, our commitment and our will.

MCINTYRE: And for reflecting on patriotism.

RUMSFELD: A patriot so reveres the ideals of his home country that he is willing to lay down his life to ensure that those ideals endure.

MCINTYRE: Those patriots were memorialized in a set of stained glass windows dedicated in the small Pentagon chapel.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE: That chapel right here at the point of impact, 125 people killed in the building, 59 passengers and crew died on the plane -- Wolf.

BLITZER: So sad, thank you very much Jamie McIntyre our reporter here at the Pentagon.

The airport in Boston was once considered one of the worst in the country for security but following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that changed dramatically, in depth on the improvement that story after a break.

Also, hunting Osama bin Laden, what experts have learned from that new videotape showing bin Laden and his top lieutenant.

And, the new attack order against coalition troops in Iraq. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to our special coverage. I'm Wolf Blitzer at the Pentagon.

As many around the world pause to remember those killed in the 9/11 attacks exactly two years ago, a radical Muslim group in Britain is praising the hijackers and urging Muslims around the world to kill British soldiers.

Our senior international correspondent Sheila MacVicar reports from London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHEILA MACVICAR, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): They could not have caused more offense if they had tried.

ANJEM CHOUDARY, AL MUHAJIROUN: We are here to talk about the magnificent 19, those who, two years ago today, split the world.

MACVICAR: The magnificent 19 -- that's the phrase Al Muhajiroun uses to describe the 9/11 hijackers. They promise a conference extolling their virtues, advertised on lampposts. 9/11 and terror attacks before and since are acts these people do not condemn.

Today they issued what they said was a fatwa, calling for attacks against British soldiers, especially those who are Muslims and serving in Iraq.

ABDUL RAHMAN SALEEM, AL MUHAJIROUN: He is a clear enemy to Islam and a clear enemy to Muslims. Consequently, he becomes a legitimate target for the Mujahedin.

MACVICAR: It might be easy to dismiss this group as a small band of extremists led by this man, Omar Bakri Mohammed (ph), a group that makes more noise than trouble.

But in April, two of his British followers carried out a suicide attack at a beachfront bar in Tel Aviv That left three Israelis dead and more than 50 wounded. Britain's Muslim community was shocked, but Omar Bakri Mohammed and Al Muhajiroun refused to condemn the bombing.

Evan Kohlman, an American terrorism analyst, secretly monitored the group last year.

EVAN KOHLMAN, TERRORISM ANALYST: It inspires lone wolf terrorists, those being individuals who are not necessarily members of an organized terrorist group, but who are subscribed to the radical Islamic ideology and are willing to commit acts of violence.

MACVICAR: The group has followers in the U.S., too, currently under federal investigation in several cities including New York, where this demonstration was taped months before 9/11.

British authorities also say the group is under surveillance and that every word the group's leaders say is scrutinized.

(on camera): In this democracy, say British authorities, there is an important tradition of freedom of speech. And no matter how unpalatable their views are to most here, including most British Muslims, as long as Al Muhajiroun does not cross the line into racial hatred or incitement, and it seems they walk that line pretty closely, there is little that can be done to silence them.

Sheila MacVicar, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Airport security was heavily criticized after the terror attacks of two years ago. Coming up, the airport with what may be the toughest security in the country right now.

Also, what the new Osama bin Laden tape reveals. I'll talk with terrorism expert Brian Jenkins.

And later, on the trail of terror. A look at what's being done to stop the hotbed of terror in Southeast Asia.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to our special coverage. I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting today live from the Pentagon. In just a moment, tightened security that could deter terrorism.

First, let's get the latest headlines. CNN's Daryn Kagan is standing by at the CNN Center in Atlanta.

(NEWSBREAK)

BLITZER: The worldwide fight being waged against terrorism. Coming up, our Christiane Amanpour. She'll report on the worsening situation right now in Afghanistan. Also, a look at progress in the war on terror in one of the deadliest areas for attacks. Namely, Southeast Asia.

And the airport that's now a model for security. But it used to have a notorious reputation. What's changed?

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The 9/11 hijackings thrust airport security into the spotlight, forcing major changes that affect anyone who flies. Leading the way, the airport that was the point of origin of the two planes that hit the World Trade Center. Here is CNN's Boston bureau chief Dan Lothian.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN BOSTON BUREAU CHIEF: The road to Boston's Logan International Airport...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm going to the airport in a few minutes.

LOTHIAN: ,,,has been heavily traveled by Walter Albaugh.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thousands, huh?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

LOTHIAN: A veteran cabin car service driver of more than 20 years who finds business at the airport after 9/11 is no longer as usual.

WALTER ALBAUGH, BOSTON CAR SERVICE: Now, if you have tinted windows in the car, the car windows have to be down so that the security people can see into the car. If we stop, we have to have the trunk open.

LOTHIAN: Parked, packed...

STEVE NICOLE, PASSENGER: I'll put more things in checked baggage, less in carry-on.

LOTHIAN: And prepared for the checkpoint...

NICOLE: I think things are slower still. Security is an annoyance.

LOTHIAN: Frequent flier Steve Nicole, who lives in a Boston suburb, is on his way to Canada.

NICOLE: E-ticket to the Toronto.

LOTHIAN: A traveler and driver putting a face on Logan's $250 million security makeover.

MAJ. THOMAS ROBBINS, DIR. AVIATION SECURITY: We need to increase security and keep setting the bar higher and higher.

LOTHIAN: A difficult job for the state police, massport which runs Logan. And the federal agency TSA which took control of security last November.

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to Boston's Logan International Airport.

