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CNN Live Today
Bush Sits Interviews With Arab Language TV an Attempt to Sooth Rising Anger Over Photographed Abuse of Prisoners in Iraq
Aired May 05, 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 from CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan. We begin with the headlines at this hour.
Fire and fury in Iraq, as U.S. forces launch a major operation near Najaf. Troops fired rounds of ammunition on a building controlled by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr. Guns, rounds and a collection of rocket-propelled grenades were seized from a girl's school next door. One U.S. soldier at a nearby checkpoint was shot by a gunman during the operation.
Just 100 days before the start of the Olympics in Greece, police are looking for whoever is behind a series of blasts there early today. Three bombs exploded outside an Athens police station causing heavy damage. No one was injured officials say an anonymous caller warned of the attacks moments earlier. No one has claimed responsibility. Police believe the attacks were the work of domestic groups, not international terrorists.
Here in the U.S., hundreds of residents in Southern California are still out of their homes due to raging wildfires. Firefighters there have been battling the blazes, along with soaring temperatures and erratic canyon wind. More than a dozen homes have been destroyed. A man has charged with negligently starting the largest blaze.
And in New York, an amazing story that ends well. Yesterday, this helicopter for local news station WNBC began spinning out of control; it eventually crashed on a building's rooftop. Amazingly, all three people survived; two are listed in serious but stable condition.
The first hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.
Live this hour, words to combat the images. President Bush sits down with two Arab-language television networks, in an extraordinary attempt to sooth the rising anger over the photographed abuse of prisoners in Iraq. And President Bush's interview today on two Arab- language networks are part of a damage control offensive. Top administration officials are delivering common messages to the Arab world.
Let's begin with Suzanne Malveaux with a closer look at the damage control. She is live at the White House.
Suzanne, good morning. SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONENT: Good morning, Daryn. Well White House spokesman Scott McClellan just wrapped up the informal gaggle with reporters, two things coming out of that. First, he says that the president does not believe that Secretary Rumsfeld should resign over this. He also said that the president still has full confidence in the secretary. Now, having said that, of course, this is a scandal that has grown by days here; it's something the administration realizes it has to face head on. That's why the president, at this hour, is doing two interviews with Arab-language networks here at the White House in the Map Room. We're told about 10 minutes for each network. One of them al Hura, which is a U.S.- sponsored pan Arab network. The other one, al Arabiya, which is based in the United Arab Emirates. What is noticeably absent however, is al Lajeera -- al Jazeera; that is the network that is based in Qatar.
We have heard from U.S. officials who have complained in the past, they've been displeased about the coverage. They say it's anti- American. But McClellan going to say that he believes that the president's message will reach a wide audience in the Arab world. As you know, Daryn, of course this is part of a larger public relations campaign, very aggressive campaign to get the message out. Yesterday we saw National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice who gave three interviews to Arab-nation networks. This is all about doing major damage control.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: We have to do a better job; the government has to do a better job of getting our story out through our embassies and through our people on the ground. And look, we're trying with the press.
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: Response to these pictures, there should be. I mean they are terrible. They're terrible. That's all there is to it. And we will deal with this by telling the people of the world by saying is an isolated incident.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
MALVEAUX: Now there have been apologies that have been coming. Yesterday it was Dr. Rice who said, and I'm quoting here. "We are deeply sorry for what happened to these people." We also heard from that -- the man who's in control of U.S. prisons in Iraq, also extending an apology. It is not clear whether or not the president is going to extend a similar apology, but he will say that these actions are wrong, that they are shameful and unacceptable. He will also make a distinction saying the U.S. will hold those who are guilty to account, unlike Saddam Hussein's regime -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House, we'll be back with you throughout the morning.
The White House says that President Bush's interviews will allow him to speak directly to the people of the Arab nations. How is that message likely to be received? For that we turn to our Octavia Naser. She is our senior editor for Arab Affairs. Good morning, thanks for being here with us.
OCTAVIA NASER, CNN SENIOR EDITOR ARAB AFFAIRS: Thank you for having me.
KAGAN: First, let's talk about these specific networks. Suzanne was touching on that a little bit. I think one, especially al Hura, is one that people have not heard a lot about; based right here in the U.S.
