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U.S. Death Toll at 100 for April in Iraq; Did the Saudis Know Bush's Plans for War in Iraq Before the National Security Team Did?

Aired April 19, 2004 - 07:00   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.


SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: After a bloody weekend in Iraq, the U.S. death toll now at 100 for April alone. The American in charge says Iraqis cannot handle their own security.
Did Saudi Arabia know the president's plan for war in Iraq before members of his own national security team? It's one of many surprises in Bob Woodward's new book.

And, surviving a side impact crash. Tests showing many more failures than successes on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, good morning, welcome to Monday.

Other stories this morning, in a few moments, Kellie Hamill is our guest, the wife of Thomas Hamill -- he is the Halliburton truck driver who has been held hostage in Iraq.

Does she plan to agree to a new plan floated by the Reverend Jesse Jackson -- and what's she hearing from the State Department almost on a daily basis? Get to that story in a moment here with Kellie Hamill.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, interesting perspective on what happened in Afghanistan as U.S. troops chased Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda fighters -- many seemed to simply vanish. This morning we talk with a reporter who has a new book on that escape -- find out exactly what he thinks really happened.

HEMMER: Also Jack Cafferty is up in a moment.

First our top stories this morning here. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge expected to ask for a boost in plans to get ready for possible terrorist attacks.

That call for action comes ahead of a number of high-profile events, including the Democratic and Republican national conventions set for the summer. Ridge is set to speak later today in Las Vegas. An official says the push is a response to analysis and not threat information.

National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice not dismissing a new book by Bob Woodward, but she does take exception with certain parts.

Rice says Woodward misinterpreted private conversations that she had with President Bush in January of last year. Woodward claims the president had secretly ordered an Iraq war plan months before the official accounts. More with our political analyst Jeff Greenfield in a moment on that.

The president of Iowa State University says an annual campus tradition may be now a thing of the past. About 30 were arrested over the weekend after a student organized festival turned into a riot. Police say more than a thousand people smashed storefront windows, pulled down light posts, and flipped cars on the campus. About 20 people received medical attention for minor injuries at Iowa State.

Many mid-sized cars are not faring well during side impact tests with SUVs or pick ups, according to a new study. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety handed out failing grades to several mid- sized cars after a recent crash test. Top marks went out to Toyota Camry and Honda Accord when they were equipped with side impact air bags.

A Russian rocket with a crew of three now headed to the International Space Station, today in fact. The Russian rocket blasted off carrying a Russian, an American, and a Dutchman -- expected to dock on Wednesday. The current ISS crew then will be relieved after a six-month stay in space.

7:03 now here in New York.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: The top U.S. administrator in Iraq is out this morning with an ominous assessment of the security situation there. It comes just as one of America's biggest allies in Iraq is beginning to bring all its troops home.

Jim Clancy is in Baghdad this morning with details on all of this. Jim, good morning.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, or good afternoon I should say, from Baghdad just a couple of minutes past 3:00 in the afternoon here in the Iraqi capitol.

Shaken, if you will, by events on the military front, and on the political front, this day.

First on the military front, there was a blast that was heard very close here to the Palestine Hotel. Some say it was a rocket that hit the grounds of the Swedish Embassy, an embassy that's been abandoned now for about a dozen years.

Also nearby a Christian Evangelical Protestant church and a Jewish synagogue -- was only a tiny number of Jewish Iraqis left here now, fewer than two dozen.

In addition to all of that, of course, we have what was perhaps the bigger boom; that was heard on the political front as Spain's new prime minister, Mr. Zapatero, announcing that he wanted to withdraw his troops as soon as possible, perhaps within the next 14 days.

Now those are about 1400 troops that are in the midst of a troop rotation -- instead of rotating they would all be going home. They are deployed around Najaf, that's been a trouble spot in recent days.

The U.S. senior military commanders are telling CNN today it would not have any major effect -- still, the bottom line is it means the U.S. is going to continue to have to do the heavy lifting in the security situation here as it watches the casualty toll surge, more than 700 troops now killed, more than 100 killed in Iraq so far this month alone. This is what Paul Bremer had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAUL BREMER, U.S. ADMINISTRATOR IN IRAQ: It is clear that the Iraqi forces will not be able on their own to deal with these threats by June 30 when an Iraqi government assumes sovereignty.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLANCY: Well, that's the view from Paul Bremer, a very important note there, there've been a lot of hopes by the U.S. led coalition here that the Iraqis would be assuming more and more -- they're disappointing even dismal performance in the last few weeks has led coalition officials to think otherwise -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Jim Clancy in Baghdad for us -- Jim, thanks.

Jack looking exactly at this subject of security in Iraq as well -- it's time for the "Question of the Day." Good morning.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Soledad. Thank you.

