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CNN Live At Daybreak
Voice of Bin Laden?; Hostage Executed; Tony Blair in U.S.; Cheney in Seoul; Estrogen-Only Study
Aired April 15, 2004 - 05:30 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Words of revenge and a warning, an Arab network airs an audio tape said to be from Osama bin Laden.
Good morning to you, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK. It is Thursday, April 15, tax day, in case you didn't remember. From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Let me bring you up to date now.
There is a new audio tape out there allegedly recorded by Osama bin Laden. It's being broadcast this morning on Arabic language TV network. It vows revenge against the United States but offers a truce to European countries.
It is Election Day in South Korea. All 299 seats are at stake as voters choose a new National Assembly. A voter turnout of more than 60 percent is expected.
They are also electing a new National Assembly in South Africa, and the African National Congress has an early lead in the vote counting there. Twenty-one million people are eligible to vote in South Africa.
Let's head to the Forecast Center now and Chad.
Good morning.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: New this morning, is Osama bin Laden offering a truce to European nations? That is the claim on a new tape said to contain the voice of the al Qaeda leader. It was broadcast just about two hours ago on an Arabic speaking TV network.
Our Caroline Faraj joins us by phone from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with details of this tape.
Tell us more -- Caroline.
CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, as you just mentioned, the Arabic TV networks, Al Jazeera, as well as Al-Arabiya, heard today the same tape, allegedly a tape from Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda leader. And apparently this tape, according to the mission mentioned in it and especially about the assassination of the Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin that took place on March 22, that shows that this tape was recorded less than a month ago. And in this tape he is offering, the voice is offering a truce to Europe but of course excluding United States.
And he was -- he was mentioning in this tape, he refers to September 11 and 2001 and the attack also in March 11 in Madrid. And he was basically saying that what's happened on September 11 and March 11 in Madrid are you a good return (ph) to you so that you know security is a necessity for all. And the voice gives sort of a deadline. And he said that this deadline for those countries who would like to stop attacking the Muslim and join the truce will last three months. And this starting from today, April 15, until the coming three months -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Caroline Faraj reporting from Dubai this morning.
We want to go a little more in depth on this. Our senior international editor David Clinch is here to explain some of the differences...
DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Yes.
COSTELLO: ... in the way that this tape arrived at the Arab television networks. Caroline told us earlier that it came with a videotape with German and English subtitles.
CLINCH: Right. We're checking into the details on that. These tapes turn up at these Arab networks, they air them and then we have to sort of scramble backwards to get the details of how they got them, whether or not it is in fact him. And of course, as usual, we're in a situation where our experts, including Caroline, tell us it does sound like Osama bin Laden in that it sounds like tapes, which not only we, but the CIA, have previously said sound legitimate. Now CIA, obviously, has not yet had a chance to listen to this, so we'll look for that.
The interesting things editorially in terms of what this voice says, both in terms of dating it, we've got references to the assassination of Yassin by Israel, although interestingly there, the revenge he mentions is against the United States, not just Israel.
COSTELLO: Not -- right.
CLINCH: Also, the dating of the attacks in Madrid. And then the suggestion of a truce for European countries that stop attacking Muslims.
Now you know not sure exactly, obviously what he means by this, and we never try to get inside the mind of these people. But on the other hand, the timing of these things is always fascinating. Whether or not it really is him, the timing of these releases is very interesting.
On the Israel side, of course, you had President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Sharon last night making what in the region is a very controversial statement about agreeing to Sharon's withdrawal plan from Gaza. And then today, in Spain, something that's not necessarily on our domestic agenda here, but the new prime minister, the very same prime minister who has pledged to pull his troops out of Iraq following this attack in Madrid, although he had promised to pull them out even before that, that suggestion that European countries would react by pulling their troops out of Iraq or stop supporting attacks on Muslims...
COSTELLO: OK, well let's talk about the timing for just a second. This tape is said to be a month old, maybe, right? Is that what you said?
CLINCH: Or less, yes.
COSTELLO: Or less. So they make the tape and then supposedly they wait for the perfect time to release it?
CLINCH: Right. Again, hesitating to ever try and get inside the mind of these people, the timing of not just the release of tapes but of course the timing of attacks or terrorist attacks themselves is always interesting. And you could only surmise, and it would only be that, that the timing of not only the Sharon-Bush announcement last night, but also perhaps this swearing in of the Spanish prime minister going on right now in Madrid, could play a part in this.