NASER: Based in Virginia in the U.S. It launched February 14 of this year, so it's brand new. It is a U.S. project designed and aimed at -- in the president's words "winning the hearts and minds of the Arab people." This follows two ventures: a magazine and radio that the U.S. has launched before along the same lines, trying to get their message across to the Arab world.
KAGAN: Also, al Arabiya more established Arab network and yet not the powerhouse of the Arab-language media world.
NASER: Yes. Al Arabiya launched a few weeks before the war last year. It is the sister network of the Middle East Broadcasting Center, which is the leading network that started this 24-hour Arab networks back in the early '90s. Al Arabiya is sort of new trying to find its own identity as well. Al Arabiya is Saudi owned, based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. And Mr. Bush did give them an interview before -- right before the launch. And also the president gave an interview to al Hura for the launch that was their present for launching.
KAGAN: So he's spoken to both these organizations. The big one that is not there, that's not getting the interview is al Jazeera. What kind of reach does that have and what is the statement to Arab world by not talking to al Jazeera?
NASER: Well, first of all, Al Jazeera has a much wider reach than al Hura and al Arabiya. By speaking to al Arabiya, for example, the president is excluding Arabic speakers in Asia, in the Americas and Australia. It's a question to be debated. Why he's not appearing on al Jazeera, why he's appearing on al Arabiya instead? The observers are telling us right now that perhaps his target audience can be reached through al Arabiya and al Hura. Al Hura can be seen inside Iraq. It can be seen all around the Middle East and al Arabiya can reach also homes in the Middle East and Europe.
KAGAN: I was asking you before we went on the air about how this media world works. If this were the U.S. and another network had a huge interview, we would take part of that. We would give credit to say the other network got that. Could al Jazeera pick up part of this interview so that it is more widespread?
NASER: We haven't seen it happen in the past. Usually these stations stay away from each other's exclusives. So, in the past, we haven't seen it. It is yet to be determined, of course. It depends on what the president is going to say in these interviews. If he says something earth shattering that's going to make big, big waves and big news in the Middle East, they might.
During the war in Iraq last year, what happened is there was some kind of camaraderie that happened between Abu Dhabi TV, for example, and al Jazeera because they were both under fire, under attack. They had their headquarters targeted and hit. So, that brought them together. They started sharing some things, some news...
KAGAN: So it could happen, it might not. But I just want...
NASER: It could happen but we doubt it will. My conversations with al Jazeera this morning indicates that no, it's not going to happen. But you never know.
KAGAN: You never know but we'll be watching that. And just -- I want -- we were hearing Suzanne Malveaux talk about the possibility an apology or not an apology. Culturally, what words to Arab listeners will be important for them? What will they be looking for to hear, do you think from this president?
NASER: Judging by what we read in Arab press and what we hear on Arab media, it seems the Arab street right now, and the Arab media are waiting for words such as: we apologize for the suffering, we apologize for the pain that these pictures have caused you, and this behavior has caused you. They're looking for specific words. The fear among Arab media executives right now is that the conversation is going to turn from what did the president say to who did he say it to? And that is going to be unfortunate if that happens.
KAGAN: About which media outlets that he's chosen?
NASER: Right.
KAGAN: OK. We'll be watching, you'll be watching it with us. And you'll be with us throughout the morning. The president, you said, we'll see if he does use the S -- or the apology word and still conveying this sense of strength that's so important to Mr. Bush.
Octavia, thank you.
NASER: Thank you.
KAGAN: We'll have you later in the morning.
Also today, there was a large crowd of angry Iraqis demonstrating outside Abu Ghraib prison. That is the site of the photographed abuses and the media has given its first glimpse through the lens of a pool crew that just emerged moments ago.
Our Ben Wedeman is in Baghdad where he filed this report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Hundreds of Iraqis demonstrated outside the Abu Ghraib today, demanding that those soldiers who were involved in this alleged act of abuse be punished. Now, they also demanded that Iraqi human rights organizations have free access to all U.S. detention centers.
Now, a small group of those demonstrators, mostly religious leaders were able to meet out in front of the prison with some representatives of the administration of the facility. They apparently gave in a list of demands. Afterwards, I spoke with one of those religious leaders, who said he simply doesn't trust the United States to make good on its promises to improve conditions inside Abu Ghraib.