Time for talking in Iraq may be coming to an end. Paul Bremer, America's top guy over there, said yesterday that the Iraqi insurgents quote, must be dealt with.

There's been no progress in talks with these rebels in Fallujah and Najaf. Bremer suggested U.S. troops need to end the stand offs in those two places.

This comes as the U.S. death toll just in April alone, two and a half weeks has reached 100 U.S. troops.

The United States may be take a closer look at the way Israel deals with terrorists. Negotiating apparently not an option.

Over the weekend, an Israeli missile strike killed Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi. This after last month's killing of the founder of Hamas Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. They've named another leader for Hamas, said they wouldn't release his name -- the Israelis know who it is -- they've already put it on the radio; there and chances they'll get him within a reasonable amount of time. In the meantime, we're trying to talk to the insurgents in Najaf and Fallujah. Is it a mistake, then, is the question, to try to negotiate with the insurgents in Iraq? The e-mail address is am@cnn.com. Suggestion has been made that American commanders fearful of what could become a very high body count if they have to go in and take those cities apart street-by-street and block-by-block. But, I mean, sitting on the outskirts isn't accomplishing much either.

HEMMER: They've been there some time.

O'BRIEN: They've been saying, too, if something is not done but that all the negotiating -- some of the military folks there have said it gives a raised, an elevated status, for the insurgents, by just sort of saying, you know, making them equal to the U.S. soldiers there. Apparently that's a big concern as well.

CAFFERTY: Yes, that word insurgents is a little misleading too. These are murdering thugs and not -- you know, they're nothing more, they're not political, they're not social, they're just animals who kill people -- you know -- for want of something better to do.

HEMMER: In the meantime the hostages and the concern continues for them. In fact, over the weekend the Reverend Jesse Jackson joining the effort now to win the release of just sort of saying, you know, making them equal to the U.S. soldiers there. Apparently that's a big concern as well.

CAFFERTY: Yes, that word insurgents is a little misleading too. These are murdering thugs and not -- you know, they're nothing more, they're not political, they're not social, they're just animals who kill people, you know, for want of something better to do.

HEMMER: In the meantime the hostages and the concern continues for them. In fact, over the weekend the Reverend Jesse Jackson joining the effort now to win the release of an American hostage in Iraq. Rev. Jackson says he will try to appeal to Iraq's religious leaders on behalf of civilian truck driver Thomas Hamill. The U.S. playing no role in Jackson's direct effort reiterating that the U.S. will not negotiate with hostage-takers.

Kellie Hamill is the wife of Thomas Hamill; she's our guest this morning in Macon, Mississippi. Our best to you, and our thoughts go out to you as well, and we say thanks for sharing part of your story with us today.

How will the Reverend Jackson be able to help your situation, do you believe Mrs. Hamill?

KELLIE HAMILL, WIFE OF IRAQ HOSTAGE: I'm just hoping that he can appeal to the sources, that we need to get him released, and get him home with us.

HEMMER: Yes. What has he said to you directly over the weekend?

HAMILL: I've not spoke with him. I spoke with him Sunday morning, and he told me he'd made the plea, and that you know if I needed him I could get back up with him and he'd give me a call.

HEMMER: Yes, do you know what's the possibility of him even having contact with these religious leaders in Iraq who could perhaps help you in trying to release your husband there?

HAMILL: I'm just real hopeful that he can. I'm not quite sure, but, you know, I have the faith and we're going to trust him, you know, and Mr. Rev. Jackson and see what you know if it's going to help.

HEMMER: Yes, I understand the State Department calls you every day, is that right?

HAMILL: Yes, sir.

HEMMER: And what have they told you?

HAMILL: The same as everything; there's no word -- you know, no news or anything.

HEMMER: How are you doing?

HAMILL: We're doing fine.

HEMMER: Yes. Where are you getting your support and strength right now Mrs. Hamill?

HAMILL: From family, the community, and the you know people around the nation that are sending their prayers and love.

HEMMER: Before your husband left, did you ever talk about the possibility of a kidnapping, or how much did you discuss the dangers before his departure?

HAMILL: We didn't discuss it.

HEMMER: It never came up, huh?

HAMILL: We just chose not to.

HEMMER: What have you heard from Halliburton? I also know they've had some contact with you. What are they telling you?

HAMILL: We get the same information from them that you know that there's been no new news since Sunday.

HEMMER: What would you like America to know about your husband?

HAMILL: That he's a very family oriented man; he's kind, gentle, loving, very supportive to his family, would do anything for us, for his friends. You know he would do anything for anyone if he could.

HEMMER: With the others being held hostage are you able to share with them a part of this experience for you -- and what's kept you still strong today? HAMILL: Well we've really not been in contact but we do pray for them and offer them our love and support and we kind of know what they're going through.

