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High-Level Coalition Officials Meeting With Local Representatives Trying to Negotiate Cease-Fire in Fallujah

Aired April 16, 2004 - 10:00   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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone. From CNN headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Daryn Kagan. And here are the top stories at this hour.
High-level coalition officials in Iraq continue meeting with local representatives, trying to negotiate a cease-fire in Fallujah. That is despite reports of overnight explosions west of the city, which remains a stronghold of anti-U.S. sentiment. U.S. officials warn the time for negotiations is limited.

The White House is reportedly considering a plan to create a post of director of National Intelligence. "The New York Times" reports that the person would manage the government's 15 intelligence agencies and their budgets. The plan was drafted more than a year ago; it might be complimented before the 9/11 Commission's final report this summer. The commission's preliminary conclusion is that no one right now is truly in charge of the intelligence agencies.

Leave Saudi Arabia. That is the message the U.S. State Department is telling nonessential personnel in the U.S. Embassy and Consulates, as well as private U.S citizens. U.S. officials cite recent credible information about possible attacks against U.S. and Western interests in that country.

A hearing continues in a high profile rape case at the Air Force Academy. Cadet Douglas Meister is on leave and could face up to life in prison and dismissal from the Air Force, if he's convicted of assaulting a woman back in 2002. The former president of the academy testified he thought it was a case of consensual sex.

Let's take a look at what we are watching live this hour, the White House. President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair meet at the White House discussing the deepening crisis in Iraq and what comes next. That future in Iraq may involve a larger role for the U.N. That was a topic last night in a meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York City. Mr. Blair and President Bush would like a U.N. resolution that would encourage more countries to take part in the Iraqi mission. Both leaders are also considering a U.N. proposal establishing a care caretaker government after the U.N.'s -- U.S. hands over power in June.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, PRIME MINISTER, UNITED KINGDOM: I think virtually across the international community about what we want to see in Iraq, and that is a stable and prosperous and Democratic Iraq, governed by the Iraqi people; a sovereign state whose wealth is the wealth of the Iraqi people. And whose government is the government of the Iraqi people. And how we get there is, obviously, the difficult issue, particularly with security at the moment. But our determination to get there remains undimmed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: We encourage you to stay with us next hour when President Bush and Prime Minister Blair hold a joint news conference in the Rose Garden. It's scheduled for 11:55 Eastern, CNN will carry it live.

It is yet another day of volatility in Iraq. There has been another presumed kidnapping of a foreign national, and powerful explosions overnight --excuse -- overnight have rocked the city of Fallujah. That is the epicenter of the insurgency.

Let's go live to the Iraqi capital, CNN Baghdad bureau chief Jane Arraf standing by -- Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: Daryn, it's heading towards early evening in Fallujah and there are talks that are about to start between the highest level American coalition officials that have gone there and local leaders to try to reach an end to this impasse. Now, one of those senior officials saying that he was sent there to emphasize the urgency and the importance that the coalition places on this. Said time was running out and they could not continue, what he essentially says was, a one-way cease-fire, with U.S. forces holding fire, stopping their offensive attacks and insurgents continuing to fire on them.

Now, everyone watching that very closely, it's gathering continuing criticism from senior Iraqi leaders and important religious officials. One statement from the Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, the most senior Shi'a cleric in Iraq, condemned the U.S. forces for the way they are handling Fallujah, and presumably Najaf where U.S. forces have begun to mass around the city. Now, there is no fighting there. The U.S. would prefer not to fight. But Muqtada al Sadr, the radical Shi'a cleric, is still in control of that city. And the U.S. is saying that it will use force there in it -- if it has to -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jane, any reaction to the plan, that we are hearing, proposed with the U.N. coalition taking over for what is now a U.S. organized coalition in Iraq?

ARRAF: Well, essentially, it would be a process that's organized by the U.N., but it would specifically and pointedly be Iraqi. Now, this would be a caretaker government. Essentially what we're facing is a deadline running out. June 30 is the deadline when the U.S. is going to hand over power back to Iraqis. It's going to end its occupation. We still don't know thought, what they're going to hand power back to. Now, a top U.N. envoy has come here and he is proposing instead of the U.S. appointed Governing Council that we have now, that there be a grand gathering, similar to the one in Afghanistan to select a new government. But this would again be a caretaker government until elections can be held sometime when this country is more stable -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jane Arraf, in Baghdad.

