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Bush Arrives at Pentagon as Administration Confronts New Image of Prisoner Abuse; Bryant Expected to Enter a Formal Plea
Aired May 10, 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, HOST: We'll get started at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Good morning, I'm Daryn Kagan. First a look at the top stories.
The new image of Iraqi prisoner abuse tops this hour. A naked prisoner cowers before guard dogs in front of a cell at Abu Ghraib prison. The picture is published in the latest issue of "The New Yorker." The magazine reports that other photos show the same man on floor with bloody wounds on his legs.
Black smoke billows from the scene of a key Iraqi pipeline fire. Coalition officials say a terrorist attack on the pipeline in southern Iraq has cut the delivery to offshore oil terminals. The fire has been contained and the firefighters are trying to extinguish it.
That reduction in Iraqi oil exports comes with world oil prices already soaring and you'll see that when you fill up your car or your truck. A new survey shows gas prices up a dime a gallon over the last couple of weeks, with even higher prices expected.
And police in Maine are still working to identify seven victims in one of the state's worst highway accidents ever. Three women and four children were killed when their SUV crashed on Interstate 95 near Bangor. Investigators the vehicle clipped a car, plummeted down an embankment and slammed into trees and then flipped. The vehicle had been rented yesterday morning.
President Bush arrives at the Pentagon at this hour, as the administration confronts yet another new image of Iraqi prisoner abuse. A photo in "The New Yorker" magazine. This is the photo. Mr. Bush's briefing was scheduled before the mushrooming scandal, but it's likely to be a main theme of discussion.
We have a team -- we have team coverage this morning. Barbara Starr is at the Pentagon. Dana Bash starts us off at the White House.
Dana, good morning.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. And White House aides tried to send signals of support for Donald Rumsfeld all weekend, but today as you mentioned, the president is going over to the Pentagon and he will be able to show that support. He's going to go before the cameras next to the defense secretary -- the embattled defense secretary. And that will happen within the half hour. Now this, as you mentioned, was a previously scheduled trip to the Pentagon. He's going to be briefed by many officials there, including the Joint Chiefs, and the defense secretary, the CIA director is also supposed to be there. This is an issue in a briefing that, we obviously understand, will be dominated now by the Iraqi prisoner abuse issue.
Now, there are still calls from Democrats, of course, for Donald Rumsfeld's resignation. But the White House is emboldened by the fact the Republicans so far have not outwardly called for it. There were some Republicans who had their backs up perhaps this weekend. One Republican, Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska said he is reserving judgment, that it is still unclear if Rumsfeld can do his job in the near future. Another Republican, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, he said he was not happy with the statement that the vice president put out this weekend. That statement said that people should get off the backs of Donald Rumsfeld and let him do his job. Graham said that that was inappropriate because all members of Congress are doing or trying to get the facts here.
Now, meanwhile, on those pictures, the White House this morning suggested that the president certainly has been briefed about the remaining pictures that haven't been made public, but he hasn't necessarily seen them. And they certainly left the possibility open for him to see some of those photographs when he's over at the Pentagon today. And there are intense internal discussions here at the White House about whether or not to actually release those photographs themselves and not let them continue to be leaked out, and come out in a drip, drip sort of way, as they put it here at the White House. But they are saying at this point they are a going to take their cues from the Pentagon on that -- Daryn.
KAGAN: All right. Dana, thank you for that.
Speaking about the Pentagon, let's go for the view across the Potomac at the Pentagon. And for that, we turn to Barbara Starr.
Barbara, good morning.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. Well, here in the hallways of the Pentagon, the prison abuse scandal is the only thing that is really being talked about. The actual conduct of the war really has gone to the back burner in hallway conversations around here, as we await the president's visit.
In Baghdad, they are moving rapidly ahead with the first court- martial proceeding. Specialist Jeremy Sivits, now his trial will begin May 19 in Baghdad. Specialist Sivits is charged with -- or accused, shall we say, with maltreatment of prisoners, conspiracy to maltreat prisoners, and dereliction of duties for failing to protect prisoners. He is the first soldier scheduled to go on trial. Officials want to demonstrate as quickly as possible that the military justice system is proceeding.