ADM. JAMES LOY, TSA ADMINISTRATOR: They've been a poster child for how to aggressively take on the challenges of security at an airport.

LOTHIAN: One of the biggest challenges, keeping track of what is inside a suitcase. And what ends up in the belly of a passenger plane.

In order to do that, Logan has the most extensive baggage screening program in the country. Every piece of luggage brought into this airport has to go through what is called an in-line system. And one of those systems is behind this closed door.

Where bags put on a conveyor belt end up passing through one of 38 bomb detection machines like this one. Something suspicious triggers more inspections, scans, manual tests or a complete hand search.

Back among the passengers, state troopers in the airport-based anti-terrorism unit are on patrol, packing submachine guns.

SGT. STEVEN HINES, MASS. STATE POLICE: In comparison to a handgun, it is more intimidating looking.

LOTHIAN: Others are armed with handheld computers to quickly run background checks or track license plates. And the behavioral analysis team...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you going to be flying out today?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

LOTHIAN: Is looking for people who stand out and conducting random interviews.

SGT. PETER DIDOMENICA, MASS. STATE POLICE: This is just to determine if they're legitimately at airport.

LOTHIAN: The former head of security at Israel's airport authority provided the training.

RAFE RON, NEW AGE SECURITY SOLUTIONS: For the last six months, they have been implementing this program very successfully in picking up people that may have bad intentions.

LOTHIAN: Intention is not only focus on passengers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This machine is able to scan the security features of the different I.D's. LOTHIAN: There are new screening procedures for all worker at Logan. Employee passports, Visas, and drivers licenses are scrutinized for problems. Fingerprints, digitally captured. But keeping the footprint of a terrorist off airport grounds is is priority No. 1.

Guarding this airport's perimeter has become such a critical part of security that officials are now testing military level technology like thermal imaging cameras that can guard against possible intruders. The camera lens capturing body heat glowing white like a beacon.

The flier system sees through some fog and smoke. It's fully computerized and would automatically signal trouble. And out in the water, which surrounds three quarters of the airport, a 250 foot security zone marked by buoys and patrolled by police is in place.

SGT. WILLIAM FREEMAN, MASS. STATE POLICE: It will prevent anybody from coming in and accessing the airport.

LOTHIAN: A wide security net surrounding the airport where ten of the 19 hijackers boarded two planes. But some critics say the system is not perfect.

MARC PACHECO, (D) MASS. STATE SENATE: We've got a long way to go in terms of really making sure that everything is safe and secure.

LOTHIAN: Officials admit winning the security battle will mean a daily fight.

LOY: Whatever we're doing today is not good enough for tomorrow.

LOTHIAN: Ready to make another run, about to board another flight. Two men who frequent Boston's Logan Airport witnessing the changes and challenges of security. Dan Lothian, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Airline security is just one part of the larger war on terror. Joining me now from Los Angeles to talk about that, Brian Jenkins. He's a counterterrorism expert with the Rand Corporation. Brian, thanks very much for joining us.

I keep hearing that no matter what the good guys come up with, the bad guys, the terrorists, will be able to come up with other stuff to make all of our lives miserable. Is that a fair assessment?

BRIAN JENKINS, RAND CORPORATION: Well, it's an enduring task. The fact that we achieved one level of security at one airport does not allow us to rest at that point and wait for the terrorist to figure out how to obviate those security measures and carry out some kind of an attack. So, it is a constant struggle between how far we can push security and then what they might be able to do to obviate those measures.

BLITZER: What do you make of this latest videotape we have received showing Osama bin Laden the top lieutenant Alman al-Zawahiri.

JENKINS; Wolf, you know, all war time communications are aimed at the home front. And so the primary intention of that videotape, despite the threats made to us, is to inspire the audience, to inspire the followers of al Qaeda. They do so by demonstrating that Osama bin Laden and his principal lieutenant are still alive, that the leadership is in place, that they're able to walk. They're not wounded. They are not lying in a hospital some place. That they summon the people to carry out further operations. They encourage further contribution, further sacrifices to warn us that this goes on.

BLITZER: Many have pointed out, Brian, that usually follow the release of one of these videotapes, another terrorist attempt is at least made, usually within a month or so. Is that something we should be bracing for right now?

JENKINS: I think we should be bracing for whether or not this tape appeared. Over the last two years, we have seen eight major terrorist attacks, carried out by al Qaeda or its affiliates around the world. Now, that's a temple of operations that precedes the pace of its activities pre 9/11. So, on average we have never been more than, you know, 90 days from another terrorist attack.

We have also seen a continuing stream of communications either from al Qaeda spokesmen or from some of the -- some of the leadership of al Qaeda. We had a fair amount of communication as well. I don't think we have gone three or four months without a communication of some type from al Qaeda.

BLITZER: Brian Jenkins of the Rand Corporation. Brian, thanks very much for join us on this special day.

And on a day when we remember America's worst terror attack, perspectives on where the U.S. is around the world and in the war on terror. That's just ahead. Our special coverage will continue.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: On the second anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we're going to check on some of the hot spots in the ongoing war against terrorism.

As we mentioned at the top of this program, American forces came under attack once again today in Iraq, about 60 miles west of Baghdad. Reuters now reporting at least one American soldier was wounded.

Two reports now on other major fronts in the war, beginning with CNN's Maria Ressa in Southeast Asia.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Jemaah Islamiyah, or JI, al Qaeda's arm in Southeast Asia, continues to hatch plots against civilian and Western targets. After the bombings in the Bali and the Marriott Hotel, officials across the region say the threat level has never been higher. JI ran training camps in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Some of those camps, intelligence sources say, are still operating today.