Nevertheless, we will not make more of this -- of this than it is. It's reportedly him. He offers a truce, which obviously most European countries are not going to take seriously as an offer. And the threat of revenge against the United States linking them with Israel's actions not a very new...
COSTELLO: Well, but historically this audio tape is being played on Arab television networks...
CLINCH: Yes.
COSTELLO: ... to a lot of the Arab world. What is its reaction?
CLINCH: Right. Well of course that is in some ways more interesting playing in the context of the Sharon-Bush announcement and of course the continuing violence in Iraq. The image of the United States in the region, the idea of the goal of Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda to take advantage of that perceived bad image of the United States in the region always plays a part in the release of these tapes. And again, whether or not it's him in the response from the audience.
COSTELLO: Yes, and the other thing that I have always wondered about, so Osama bin Laden takes credit for all of these things that are happening, but that doesn't really mean that he had anything to do with what's happening.
CLINCH: Of course. Of course. I mean not only whether or not he says he has anything to do with it, but of course, as we have reported many times now, al Qaeda has transformed itself in many ways to a movement rather than an organization. These attacks can be claimed by Osama bin Laden whenever he wants to them, but that does not, of course, mean that he or his leadership had any role in carrying them out.
COSTELLO: Which is interesting, because I was reading back over the history, and right after September 11, when 9/11 happened, Osama bin Laden denied he had anything to do with the September 11 attacks. And how things change.
CLINCH: Right, of course. And again, never wanting to sort of try and analyze too deeply. We report what this is. The more interesting thing, as you point out, is how it plays in the region. And that will be a key factor with continuing violence in Iraq and the response to the Sharon-Bush statement last night.
COSTELLO: Thank you, David, we appreciate it.
CLINCH: OK.
COSTELLO: Hold the homecoming, thousands of U.S. troops on the front lines in Iraq will have to stay there. That tops our 'Situation Report' this morning.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will announce today a plan to extend the combat tours of about 20,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. The units are being notified this week.
Iraqi militants have executed one of four Italian hostages and are threatening to kill the other three. Italian diplomats now on their way to Iraq to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The militants are demanding Italy withdraw its 2,700 troops from Iraq.
Also happening right now, Russia is evacuating its citizens from Iraq. You are looking at new pictures we got in this morning of them heading to the airport. The move was prompted by the hostage taking and the increase in fighting in Iraq.
And U.S. forces are massing today outside of the Shiite holy city of Najaf. That's where radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is holed up. The U.S. has vowed to capture or kill him.
That hostage taking in Iraq has reached a new dimension now, confirmation that one of four Italian hostages has been executed. The killing was actually videotaped and then sent to Al Jazeera television. The network says the video is too graphic to broadcast.
Reaction to this now from Alessio Vinci, our bureau chief in Rome.
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN ROME BUREAU CHIEF: Hello, Carol.
Well, confirmation of the killing of that hostage came here in Italy in the most dramatic of ways. It was -- it was broadcast live on television last night as the Italian Foreign Minister was participating in a popular talk show here with some members of the family and relatives and friends of the -- some of the hostages, Italian hostages, held in Iraq. And the Italian Foreign Minister telling the audience that the Italian ambassador in Qatar had -- Doha, Qatar had viewed that videotape, that you just mentioned, in which it is shown that the hostage was killed by a shot through his head. As you said, the video too gruesome to be broadcast.
But the most warring aspect of all of this, Carol, is that alongside that videotape there was also a statement that was released by a group calling itself The Mujahedeen Brigade in which they vow to kill their other three Italian hostages if the Italian government does not meet their demands and that is a troops pullout from Iraq. Italy, as you mentioned, has close to 3,000 troops over there, as well as an apology by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Now Mr. Berlusconi has issued a statement lately. He says that they have cut short a life, but they have not damaged our resolve and our commitment to -- commitment to peace in Iraq. Therefore indicating the Italian government, at this time, has absolutely no indication, even during these dramatic hours, to negotiate with the terrorists. They call them terrorists as well. As even considering the possibility of a troops pullout from Iraq.
And as you mentioned, a top Italian diplomat has been dispatched to the region. The Italian government insisting he is not there to negotiate, but to establish some kind of a contact, perhaps through intermediators (ph) in order to try to secure the release of the other three hostages -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Alessio Vinci reporting live from Rome this morning.
Let's switch our focus now to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his upcoming meeting with President Bush. High on the agenda will be British troop strength in Iraq. But first, Mr. Blair meets with the U.S. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York today.
CNN's Robin Oakley has a preview for you.
Good morning -- Robin.
ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN EUROPEAN POLITICAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.
And it is significant, of course, that Tony Blair is seeing Kofi Annan in New York before he goes on to see President George Bush, because Britain very much sees the role of the U.N. as central in the events to unfold in Iraq. And if other countries in Europe are to be persuaded to pitch in, in terms of further efforts and perhaps sending troops to Iraq to help in the post conflict situation, countries like France and Germany, who opposed the war, then Tony Blair knows that a new U.N. resolution is absolutely key to that.
Also, of course, there have been the warnings from Lakhdar Brahimi, the U.N. Special Envoy in Iraq, that elections cannot really go ahead while the security situation is as it is at present with the kidnappings and the general breakdown of law and order in certain areas. So key that Tony Blair goes to see Kofi Annan first.
When he goes on to see George Bush, I think the public pronouncements are quite clear, they will announce that they are unified as ever, that there must be no postponement of the hand over to an Iraq interim authority on June the 30th, that they are willing to commit more troops, if necessary, and that they will pursue a new U.N. resolution together.
What will be interesting is just how much Tony Blair will say in private to voice the disquieted. Many British officials and some in the British military that they think the U.S. has been too heavy handed in its latest military actions in Iraq in terms of countering the insurgents -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Robin, you mentioned the need for more troops and that the two leaders will talk about that. Is there any chance at all that Britain might send more?
OAKLEY: There is certainly that chance. We have had hints from Geoff Hoon, the Defense Secretary, that Britain might consider sending more troops if necessary. I think Britain, like the United States, will be delaying some of the troop rotations anyway, certainly while the situation remains as bad as it is at the moment -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Robin Oakley, reporting live for us from London this morning, many thanks to you.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, why taking estrogen only could pose a serious health risk for some postmenopausal women. We'll explain.
This is DAYBREAK for April 15.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 5:46 Eastern Time. Here's what's all new this morning.
A new tape said to be the voice of Osama bin Laden has surfaced. He is offering a truce to European nations but vowing revenge against the United States and Israel.
About 20,000 American troops on the front lines in Iraq are in for a longer stay there. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is expected to announce today that their combat tour is being extended.
In money news, free Viagra anyone? Pfizer, the company that makes the pills to treat impotence, is offering a free prescription to loyal customers. It's their effort to beat the competition.
In sports, this is Jackie Robinson Day. It was on this day in 1947 that he broke the color barrier for sports by playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. And Major League Baseball is kicking off the first annual celebration.
In culture, the liberal radio network "Air America" is off the air in Chicago and Los Angeles. The dispute is over money.
MYERS: In weather, Carol, rain showers in Boston, all the way up to Worcester. Seeing some showers in Hartford, as well, this morning. A little closer to New York City, the rain is really on Long Island. The Long Island Expressway very wet this morning, and that's going to make it slow coming in from the east. Rain showers Salisbury all the way down to Dover even seeing some along the Luze Ferry (ph) area. Have a good day there.
Temperatures in the south nice, Miami 75. We'll fly you up to the northeast and the midwest in a few minutes.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.
Those are the latest headlines for you.
Vice President Dick Cheney is in South Korea this morning. Cheney arrived in Seoul after warning the Chinese that North Korea might pedal nuclear technology to terrorists.
CNN's Dana Bash is covering the vice president's Asia tour. She joins us live by phone now.
Good morning -- Dana.
DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
And the speech that Mr. Cheney gave, that you were referring to, was in Shanghai, and it was a message that he said that he gave to Chinese leaders in private the day before. But this was a very public speech, and it was a speech at a place that Ronald Reagan had actually visited and spoken to the university about 20 years to the date earlier.
Now basically what he was trying to do is, again, to push the Chinese to be more aggressive, to get them to be more involved and really use the leverage that they have with North Korea to push them to stop the nuclear program. And he talked, as you said, about the fact that he has confirmed that they will perhaps sell some of their enriched uranium, that he said that the U.S. knows they have, to al Qaeda. He also warned of a potential nuclear arms race in the region. All -- it's all an attempt to get the Chinese to really step it up.
COSTELLO: Dana, you know I've always been curious about something, and I should have asked you this days ago, but why is Dick Cheney the guy on this Asia tour and not the Secretary of State?
BASH: Well, you know the Secretary of State certainly has been here a number of times, and this is a trip that the vice president actually was supposed to take last year but didn't, primarily because of the war.