Earlier today in Baghdad, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt talked about just how open that proceeding will be. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, DEPUTY OPS DIR., U.S. MILITARY: The people of Iraq will certainly have the same access that the international audience will have; is a practice of the U.S. military that in an open hearing we allow family, we allow observers, we allow print reporters. It is has not been our practice in the past to allow cameras inside. I think there is a concern that this is not a show trial. But I'm absolutely confident that the gentlemen and the ladies of the Iraqi press will adequately record what happens inside that courtroom so the readers can observe it through the written word.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: In addition, Daryn, the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, one of the world's most respected human rights organizations, now is confirming that it had a report back in February expressing its concern about the conditions at U.S.-run prisons in Iraq. The director of operations of the ICRC saying in that report what they found was, quote, "tantamount to torture." He says, "We're dealing here with a broader pattern and system as opposed to individual acts."
That of course, is quite different than what the Bush administration has been saying, which is that these may be criminal acts by a few so-called bad apples. The ICRC indicating now it found a systemic pattern of abuse and misconduct -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Let's talk about another angle of this story, Barbara, with the heat rising on leaders in the Defense Department; and that is with an editorial coming out in some civilian run military papers.
STARR: Indeed, Daryn. The "Army Times," which is an independent newspaper, it covers military affairs but it is privately owned and run. Private employees not military officials but very well- respected, is coming out with an editorial today in which it is critical of not only Secretary Rumsfeld, but deeply critical of General Richard Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For the first time now, this editorial raising questions, saying that they, "failed to recognize the impact of the scandal." That this was a problem that goes right to the top. You can read the quote here. And raising the questions about whether both Secretary Rumsfeld and General Myers can continue in their jobs and that they can continue to command.
I must tell you sources in the Pentagon say despite the very strong support from President Bush for Secretary Rumsfeld, it is Secretary Rumsfeld himself that is assessing whether he feels he can continue to be effective in his job. No indication yet that there is any change in that. But Don Rumsfeld will be the person who makes a decision about whether he feels he can be effective, according to people close to him -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Barbara Starr, we will be back with you throughout the morning. And stay with us in the next hour for President Bush's briefing at the Pentagon. We will have live coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern.
The scandal is also thundering through the ranks of public leaders. Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued an apology and his defense minister is due to release a statement later this hour. Geoff Hoon's appearance in the House of Commons comes amid new photographs and British newspapers this morning, the chief questions what did the Blair government know about the abuses and when?
And with that let's go straight to Iraq. That's where the outrage smolders and fighting between insurgents and coalition forces flairs across much of the country.
The latest on this developing story from Ben Wedeman in Baghdad -- Ben.
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Daryn. Well, U.S. forces went into action in Sadr City, a stronghold of Shiite -- radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr. Now, what is described as Sadr's headquarters in that area of Baghdad was completely demolished by American air and tank fire. Two Sadr supporters also reportedly killed in that fighting and at least one American Humvee destroyed as well.
Now, in southern Iraq, a critical oil pipeline was sabotaged on Saturday. Not cutting off the oil flow completely, but certainly reducing it from its normal about 1.7 million barrels a day. We're told that the fire there has been contained. But it was only about 2 1/2 weeks ago that suicide boat bombers destroyed a pumping station there, killing three U.S. servicemen and severely disrupting the Iraqi oil exports.
Now, in the troublesome town of Fallujah to the west of Baghdad, a small contingent of U.S. Marines went out on control with Iraqi security forces. These members of the newly formed Fallujah Brigade, which is composed and led, by former members of Saddam Hussein's army. The Marines reportedly went to the mayor's office in the center of Fallujah. And of course, that mayor's office has frequently been under attack by insurgents there. We're told there at the mayor's office they met with local tribal and community leaders who, it is said, told the American Marines they would prefer if they stayed outside of the city to keep the situation there calm. And as we heard just a little while ago from Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, there have been no cease-fire in Fallujah for the last week -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ben Wedeman in Baghdad.