Let's get more news now on the situation with the hostages. The wife of U.S. hostage, Thomas Hamill says that she has faith that her husband will be returned safely. Thomas Hamill is a fuel truck driver; he was last seen a week ago when his convoy was attacked in Iraq.

Kelly Hamill talked with CNN's Larry King.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KELLY HAMILL, WIFE OF AMERICAN HOSTAGE: Well, I would like to let my husband know, first of all, that we love him and miss him very much. We hope he's doing fine. We would also like to say to the people that have him captive, we hope they would release him unharmed and safe, and let him come home to us just as soon as possible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Kelly Hamill says the execution of an Italian hostage on Wednesday makes her worry even more about her husband. She says the couple's two children are handling the ordeal as well as can be expected.

Thousands of other American families are also wondering whether their loved ones will return home. Some 20,000 U.S. troops are being told their yearlong tour of duty will be extended, as the deadly instability in Iraq surprises even the chief architect in the war.

Our Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAIME MCINTYRE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With the U.S. taking casualties at a higher rate than when the war began, and the Pentagon forced to cancel the return of 20,000 troops needed to deal with a growing insurgency, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld made what, for him, is a rare admission. He was wrong about how stable Iraq would be after a year's occupation.

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: If you had said to me a year ago, describe the situation you'll be in today one year later, I don't know many people that would of described it. I would not have, described it the way it happens to be today.

MCINTYRE: April has been the deadliest month of the war with nearly 90 Americans killed and more than 540 wounded. More than half of the deaths coming in the past week.

RUMSFELD: I certainly would not have estimated that we would have had the number of individuals lost that we have lost in the last week.

MCINTYRE: The Pentagon estimates during the same time, between 1500 and 2000 enemy fighters have been killed. But those figures are not released to avoid the mistake of Vietnam when body counts were cited as a measure of success. The decision to hold 20,000 troops in Iraq for three more months will affect some 40 Army units including 11,000 soldiers from the first Armored Division, 3200 from the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment and about 6,000 Guard and Reserve troops.

Despite the strain on the forces the Pentagon continues to reject the argument the U.S. military is too small.

GEN. PETER PACE, VICE CHMN., JOINT CHIEFS: We have the capacity with 2.4 million individuals available to us, active Guard and Reserve, to handle this ongoing war and anything that I can think of at us on the horizon.

MCINTYRE (on camera): Rumsfeld said he regretted having to extend the stay of troops who were promised they would only have to serve a year in Iraq. He said the current plan is to replace them with fresh troops if higher troop levels are still needed by the summer.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And we go live from Jaime's report to Andrews Air Force Base. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has just arrived moments ago; he will be heading to the White House, he will meeting with President Bush. And they'll also be holding a news conference later today; you'll see that news conference that right here, 11:55 a.m. Eastern. Of course, the two -- the two leaders -- and this is tape taken just a few minutes ago from when the prime minister was arriving.

The two leaders trying to present a united front on the situation in Iraq and also address what is to take place next for power in that country. Much more ahead on the prime minister and on President Bush as well.

Want to get back now to the troops and their families. The days that have been circled for the return mark only the disappointment and fear of another 90 days in harm's way. For some Americans that are in Iraq, word came just as their journey home was about to get underway. One family shared such a story on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD MACDONALD, FATHER OF SOLDIER: The boys were in the -- at the customs office and they were processing to, you know, leave to come home. and the buses were waiting outside for them and during that process, they were pulled, you know, pulled away, you know, from the station and told that they're not going home. So these guys, you know, mentally were home. They were homeward bound and they were just abruptly pulled away from that. And all of those boys over there were pretty upset and pretty shocked.

(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: Meanwhile, news of a bittersweet celebration at Louisiana's Fort Polk, only about 125 newly returned soldiers will be on hand for what was expected to be a homecoming celebration for thousands. Twenty-eight hundred comrades in the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment had their returns abruptly canceled as well by this extended deployment.

Our national correspondent Gary Tuchman is at Fort Polk with more on that.