And it's essentially a trip to -- that was built around a visit to Chinese President Hu Jintao. He was vice president before he became president, and he came to visit Dick Cheney in Washington. And at that time, Cheney said that he was going to reciprocate, and that's exactly what this trip is built around. And the Senate is out of session, as you know. The vice president has to be around to cast tie-breaking votes, so he was able to get out. And this is really only his third international trip in the three-and-a-half years they have been in office -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right. Thanks for explaining. Dana Bash live from Seoul, South Korea this morning. It is that time of year again, time to get those lawns ready for spring. Coming up in the next hour of DAYBREAK, the ABCs of fertilizer. Chad and company will tell you what's right for you and your grass.
And next, the link health researchers have found between estrogen and the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women. We'll have details for you straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The flu tops our 'Health Headlines' for you this morning. The government plans to stockpile flu shots for children to prevent shortages like last winter. About four million doses will be set aside for children up to 18 years old.
There is a sharp rise in the use of antidepressants by preschoolers. Between 1998 and 2002 the rates doubled for girls and grew even more for boys. Still, less than a quarter percent of boys or girls in this age group are on antidepressants.
And one final kids health story, this from "USA Today," pediatric sleep specialists suggest tonsillectomies for sleep apnea. Doctors say many children who suffer from sleep problems seem agitated, hyperactive and inattentive during the day.
In other medical news, we know that hormone replacement therapy helps reduce the effects of menopause, but a new study on estrogen- only therapy shows that it doesn't offer other health benefits that many thought.
Our Dr. Sanjay Gupta has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: You've heard for a couple of years now that combination hormone replacement therapy is not safe. And now a large-scale study looking at estrogen only therapy shows no benefit at fighting heart disease or breast cancer.
Pretty conclusively, hormones are not the answer to fighting chronic disease. In fact, this most recent study, published in JAMA, was shut down early because of a 39 percent increased risk of stroke in women taking the estrogen only therapy.
And there was no reduction in heart disease. The only chronic disease estrogen may help with is osteoporosis. Women did have a reduction in fractures when on estrogen replacement therapy. The media attention on hormone replacement therapy has been intense.
Still, according to the American heart association, 63 percent of women are confused and looking for alternatives. To ward off the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings the most promising alternatives may be anti-depressants, which have their own side effects, low-dose progestin, phytoestrogens, which are plant derived estrogens. And vitamin E, which may nominally work on hot flashes. Unfortunately the studies on these alternatives are scant and they're not widely prescribed. For more chronic problems such as heart disease and breast cancer the alternatives are more obvious. Be aware of elevated cholesterol levels, monitor blood pressure, tight control of diabetes, increased physical activity levels, and of course never smoke.
Bottom line, taking hormones is like a balancing act. There are risks, but in your individual case it might be worth it. Just remember, consult with your physician and opt for the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time. And if you've decided to stop, don't do it abruptly but taper off.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: For more on this or any other health story, head to our Web site. The address CNN.com/Health.
It's been a wild hour.
MYERS: You haven't stopped talking.
COSTELLO: I know.
MYERS: Maybe I'll come over it (ph) just to kind of save you so you can get a drink of coffee.
COSTELLO: I know. Let's talk about something good for a little while. Let's talk fertilizer.
MYERS: That's all I do is fertilizer. You should know that. I got it.
COSTELLO: Actually, I do. But I'm really interested in your upcoming segment in our 6:00 hour.
MYERS: Yes. It's coming up with the guys from Home Depot. We are going to talk about why the lawn next door is always greener than yours.
COSTELLO: Why is that?
MYERS: And you don't have to get a lawn service to make that happen.
COSTELLO: Come on.
MYERS: You don't. You really don't. All you need to know are the numbers, the ABCs or the 1,2,3. The nitrogen, the pot ash, the potassium, what your lawn really needs and also, maybe even maybe your lawn is a little bit too acidic. You can take a little soil test to see why your lawn may not look as good as the guy next door.
COSTELLO: Interesting.
MYERS: And why my lawn is now full of something called annual rye grass that I didn't plant.
COSTELLO: Annual rye grass.
MYERS: It's just all over the place. It's eventually going to die because it's a winter...
COSTELLO: He really does stress about this. It makes his life a living hell.
MYERS: I spend a lot of time on that lawn, I don't want weeds in it.
COSTELLO: Thank you -- Chad.
MYERS: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Also in the next hour of DAYBREAK, a truce offered to Europe, no deal, of course, for the United States. And we will have reactions and analysis on the most recent tape claiming to be from Osama bin Laden. That's just ahead in the next hour of DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: A new audio tape with a very anti-American message but...