HEMMER: Listen, our best to you and if there is news we certainly would hope to come back and tell us and share with us and our best to you and your family there in Macon, Mississippi.

Kellie Hamill thanks for your time this morning.

HAMILL: Thank you, sir.

HEMMER: All right, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Israel came to a standstill this morning in the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Annual ceremonies marked the deaths of six million Jews in Nazi death camps during the 1930s and the 1940s.

Today as sirens blared, Israelis stopped wherever they were to observe a two-minute silence.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Palestinians grieved yesterday over the death of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi. Rantisi was killed on Saturday by an Israeli missile.

His assassination follows by about a month that of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The organization says a new leader has been appointed but they will not name him.

HEMMER: In a moment here, how did the president make up his mind to go to war and who was in or out of that loop? A startling new book is out; details on that Bob Woodward book in a moment here.

O'BRIEN: Also an American soldier held hostage in Iraq. The U.S. will not negotiate but there are other options for getting him back. A look at those options ahead.

HEMMER: Also an NHL player suspected in a murder for hire plot. Details next here on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: The week's questions about the two major issues of the past two and a half years. Terrorism and the Iraq war have dominated the headlines. Well now there's Bob Woodward's new book about the path to the war in Iraq.

Senior analyst Jeff Greenfield joins us this morning to talk about the potential political consequences.

Hello, Jeff. Good morning to you.

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning.

O'BRIEN: Let's start with the political potential fall out. I mean this interview I thought was just full of headlines.

GREENFIELD: Yes, and I think there were a couple of notable items just off the bat.

First, Woodward says a preliminary decision to plan for an Iraq war was launched in November 2001 that money for the preparation was spent without the knowledge of Congress and that the go was given by Bush in January not March of 2003 and probably most notably, he did not consult Secretary of State Colin Powell before making that decision.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB WOODWARD, "WASHINGTON POST": So he told Condi Rice, he told Rumsfeld, he knew Cheney wanted to do this and they realized they haven't told Colin Powell, the Secretary of State. So Condi Rice says to the President...

MIKE WALLACE, CBS NEWS: You're serious?

WOODWARD: I'm serious. And so Condi Rice said you'd better call Colin in and tell him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GREENFIELD: Now that accounts for why they were strongly challenged by National Security Adviser Condi Rice on "Face The Nation" yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Through all of the national security meetings, to conversations with the president, the only thing that I was saying is that Mr. President, if you're beginning to think that the diplomacy is not working, it's probably time to have a conversation with the Secretary of State.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GREENFIELD: So, for those who thought that the Bush administration was hell bent on war, that they had little if any interest in forming any international coalition or seeing if inspections might work, Soledad there is some fodder in this book for that.

O'BRIEN: When you look at what voters are going to be looking for come November, many people say, you know, it's about the economy, it's going to be about the domestic economy and all these issues when Colin Powell knew and who knew and in what order and who was told first, voters relevant to many historians maybe but not to the voters.

GREENFIELD: I think at the outset it's going to be more of a Washington controversy than a national, and I think there are going to be people in Congress here and Republicans who may have issues with the idea that the administration took Afghanistan money and spent it secretly in Iraq, but I think the judgment about the wisdom of going to war which I think is going to be an issue in November, it's going to be based on what the country that is what Iraq is like next fall the more stable and peaceful the better the war will look, the more it looks like what it's looked like these last two weeks, the greater the doubt, Soledad about the decision to go in the first place.

O'BRIEN: And all that of course leads to specific people. I mean, let's name some names about where the fall out could come. Let's talk about Colin Powell, let's talk about Dick Cheney, and let's talk about George Tenet.

GREENFIELD: Well, first I think conservatives as -- neo- conservatives -- the hawks -- are going to be very unhappy with Powell. They have always seen him as suspect.

Too liberal, too internationalist, too eager to curry favor with the press. He is clearly a major source for this book and his accounts of Vice-President Cheney as someone seized by a war fever is not going to go over very well. They're going to say he's just trying to protect his own reputation if the war looks bad.

Second, as you mentioned, the book is not going to help CIA Director George Tenet who apparently gave some very questionable guidance about the critical weapons of mass destruction issue. Take a look at what he says.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WOODWARD: And George Tenet, sitting on the couch, stands up and says don't worry; it's a slam-dunk case. And the president challenges him again and Tenet says the case it's a slam-dunk.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GREENFIELD: And, finally, and I think this may wind up being the really hot political story -- the fact that the administration if Woodward's right told Saudi Prince Bandar about the war before telling Powell and that Bandar apparently promised to lower oil prices to help Bush's reelection -- that could be the real political controversy.