Gary, good morning.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, good morning to you. There are some happy families today here in Fort Polk, Louisiana, this Army installation. Two ceremonies taking place today welcoming home soldiers, the soldiers you see behind me, about 125 have returned home from Iraq over the last week. This is a demobilization ceremony, they are hearing their leaders talk. They will get awards and then they're demobilized and will be able to go home.

But as you know, earlier this week, Fort Polk was told 3000 other soldiers, who were supposed to be home this month, will now have to stay for three to four more months. Now, just a short time ago we talked with an Army chaplain, who just came back from Iraq himself, and we asked him about the juxtaposition of Fort Polk soldiers who just arrived home and those who were supposed to arrive home.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)S

CAPT. TOM BOWERS, U.S. ARMY CHAPLAIN: I feel when you complete your mission; we were done with our mission. If our mission required us to go back tomorrow, I'd go back tomorrow. But we're done with our mission and I know that they have a few more months on their mission, so no guilty. Gratefulness to be back and if my country calls again, I'll go again.

TUCHMAN (on camera): And what do you say to the families who are saying, I thought my loved ones mission was over, and they're still there for three or four months?

BOWERS: I again, would tell them that our hearts go out to you. Many good friends over there still. I could name 30 or 40 if I had to. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. And we will pray the days go quickly and they come home safely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TUCHMAN: Fourteen Fort Polk soldiers have lost their lives during this war. And as the chaplain can so eloquently tell you, the major prayer here is that number doesn't get any higher.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Gary Tuchman from Fort Polk. Thank you. It is 11 minutes past the hour. A man who called himself a monster is freed from jail. And the community that he lives in is on alert and asking how could this happen in their town?

And the NBA playoffs start Saturday. Joining us for a preview and other topics, NBA commissioner, David Stern.

And later...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UMA THURMAN, ACTRESS (as "The Bride"): You can just leave it by the door.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: All right. Busting down the doors this weekend, "Kill Bill Volume 2." Mr. Moviefone joins us with a preview.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

I'm better than Annie Oakley, and I've got you right in my sight.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: A convicted child molester, who called himself a monster, was sentenced to life in prison. Amazingly though, he was released earlier this month. It's a case that has sparked outrage and a lot of questions.

Details now from CNN's Miguel Marquez.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Edward Harvey Stokes, a self-proclaimed serial child molester with over 200 victims, was let out of prison last week. His case overturned on appeal and now he's flying under the radar.

JOHN URQUHART, KING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: He has to register as a sex offender within 30 days. But of course, at least so far, has committed no laws -- broken no laws. We're not looking for him. The police aren't looking for him, but we're still interested that he is here in Washington.

MARQUEZ: On September 11, 2001, Stokes was convicted of one count of sexual battery and oral copulation, and sentenced to 19 years to life, after he lured a 16-year-old boy from the streets of Seattle to Orange County, California.

TONY RACKAUCKAS, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, ORANGE COUNTY: Well, he goes after boys who are 15, 16, 17 years old, young men. And uses drugs to get control of them and forces sexual acts on them.

MARQUEZ: Tony Rackauckas, the Orange County district attorney whose office tried Stokes says this is a guy who has a long history of sexually abusing minors.

RACKAUCKAS: They wake up shackled and tied up, and at his mercy; him doing various kinds of forced sex acts on them.

MARQUEZ: In the 1990s, while serving a different sentence on molestation charges in Colorado, he wrote a statement to a prison therapist admitting to having 212 victims over 28 years, and referred to himself as "a monster." Even Stokes' sister by adoption can't believe he's out.

SUSAN STOKES, SISTER: I just think of the kids whose lives he's impacted, and the damage he's done, and the potential for some of those to also become predators.

MARQUEZ: Stokes was released because his sole accuser killed himself shortly before trial. An attorney for Stokes' defense says the Constitution is clear on defendant's rights.

JOHN BARNETT, STOKE'S ATTORNEY: And he did eight years for a crime that he never was afforded his most basic constitutional right, which is to confront and cross-examine his accuser.

MARQUEZ (on camera): The district attorney's office here says though they can't retry Stokes, its investigator was able to track him to Washington State, where a Costco employees, after seeing the story told authorities that Stokes was applying for a Costco card and purchasing candy. Under Washington State law, Stokes must register as a sex offender by mid May.