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Aired April 15, 2004 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Words of revenge and a warning, an Arab network airs an audio tape said to be from Osama bin Laden.
Good morning to you, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK. It is Thursday, April 15, tax day, in case you didn't remember. From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Let me bring you up to date now.
There is a new audio tape out there allegedly recorded by Osama bin Laden. It's being broadcast this morning on Arabic language TV network. It vows revenge against the United States but offers a truce to European countries.
It is Election Day in South Korea. All 299 seats are at stake as voters choose a new National Assembly. A voter turnout of more than 60 percent is expected.
They are also electing a new National Assembly in South Africa, and the African National Congress has an early lead in the vote counting there. Twenty-one million people are eligible to vote in South Africa.
Let's head to the Forecast Center now and Chad.
Good morning.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: New this morning, is Osama bin Laden offering a truce to European nations? That is the claim on a new tape said to contain the voice of the al Qaeda leader. It was broadcast just about two hours ago on an Arabic speaking TV network.
Our Caroline Faraj joins us by phone from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with details of this tape.
Tell us more -- Caroline.
CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, as you just mentioned, the Arabic TV networks, Al Jazeera, as well as Al-Arabiya, heard today the same tape, allegedly a tape from Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda leader. And apparently this tape, according to the mission mentioned in it and especially about the assassination of the Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin that took place on March 22, that shows that this tape was recorded less than a month ago. And in this tape he is offering, the voice is offering a truce to Europe but of course excluding United States.
And he was -- he was mentioning in this tape, he refers to September 11 and 2001 and the attack also in March 11 in Madrid. And he was basically saying that what's happened on September 11 and March 11 in Madrid are you a good return (ph) to you so that you know security is a necessity for all. And the voice gives sort of a deadline. And he said that this deadline for those countries who would like to stop attacking the Muslim and join the truce will last three months. And this starting from today, April 15, until the coming three months -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Caroline Faraj reporting from Dubai this morning.
We want to go a little more in depth on this. Our senior international editor David Clinch is here to explain some of the differences...
DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Yes.
COSTELLO: ... in the way that this tape arrived at the Arab television networks. Caroline told us earlier that it came with a videotape with German and English subtitles.
CLINCH: Right. We're checking into the details on that. These tapes turn up at these Arab networks, they air them and then we have to sort of scramble backwards to get the details of how they got them, whether or not it is in fact him. And of course, as usual, we're in a situation where our experts, including Caroline, tell us it does sound like Osama bin Laden in that it sounds like tapes, which not only we, but the CIA, have previously said sound legitimate. Now CIA, obviously, has not yet had a chance to listen to this, so we'll look for that.
The interesting things editorially in terms of what this voice says, both in terms of dating it, we've got references to the assassination of Yassin by Israel, although interestingly there, the revenge he mentions is against the United States, not just Israel.
COSTELLO: Not -- right.
CLINCH: Also, the dating of the attacks in Madrid. And then the suggestion of a truce for European countries that stop attacking Muslims.
Now you know not sure exactly, obviously what he means by this, and we never try to get inside the mind of these people. But on the other hand, the timing of these things is always fascinating. Whether or not it really is him, the timing of these releases is very interesting.
On the Israel side, of course, you had President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Sharon last night making what in the region is a very controversial statement about agreeing to Sharon's withdrawal plan from Gaza. And then today, in Spain, something that's not necessarily on our domestic agenda here, but the new prime minister, the very same prime minister who has pledged to pull his troops out of Iraq following this attack in Madrid, although he had promised to pull them out even before that, that suggestion that European countries would react by pulling their troops out of Iraq or stop supporting attacks on Muslims...
COSTELLO: OK, well let's talk about the timing for just a second. This tape is said to be a month old, maybe, right? Is that what you said?
CLINCH: Or less, yes.
COSTELLO: Or less. So they make the tape and then supposedly they wait for the perfect time to release it?
CLINCH: Right. Again, hesitating to ever try and get inside the mind of these people, the timing of not just the release of tapes but of course the timing of attacks or terrorist attacks themselves is always interesting. And you could only surmise, and it would only be that, that the timing of not only the Sharon-Bush announcement last night, but also perhaps this swearing in of the Spanish prime minister going on right now in Madrid, could play a part in this.
Nevertheless, we will not make more of this -- of this than it is. It's reportedly him. He offers a truce, which obviously most European countries are not going to take seriously as an offer. And the threat of revenge against the United States linking them with Israel's actions not a very new...