The Saudi Arabia-Bush family relationship is already at the top of at least one best selling book but the idea that in terms of a foreign interference of a U.S. election -- remember how much trouble John Kerry got in by talking about foreign leaders who were for him? The idea that the Saudis want Bush to win -- that...

O'BRIEN: And will lower gas prices in time for the election -- according of course to Woodward...

GREENFIELD: I actually think that's the biggest eyebrow raiser in the whole "60 Minutes" interview more than what Powell knew when. That -- that's -- that one could really bother people, I think.

O'BRIEN: How do you think the president comes out? I mean, you name names and you left out President Bush. What -- how do you think he looks? GREENFIELD: You know it's a mixed picture. I mean compared to Woodward's last book, which really painted Bush in almost heroic terms, it shows him being more decisive than some of his critics who think that he's like -- you know just doesn't know anything.

He clearly is a decision maker in this process. But -- and it does show that he was at least asking George Tenet are you really sure about the WMD. But it clearly also shows that the more hawkish members of the administration had his ear much earlier than the official story that we heard up to now -- so mixed bag.

O'BRIEN: Yes, interesting -- interesting book. It -- I think it goes on sale today so we'll see how it does.

GREENFIELD: Yes, apparently every week or two we're going to get another book with political overtones. Great for the business.

O'BRIEN: Hey, absolutely. Greenfield, as always, thanks.

And you want to stay tuned to CNN. Tonight Bob Woodward is going to be a guest on the LARRY KING LIVE. That takes place of course at 9:00 Eastern time -- Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, break here in a moment -- the new corporate tax bill loaded with some nice perks but not everyone benefits here. Andy explains next here on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back everybody. Looks like the new corporate tax bill is packed with goodies for special interests. Andy Serwer "Minding Your Business" this morning -- hello.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Hello, good morning to you.

O'BRIEN: Big surprise there.

SERWER: Yes, right. I mean, pork barrel? I mean, this is what always happens with these bills. A new tax bill is winding its way through Congress.

The "Washington Post" reporting this morning that a tax lobbyist who worked on the bill said the process had been taken to a new level of sleaze.

And again as Soledad said why are we not surprised. Let's take a look at the bill. Here first off we've got some of the good parts about it. Lookit here. Increasing penalties on corporate tax couples -- that's the people who move to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to renounce their citizenship -- you're going to get nailed.

Benedict Arnold companies -- that's the bottom one there -- you're going to get nailed. That's the good stuff.

Let's move on to the pork barrel though, this is the fun stuff. Horse and dog track owners. Tax break there. For foreign gamblers, elimination of withholding taxes. We need that. NASCAR track owners, a tax credit for grandstands. Grandstands. Bow and arrow makers for youth bows there is a tax credit. Oldsmobile dealers -- Oldsmobile being eliminated, of course, there's $189 million phase out for Oldsmobile dealers -- that's very nice.

Timber companies, a $90 million tax credit for reforestation and then at the bottom there, check this out. The Warrior Hotel of Sioux City, Iowa, a $94 million historic rehab for certain low income housing for the elderly to refurbish that old hotel.

I guess that's OK if you happen to live there and be a part of that small little business in that city.

O'BRIEN: In Sioux City, Iowa and you're elderly and you lived in a hotel.

SERWER: Right, but that's how these things always work and it's still in committee, not sure where we are in terms of how soon it's going to get on the floor for a vote.

O'BRIEN: Want to preview the market for us?

SERWER: I do. Let's talk about last week, though. Blue chips were up last week. You can see here Nasdaq slipped and we went below 2,000 Soledad but back and forth in the middle of earnings season. We've got 3M and Lily this morning. And futures were looking flat today. Of course with foreign affairs again holding sway probably over the markets.

O'BRIEN: All right. Thank you very much, we'll check in with you again.

SERWER: You're welcome.

HEMMER: Intriguing story from the NHL. A member of the St. Louis Blues hockey team could be returned to the St. Louis area as early as today facing charges stemming from an alleged murder for hire plot.

Mike Danton shown here in the middle was arrested on Friday night in Santa Jose California after his team was knocked from the playoffs. Police say Danton tried to hire someone to kill an acquaintance he feared may ruin his career by talking to team officials about his quote promiscuity and use of alcohol.

Some of the teammates on the Blues talked about that case.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DOUG WEIGHT, ST. LOUIS BLUES: He was confrontational on the ice. He worked hard and he was there for us every day and was -- like I said I wish him the best.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: A 19-year-old female college student was also arrested. Her family believes she met Danton at a St. Louis area mall where she worked and where the Blues have a practice site.