Miguel Marquez, CNN, Orange County, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY, The winner of "The Apprentice." If you don't already know, you're going to have to wait just a few minutes to find out. But we have some behind the scenes details for you.

And Gerri Willis joins us with tips for those who really have been fired -- Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Right. Well, should you take real life advice from the reality TV show? We'll tell you when we come back, next on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: From the markets to the world of Donald Trump. Last night, Donald Trump named his apprentice on television.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, HOST, "THE APPRENTICE": Bill, you're hired.

(APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And those were the words that were music to the ears of Bill Rancic. He won over Kwame Jackson on the TV reality show called "The Apprentice," which stars the billionaire, Donald Trump. Rancic gets to work for Trump for a year; he's going to get $250,000 in salary.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL RANCIC, WINNER, "THE APPRENTICE": I was on the edge of my seat every minute in that boardroom and that was real sweat coming off my palms.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Well, the guy is from Chicago, so he naturally chose the job of overseeing a Trump skyscraper project in the Windy City.

All the other apprentice seekers on the show and many other Americans in real life have heard the words, "you're fired."

If you are getting pink slipped, there are ways to prepare and to cope. Some tips now CNN financial correspondent Gerri Willis in New York.

Gerri, good morning.

WILLIS: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you. You know, most people know if they're going to get pink slipped, it usually doesn't come as a big surprise. So you need to do some preparation ahead of time and "The Apprentice" sets a good example. You know how all those people come to that last interview with their bags in hand? Consider if you're worried about getting laid off you should start putting together documents that you're going to need to find that next job. Get the Rolodex in hand, the letters of recommendation, any awards you might have won, you're going to need that if you start looking for a job -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Got to say, when it happened to me, Gerri, it was a big surprise. So...

WILLIS: Was it?

KAGAN: Yes. But...

WILLIS: It's tough.

KAGAN: ... very important to be prepared in general. But you were saying when it happens, don't get into a big argument with your soon to be former boss.

WILLIS: Yes. You know, I know the show had lots of tears, lot of emotional blackmail, the emotions ran high, but at the end of the day, if you're getting laid off, you don't want to do that. We spoke to one attorney, Steven Mitchell Sachs. He said look, the last thing you want to do is get into a big argument. "Accept it gracefully. No emotional outburst." And you know, suing your employment could create more problems down you from -- for you down the road with other employers as well, because it's a small world out there. People find out.

KAGAN: Right. So don't be argumentative and yet there is room to negotiate?

WILLIS: Yes. But you can be savvy and negotiate. Look, we're going to be talking about packages, severance packages. We're going to be talking about medical care, health care, insurance. There are things you can negotiate with. And I know people think, gosh, you know, I don't have a lot of leverage. I've just been laid off. But at the end of the day, that employer does not want you to sue. And you can actually appeal to their sense of fair play and say, look, you know, I was a loyal employee here for however many years, I wasn't expecting this. As you said, Daryn, it came out of the blue and I need help in finding that new job. I need a really great package going out.

KAGAN: I think your fourth tip might be the most difficult, in that don't let this define you, don't let this get down on your self- esteem.

WILLIS: Right, exactly. This is a big, big problem. You know, it's really hard not to take it incredibly personally, even if the company is laying off thousands of other workers. Take a cooling off period after you get laid off and get your head together for a while. Look, it's a -- you know, move on. New day. Start all over again -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And, finally, the last tip for the bosses out there. If you've got to do this, if you have to be the one wielding the ax, be kind, be tender, be gentle.

WILLIS: Right. Well, you know, I mean it's really important in terms of business being kind. Because at the end of the day, if you say you're fired like Donald Trump did, you can get a lawsuit and a successful one at that. So you need to sort of make sure that you're not being too angry, emotional yourself, if you're doing the laying off.

KAGAN: Did it ever happen to you? Have you ever been fired?

WILLIS: No.

KAGAN: Really?

WILLIS: Have been laid off...

KAGAN: I'm not surprised!

WILLIS: Have been laid off when a company I worked for went out of business.

KAGAN: OK.

WILLIS: But no big surprise there.

KAGAN: All right. Still doesn't -- It's not good when you're kind of shown the door. Gerri, thank you for that, for the tips. Appreciate it.