Although more than 200 JI members have been arrested in Southeast Asia, including Hambali, the only non-Arab member of al Qaeda's leadership council, investigators say he and other leaders have been just as quickly replaced.

(on camera): But the appeal of radical Islam's anti-American message remains strong here, analysts say, pushing more moderates to join the radicals, possibly laying the ground work for more attacks in the future. Changing that trend is the challenge for the United States, a key step to winning the war on terror.

Maria Ressa, CNN, Jakarta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): I'm Christiane Amanpour in London, just back from Afghanistan. Afghanistan was the U.S. administration's first battleground in the war on terror. Two years ago, they toppled the Taliban and routed al Qaeda.

But two years later, both are regrouping. There has been unprecedented violence in Afghanistan, with scores of Afghans, who back the U.S., who back the central government, being killed. Also, U.S. soldiers killed and wounded as they tried to fight off the resurgent Taliban and al Qaeda.

There are a lot of criticisms that despite its big promises, the United States has not done enough yet to reconstruct the country, to pour enough money in and to provide enough security. Belatedly perhaps, the administration has now announced another $800 million or so to help speed up recruitment of the Afghan national army and to help some vital reconstruction projects.

The stakes are exceptionally high as U.S. and Afghan officials say, remember, they say, this is where al Qaeda planned those September 11 attacks.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: CNN's Christiane Amanpour in London. Thanks, Christiane, and Maria Ressa for those reports.

We expected this day to be emotional. And still, some of what we have seen today has truly been heartbreaking.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting from the Pentagon. We leave you now with the country remembering 9/11. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: El Ramiro Abai (ph). Marie (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: David W. Bernard (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: See how these names are fitted by the waving grass and by the streamers of white cloud, and whispers of wind and the glistening sky. The names of those who in their lives fought for life...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my grandfather Anthony Lou Pirella (ph), I love you and I miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my father-in-law, Herman Childs Brookhemmer (ph), I miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And my loving father, Ronald Paul Booker (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let us remember all those who died in New York.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILDREN: And our father, Benjamin Keith Clark (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In Pennsylvania.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: God bless flight 93.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here at the Pentagon. In the mountains of Afghanistan. In the deserts of Iraq. And let us recommit ourselves to their cause and to our mission, to triumph of freedom over tyranny.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Edward A. Brennan III (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Daniel J. Breathhow (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Emanual John D'Amato (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my brother, firefighter Michael Scott Karlo (ph). We love and miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It does not matter what your age, you'll always be my baby boy. We walk through dreams and talk of things to come. Then the dream grows dark and dim.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILDREN: And our father, Thomas Daniel Berg (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yvette Constance Anderson (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: John Andriakio (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Winston Churchill said we shall not fail or falter, we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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U.S. Soldiers Ambushed in Iraq; Is U.S. Prepared for Another Terror Attack?>

Aired September 11, 2003 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: A breaking story happening right now, hundreds of Palestinians outside the compound of their leader. They're forming a shield, a human shield. It's happening in Ramallah on the West Bank.
Tonight, indeed two hot spots are flaring up right now in the Middle East. Yasser Arafat is closer to expulsion and, in Iraq, U.S. soldiers ambushed in another attack, all this and a worldwide terror warning on September 11, 2003.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Exactly two years later, a chilling new warning speaks of plots more devastating than 9/11.

As the hunt goes on for terror leaders are others already rising to take their place?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bin Laden! Bin Laden!

CROWD: Bin Laden! Bin Laden?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We support bin Laden.

CROWD: We support bin Laden.

BLITZER: Are we any better prepared?

Loved ones lost, the next generation remembers a sad and terrible day.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Tamo E. Alvare (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Lynn Edwards Angel (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nina Patrice Bell (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Stars, I like the way they look down from the sky and didn't seem to mind the way I cry. It didn't say I wipe away those tears but tell us, tell us, what's the matter here? But shining through the dark they calmed this day and gently held me in their quiet way. I felt them watching over me, each one and let me cry and cry until I was done.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, THE WAR ON TERROR. Reporting live from the Pentagon here's Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Two years ago it was a target, a horrific scene of death and destruction. Today it's completely rebuilt the nerve center of America's new war on terrorism.

Hello from the Pentagon. One hundred eighty-four innocent people lost their lives here when a hijacked airliner was turned into a flying bomb. In a moment, we'll look at how Americans paused to honor those who died here at the Pentagon, the thousands who lost their lives at Ground Zero once New York's towering World Trade Center, and the field in Pennsylvania where the heroes of Flight 93 fell after rising up against the hijackers.

But first there's breaking news in the Middle East right now and a potentially explosive development. The Israeli Security Cabinet today agreed in principle to remove the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from his West Bank compound, a move that may result in his outright expulsion.

CNN's Matthew Chance is joining us. He's live outside Arafat's compound, his headquarters in Ramallah on the West Bank. Matthew, tell our viewers what's happening now.

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, angry and passionate scenes here in Ramallah as hundreds (AUDIO GAP) gathered and descended on Yasser Arafat's battered presidential compound here. Israel and the U.S. may not like it but hearing some of the slogans being chanted tonight in support of Yasser Arafat (AUDIO GAP) very, very many people indeed, very many Palestinians.

This is a man who is still a very potent national symbol and the threats that are perceived to have been made against him by Israel are seen with absolute fury by the vast majority of people in this town and elsewhere and, as you might expect, by absolute defiance from Yasser Arafat himself.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

YASSER ARAFAT, PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT: It's a (unintelligible) center. No one can kick me out.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They are even saying perhaps they'll come into Ramallah tonight and may try to kill you.