Inside Abu Ghraib today, the new head of that prison, Major General Jeffrey Miller took journalists on a tour of the facility. During that tour he made a personal apology to the Iraqi people for the abuse by U.S. soldiers of Iraqi detainees. And he pledged that that sort of abuse would never happen again. He also said that the population of the prison, which is about 3,900 at the moment, will be reduced. Three hundred prisoners will be released this week, 400 next week.
I'm Ben Wedeman, CNN, reporting from Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: The Pentagon plans to draw down the number of U.S. troops that are serving in Iraq. Those plans are being put on hold. That means a current number of 138,000 U.S. forces will remain in Iraq through the end of next year. Some will rotate out. Ten thousand replacement personnel are now preparing to be dispatched to Iraq. Another 10,000 replacements will be identified for the mission; together they will relieve to 20,000 Americans that are currently serving there right now.
Fire rages and hundreds evacuate. Thousands of acres are already scorched but cooler temperatures could bring some relief to Californians.
Also, explosions in Athens 100 days before the summer Olympics kick off. A live report just ahead.
And later, battling obesity. One woman's personal story about losing almost 200 pounds and the life that she found.
This is CNN LIVE TODAY.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Southern California still battling the wild fires.
JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, really. Little bit of relief weather wise, but it's so gradual, you can hardly feel the difference. You know, temperatures are going to drop a little bit; but unfortunately, in the fire areas are not going to get the brunt of it. The best area for weather improvements is going to be on the coast. Live pictures there, you can see from KABC smoke pluming up into the air.
KAGAN: We have much more on the fires ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY. We'll go live to Santa Barbara and San Diego.
And if you're in the market for a home but on a tight budget, Gerri Willis has some advice for you.
GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you. If you can't afford a house because interest rates are moving higher and prices have gone through the roof, we got some ideas for you. Stay with us on CNN LIVE TODAY.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
POWELL: The photos themselves that caused the big stir. Rightly so when we could all see what the investigations were about, and what people were being accused of having participated in. And so, we are all terribly distressed and shocked by those photos and what the photos said about the manner in which the troops there were doing their job. And as you've heard the president, you've heard Secretary Rumsfeld, myself and others say it's unacceptable. But we are a nation who believes in justice. We are a nation governed by the rule of law. And nowhere is that more the case than in the Armed Forces of the United States.
And so, Secretary Rumsfeld is hard at work seeing what other investigatory efforts should be put into this matter. He's in touch with other members of Congress; I'm sure I will have a chance to discuss it when I'm up on the Hill this afternoon as well. We want to get all the information out so that the American people understand what's happening. And then also, to make sure that our friends in the Arab world especially know that we're a nation of laws, we're a nation of justice. And this kind of action and misbehavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in the firmest possible manner.
KAGAN: Once again, we're listening to Secretary of State Colin Powell in front of the State Department.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What makes you so sure that it's isolated?
POWELL: Right now, it seems to be isolated in this particular place, with respect to this incident, if I can call it an incident. The photos you have seen that dealt with this particular wing of that prison, I don't know that there are more individuals involved in that beyond what the investigating officer found.
Now, we are also undertaking a broad review of all of our detention facilities in Baghdad, as well as else where. In Afghanistan and reviewing our procedures and Guantanamo to make sure we haven't overlooked anything. But with respect to that wing of the Abu Ghraib prison that has caused all the attention, I have seen nothing to suggest that the individuals involved in that constitute a larger group than has already been identified by the military. But once again, I have to yield to Secretary Rumsfeld and his colleagues to give the definitive answer on that.
OK. One more, then I have got to run. Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The United States is hard at work on trying to get more countries into Iraq to provide security for the U.N., this multi-national force. Do you think that the reports of the alleged mistreatment of these Iraqi prisoners might have a blow to your efforts in that sense?
POWELL: I don't think so; we're hard at work on this. And I think people understand that if they want to see a safe Iraq, an Iraq that is sovereign once again, they need to help with the process. And one of the important areas in which help is needed is to assist the U.N. in doing its job in Iraq; too help get organized for elections. And so I hope that this would not cause anybody to hold back any support that they might have provided.
What we're asking for is people to help the Iraqi people. And you help them through participating in a multi-national force, and especially that component of the force that will deal with providing security to the United Nations personnel, who we expect to be returning in some number. Thank you.