WILLIS: Thank you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired April 16, 2004 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone. From CNN headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Daryn Kagan. And here are the top stories at this hour.
High-level coalition officials in Iraq continue meeting with local representatives, trying to negotiate a cease-fire in Fallujah. That is despite reports of overnight explosions west of the city, which remains a stronghold of anti-U.S. sentiment. U.S. officials warn the time for negotiations is limited.

The White House is reportedly considering a plan to create a post of director of National Intelligence. "The New York Times" reports that the person would manage the government's 15 intelligence agencies and their budgets. The plan was drafted more than a year ago; it might be complimented before the 9/11 Commission's final report this summer. The commission's preliminary conclusion is that no one right now is truly in charge of the intelligence agencies.

Leave Saudi Arabia. That is the message the U.S. State Department is telling nonessential personnel in the U.S. Embassy and Consulates, as well as private U.S citizens. U.S. officials cite recent credible information about possible attacks against U.S. and Western interests in that country.

A hearing continues in a high profile rape case at the Air Force Academy. Cadet Douglas Meister is on leave and could face up to life in prison and dismissal from the Air Force, if he's convicted of assaulting a woman back in 2002. The former president of the academy testified he thought it was a case of consensual sex.

Let's take a look at what we are watching live this hour, the White House. President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair meet at the White House discussing the deepening crisis in Iraq and what comes next. That future in Iraq may involve a larger role for the U.N. That was a topic last night in a meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York City. Mr. Blair and President Bush would like a U.N. resolution that would encourage more countries to take part in the Iraqi mission. Both leaders are also considering a U.N. proposal establishing a care caretaker government after the U.N.'s -- U.S. hands over power in June.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, PRIME MINISTER, UNITED KINGDOM: I think virtually across the international community about what we want to see in Iraq, and that is a stable and prosperous and Democratic Iraq, governed by the Iraqi people; a sovereign state whose wealth is the wealth of the Iraqi people. And whose government is the government of the Iraqi people. And how we get there is, obviously, the difficult issue, particularly with security at the moment. But our determination to get there remains undimmed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: We encourage you to stay with us next hour when President Bush and Prime Minister Blair hold a joint news conference in the Rose Garden. It's scheduled for 11:55 Eastern, CNN will carry it live.

It is yet another day of volatility in Iraq. There has been another presumed kidnapping of a foreign national, and powerful explosions overnight --excuse -- overnight have rocked the city of Fallujah. That is the epicenter of the insurgency.

Let's go live to the Iraqi capital, CNN Baghdad bureau chief Jane Arraf standing by -- Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: Daryn, it's heading towards early evening in Fallujah and there are talks that are about to start between the highest level American coalition officials that have gone there and local leaders to try to reach an end to this impasse. Now, one of those senior officials saying that he was sent there to emphasize the urgency and the importance that the coalition places on this. Said time was running out and they could not continue, what he essentially says was, a one-way cease-fire, with U.S. forces holding fire, stopping their offensive attacks and insurgents continuing to fire on them.

Now, everyone watching that very closely, it's gathering continuing criticism from senior Iraqi leaders and important religious officials. One statement from the Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, the most senior Shi'a cleric in Iraq, condemned the U.S. forces for the way they are handling Fallujah, and presumably Najaf where U.S. forces have begun to mass around the city. Now, there is no fighting there. The U.S. would prefer not to fight. But Muqtada al Sadr, the radical Shi'a cleric, is still in control of that city. And the U.S. is saying that it will use force there in it -- if it has to -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jane, any reaction to the plan, that we are hearing, proposed with the U.N. coalition taking over for what is now a U.S. organized coalition in Iraq?

ARRAF: Well, essentially, it would be a process that's organized by the U.N., but it would specifically and pointedly be Iraqi. Now, this would be a caretaker government. Essentially what we're facing is a deadline running out. June 30 is the deadline when the U.S. is going to hand over power back to Iraqis. It's going to end its occupation. We still don't know thought, what they're going to hand power back to. Now, a top U.N. envoy has come here and he is proposing instead of the U.S. appointed Governing Council that we have now, that there be a grand gathering, similar to the one in Afghanistan to select a new government. But this would again be a caretaker government until elections can be held sometime when this country is more stable -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jane Arraf, in Baghdad.