ARAFAT: Maybe to kill me or they can kill me by their bombs.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But you will not leave?

ARAFAT: Definitely not.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thanks, Mr. President.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHANCE: Well, the Israeli government is yet to spell out exactly what it has in mind for Yasser Arafat saying only that it intends to remove what it regards as an obstacle of peace (AUDIO GAP) a spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister here.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RA'ANAN GISSEN, SHARON SPOKESMAN: The major total obstacle to peace is Mr. Arafat. Arafat is an obstacle to the process of reconciliation and peace between Israel and the Palestinian people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHANCE: In Gaza and across the West Bank, Palestinians have (AUDIO GAP) in support of the Palestinian president. He may be under threat but his popularity is received apparently as something of a boost -- Wolf.

BLITZER: CNN's Matthew Chance on the scene for us in Ramallah right now, an explosive situation unfolding. We'll stay on top of that.

The Bush administration at the same time is dealing with this potential crisis in the Middle East.

CNN's State Department Correspondent Andrea Koppel is following the reaction from Washington.

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Responding to Israel's move, the Bush administration repeated its longstanding position on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

RICHARD BOUCHER, STATE DEPT. SPOKESMAN: I think it would not be helpful to expel him because it would just given him another stage to play on.

KOPPEL: But President Bush has said Arafat is part of the problem not part of the solution and since June, 2002, the U.S. has lobbied to replace him with a prime minister.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I call on the Palestinian people to elect new leaders, leaders not compromised by terror.

KOPPEL: Mahmoud Abbas, who resigned Saturday as the Palestinian's first prime minister after just four months on the job, was a U.S. favorite but Abbas was unable to persuade Arafat to cede control of key Palestinian security forces. In fact, Arafat aides tell CNN all security forces will now likely be consolidated under Arafat's control.

EDWARD ABBINGTON, PALESTINIAN AUTH. CONSULTANT: He is the hub of the wheel and all the Palestinians around him are like the spokes. They revolve around him. They get their power and their status from him. KOPPEL: He may be older, still isolated in his Ramallah headquarters barred by Israel from leaving but Arafat is no stranger to adversity or the ups and downs of Palestinian politics.

Forced into exile in Tunisia in 1982 from Lebanon, 12 years later Arafat had returned to Ramallah a hero. At the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, then President Bill Clinton treated him like a peacemaker.

The key to his survival, Arafat is described as a master manipulator who never closes off his options even with his enemies, case in point Arafat's tacit alliance with Hamas and other militant groups now with more popular support among Palestinian people. That's why, experts say, Arafat has given them a green light to pursue terrorist attacks against Israel.

(on camera): For now, the Bush administration says it has no plans for high level phone calls to either side. Said one senior State Department official, the U.S. is still trying to figure out exactly what Israel intends to do with Arafat, whether it has decided indeed to expel him or whether its threats are just rhetoric.

Andrea Koppel, CNN, at the State Department.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Andrea Koppel thanks very much Andrea.

Only within the past few minutes the president of the United States has been meeting and speaking with wounded U.S. troops over at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: First of all they're analyzing it. Secondly, his tape reminds us that the war on terror goes on. As well, his rhetoric is trying to intimidate and, you know, create fear and he's not going to intimidate America.

We are at war because of what he and his fellow killers decided to do two years ago today and we will stay at war until we have achieved our objective the dismantlement of terrorist organizations and it just reminds us of the duty we have got to do. And, I say we, my administration and all who serve our country and our duty is to protect our fellow citizens from people like bin Laden.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The president together with the First Lady Laura Bush over at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He's been spending some time with wounded U.S. soldiers, also speaking forcefully about terror threats facing the United States.

There was a warning of more terror plots that came out earlier today. The State Department issued what's being called a worldwide caution saying there are signs al Qaeda may attempt a massive attack against Americans potentially more devastating than 9/11.

Our National Security Correspondent David Ensor has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The chatter level is up somewhat in recent days among suspected supporters of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda according to U.S. intelligence officials adding to concern the group may seek to pull off some kind of attack to mark the period of the second anniversary of 9/11.

None of the information, though, is specific or credible as to location, method, or timing. Still, it was enough for the State Department to issue a new worldwide caution to Americans.

"We are seeing increasing indications that al Qaeda is preparing to strike U.S. interests abroad" it says. "We also cannot rule out the potential for al Qaeda to attempt a second catastrophic attack within the U.S."

The State Department said the new warning had nothing to do with Wednesday's broadcast of a new tape from al Qaeda showing bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri.

CIA officials say technical analysis shows it really is the voice of al-Zawahiri on the tape but as for the alleged bin Laden voice they are just not sure. Administration officials said they did not find anything new in the tape.

BOUCHER: We certainly do think that the, you know, airing of these kind of tapes at great length with their hateful rhetoric is not helpful to the overall situation and doesn't particularly add to the news of the day.

ENSOR: Al-Zawahiri does but nowhere on the tape does bin Laden speak of recent events. U.S. officials say they suspect this video of bin Laden may actually be older than others released earlier though Al-Jazeera television said it was probably filmed this past spring.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ENSOR: U.S. officials say someone as media savvy as bin Laden could be expected to prove he's still able to record tapes by referring to recent events. If it's really him and it really is recent, said one, why didn't bin Laden want to prove it -- Wolf.

BLITZER: David Ensor thank you very much for that report.

Meanwhile, there was a huge firefight today on a key front in the war on terror. U.S. forces in Iraq coming under attack about 60 miles west of Baghdad.