Pretrial hearings are getting underway for the U.S. Army sergeant who is accused of killing two of his own officers in Kuwait. Sergeant Hasan Akbar faces charges of premeditated murder and attempted premeditated murder for a grenade attack on fellow members of the 101 Airborne Division. The attack took place in March 2003, on the day before they were to move into action in Iraq.
At nine minutes after the hour, let's check in with stories from around the world. The Russian breakaway Republic of Chechnya buries its president killed in yesterday terrorist bombings. Separatist rebels are blamed for the killing of the Moscow-backed leader and at least several others attending Victory Day celebrations were injured.
India completes the final phase of what is now the world's largest democratic election. It will take a few days to tally the votes in the country's parliamentary elections. Electronic machines reported some 350 million votes.
And Taiwan has started a recount of the bitterly divisive presidential election. More than 400 judges and 1600 lawyers are taking part in the recount, which is expected to re-affirm the president's re-election. The March vote sparked outrage and violent street protests.
Another day in court for Kobe Bryant. We will take you to Eagle, Colorado. Live pictures there now as Kobe Bryant arrives for day one of what is expected to be a three-day hearing. What's at stake? We'll talk about that.
Also, windy weather in the northern heartland. Twisters touch down in the Twin Cities. We'll survey the damage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All of a sudden, it just hit me. Oh, my God he's in the box!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: And a little later, the story of a feline who crossed state lines by way of Fed Ex. Details ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: A three-day hearing in the Kobe Bryant case starts a few minutes from now. The Los Angeles Lakers' player is expected to enter a formal plea. Before that, the critical issue of the accuser's sexual history will be addressed.
Adrian Baschuk is up early in Eagle, Colorado this morning.
Adrian, good morning.
ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. This is one tough week for Kobe Bryant. Let's retrace his steps. Yesterday, pivotal Game 3 against the Spurs in L.A., flew into Colorado this morning where he sits for two days of pretrial motion hearings. He just walked into the courtroom just a couple of minutes ago. Then he flies back to L.A. tomorrow night for Game 4, and returns here on Wednesday for the final day of his hearing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant will be arraigned this week and will stand before the court to declare he is not guilty.
The judge must set a trial within six months of the arraignment. But that isn't in stone. BASCHUK: Variables persist. Will the Judge Terry Ruckriegel rule in favor of the defense's motion challenging Colorado's rape shield law? The defense wants part of the accuser's sexual past submitted as trial evidence. Also, will the judge rule statements Kobe Bryant made to police be sealed and never heard by a jury?
Here's what we can say, anything the defense wins is weakening the prosecution case.
BASCHUK: The prosecution scored a prior victory when the judge ordered the alleged victim's medical record sealed. But this week, he re-examines the decision and conducts hearings on whether evidence can be submitted that Kobe Bryant's accuser allegedly attempted committed suicide twice in 2003, and whether or not she has a history of drug abuse.
CRAIG SILVERMAN, FMR. DEPUTY DA, DENVER: There are a lot of defenses that the witness had has lined up through a solid investigation, who will testify about alleged drug and alcohol problems. Is that relevant or is it just character assassination?
BASCHUK: The judge will address another tough question. Whether or not the accuser can continue to be referred to as a, quote, "victim," in open court proceedings by the prosecution.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BASCHUK: Kobe Bryant is finally arraigned and that's expected Wednesday. For the first time in months, the judge will open the doors of the hearing to the public and cameras will capture the courtroom scene -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Adrian Baschuk in Eagle, Colorado. Thank you for that.
And we're going to have more on the Kobe Bryant case in the next half hour. Harvey Levin, the executive producer of "Celebrity Justice," will join us.
Now, on to weather. Strong storms ripped across Minnesota leaving behind toppled trees and damaged homes. St. Paul and other areas reported golf ball sized hail and winds hitting 70 miles an hour. A tornado is blamed for damaging a home in Greenfield.