Still to come here on AMERICAN MORNING a good weekend for revenge, a food fight erupts in the new season of "The Restaurant," and losing pays off for former "Apprentice" hopefuls. All to be tackled by "90-Second Pop." Back in a minute here on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired April 19, 2004 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: After a bloody weekend in Iraq, the U.S. death toll now at 100 for April alone. The American in charge says Iraqis cannot handle their own security.
Did Saudi Arabia know the president's plan for war in Iraq before members of his own national security team? It's one of many surprises in Bob Woodward's new book.

And, surviving a side impact crash. Tests showing many more failures than successes on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, good morning, welcome to Monday.

Other stories this morning, in a few moments, Kellie Hamill is our guest, the wife of Thomas Hamill -- he is the Halliburton truck driver who has been held hostage in Iraq.

Does she plan to agree to a new plan floated by the Reverend Jesse Jackson -- and what's she hearing from the State Department almost on a daily basis? Get to that story in a moment here with Kellie Hamill.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, interesting perspective on what happened in Afghanistan as U.S. troops chased Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda fighters -- many seemed to simply vanish. This morning we talk with a reporter who has a new book on that escape -- find out exactly what he thinks really happened.

HEMMER: Also Jack Cafferty is up in a moment.

First our top stories this morning here. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge expected to ask for a boost in plans to get ready for possible terrorist attacks.

That call for action comes ahead of a number of high-profile events, including the Democratic and Republican national conventions set for the summer. Ridge is set to speak later today in Las Vegas. An official says the push is a response to analysis and not threat information.

National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice not dismissing a new book by Bob Woodward, but she does take exception with certain parts.

Rice says Woodward misinterpreted private conversations that she had with President Bush in January of last year. Woodward claims the president had secretly ordered an Iraq war plan months before the official accounts. More with our political analyst Jeff Greenfield in a moment on that.

The president of Iowa State University says an annual campus tradition may be now a thing of the past. About 30 were arrested over the weekend after a student organized festival turned into a riot. Police say more than a thousand people smashed storefront windows, pulled down light posts, and flipped cars on the campus. About 20 people received medical attention for minor injuries at Iowa State.

Many mid-sized cars are not faring well during side impact tests with SUVs or pick ups, according to a new study. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety handed out failing grades to several mid- sized cars after a recent crash test. Top marks went out to Toyota Camry and Honda Accord when they were equipped with side impact air bags.

A Russian rocket with a crew of three now headed to the International Space Station, today in fact. The Russian rocket blasted off carrying a Russian, an American, and a Dutchman -- expected to dock on Wednesday. The current ISS crew then will be relieved after a six-month stay in space.

7:03 now here in New York.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: The top U.S. administrator in Iraq is out this morning with an ominous assessment of the security situation there. It comes just as one of America's biggest allies in Iraq is beginning to bring all its troops home.

Jim Clancy is in Baghdad this morning with details on all of this. Jim, good morning.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, or good afternoon I should say, from Baghdad just a couple of minutes past 3:00 in the afternoon here in the Iraqi capitol.

Shaken, if you will, by events on the military front, and on the political front, this day.

First on the military front, there was a blast that was heard very close here to the Palestine Hotel. Some say it was a rocket that hit the grounds of the Swedish Embassy, an embassy that's been abandoned now for about a dozen years.

Also nearby a Christian Evangelical Protestant church and a Jewish synagogue -- was only a tiny number of Jewish Iraqis left here now, fewer than two dozen.

In addition to all of that, of course, we have what was perhaps the bigger boom; that was heard on the political front as Spain's new prime minister, Mr. Zapatero, announcing that he wanted to withdraw his troops as soon as possible, perhaps within the next 14 days.

Now those are about 1400 troops that are in the midst of a troop rotation -- instead of rotating they would all be going home. They are deployed around Najaf, that's been a trouble spot in recent days.

The U.S. senior military commanders are telling CNN today it would not have any major effect -- still, the bottom line is it means the U.S. is going to continue to have to do the heavy lifting in the security situation here as it watches the casualty toll surge, more than 700 troops now killed, more than 100 killed in Iraq so far this month alone. This is what Paul Bremer had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAUL BREMER, U.S. ADMINISTRATOR IN IRAQ: It is clear that the Iraqi forces will not be able on their own to deal with these threats by June 30 when an Iraqi government assumes sovereignty.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLANCY: Well, that's the view from Paul Bremer, a very important note there, there've been a lot of hopes by the U.S. led coalition here that the Iraqis would be assuming more and more -- they're disappointing even dismal performance in the last few weeks has led coalition officials to think otherwise -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Jim Clancy in Baghdad for us -- Jim, thanks.

Jack looking exactly at this subject of security in Iraq as well -- it's time for the "Question of the Day." Good morning.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Soledad. Thank you.

Time for talking in Iraq may be coming to an end. Paul Bremer, America's top guy over there, said yesterday that the Iraqi insurgents quote, must be dealt with.