Our Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson is in the Iraqi capital. He's joining us now live with the latest -- Nic. NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, coalition officials have released details of that attack now. They say a convoy traveling along a highway was targeted by men using rocket-propelled grenades. When the convoy was disabled, two of the vehicles were destroyed. They the attackers opened up with small arms fire.

According to eyewitnesses the attackers had masks on. They were firing from houses at the side of the road. They say that the firefight went on for about an hour. Now, according to those eyewitnesses they say several U.S. soldiers were injured in this attack but according to coalition officials they say just one U.S. soldier injured.

But this area west of Baghdad has been deemed by security experts here at this time to be the area where there has been not only the biggest surge in activity and attacks against coalition forces but it's an area where they believe that the terror group, the foreign fighters, the Ba'athists, whoever they are, are beginning to engage in some serious training and weapons building -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Nic Robertson with the latest from Baghdad. Thanks very much, Nic, for that report.

And, joining me now with some special insight into the war on terror the Democratic Congresswoman Jane Harman, she's a key member, the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee in the House of Representative. Congresswoman, thanks very much for joining us.

This building behind the both of us, the Pentagon, are you satisfied now that there has been a dramatic improvement that everything has already been done that should have been done over these past two years to deal with another potential terror attack?

REP. JANE HARMAN (D-CA), ARMED SERVICE CMTE.: My answer to that sadly is no. It was an amazing miracle and triumph of human courage that it was rebuilt in a year. We were all here a year ago at a very moving ceremony but our homeland security effort is floundering.

It's understaffed. It's under funded. There is no integrating strategy and one of the big issues here during the attack was the lack of interoperable communications. Three different fire services came to the scene and the only way they could talk to each other was by physical runner.

BLITZER: So, haven't they fixed all that?

HARMAN: It's not fixed. According to the Arlington County Fire Chief Ed Plaugher they can talk to each other now but they can't talk to the FBI or the federal government.

BLITZER: So who is responsible? It's been two years. What should they -- is it a matter of money?

HARMAN: It's partly a matter of money. It's a matter of technology and it's a matter of leadership. I represent parts of L.A. County. There are 88 cities there and 55 police departments, 33 fire departments. This is still a major problem in L.A. It's a highest priority. Another one is information sharing and these things just haven't happened yet.

BLITZER: Well, let's get to some of the news of the day right now. First of all, Yasser Arafat seems to be fighting for his life right now, almost literally. Should the Israelis go ahead and expel him or let him stay on the West Bank?

HARMAN: Well, the sad news today is that he is now becoming the center of attention, which is what he always craves. I agree that he's an obstacle to peace. I haven't seen one thing that he's ever done, since his return to Israel and prior to that that has improved the situation for the Palestinian people.

They have some younger capable leaders that they could get behind but he's prevented that. I would like to see him totally removed from politics but I would not like to see him further destabilize the very fragile road map.

BLITZER: Because Secretary Powell and the State Department, you heard our Andrea Koppel's report, what they're afraid is if the Israelis expel him they almost make him stronger, make him a martyr.

HARMAN: Yes. I think it's a risk but they're obviously fed up and they feel that they can -- there will never be a reasonable government there as long as Arafat controls everything and he still controls everything.

BLITZER: You're a leader on the House Select Intelligence Committee, is the U.S. safer now as a result of removing Saddam Hussein from power? Are Americans safer?

HARMAN: That's a hard question to answer, Wolf. I think that the prospect of more safety is out there and I think that removing Saddam Hussein and certainly trying, although we're not getting very far yet, to answer the questions about the weapons of mass destruction which he did have are very important things.

However, there's no stability in Iraq. You just reported on the attack on some U.S. convoys today. There is an inadequate plan to stabilize Iraq. The president's asked for almost $90 billion. That's more than twice the annual budget for our Homeland Security Department at a time when that's not working and more Americans could die here.

BLITZER: Are you going to support him with that sum?

HARMAN: I'm going to ask tough questions. Congress must ask tough questions before we vote for any of that money and I'm also going to ask how it's going to be offset. I would like to see these tax cuts that were excessive rolled back.

BLITZER: Well, he says that's not going to happen.

HARMAN: Well, you know, he says that's not going to happen but I don't think money grows on trees and I think it is just unreasonable and irresponsible to ask for continued spending and not make any compromises and sacrifices.

BLITZER: Thanks for coming over to the Pentagon on this, I guess, special day two years after 9/11. Jane Harman thank you very much.

HARMAN: Thank you.

BLITZER: We'll continue to watch the breaking story unfold right now in the Middle East. Yasser Arafat is being threatened by the Israeli government with expulsion. We'll go live to Ramallah to see what's happening there.

Also, a new call for attacks in Iraq, coming up what sparked a new fatwah or a religious order against U.S. and coalition troops?

And, we'll also go live to Ground Zero for a look at the emotional ceremonies marking two years since the attacks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Richard Anthony Acheta (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My loving father Patrick Adam (ph) we love you and miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my grandmother Asaya Castillo (ph) we love you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And my mother (unintelligible) and I love you mom.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my brother, Bobby Hughes (ph) we love you. We miss you and you are an angel and hero that will never be forgotten.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my mother (unintelligible) we love you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Think your local airport security is tough? Wait until we take you here, once a launching pad for the September 11th attacks, why this airport is now likely to deter terrorism, that story and much more coming up on this special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: It was a day that shook America to its soul and exactly two years after the 9/11 terror attacks, Americans today pause to reflect and remember.