KAGAN: We've been listening in to Secretary of State Colin Powell answering questions out in front of the State Department on this the day when President Bush, actually at this hour, is expected to give interviews to two Arab-language networks. We expect to show you those interviews in the next hour. So stay with us for that.
Also he mentioned Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt. We expect to have a chance to interview Brigadier General Kimmitt from Baghdad in this hour, as well. So much more on the controversy surrounding the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib in Iraq ahead in this hour and next hour, as well.
So, are you looking for ways to get more home for your buck? A prefabricated home is one way to go. And no, we're not talking about mobile homes. Gerri Willis, personal finance editor with CNN Financial News explains how you can stretch your mortgage dollar.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR (voice-over): Welcome to the future of housing. The experts call this style prefab, but you won't find this home in a trailer park. It's trailer chic.
ADAM KALKIN, ARCHITECT: So you can see, you have a set up of a typical couches facing each other and in front of a fireplace.
WILLIS: Adam Kalkin's latest pre-fab design is the Quick House.
KALKIN: One of the things that I wanted to do here is to see if I could fool around with sort of nontraditional materials and deliver an expensive house that would have a lot of style that would be a lot of fun.
WILLIS: Kalkin uses materials such as steel, glass, even shipping containers.
(on camera): This isn't your ordinary living room, but then at the Quick House, nothing is normal. In fact, even the price is different. The average new home in the U.S. costs $257,000. But this house, $150,000.
(voice-over): How does that break down? The basic kit is $76,000. But you'll have to shell out $74,000 for extras. Such as site preparation, electricity and plumbing.
The kit home has been around a long time, in fact, Sears Roebuck sold homes through its catalog way back in 1908 for just $650. But today's pre-fab varieties can be far more elaborate and expensive.
Jill Herbers is the author of "Pre-Fab Modern." Her book illustrates the latest in pre-fab designs.
JILL HERBERS, AUTHOR,"PRE-FAB MODERN": You might want a steel frame for your home. You might want a home that is partially pre-fab and then from there it gets customized. There's a lot of customization in this movement of pre-fab, which is really nice.
KALKIN: I think swinging should be part of daily activity.
WILLIS: Kalkin even has families in mind when he builds his homes, hence, the swing.
KALKIN: Let's say this house really does have a family living here, kids love this.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIS: So if you're thinking about cutting your mortgage costs, you can try that pre-fab. To do a little research, check out these websites that you'll see listed in just a moment.
Couple of things you want to know about these pre-fabs. No. 1, they're actually available in about a month. You order them right from the architects and you've got to hire a general contractor, actually to prepare the site and hook up the water, as well as the plumbing. Now, think about this. You can go to www.rea4a.com is one of the web sites to check out if you want to see these. And of course, there's a Quick House web site as well, which we'll show later.
Now, if you don't want the pre-fab, you might try a fixer-upper. A lot of people do that; they buy a home that's probably not in the greatest condition. Just make sure there are no structural problems with the house. Especially the electricity, the plumbing, the roof system, the foundation; those should all be perfect. But you know, if it's short a bathroom, that might be an opportunity to buy.
For singles out there it could be particularly tough right now if you're trying to get enough for a down payment. But think about this, you can actually get a roommate and buy a house. Lenders don't hold it against you if you're buying a house with someone other than a married partner. And you can actually get a loan quit easily. You also should think about shopping the margins.
A lot of people have one particular neighborhood in mind when they go to look for a house, or maybe just a zip code. Think beyond that. Think about going to a neighborhood that may be undiscovered or maybe one that wasn't first on your list. That's one way to go. And finally, you can get government help. If you don't have enough money for the down payment, there's a new program that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has put together. It's called the American Dream Down Payment Initiative. And you can go to HUD's website at hud.gov, G-O-V, that's right, to get information. Now, you have to qualify. You have to meet certain income restrictions, obviously. But if you do, you get up to $10,000 or 6 percent of the purchase price of the house -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Gerri Willis. Thanks for the tips, Ger. Appreciate it.
WILLIS: Thank you.
KAGAN: One hundred days before the summer Olympics are set to kick off in Greece. Police search for whoever is responsible for a series of explosions today in Athens. A live report just ahead.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How often is the possibility of going to Iraq a deal breaker?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Quite often.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: And how is the Iraq War impacting military recruitment efforts? That story when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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 May 5, 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 from CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan. We begin with the headlines at this hour.