There's been no progress in talks with these rebels in Fallujah and Najaf. Bremer suggested U.S. troops need to end the stand offs in those two places.

This comes as the U.S. death toll just in April alone, two and a half weeks has reached 100 U.S. troops.

The United States may be take a closer look at the way Israel deals with terrorists. Negotiating apparently not an option.

Over the weekend, an Israeli missile strike killed Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi. This after last month's killing of the founder of Hamas Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. They've named another leader for Hamas, said they wouldn't release his name -- the Israelis know who it is -- they've already put it on the radio; there and chances they'll get him within a reasonable amount of time. In the meantime, we're trying to talk to the insurgents in Najaf and Fallujah. Is it a mistake, then, is the question, to try to negotiate with the insurgents in Iraq? The e-mail address is am@cnn.com. Suggestion has been made that American commanders fearful of what could become a very high body count if they have to go in and take those cities apart street-by-street and block-by-block. But, I mean, sitting on the outskirts isn't accomplishing much either.

HEMMER: They've been there some time.

O'BRIEN: They've been saying, too, if something is not done but that all the negotiating -- some of the military folks there have said it gives a raised, an elevated status, for the insurgents, by just sort of saying, you know, making them equal to the U.S. soldiers there. Apparently that's a big concern as well.

CAFFERTY: Yes, that word insurgents is a little misleading too. These are murdering thugs and not -- you know, they're nothing more, they're not political, they're not social, they're just animals who kill people -- you know -- for want of something better to do.

HEMMER: In the meantime the hostages and the concern continues for them. In fact, over the weekend the Reverend Jesse Jackson joining the effort now to win the release of just sort of saying, you know, making them equal to the U.S. soldiers there. Apparently that's a big concern as well.

CAFFERTY: Yes, that word insurgents is a little misleading too. These are murdering thugs and not -- you know, they're nothing more, they're not political, they're not social, they're just animals who kill people, you know, for want of something better to do.

HEMMER: In the meantime the hostages and the concern continues for them. In fact, over the weekend the Reverend Jesse Jackson joining the effort now to win the release of an American hostage in Iraq. Rev. Jackson says he will try to appeal to Iraq's religious leaders on behalf of civilian truck driver Thomas Hamill. The U.S. playing no role in Jackson's direct effort reiterating that the U.S. will not negotiate with hostage-takers.

Kellie Hamill is the wife of Thomas Hamill; she's our guest this morning in Macon, Mississippi. Our best to you, and our thoughts go out to you as well, and we say thanks for sharing part of your story with us today.

How will the Reverend Jackson be able to help your situation, do you believe Mrs. Hamill?

KELLIE HAMILL, WIFE OF IRAQ HOSTAGE: I'm just hoping that he can appeal to the sources, that we need to get him released, and get him home with us.

HEMMER: Yes. What has he said to you directly over the weekend?

HAMILL: I've not spoke with him. I spoke with him Sunday morning, and he told me he'd made the plea, and that you know if I needed him I could get back up with him and he'd give me a call.

HEMMER: Yes, do you know what's the possibility of him even having contact with these religious leaders in Iraq who could perhaps help you in trying to release your husband there?

HAMILL: I'm just real hopeful that he can. I'm not quite sure, but, you know, I have the faith and we're going to trust him, you know, and Mr. Rev. Jackson and see what you know if it's going to help.

HEMMER: Yes, I understand the State Department calls you every day, is that right?

HAMILL: Yes, sir.

HEMMER: And what have they told you?

HAMILL: The same as everything; there's no word -- you know, no news or anything.

HEMMER: How are you doing?

HAMILL: We're doing fine.

HEMMER: Yes. Where are you getting your support and strength right now Mrs. Hamill?

HAMILL: From family, the community, and the you know people around the nation that are sending their prayers and love.

HEMMER: Before your husband left, did you ever talk about the possibility of a kidnapping, or how much did you discuss the dangers before his departure?

HAMILL: We didn't discuss it.

HEMMER: It never came up, huh?

HAMILL: We just chose not to.

HEMMER: What have you heard from Halliburton? I also know they've had some contact with you. What are they telling you?

HAMILL: We get the same information from them that you know that there's been no new news since Sunday.

HEMMER: What would you like America to know about your husband?

HAMILL: That he's a very family oriented man; he's kind, gentle, loving, very supportive to his family, would do anything for us, for his friends. You know he would do anything for anyone if he could.

HEMMER: With the others being held hostage are you able to share with them a part of this experience for you -- and what's kept you still strong today? HAMILL: Well we've really not been in contact but we do pray for them and offer them our love and support and we kind of know what they're going through.