We begin in New York City with CNN's Jason Carroll. He's live at the scene where the World Trade Center towers once stood -- Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And, Wolf, family members say this was a day and a chance for them to get together to be with other people who shared the same sense of feelings and the same sense of loss.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL (voice-over): At Ground Zero, thousands came to mourn those who died here. They came holding pictures, flags, and flowers, pausing for moments of silence at the exact times the Twin Towers were hit and then collapsed.

The names of everyone who died...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALES: And our loving father Battalion Chief Joseph Grinblack (ph).

CARROLL: ...read by relatives mostly children.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My mother and my hero Stephanie Marie McKenna (ph), I love you.

CARROLL: All 2,792 names.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALES: And our uncle William Bernstein (ph), we miss you.

CARROLL: City leaders came. The mayor read a poem about the attacks by America's poet laureate at the time Billy Collins.

MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK: So many names there is barely room on the walls of the heart.

CARROLL: The former mayor who led the city through the tragedy quoted Winston Churchill.

RUDOLPH GIULIANI, FMR. NEW YORK MAYOR: We shall not fail or falter. We shall not weaken or tire.

CARROLL: Not far from Ground Zero, relatives of Windows on the World restaurant workers tossed flowers into the Hudson River for each loved one killed. They lost 73.

And, uptown, a service by the Port Authority, which owned the trade center, they lost 84. Vice President Dick Cheney paid his respects.

Back at Ground Zero, family members collected earth from the site another remembrance of loved ones.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Edward James White III.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: One family member who lost his son said that today was a day that was very tough for him. He said every day is tough. It's something that you never get over but he did say that today made him feel just a little bit better -- Wolf. BLITZER: CNN's Jason Carroll, a very emotional day in New York City.

United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a Pennsylvania field after its passengers fought back against the hijackers. They may have prevented another devastating attack on the nation's capital.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Todd Beamer (ph), Alan Devin (ph).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In rural Shanksville today, bells began tolling at 10:06 a.m., the moment the plane went down. They rang once for each passenger and member of the crew, 40 people now remembered as heroes.

Here at the Pentagon it was a day of somber remembrances of lost heroes and friends along with grim warnings that America's war against terrorism is far from over.

Joining me live here from the Pentagon, our Senior Pentagon Correspondent, Jamie McIntyre -- Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SR. PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, as you well remember a year ago this area behind us was filled with thousands of people to mark the anniversary. This year the observances were comparatively low key.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE (voice-over): The day begin with a wreath laying in Arlington National Cemetery.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A moment of silence.

MCINTYRE: And a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the precise time two years ago terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon. It was a day for remembering the fallen.

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Let us recommit ourselves to their cause and to our mission, the triumph of freedom over tyranny.

MCINTYRE: For renewing resolve.

GEN. RICHARD MYERS, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN: This war on terrorism will be a long, hard struggle requiring our patience, our commitment and our will.

MCINTYRE: And for reflecting on patriotism.

RUMSFELD: A patriot so reveres the ideals of his home country that he is willing to lay down his life to ensure that those ideals endure.

MCINTYRE: Those patriots were memorialized in a set of stained glass windows dedicated in the small Pentagon chapel.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE: That chapel right here at the point of impact, 125 people killed in the building, 59 passengers and crew died on the plane -- Wolf.

BLITZER: So sad, thank you very much Jamie McIntyre our reporter here at the Pentagon.

The airport in Boston was once considered one of the worst in the country for security but following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that changed dramatically, in depth on the improvement that story after a break.

Also, hunting Osama bin Laden, what experts have learned from that new videotape showing bin Laden and his top lieutenant.

And, the new attack order against coalition troops in Iraq. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to our special coverage. I'm Wolf Blitzer at the Pentagon.

As many around the world pause to remember those killed in the 9/11 attacks exactly two years ago, a radical Muslim group in Britain is praising the hijackers and urging Muslims around the world to kill British soldiers.

Our senior international correspondent Sheila MacVicar reports from London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHEILA MACVICAR, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): They could not have caused more offense if they had tried.

ANJEM CHOUDARY, AL MUHAJIROUN: We are here to talk about the magnificent 19, those who, two years ago today, split the world.

MACVICAR: The magnificent 19 -- that's the phrase Al Muhajiroun uses to describe the 9/11 hijackers. They promise a conference extolling their virtues, advertised on lampposts. 9/11 and terror attacks before and since are acts these people do not condemn.

Today they issued what they said was a fatwa, calling for attacks against British soldiers, especially those who are Muslims and serving in Iraq.

ABDUL RAHMAN SALEEM, AL MUHAJIROUN: He is a clear enemy to Islam and a clear enemy to Muslims. Consequently, he becomes a legitimate target for the Mujahedin.

MACVICAR: It might be easy to dismiss this group as a small band of extremists led by this man, Omar Bakri Mohammed (ph), a group that makes more noise than trouble.

But in April, two of his British followers carried out a suicide attack at a beachfront bar in Tel Aviv That left three Israelis dead and more than 50 wounded. Britain's Muslim community was shocked, but Omar Bakri Mohammed and Al Muhajiroun refused to condemn the bombing.

Evan Kohlman, an American terrorism analyst, secretly monitored the group last year.

EVAN KOHLMAN, TERRORISM ANALYST: It inspires lone wolf terrorists, those being individuals who are not necessarily members of an organized terrorist group, but who are subscribed to the radical Islamic ideology and are willing to commit acts of violence.

MACVICAR: The group has followers in the U.S., too, currently under federal investigation in several cities including New York, where this demonstration was taped months before 9/11.

British authorities also say the group is under surveillance and that every word the group's leaders say is scrutinized.