Let's get more news now on the situation with the hostages. The wife of U.S. hostage, Thomas Hamill says that she has faith that her husband will be returned safely. Thomas Hamill is a fuel truck driver; he was last seen a week ago when his convoy was attacked in Iraq.

Kelly Hamill talked with CNN's Larry King.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KELLY HAMILL, WIFE OF AMERICAN HOSTAGE: Well, I would like to let my husband know, first of all, that we love him and miss him very much. We hope he's doing fine. We would also like to say to the people that have him captive, we hope they would release him unharmed and safe, and let him come home to us just as soon as possible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Kelly Hamill says the execution of an Italian hostage on Wednesday makes her worry even more about her husband. She says the couple's two children are handling the ordeal as well as can be expected.

Thousands of other American families are also wondering whether their loved ones will return home. Some 20,000 U.S. troops are being told their yearlong tour of duty will be extended, as the deadly instability in Iraq surprises even the chief architect in the war.

Our Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAIME MCINTYRE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With the U.S. taking casualties at a higher rate than when the war began, and the Pentagon forced to cancel the return of 20,000 troops needed to deal with a growing insurgency, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld made what, for him, is a rare admission. He was wrong about how stable Iraq would be after a year's occupation.

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: If you had said to me a year ago, describe the situation you'll be in today one year later, I don't know many people that would of described it. I would not have, described it the way it happens to be today.

MCINTYRE: April has been the deadliest month of the war with nearly 90 Americans killed and more than 540 wounded. More than half of the deaths coming in the past week.

RUMSFELD: I certainly would not have estimated that we would have had the number of individuals lost that we have lost in the last week.

MCINTYRE: The Pentagon estimates during the same time, between 1500 and 2000 enemy fighters have been killed. But those figures are not released to avoid the mistake of Vietnam when body counts were cited as a measure of success. The decision to hold 20,000 troops in Iraq for three more months will affect some 40 Army units including 11,000 soldiers from the first Armored Division, 3200 from the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment and about 6,000 Guard and Reserve troops.

Despite the strain on the forces the Pentagon continues to reject the argument the U.S. military is too small.

GEN. PETER PACE, VICE CHMN., JOINT CHIEFS: We have the capacity with 2.4 million individuals available to us, active Guard and Reserve, to handle this ongoing war and anything that I can think of at us on the horizon.

MCINTYRE (on camera): Rumsfeld said he regretted having to extend the stay of troops who were promised they would only have to serve a year in Iraq. He said the current plan is to replace them with fresh troops if higher troop levels are still needed by the summer.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And we go live from Jaime's report to Andrews Air Force Base. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has just arrived moments ago; he will be heading to the White House, he will meeting with President Bush. And they'll also be holding a news conference later today; you'll see that news conference that right here, 11:55 a.m. Eastern. Of course, the two -- the two leaders -- and this is tape taken just a few minutes ago from when the prime minister was arriving.

The two leaders trying to present a united front on the situation in Iraq and also address what is to take place next for power in that country. Much more ahead on the prime minister and on President Bush as well.

Want to get back now to the troops and their families. The days that have been circled for the return mark only the disappointment and fear of another 90 days in harm's way. For some Americans that are in Iraq, word came just as their journey home was about to get underway. One family shared such a story on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD MACDONALD, FATHER OF SOLDIER: The boys were in the -- at the customs office and they were processing to, you know, leave to come home. and the buses were waiting outside for them and during that process, they were pulled, you know, pulled away, you know, from the station and told that they're not going home. So these guys, you know, mentally were home. They were homeward bound and they were just abruptly pulled away from that. And all of those boys over there were pretty upset and pretty shocked.

(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: Meanwhile, news of a bittersweet celebration at Louisiana's Fort Polk, only about 125 newly returned soldiers will be on hand for what was expected to be a homecoming celebration for thousands. Twenty-eight hundred comrades in the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment had their returns abruptly canceled as well by this extended deployment.

Our national correspondent Gary Tuchman is at Fort Polk with more on that.

Gary, good morning.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, good morning to you. There are some happy families today here in Fort Polk, Louisiana, this Army installation. Two ceremonies taking place today welcoming home soldiers, the soldiers you see behind me, about 125 have returned home from Iraq over the last week. This is a demobilization ceremony, they are hearing their leaders talk. They will get awards and then they're demobilized and will be able to go home.