HEMMER: Listen, our best to you and if there is news we certainly would hope to come back and tell us and share with us and our best to you and your family there in Macon, Mississippi.

Kellie Hamill thanks for your time this morning.

HAMILL: Thank you, sir.

HEMMER: All right, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Israel came to a standstill this morning in the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Annual ceremonies marked the deaths of six million Jews in Nazi death camps during the 1930s and the 1940s.

Today as sirens blared, Israelis stopped wherever they were to observe a two-minute silence.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Palestinians grieved yesterday over the death of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi. Rantisi was killed on Saturday by an Israeli missile.

His assassination follows by about a month that of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The organization says a new leader has been appointed but they will not name him.

HEMMER: In a moment here, how did the president make up his mind to go to war and who was in or out of that loop? A startling new book is out; details on that Bob Woodward book in a moment here.

O'BRIEN: Also an American soldier held hostage in Iraq. The U.S. will not negotiate but there are other options for getting him back. A look at those options ahead.

HEMMER: Also an NHL player suspected in a murder for hire plot. Details next here on AMERICAN MORNING.

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O'BRIEN: The week's questions about the two major issues of the past two and a half years. Terrorism and the Iraq war have dominated the headlines. Well now there's Bob Woodward's new book about the path to the war in Iraq.

Senior analyst Jeff Greenfield joins us this morning to talk about the potential political consequences.

Hello, Jeff. Good morning to you.

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning.

O'BRIEN: Let's start with the political potential fall out. I mean this interview I thought was just full of headlines.

GREENFIELD: Yes, and I think there were a couple of notable items just off the bat.

First, Woodward says a preliminary decision to plan for an Iraq war was launched in November 2001 that money for the preparation was spent without the knowledge of Congress and that the go was given by Bush in January not March of 2003 and probably most notably, he did not consult Secretary of State Colin Powell before making that decision.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB WOODWARD, "WASHINGTON POST": So he told Condi Rice, he told Rumsfeld, he knew Cheney wanted to do this and they realized they haven't told Colin Powell, the Secretary of State. So Condi Rice says to the President...

MIKE WALLACE, CBS NEWS: You're serious?

WOODWARD: I'm serious. And so Condi Rice said you'd better call Colin in and tell him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GREENFIELD: Now that accounts for why they were strongly challenged by National Security Adviser Condi Rice on "Face The Nation" yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Through all of the national security meetings, to conversations with the president, the only thing that I was saying is that Mr. President, if you're beginning to think that the diplomacy is not working, it's probably time to have a conversation with the Secretary of State.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GREENFIELD: So, for those who thought that the Bush administration was hell bent on war, that they had little if any interest in forming any international coalition or seeing if inspections might work, Soledad there is some fodder in this book for that.

O'BRIEN: When you look at what voters are going to be looking for come November, many people say, you know, it's about the economy, it's going to be about the domestic economy and all these issues when Colin Powell knew and who knew and in what order and who was told first, voters relevant to many historians maybe but not to the voters.

GREENFIELD: I think at the outset it's going to be more of a Washington controversy than a national, and I think there are going to be people in Congress here and Republicans who may have issues with the idea that the administration took Afghanistan money and spent it secretly in Iraq, but I think the judgment about the wisdom of going to war which I think is going to be an issue in November, it's going to be based on what the country that is what Iraq is like next fall the more stable and peaceful the better the war will look, the more it looks like what it's looked like these last two weeks, the greater the doubt, Soledad about the decision to go in the first place.

O'BRIEN: And all that of course leads to specific people. I mean, let's name some names about where the fall out could come. Let's talk about Colin Powell, let's talk about Dick Cheney, and let's talk about George Tenet.

GREENFIELD: Well, first I think conservatives as -- neo- conservatives -- the hawks -- are going to be very unhappy with Powell. They have always seen him as suspect.

Too liberal, too internationalist, too eager to curry favor with the press. He is clearly a major source for this book and his accounts of Vice-President Cheney as someone seized by a war fever is not going to go over very well. They're going to say he's just trying to protect his own reputation if the war looks bad.

Second, as you mentioned, the book is not going to help CIA Director George Tenet who apparently gave some very questionable guidance about the critical weapons of mass destruction issue. Take a look at what he says.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WOODWARD: And George Tenet, sitting on the couch, stands up and says don't worry; it's a slam-dunk case. And the president challenges him again and Tenet says the case it's a slam-dunk.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GREENFIELD: And, finally, and I think this may wind up being the really hot political story -- the fact that the administration if Woodward's right told Saudi Prince Bandar about the war before telling Powell and that Bandar apparently promised to lower oil prices to help Bush's reelection -- that could be the real political controversy.