Fire and fury in Iraq, as U.S. forces launch a major operation near Najaf. Troops fired rounds of ammunition on a building controlled by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr. Guns, rounds and a collection of rocket-propelled grenades were seized from a girl's school next door. One U.S. soldier at a nearby checkpoint was shot by a gunman during the operation.
Just 100 days before the start of the Olympics in Greece, police are looking for whoever is behind a series of blasts there early today. Three bombs exploded outside an Athens police station causing heavy damage. No one was injured officials say an anonymous caller warned of the attacks moments earlier. No one has claimed responsibility. Police believe the attacks were the work of domestic groups, not international terrorists.
Here in the U.S., hundreds of residents in Southern California are still out of their homes due to raging wildfires. Firefighters there have been battling the blazes, along with soaring temperatures and erratic canyon wind. More than a dozen homes have been destroyed. A man has charged with negligently starting the largest blaze.
And in New York, an amazing story that ends well. Yesterday, this helicopter for local news station WNBC began spinning out of control; it eventually crashed on a building's rooftop. Amazingly, all three people survived; two are listed in serious but stable condition.
The first hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.
Live this hour, words to combat the images. President Bush sits down with two Arab-language television networks, in an extraordinary attempt to sooth the rising anger over the photographed abuse of prisoners in Iraq. And President Bush's interview today on two Arab- language networks are part of a damage control offensive. Top administration officials are delivering common messages to the Arab world.
Let's begin with Suzanne Malveaux with a closer look at the damage control. She is live at the White House.
Suzanne, good morning. SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONENT: Good morning, Daryn. Well White House spokesman Scott McClellan just wrapped up the informal gaggle with reporters, two things coming out of that. First, he says that the president does not believe that Secretary Rumsfeld should resign over this. He also said that the president still has full confidence in the secretary. Now, having said that, of course, this is a scandal that has grown by days here; it's something the administration realizes it has to face head on. That's why the president, at this hour, is doing two interviews with Arab-language networks here at the White House in the Map Room. We're told about 10 minutes for each network. One of them al Hura, which is a U.S.- sponsored pan Arab network. The other one, al Arabiya, which is based in the United Arab Emirates. What is noticeably absent however, is al Lajeera -- al Jazeera; that is the network that is based in Qatar.
We have heard from U.S. officials who have complained in the past, they've been displeased about the coverage. They say it's anti- American. But McClellan going to say that he believes that the president's message will reach a wide audience in the Arab world. As you know, Daryn, of course this is part of a larger public relations campaign, very aggressive campaign to get the message out. Yesterday we saw National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice who gave three interviews to Arab-nation networks. This is all about doing major damage control.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: We have to do a better job; the government has to do a better job of getting our story out through our embassies and through our people on the ground. And look, we're trying with the press.
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: Response to these pictures, there should be. I mean they are terrible. They're terrible. That's all there is to it. And we will deal with this by telling the people of the world by saying is an isolated incident.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
MALVEAUX: Now there have been apologies that have been coming. Yesterday it was Dr. Rice who said, and I'm quoting here. "We are deeply sorry for what happened to these people." We also heard from that -- the man who's in control of U.S. prisons in Iraq, also extending an apology. It is not clear whether or not the president is going to extend a similar apology, but he will say that these actions are wrong, that they are shameful and unacceptable. He will also make a distinction saying the U.S. will hold those who are guilty to account, unlike Saddam Hussein's regime -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House, we'll be back with you throughout the morning.
The White House says that President Bush's interviews will allow him to speak directly to the people of the Arab nations. How is that message likely to be received? For that we turn to our Octavia Naser. She is our senior editor for Arab Affairs. Good morning, thanks for being here with us.
OCTAVIA NASER, CNN SENIOR EDITOR ARAB AFFAIRS: Thank you for having me.
KAGAN: First, let's talk about these specific networks. Suzanne was touching on that a little bit. I think one, especially al Hura, is one that people have not heard a lot about; based right here in the U.S.
NASER: Based in Virginia in the U.S. It launched February 14 of this year, so it's brand new. It is a U.S. project designed and aimed at -- in the president's words "winning the hearts and minds of the Arab people." This follows two ventures: a magazine and radio that the U.S. has launched before along the same lines, trying to get their message across to the Arab world.