But as you know, earlier this week, Fort Polk was told 3000 other soldiers, who were supposed to be home this month, will now have to stay for three to four more months. Now, just a short time ago we talked with an Army chaplain, who just came back from Iraq himself, and we asked him about the juxtaposition of Fort Polk soldiers who just arrived home and those who were supposed to arrive home.

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CAPT. TOM BOWERS, U.S. ARMY CHAPLAIN: I feel when you complete your mission; we were done with our mission. If our mission required us to go back tomorrow, I'd go back tomorrow. But we're done with our mission and I know that they have a few more months on their mission, so no guilty. Gratefulness to be back and if my country calls again, I'll go again.

TUCHMAN (on camera): And what do you say to the families who are saying, I thought my loved ones mission was over, and they're still there for three or four months?

BOWERS: I again, would tell them that our hearts go out to you. Many good friends over there still. I could name 30 or 40 if I had to. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. And we will pray the days go quickly and they come home safely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TUCHMAN: Fourteen Fort Polk soldiers have lost their lives during this war. And as the chaplain can so eloquently tell you, the major prayer here is that number doesn't get any higher.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Gary Tuchman from Fort Polk. Thank you. It is 11 minutes past the hour. A man who called himself a monster is freed from jail. And the community that he lives in is on alert and asking how could this happen in their town?

And the NBA playoffs start Saturday. Joining us for a preview and other topics, NBA commissioner, David Stern.

And later...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UMA THURMAN, ACTRESS (as "The Bride"): You can just leave it by the door.

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KAGAN: All right. Busting down the doors this weekend, "Kill Bill Volume 2." Mr. Moviefone joins us with a preview.

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I'm better than Annie Oakley, and I've got you right in my sight.

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KAGAN: A convicted child molester, who called himself a monster, was sentenced to life in prison. Amazingly though, he was released earlier this month. It's a case that has sparked outrage and a lot of questions.

Details now from CNN's Miguel Marquez.

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MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Edward Harvey Stokes, a self-proclaimed serial child molester with over 200 victims, was let out of prison last week. His case overturned on appeal and now he's flying under the radar.

JOHN URQUHART, KING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: He has to register as a sex offender within 30 days. But of course, at least so far, has committed no laws -- broken no laws. We're not looking for him. The police aren't looking for him, but we're still interested that he is here in Washington.

MARQUEZ: On September 11, 2001, Stokes was convicted of one count of sexual battery and oral copulation, and sentenced to 19 years to life, after he lured a 16-year-old boy from the streets of Seattle to Orange County, California.

TONY RACKAUCKAS, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, ORANGE COUNTY: Well, he goes after boys who are 15, 16, 17 years old, young men. And uses drugs to get control of them and forces sexual acts on them.

MARQUEZ: Tony Rackauckas, the Orange County district attorney whose office tried Stokes says this is a guy who has a long history of sexually abusing minors.

RACKAUCKAS: They wake up shackled and tied up, and at his mercy; him doing various kinds of forced sex acts on them.

MARQUEZ: In the 1990s, while serving a different sentence on molestation charges in Colorado, he wrote a statement to a prison therapist admitting to having 212 victims over 28 years, and referred to himself as "a monster." Even Stokes' sister by adoption can't believe he's out.

SUSAN STOKES, SISTER: I just think of the kids whose lives he's impacted, and the damage he's done, and the potential for some of those to also become predators.

MARQUEZ: Stokes was released because his sole accuser killed himself shortly before trial. An attorney for Stokes' defense says the Constitution is clear on defendant's rights.

JOHN BARNETT, STOKE'S ATTORNEY: And he did eight years for a crime that he never was afforded his most basic constitutional right, which is to confront and cross-examine his accuser.

MARQUEZ (on camera): The district attorney's office here says though they can't retry Stokes, its investigator was able to track him to Washington State, where a Costco employees, after seeing the story told authorities that Stokes was applying for a Costco card and purchasing candy. Under Washington State law, Stokes must register as a sex offender by mid May.

Miguel Marquez, CNN, Orange County, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY, The winner of "The Apprentice." If you don't already know, you're going to have to wait just a few minutes to find out. But we have some behind the scenes details for you.