The Saudi Arabia-Bush family relationship is already at the top of at least one best selling book but the idea that in terms of a foreign interference of a U.S. election -- remember how much trouble John Kerry got in by talking about foreign leaders who were for him? The idea that the Saudis want Bush to win -- that...

O'BRIEN: And will lower gas prices in time for the election -- according of course to Woodward...

GREENFIELD: I actually think that's the biggest eyebrow raiser in the whole "60 Minutes" interview more than what Powell knew when. That -- that's -- that one could really bother people, I think.

O'BRIEN: How do you think the president comes out? I mean, you name names and you left out President Bush. What -- how do you think he looks? GREENFIELD: You know it's a mixed picture. I mean compared to Woodward's last book, which really painted Bush in almost heroic terms, it shows him being more decisive than some of his critics who think that he's like -- you know just doesn't know anything.

He clearly is a decision maker in this process. But -- and it does show that he was at least asking George Tenet are you really sure about the WMD. But it clearly also shows that the more hawkish members of the administration had his ear much earlier than the official story that we heard up to now -- so mixed bag.

O'BRIEN: Yes, interesting -- interesting book. It -- I think it goes on sale today so we'll see how it does.

GREENFIELD: Yes, apparently every week or two we're going to get another book with political overtones. Great for the business.

O'BRIEN: Hey, absolutely. Greenfield, as always, thanks.

And you want to stay tuned to CNN. Tonight Bob Woodward is going to be a guest on the LARRY KING LIVE. That takes place of course at 9:00 Eastern time -- Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, break here in a moment -- the new corporate tax bill loaded with some nice perks but not everyone benefits here. Andy explains next here on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back everybody. Looks like the new corporate tax bill is packed with goodies for special interests. Andy Serwer "Minding Your Business" this morning -- hello.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Hello, good morning to you.

O'BRIEN: Big surprise there.

SERWER: Yes, right. I mean, pork barrel? I mean, this is what always happens with these bills. A new tax bill is winding its way through Congress.

The "Washington Post" reporting this morning that a tax lobbyist who worked on the bill said the process had been taken to a new level of sleaze.

And again as Soledad said why are we not surprised. Let's take a look at the bill. Here first off we've got some of the good parts about it. Lookit here. Increasing penalties on corporate tax couples -- that's the people who move to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to renounce their citizenship -- you're going to get nailed.

Benedict Arnold companies -- that's the bottom one there -- you're going to get nailed. That's the good stuff.

Let's move on to the pork barrel though, this is the fun stuff. Horse and dog track owners. Tax break there. For foreign gamblers, elimination of withholding taxes. We need that. NASCAR track owners, a tax credit for grandstands. Grandstands. Bow and arrow makers for youth bows there is a tax credit. Oldsmobile dealers -- Oldsmobile being eliminated, of course, there's $189 million phase out for Oldsmobile dealers -- that's very nice.

Timber companies, a $90 million tax credit for reforestation and then at the bottom there, check this out. The Warrior Hotel of Sioux City, Iowa, a $94 million historic rehab for certain low income housing for the elderly to refurbish that old hotel.

I guess that's OK if you happen to live there and be a part of that small little business in that city.

O'BRIEN: In Sioux City, Iowa and you're elderly and you lived in a hotel.

SERWER: Right, but that's how these things always work and it's still in committee, not sure where we are in terms of how soon it's going to get on the floor for a vote.

O'BRIEN: Want to preview the market for us?

SERWER: I do. Let's talk about last week, though. Blue chips were up last week. You can see here Nasdaq slipped and we went below 2,000 Soledad but back and forth in the middle of earnings season. We've got 3M and Lily this morning. And futures were looking flat today. Of course with foreign affairs again holding sway probably over the markets.

O'BRIEN: All right. Thank you very much, we'll check in with you again.

SERWER: You're welcome.

HEMMER: Intriguing story from the NHL. A member of the St. Louis Blues hockey team could be returned to the St. Louis area as early as today facing charges stemming from an alleged murder for hire plot.

Mike Danton shown here in the middle was arrested on Friday night in Santa Jose California after his team was knocked from the playoffs. Police say Danton tried to hire someone to kill an acquaintance he feared may ruin his career by talking to team officials about his quote promiscuity and use of alcohol.

Some of the teammates on the Blues talked about that case.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DOUG WEIGHT, ST. LOUIS BLUES: He was confrontational on the ice. He worked hard and he was there for us every day and was -- like I said I wish him the best.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: A 19-year-old female college student was also arrested. Her family believes she met Danton at a St. Louis area mall where she worked and where the Blues have a practice site.

Still to come here on AMERICAN MORNING a good weekend for revenge, a food fight erupts in the new season of "The Restaurant," and losing pays off for former "Apprentice" hopefuls. All to be tackled by "90-Second Pop." Back in a minute here on AMERICAN MORNING.

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