KAGAN: Also, al Arabiya more established Arab network and yet not the powerhouse of the Arab-language media world.
NASER: Yes. Al Arabiya launched a few weeks before the war last year. It is the sister network of the Middle East Broadcasting Center, which is the leading network that started this 24-hour Arab networks back in the early '90s. Al Arabiya is sort of new trying to find its own identity as well. Al Arabiya is Saudi owned, based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. And Mr. Bush did give them an interview before -- right before the launch. And also the president gave an interview to al Hura for the launch that was their present for launching.
KAGAN: So he's spoken to both these organizations. The big one that is not there, that's not getting the interview is al Jazeera. What kind of reach does that have and what is the statement to Arab world by not talking to al Jazeera?
NASER: Well, first of all, Al Jazeera has a much wider reach than al Hura and al Arabiya. By speaking to al Arabiya, for example, the president is excluding Arabic speakers in Asia, in the Americas and Australia. It's a question to be debated. Why he's not appearing on al Jazeera, why he's appearing on al Arabiya instead? The observers are telling us right now that perhaps his target audience can be reached through al Arabiya and al Hura. Al Hura can be seen inside Iraq. It can be seen all around the Middle East and al Arabiya can reach also homes in the Middle East and Europe.
KAGAN: I was asking you before we went on the air about how this media world works. If this were the U.S. and another network had a huge interview, we would take part of that. We would give credit to say the other network got that. Could al Jazeera pick up part of this interview so that it is more widespread?
NASER: We haven't seen it happen in the past. Usually these stations stay away from each other's exclusives. So, in the past, we haven't seen it. It is yet to be determined, of course. It depends on what the president is going to say in these interviews. If he says something earth shattering that's going to make big, big waves and big news in the Middle East, they might.
During the war in Iraq last year, what happened is there was some kind of camaraderie that happened between Abu Dhabi TV, for example, and al Jazeera because they were both under fire, under attack. They had their headquarters targeted and hit. So, that brought them together. They started sharing some things, some news...
KAGAN: So it could happen, it might not. But I just want...
NASER: It could happen but we doubt it will. My conversations with al Jazeera this morning indicates that no, it's not going to happen. But you never know.
KAGAN: You never know but we'll be watching that. And just -- I want -- we were hearing Suzanne Malveaux talk about the possibility an apology or not an apology. Culturally, what words to Arab listeners will be important for them? What will they be looking for to hear, do you think from this president?
NASER: Judging by what we read in Arab press and what we hear on Arab media, it seems the Arab street right now, and the Arab media are waiting for words such as: we apologize for the suffering, we apologize for the pain that these pictures have caused you, and this behavior has caused you. They're looking for specific words. The fear among Arab media executives right now is that the conversation is going to turn from what did the president say to who did he say it to? And that is going to be unfortunate if that happens.
KAGAN: About which media outlets that he's chosen?
NASER: Right.
KAGAN: OK. We'll be watching, you'll be watching it with us. And you'll be with us throughout the morning. The president, you said, we'll see if he does use the S -- or the apology word and still conveying this sense of strength that's so important to Mr. Bush.
Octavia, thank you.
NASER: Thank you.
KAGAN: We'll have you later in the morning.
Also today, there was a large crowd of angry Iraqis demonstrating outside Abu Ghraib prison. That is the site of the photographed abuses and the media has given its first glimpse through the lens of a pool crew that just emerged moments ago.
Our Ben Wedeman is in Baghdad where he filed this report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Hundreds of Iraqis demonstrated outside the Abu Ghraib today, demanding that those soldiers who were involved in this alleged act of abuse be punished. Now, they also demanded that Iraqi human rights organizations have free access to all U.S. detention centers.
Now, a small group of those demonstrators, mostly religious leaders were able to meet out in front of the prison with some representatives of the administration of the facility. They apparently gave in a list of demands. Afterwards, I spoke with one of those religious leaders, who said he simply doesn't trust the United States to make good on its promises to improve conditions inside Abu Ghraib.