COSTELLO: Well, but historically this audio tape is being played on Arab television networks...
CLINCH: Yes.
COSTELLO: ... to a lot of the Arab world. What is its reaction?
CLINCH: Right. Well of course that is in some ways more interesting playing in the context of the Sharon-Bush announcement and of course the continuing violence in Iraq. The image of the United States in the region, the idea of the goal of Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda to take advantage of that perceived bad image of the United States in the region always plays a part in the release of these tapes. And again, whether or not it's him in the response from the audience.
COSTELLO: Yes, and the other thing that I have always wondered about, so Osama bin Laden takes credit for all of these things that are happening, but that doesn't really mean that he had anything to do with what's happening.
CLINCH: Of course. Of course. I mean not only whether or not he says he has anything to do with it, but of course, as we have reported many times now, al Qaeda has transformed itself in many ways to a movement rather than an organization. These attacks can be claimed by Osama bin Laden whenever he wants to them, but that does not, of course, mean that he or his leadership had any role in carrying them out.
COSTELLO: Which is interesting, because I was reading back over the history, and right after September 11, when 9/11 happened, Osama bin Laden denied he had anything to do with the September 11 attacks. And how things change.
CLINCH: Right, of course. And again, never wanting to sort of try and analyze too deeply. We report what this is. The more interesting thing, as you point out, is how it plays in the region. And that will be a key factor with continuing violence in Iraq and the response to the Sharon-Bush statement last night.
COSTELLO: Thank you, David, we appreciate it.
CLINCH: OK.
COSTELLO: Hold the homecoming, thousands of U.S. troops on the front lines in Iraq will have to stay there. That tops our 'Situation Report' this morning.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will announce today a plan to extend the combat tours of about 20,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. The units are being notified this week.
Iraqi militants have executed one of four Italian hostages and are threatening to kill the other three. Italian diplomats now on their way to Iraq to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The militants are demanding Italy withdraw its 2,700 troops from Iraq.
Also happening right now, Russia is evacuating its citizens from Iraq. You are looking at new pictures we got in this morning of them heading to the airport. The move was prompted by the hostage taking and the increase in fighting in Iraq.
And U.S. forces are massing today outside of the Shiite holy city of Najaf. That's where radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is holed up. The U.S. has vowed to capture or kill him.
That hostage taking in Iraq has reached a new dimension now, confirmation that one of four Italian hostages has been executed. The killing was actually videotaped and then sent to Al Jazeera television. The network says the video is too graphic to broadcast.
Reaction to this now from Alessio Vinci, our bureau chief in Rome.
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN ROME BUREAU CHIEF: Hello, Carol.
Well, confirmation of the killing of that hostage came here in Italy in the most dramatic of ways. It was -- it was broadcast live on television last night as the Italian Foreign Minister was participating in a popular talk show here with some members of the family and relatives and friends of the -- some of the hostages, Italian hostages, held in Iraq. And the Italian Foreign Minister telling the audience that the Italian ambassador in Qatar had -- Doha, Qatar had viewed that videotape, that you just mentioned, in which it is shown that the hostage was killed by a shot through his head. As you said, the video too gruesome to be broadcast.
But the most warring aspect of all of this, Carol, is that alongside that videotape there was also a statement that was released by a group calling itself The Mujahedeen Brigade in which they vow to kill their other three Italian hostages if the Italian government does not meet their demands and that is a troops pullout from Iraq. Italy, as you mentioned, has close to 3,000 troops over there, as well as an apology by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Now Mr. Berlusconi has issued a statement lately. He says that they have cut short a life, but they have not damaged our resolve and our commitment to -- commitment to peace in Iraq. Therefore indicating the Italian government, at this time, has absolutely no indication, even during these dramatic hours, to negotiate with the terrorists. They call them terrorists as well. As even considering the possibility of a troops pullout from Iraq.
And as you mentioned, a top Italian diplomat has been dispatched to the region. The Italian government insisting he is not there to negotiate, but to establish some kind of a contact, perhaps through intermediators (ph) in order to try to secure the release of the other three hostages -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Alessio Vinci reporting live from Rome this morning.
Let's switch our focus now to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his upcoming meeting with President Bush. High on the agenda will be British troop strength in Iraq. But first, Mr. Blair meets with the U.S. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York today.
CNN's Robin Oakley has a preview for you.
Good morning -- Robin.
ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN EUROPEAN POLITICAL EDITOR: Good morning, Carol.