(on camera): In this democracy, say British authorities, there is an important tradition of freedom of speech. And no matter how unpalatable their views are to most here, including most British Muslims, as long as Al Muhajiroun does not cross the line into racial hatred or incitement, and it seems they walk that line pretty closely, there is little that can be done to silence them.

Sheila MacVicar, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Airport security was heavily criticized after the terror attacks of two years ago. Coming up, the airport with what may be the toughest security in the country right now.

Also, what the new Osama bin Laden tape reveals. I'll talk with terrorism expert Brian Jenkins.

And later, on the trail of terror. A look at what's being done to stop the hotbed of terror in Southeast Asia.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to our special coverage. I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting today live from the Pentagon. In just a moment, tightened security that could deter terrorism.

First, let's get the latest headlines. CNN's Daryn Kagan is standing by at the CNN Center in Atlanta.

(NEWSBREAK)

BLITZER: The worldwide fight being waged against terrorism. Coming up, our Christiane Amanpour. She'll report on the worsening situation right now in Afghanistan. Also, a look at progress in the war on terror in one of the deadliest areas for attacks. Namely, Southeast Asia.

And the airport that's now a model for security. But it used to have a notorious reputation. What's changed?

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The 9/11 hijackings thrust airport security into the spotlight, forcing major changes that affect anyone who flies. Leading the way, the airport that was the point of origin of the two planes that hit the World Trade Center. Here is CNN's Boston bureau chief Dan Lothian.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN BOSTON BUREAU CHIEF: The road to Boston's Logan International Airport...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm going to the airport in a few minutes.

LOTHIAN: ,,,has been heavily traveled by Walter Albaugh.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thousands, huh?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

LOTHIAN: A veteran cabin car service driver of more than 20 years who finds business at the airport after 9/11 is no longer as usual.

WALTER ALBAUGH, BOSTON CAR SERVICE: Now, if you have tinted windows in the car, the car windows have to be down so that the security people can see into the car. If we stop, we have to have the trunk open.

LOTHIAN: Parked, packed...

STEVE NICOLE, PASSENGER: I'll put more things in checked baggage, less in carry-on.

LOTHIAN: And prepared for the checkpoint...

NICOLE: I think things are slower still. Security is an annoyance.

LOTHIAN: Frequent flier Steve Nicole, who lives in a Boston suburb, is on his way to Canada.

NICOLE: E-ticket to the Toronto.

LOTHIAN: A traveler and driver putting a face on Logan's $250 million security makeover.

MAJ. THOMAS ROBBINS, DIR. AVIATION SECURITY: We need to increase security and keep setting the bar higher and higher.

LOTHIAN: A difficult job for the state police, massport which runs Logan. And the federal agency TSA which took control of security last November.

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to Boston's Logan International Airport.

ADM. JAMES LOY, TSA ADMINISTRATOR: They've been a poster child for how to aggressively take on the challenges of security at an airport.

LOTHIAN: One of the biggest challenges, keeping track of what is inside a suitcase. And what ends up in the belly of a passenger plane.

In order to do that, Logan has the most extensive baggage screening program in the country. Every piece of luggage brought into this airport has to go through what is called an in-line system. And one of those systems is behind this closed door.

Where bags put on a conveyor belt end up passing through one of 38 bomb detection machines like this one. Something suspicious triggers more inspections, scans, manual tests or a complete hand search.

Back among the passengers, state troopers in the airport-based anti-terrorism unit are on patrol, packing submachine guns.

SGT. STEVEN HINES, MASS. STATE POLICE: In comparison to a handgun, it is more intimidating looking.

LOTHIAN: Others are armed with handheld computers to quickly run background checks or track license plates. And the behavioral analysis team...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you going to be flying out today?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

LOTHIAN: Is looking for people who stand out and conducting random interviews.

SGT. PETER DIDOMENICA, MASS. STATE POLICE: This is just to determine if they're legitimately at airport.

LOTHIAN: The former head of security at Israel's airport authority provided the training.

RAFE RON, NEW AGE SECURITY SOLUTIONS: For the last six months, they have been implementing this program very successfully in picking up people that may have bad intentions.

LOTHIAN: Intention is not only focus on passengers.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This machine is able to scan the security features of the different I.D's. LOTHIAN: There are new screening procedures for all worker at Logan. Employee passports, Visas, and drivers licenses are scrutinized for problems. Fingerprints, digitally captured. But keeping the footprint of a terrorist off airport grounds is is priority No. 1.

Guarding this airport's perimeter has become such a critical part of security that officials are now testing military level technology like thermal imaging cameras that can guard against possible intruders. The camera lens capturing body heat glowing white like a beacon.

The flier system sees through some fog and smoke. It's fully computerized and would automatically signal trouble. And out in the water, which surrounds three quarters of the airport, a 250 foot security zone marked by buoys and patrolled by police is in place.

SGT. WILLIAM FREEMAN, MASS. STATE POLICE: It will prevent anybody from coming in and accessing the airport.

LOTHIAN: A wide security net surrounding the airport where ten of the 19 hijackers boarded two planes. But some critics say the system is not perfect.

MARC PACHECO, (D) MASS. STATE SENATE: We've got a long way to go in terms of really making sure that everything is safe and secure.

LOTHIAN: Officials admit winning the security battle will mean a daily fight.

LOY: Whatever we're doing today is not good enough for tomorrow.

LOTHIAN: Ready to make another run, about to board another flight. Two men who frequent Boston's Logan Airport witnessing the changes and challenges of security. Dan Lothian, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Airline security is just one part of the larger war on terror. Joining me now from Los Angeles to talk about that, Brian Jenkins. He's a counterterrorism expert with the Rand Corporation. Brian, thanks very much for joining us.