Inside Abu Ghraib today, the new head of that prison, Major General Jeffrey Miller took journalists on a tour of the facility. During that tour he made a personal apology to the Iraqi people for the abuse by U.S. soldiers of Iraqi detainees. And he pledged that that sort of abuse would never happen again. He also said that the population of the prison, which is about 3,900 at the moment, will be reduced. Three hundred prisoners will be released this week, 400 next week.
I'm Ben Wedeman, CNN, reporting from Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: The Pentagon plans to draw down the number of U.S. troops that are serving in Iraq. Those plans are being put on hold. That means a current number of 138,000 U.S. forces will remain in Iraq through the end of next year. Some will rotate out. Ten thousand replacement personnel are now preparing to be dispatched to Iraq. Another 10,000 replacements will be identified for the mission; together they will relieve to 20,000 Americans that are currently serving there right now.
Fire rages and hundreds evacuate. Thousands of acres are already scorched but cooler temperatures could bring some relief to Californians.
Also, explosions in Athens 100 days before the summer Olympics kick off. A live report just ahead.
And later, battling obesity. One woman's personal story about losing almost 200 pounds and the life that she found.
This is CNN LIVE TODAY.
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KAGAN: Southern California still battling the wild fires.
JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, really. Little bit of relief weather wise, but it's so gradual, you can hardly feel the difference. You know, temperatures are going to drop a little bit; but unfortunately, in the fire areas are not going to get the brunt of it. The best area for weather improvements is going to be on the coast. Live pictures there, you can see from KABC smoke pluming up into the air.
KAGAN: We have much more on the fires ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY. We'll go live to Santa Barbara and San Diego.
And if you're in the market for a home but on a tight budget, Gerri Willis has some advice for you.
GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you. If you can't afford a house because interest rates are moving higher and prices have gone through the roof, we got some ideas for you. Stay with us on CNN LIVE TODAY.
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POWELL: The photos themselves that caused the big stir. Rightly so when we could all see what the investigations were about, and what people were being accused of having participated in. And so, we are all terribly distressed and shocked by those photos and what the photos said about the manner in which the troops there were doing their job. And as you've heard the president, you've heard Secretary Rumsfeld, myself and others say it's unacceptable. But we are a nation who believes in justice. We are a nation governed by the rule of law. And nowhere is that more the case than in the Armed Forces of the United States.
And so, Secretary Rumsfeld is hard at work seeing what other investigatory efforts should be put into this matter. He's in touch with other members of Congress; I'm sure I will have a chance to discuss it when I'm up on the Hill this afternoon as well. We want to get all the information out so that the American people understand what's happening. And then also, to make sure that our friends in the Arab world especially know that we're a nation of laws, we're a nation of justice. And this kind of action and misbehavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in the firmest possible manner.
KAGAN: Once again, we're listening to Secretary of State Colin Powell in front of the State Department.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What makes you so sure that it's isolated?
POWELL: Right now, it seems to be isolated in this particular place, with respect to this incident, if I can call it an incident. The photos you have seen that dealt with this particular wing of that prison, I don't know that there are more individuals involved in that beyond what the investigating officer found.
Now, we are also undertaking a broad review of all of our detention facilities in Baghdad, as well as else where. In Afghanistan and reviewing our procedures and Guantanamo to make sure we haven't overlooked anything. But with respect to that wing of the Abu Ghraib prison that has caused all the attention, I have seen nothing to suggest that the individuals involved in that constitute a larger group than has already been identified by the military. But once again, I have to yield to Secretary Rumsfeld and his colleagues to give the definitive answer on that.
OK. One more, then I have got to run. Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The United States is hard at work on trying to get more countries into Iraq to provide security for the U.N., this multi-national force. Do you think that the reports of the alleged mistreatment of these Iraqi prisoners might have a blow to your efforts in that sense?
POWELL: I don't think so; we're hard at work on this. And I think people understand that if they want to see a safe Iraq, an Iraq that is sovereign once again, they need to help with the process. And one of the important areas in which help is needed is to assist the U.N. in doing its job in Iraq; too help get organized for elections. And so I hope that this would not cause anybody to hold back any support that they might have provided.
What we're asking for is people to help the Iraqi people. And you help them through participating in a multi-national force, and especially that component of the force that will deal with providing security to the United Nations personnel, who we expect to be returning in some number. Thank you.