And Gerri Willis joins us with tips for those who really have been fired -- Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Right. Well, should you take real life advice from the reality TV show? We'll tell you when we come back, next on CNN LIVE TODAY.

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KAGAN: From the markets to the world of Donald Trump. Last night, Donald Trump named his apprentice on television.

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DONALD TRUMP, HOST, "THE APPRENTICE": Bill, you're hired.

(APPLAUSE)

(CHEERING)

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KAGAN: And those were the words that were music to the ears of Bill Rancic. He won over Kwame Jackson on the TV reality show called "The Apprentice," which stars the billionaire, Donald Trump. Rancic gets to work for Trump for a year; he's going to get $250,000 in salary.

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BILL RANCIC, WINNER, "THE APPRENTICE": I was on the edge of my seat every minute in that boardroom and that was real sweat coming off my palms.

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KAGAN: Well, the guy is from Chicago, so he naturally chose the job of overseeing a Trump skyscraper project in the Windy City.

All the other apprentice seekers on the show and many other Americans in real life have heard the words, "you're fired."

If you are getting pink slipped, there are ways to prepare and to cope. Some tips now CNN financial correspondent Gerri Willis in New York.

Gerri, good morning.

WILLIS: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you. You know, most people know if they're going to get pink slipped, it usually doesn't come as a big surprise. So you need to do some preparation ahead of time and "The Apprentice" sets a good example. You know how all those people come to that last interview with their bags in hand? Consider if you're worried about getting laid off you should start putting together documents that you're going to need to find that next job. Get the Rolodex in hand, the letters of recommendation, any awards you might have won, you're going to need that if you start looking for a job -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Got to say, when it happened to me, Gerri, it was a big surprise. So...

WILLIS: Was it?

KAGAN: Yes. But...

WILLIS: It's tough.

KAGAN: ... very important to be prepared in general. But you were saying when it happens, don't get into a big argument with your soon to be former boss.

WILLIS: Yes. You know, I know the show had lots of tears, lot of emotional blackmail, the emotions ran high, but at the end of the day, if you're getting laid off, you don't want to do that. We spoke to one attorney, Steven Mitchell Sachs. He said look, the last thing you want to do is get into a big argument. "Accept it gracefully. No emotional outburst." And you know, suing your employment could create more problems down you from -- for you down the road with other employers as well, because it's a small world out there. People find out.

KAGAN: Right. So don't be argumentative and yet there is room to negotiate?

WILLIS: Yes. But you can be savvy and negotiate. Look, we're going to be talking about packages, severance packages. We're going to be talking about medical care, health care, insurance. There are things you can negotiate with. And I know people think, gosh, you know, I don't have a lot of leverage. I've just been laid off. But at the end of the day, that employer does not want you to sue. And you can actually appeal to their sense of fair play and say, look, you know, I was a loyal employee here for however many years, I wasn't expecting this. As you said, Daryn, it came out of the blue and I need help in finding that new job. I need a really great package going out.

KAGAN: I think your fourth tip might be the most difficult, in that don't let this define you, don't let this get down on your self- esteem.

WILLIS: Right, exactly. This is a big, big problem. You know, it's really hard not to take it incredibly personally, even if the company is laying off thousands of other workers. Take a cooling off period after you get laid off and get your head together for a while. Look, it's a -- you know, move on. New day. Start all over again -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And, finally, the last tip for the bosses out there. If you've got to do this, if you have to be the one wielding the ax, be kind, be tender, be gentle.

WILLIS: Right. Well, you know, I mean it's really important in terms of business being kind. Because at the end of the day, if you say you're fired like Donald Trump did, you can get a lawsuit and a successful one at that. So you need to sort of make sure that you're not being too angry, emotional yourself, if you're doing the laying off.

KAGAN: Did it ever happen to you? Have you ever been fired?

WILLIS: No.

KAGAN: Really?

WILLIS: Have been laid off...

KAGAN: I'm not surprised!

WILLIS: Have been laid off when a company I worked for went out of business.

KAGAN: OK.

WILLIS: But no big surprise there.

KAGAN: All right. Still doesn't -- It's not good when you're kind of shown the door. Gerri, thank you for that, for the tips. Appreciate it.

WILLIS: Thank you.

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