And it is significant, of course, that Tony Blair is seeing Kofi Annan in New York before he goes on to see President George Bush, because Britain very much sees the role of the U.N. as central in the events to unfold in Iraq. And if other countries in Europe are to be persuaded to pitch in, in terms of further efforts and perhaps sending troops to Iraq to help in the post conflict situation, countries like France and Germany, who opposed the war, then Tony Blair knows that a new U.N. resolution is absolutely key to that.
Also, of course, there have been the warnings from Lakhdar Brahimi, the U.N. Special Envoy in Iraq, that elections cannot really go ahead while the security situation is as it is at present with the kidnappings and the general breakdown of law and order in certain areas. So key that Tony Blair goes to see Kofi Annan first.
When he goes on to see George Bush, I think the public pronouncements are quite clear, they will announce that they are unified as ever, that there must be no postponement of the hand over to an Iraq interim authority on June the 30th, that they are willing to commit more troops, if necessary, and that they will pursue a new U.N. resolution together.
What will be interesting is just how much Tony Blair will say in private to voice the disquieted. Many British officials and some in the British military that they think the U.S. has been too heavy handed in its latest military actions in Iraq in terms of countering the insurgents -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Robin, you mentioned the need for more troops and that the two leaders will talk about that. Is there any chance at all that Britain might send more?
OAKLEY: There is certainly that chance. We have had hints from Geoff Hoon, the Defense Secretary, that Britain might consider sending more troops if necessary. I think Britain, like the United States, will be delaying some of the troop rotations anyway, certainly while the situation remains as bad as it is at the moment -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Robin Oakley, reporting live for us from London this morning, many thanks to you.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, why taking estrogen only could pose a serious health risk for some postmenopausal women. We'll explain.
This is DAYBREAK for April 15.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It is 5:46 Eastern Time. Here's what's all new this morning.
A new tape said to be the voice of Osama bin Laden has surfaced. He is offering a truce to European nations but vowing revenge against the United States and Israel.
About 20,000 American troops on the front lines in Iraq are in for a longer stay there. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is expected to announce today that their combat tour is being extended.
In money news, free Viagra anyone? Pfizer, the company that makes the pills to treat impotence, is offering a free prescription to loyal customers. It's their effort to beat the competition.
In sports, this is Jackie Robinson Day. It was on this day in 1947 that he broke the color barrier for sports by playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. And Major League Baseball is kicking off the first annual celebration.
In culture, the liberal radio network "Air America" is off the air in Chicago and Los Angeles. The dispute is over money.
MYERS: In weather, Carol, rain showers in Boston, all the way up to Worcester. Seeing some showers in Hartford, as well, this morning. A little closer to New York City, the rain is really on Long Island. The Long Island Expressway very wet this morning, and that's going to make it slow coming in from the east. Rain showers Salisbury all the way down to Dover even seeing some along the Luze Ferry (ph) area. Have a good day there.
Temperatures in the south nice, Miami 75. We'll fly you up to the northeast and the midwest in a few minutes.
COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.
Those are the latest headlines for you.
Vice President Dick Cheney is in South Korea this morning. Cheney arrived in Seoul after warning the Chinese that North Korea might pedal nuclear technology to terrorists.
CNN's Dana Bash is covering the vice president's Asia tour. She joins us live by phone now.
Good morning -- Dana.
DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
And the speech that Mr. Cheney gave, that you were referring to, was in Shanghai, and it was a message that he said that he gave to Chinese leaders in private the day before. But this was a very public speech, and it was a speech at a place that Ronald Reagan had actually visited and spoken to the university about 20 years to the date earlier.
Now basically what he was trying to do is, again, to push the Chinese to be more aggressive, to get them to be more involved and really use the leverage that they have with North Korea to push them to stop the nuclear program. And he talked, as you said, about the fact that he has confirmed that they will perhaps sell some of their enriched uranium, that he said that the U.S. knows they have, to al Qaeda. He also warned of a potential nuclear arms race in the region. All -- it's all an attempt to get the Chinese to really step it up.
COSTELLO: Dana, you know I've always been curious about something, and I should have asked you this days ago, but why is Dick Cheney the guy on this Asia tour and not the Secretary of State?
BASH: Well, you know the Secretary of State certainly has been here a number of times, and this is a trip that the vice president actually was supposed to take last year but didn't, primarily because of the war.