KAGAN: We've been listening in to Secretary of State Colin Powell answering questions out in front of the State Department on this the day when President Bush, actually at this hour, is expected to give interviews to two Arab-language networks. We expect to show you those interviews in the next hour. So stay with us for that.
Also he mentioned Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt. We expect to have a chance to interview Brigadier General Kimmitt from Baghdad in this hour, as well. So much more on the controversy surrounding the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib in Iraq ahead in this hour and next hour, as well.
So, are you looking for ways to get more home for your buck? A prefabricated home is one way to go. And no, we're not talking about mobile homes. Gerri Willis, personal finance editor with CNN Financial News explains how you can stretch your mortgage dollar.
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GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR (voice-over): Welcome to the future of housing. The experts call this style prefab, but you won't find this home in a trailer park. It's trailer chic.
ADAM KALKIN, ARCHITECT: So you can see, you have a set up of a typical couches facing each other and in front of a fireplace.
WILLIS: Adam Kalkin's latest pre-fab design is the Quick House.
KALKIN: One of the things that I wanted to do here is to see if I could fool around with sort of nontraditional materials and deliver an expensive house that would have a lot of style that would be a lot of fun.
WILLIS: Kalkin uses materials such as steel, glass, even shipping containers.
(on camera): This isn't your ordinary living room, but then at the Quick House, nothing is normal. In fact, even the price is different. The average new home in the U.S. costs $257,000. But this house, $150,000.
(voice-over): How does that break down? The basic kit is $76,000. But you'll have to shell out $74,000 for extras. Such as site preparation, electricity and plumbing.
The kit home has been around a long time, in fact, Sears Roebuck sold homes through its catalog way back in 1908 for just $650. But today's pre-fab varieties can be far more elaborate and expensive.
Jill Herbers is the author of "Pre-Fab Modern." Her book illustrates the latest in pre-fab designs.
JILL HERBERS, AUTHOR,"PRE-FAB MODERN": You might want a steel frame for your home. You might want a home that is partially pre-fab and then from there it gets customized. There's a lot of customization in this movement of pre-fab, which is really nice.
KALKIN: I think swinging should be part of daily activity.
WILLIS: Kalkin even has families in mind when he builds his homes, hence, the swing.
KALKIN: Let's say this house really does have a family living here, kids love this.
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WILLIS: So if you're thinking about cutting your mortgage costs, you can try that pre-fab. To do a little research, check out these websites that you'll see listed in just a moment.
Couple of things you want to know about these pre-fabs. No. 1, they're actually available in about a month. You order them right from the architects and you've got to hire a general contractor, actually to prepare the site and hook up the water, as well as the plumbing. Now, think about this. You can go to www.rea4a.com is one of the web sites to check out if you want to see these. And of course, there's a Quick House web site as well, which we'll show later.
Now, if you don't want the pre-fab, you might try a fixer-upper. A lot of people do that; they buy a home that's probably not in the greatest condition. Just make sure there are no structural problems with the house. Especially the electricity, the plumbing, the roof system, the foundation; those should all be perfect. But you know, if it's short a bathroom, that might be an opportunity to buy.
For singles out there it could be particularly tough right now if you're trying to get enough for a down payment. But think about this, you can actually get a roommate and buy a house. Lenders don't hold it against you if you're buying a house with someone other than a married partner. And you can actually get a loan quit easily. You also should think about shopping the margins.
A lot of people have one particular neighborhood in mind when they go to look for a house, or maybe just a zip code. Think beyond that. Think about going to a neighborhood that may be undiscovered or maybe one that wasn't first on your list. That's one way to go. And finally, you can get government help. If you don't have enough money for the down payment, there's a new program that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has put together. It's called the American Dream Down Payment Initiative. And you can go to HUD's website at hud.gov, G-O-V, that's right, to get information. Now, you have to qualify. You have to meet certain income restrictions, obviously. But if you do, you get up to $10,000 or 6 percent of the purchase price of the house -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Gerri Willis. Thanks for the tips, Ger. Appreciate it.
WILLIS: Thank you.
KAGAN: One hundred days before the summer Olympics are set to kick off in Greece. Police search for whoever is responsible for a series of explosions today in Athens. A live report just ahead.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How often is the possibility of going to Iraq a deal breaker?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Quite often.
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KAGAN: And how is the Iraq War impacting military recruitment efforts? That story when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.
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