I keep hearing that no matter what the good guys come up with, the bad guys, the terrorists, will be able to come up with other stuff to make all of our lives miserable. Is that a fair assessment?

BRIAN JENKINS, RAND CORPORATION: Well, it's an enduring task. The fact that we achieved one level of security at one airport does not allow us to rest at that point and wait for the terrorist to figure out how to obviate those security measures and carry out some kind of an attack. So, it is a constant struggle between how far we can push security and then what they might be able to do to obviate those measures.

BLITZER: What do you make of this latest videotape we have received showing Osama bin Laden the top lieutenant Alman al-Zawahiri.

JENKINS; Wolf, you know, all war time communications are aimed at the home front. And so the primary intention of that videotape, despite the threats made to us, is to inspire the audience, to inspire the followers of al Qaeda. They do so by demonstrating that Osama bin Laden and his principal lieutenant are still alive, that the leadership is in place, that they're able to walk. They're not wounded. They are not lying in a hospital some place. That they summon the people to carry out further operations. They encourage further contribution, further sacrifices to warn us that this goes on.

BLITZER: Many have pointed out, Brian, that usually follow the release of one of these videotapes, another terrorist attempt is at least made, usually within a month or so. Is that something we should be bracing for right now?

JENKINS: I think we should be bracing for whether or not this tape appeared. Over the last two years, we have seen eight major terrorist attacks, carried out by al Qaeda or its affiliates around the world. Now, that's a temple of operations that precedes the pace of its activities pre 9/11. So, on average we have never been more than, you know, 90 days from another terrorist attack.

We have also seen a continuing stream of communications either from al Qaeda spokesmen or from some of the -- some of the leadership of al Qaeda. We had a fair amount of communication as well. I don't think we have gone three or four months without a communication of some type from al Qaeda.

BLITZER: Brian Jenkins of the Rand Corporation. Brian, thanks very much for join us on this special day.

And on a day when we remember America's worst terror attack, perspectives on where the U.S. is around the world and in the war on terror. That's just ahead. Our special coverage will continue.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: On the second anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we're going to check on some of the hot spots in the ongoing war against terrorism.

As we mentioned at the top of this program, American forces came under attack once again today in Iraq, about 60 miles west of Baghdad. Reuters now reporting at least one American soldier was wounded.

Two reports now on other major fronts in the war, beginning with CNN's Maria Ressa in Southeast Asia.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Jemaah Islamiyah, or JI, al Qaeda's arm in Southeast Asia, continues to hatch plots against civilian and Western targets. After the bombings in the Bali and the Marriott Hotel, officials across the region say the threat level has never been higher. JI ran training camps in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Some of those camps, intelligence sources say, are still operating today.

Although more than 200 JI members have been arrested in Southeast Asia, including Hambali, the only non-Arab member of al Qaeda's leadership council, investigators say he and other leaders have been just as quickly replaced.

(on camera): But the appeal of radical Islam's anti-American message remains strong here, analysts say, pushing more moderates to join the radicals, possibly laying the ground work for more attacks in the future. Changing that trend is the challenge for the United States, a key step to winning the war on terror.

Maria Ressa, CNN, Jakarta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): I'm Christiane Amanpour in London, just back from Afghanistan. Afghanistan was the U.S. administration's first battleground in the war on terror. Two years ago, they toppled the Taliban and routed al Qaeda.

But two years later, both are regrouping. There has been unprecedented violence in Afghanistan, with scores of Afghans, who back the U.S., who back the central government, being killed. Also, U.S. soldiers killed and wounded as they tried to fight off the resurgent Taliban and al Qaeda.

There are a lot of criticisms that despite its big promises, the United States has not done enough yet to reconstruct the country, to pour enough money in and to provide enough security. Belatedly perhaps, the administration has now announced another $800 million or so to help speed up recruitment of the Afghan national army and to help some vital reconstruction projects.

The stakes are exceptionally high as U.S. and Afghan officials say, remember, they say, this is where al Qaeda planned those September 11 attacks.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: CNN's Christiane Amanpour in London. Thanks, Christiane, and Maria Ressa for those reports.

We expected this day to be emotional. And still, some of what we have seen today has truly been heartbreaking.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting from the Pentagon. We leave you now with the country remembering 9/11. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: El Ramiro Abai (ph). Marie (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: David W. Bernard (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: See how these names are fitted by the waving grass and by the streamers of white cloud, and whispers of wind and the glistening sky. The names of those who in their lives fought for life...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my grandfather Anthony Lou Pirella (ph), I love you and I miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my father-in-law, Herman Childs Brookhemmer (ph), I miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And my loving father, Ronald Paul Booker (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let us remember all those who died in New York.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILDREN: And our father, Benjamin Keith Clark (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In Pennsylvania.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: God bless flight 93.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here at the Pentagon. In the mountains of Afghanistan. In the deserts of Iraq. And let us recommit ourselves to their cause and to our mission, to triumph of freedom over tyranny.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Edward A. Brennan III (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Daniel J. Breathhow (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Emanual John D'Amato (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And my brother, firefighter Michael Scott Karlo (ph). We love and miss you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It does not matter what your age, you'll always be my baby boy. We walk through dreams and talk of things to come. Then the dream grows dark and dim.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILDREN: And our father, Thomas Daniel Berg (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yvette Constance Anderson (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: John Andriakio (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Winston Churchill said we shall not fail or falter, we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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U.S. Soldiers Ambushed in Iraq; Is U.S. Prepared for Another Terror Attack?>