And it's essentially a trip to -- that was built around a visit to Chinese President Hu Jintao. He was vice president before he became president, and he came to visit Dick Cheney in Washington. And at that time, Cheney said that he was going to reciprocate, and that's exactly what this trip is built around. And the Senate is out of session, as you know. The vice president has to be around to cast tie-breaking votes, so he was able to get out. And this is really only his third international trip in the three-and-a-half years they have been in office -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right. Thanks for explaining. Dana Bash live from Seoul, South Korea this morning. It is that time of year again, time to get those lawns ready for spring. Coming up in the next hour of DAYBREAK, the ABCs of fertilizer. Chad and company will tell you what's right for you and your grass.
And next, the link health researchers have found between estrogen and the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women. We'll have details for you straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The flu tops our 'Health Headlines' for you this morning. The government plans to stockpile flu shots for children to prevent shortages like last winter. About four million doses will be set aside for children up to 18 years old.
There is a sharp rise in the use of antidepressants by preschoolers. Between 1998 and 2002 the rates doubled for girls and grew even more for boys. Still, less than a quarter percent of boys or girls in this age group are on antidepressants.
And one final kids health story, this from "USA Today," pediatric sleep specialists suggest tonsillectomies for sleep apnea. Doctors say many children who suffer from sleep problems seem agitated, hyperactive and inattentive during the day.
In other medical news, we know that hormone replacement therapy helps reduce the effects of menopause, but a new study on estrogen- only therapy shows that it doesn't offer other health benefits that many thought.
Our Dr. Sanjay Gupta has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: You've heard for a couple of years now that combination hormone replacement therapy is not safe. And now a large-scale study looking at estrogen only therapy shows no benefit at fighting heart disease or breast cancer.
Pretty conclusively, hormones are not the answer to fighting chronic disease. In fact, this most recent study, published in JAMA, was shut down early because of a 39 percent increased risk of stroke in women taking the estrogen only therapy.
And there was no reduction in heart disease. The only chronic disease estrogen may help with is osteoporosis. Women did have a reduction in fractures when on estrogen replacement therapy. The media attention on hormone replacement therapy has been intense.
Still, according to the American heart association, 63 percent of women are confused and looking for alternatives. To ward off the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings the most promising alternatives may be anti-depressants, which have their own side effects, low-dose progestin, phytoestrogens, which are plant derived estrogens. And vitamin E, which may nominally work on hot flashes. Unfortunately the studies on these alternatives are scant and they're not widely prescribed. For more chronic problems such as heart disease and breast cancer the alternatives are more obvious. Be aware of elevated cholesterol levels, monitor blood pressure, tight control of diabetes, increased physical activity levels, and of course never smoke.
Bottom line, taking hormones is like a balancing act. There are risks, but in your individual case it might be worth it. Just remember, consult with your physician and opt for the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time. And if you've decided to stop, don't do it abruptly but taper off.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: For more on this or any other health story, head to our Web site. The address CNN.com/Health.
It's been a wild hour.
MYERS: You haven't stopped talking.
COSTELLO: I know.
MYERS: Maybe I'll come over it (ph) just to kind of save you so you can get a drink of coffee.
COSTELLO: I know. Let's talk about something good for a little while. Let's talk fertilizer.
MYERS: That's all I do is fertilizer. You should know that. I got it.
COSTELLO: Actually, I do. But I'm really interested in your upcoming segment in our 6:00 hour.
MYERS: Yes. It's coming up with the guys from Home Depot. We are going to talk about why the lawn next door is always greener than yours.
COSTELLO: Why is that?
MYERS: And you don't have to get a lawn service to make that happen.
COSTELLO: Come on.
MYERS: You don't. You really don't. All you need to know are the numbers, the ABCs or the 1,2,3. The nitrogen, the pot ash, the potassium, what your lawn really needs and also, maybe even maybe your lawn is a little bit too acidic. You can take a little soil test to see why your lawn may not look as good as the guy next door.
COSTELLO: Interesting.
MYERS: And why my lawn is now full of something called annual rye grass that I didn't plant.
COSTELLO: Annual rye grass.
MYERS: It's just all over the place. It's eventually going to die because it's a winter...
COSTELLO: He really does stress about this. It makes his life a living hell.
MYERS: I spend a lot of time on that lawn, I don't want weeds in it.
COSTELLO: Thank you -- Chad.
MYERS: You're welcome.
COSTELLO: Also in the next hour of DAYBREAK, a truce offered to Europe, no deal, of course, for the United States. And we will have reactions and analysis on the most recent tape claiming to be from Osama bin Laden. That's just ahead in the next hour of DAYBREAK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: A new audio tape with a very anti-American message but...
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