Keeping up with your credit up next. Tips that can improve your credit score dramatically.
And you're going to need a good score if you're in the market for a new home this year. Interest rates appear ready to rise. Details CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's talk about money that matters to you. Interest rates are about to rise. Mortgage rates are already inching upward and most of us can't do anything about that. But we can be better prepared by knowing and possibly improving the all-important credit score.
With "Top Five Tips" on credit, here is Gerri Willis of CNN Financial News.
Good morning.
GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you. My first tip here: you got to understand what the credit score is. Simply put, it's one number that boils down your entire credit history, so that lenders can decide whether you're a good credit risk or not. Now, the range of scores could be anywhere from 300 to 850. If you want to B score, you might want to get credit score of, say, 620 to 650. And if you want the best terms of the best rates from lenders, you'd want something above 680. That would get you the absolute best deal when you're out in the marketplace looking for a loan -- Daryn.
KAGAN: That's just how important those credit scores are.
WILLIS: You know, Daryn, they're becoming more and more important. It used to be that it was just all about your mortgage rate. That if you were getting a mortgage loan you had to have the credit rate absolutely pristine. But now it affects so much more. Even employees today are looking at your credit rating to determine just how reliable you are. so it's going to affect you in many ways. Not just when you're just out there looking for a loan.
KAGAN: So how do you find out what your score is?
WILLIS: Easy enough. There are three big companies that do this: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. They all have web sites, as you can see here. or you can call them directly. Now, they're going to charge you anywhere from nine bucks to 30 bucks to get their report. And some will offer you a one report that includes all of the information. I think it's better, particularly if you're looking for a loan right now, to get each and every report. Because sometimes, many times, in fact, the scores you get are quite different. And you want to make sure you're going to see everything that a lender might see -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Well, and what happens if you look at this report and find out that there is some errors on there?
WILLIS: You know, this happens a lot. Often you'll find that there is information on your credit report you've never seen before; you have no idea where the debt came from. What do you do? Well, you write a letter directly to that credit company saying we dispute this, this is not my information and providing some kind of backup. What's more, you want to identify yourself completely. You want to have not just your name, your Social Security Number, and as well, what you're disputing what your account numbers might be.
So, you've got to follow-up with this; keep an eye on it so that you can get this information off your credit history. And also, if your problem is that you're worried that your identity has been stolen by thieves, go to idcenter.org. It's a great web site that will help you out if your identity has, in fact, been stolen.
KAGAN: And so is the idea you can just check once and forget about it?
WILLIS: Wouldn't that be great?
KAGAN: Yes. I'd like that.
WILLIS: But no, of course not. You need to keep up with it, because the fact is as you open new credit, you're completely changing your history over, and over, and over again. So you want to keep up with it and make sure the information they have is correct. And that you know what's on your credit history so when you're applying for a new job or even just getting insurance for your home, you know what everybody is seeing -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Gerri Willis, thank you so much for that.
Gearing up for more testimony on the treatment of Iraqi prisoners. Up next, we are live from Capitol Hill where senators will take up the issue again this week.
Also, Democratic front-runner, John Kerry focuses this week on health care and the economy. The latest from the campaign trail coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the stop top stories at this hour.
An attorney for U.S. Army Private Lynndie England says photographs of apparent abuse featuring her are not as they appear. The attorney says the images were staged by intelligence officials, and the 21-year-old England simply stood where she was told.
President Bush will deliver remarks to the Pentagon in the next hour. Expected among them, a repeated show of support for embattled Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. Mr. Bush's visit was scheduled before the emergence last week of photographs showing the apparent abuse of Iraqi prisoners at a U.S. military prison near Baghdad.
Rumsfeld's British counterpart, Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon faces Parliament this hour. He is expected to make a statement on the scandal. His appearance comes as new photographs hit British newspapers. Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair issued an apology for any British soldiers who took part in mistreating prisoners.
Italian authorities say they have arrested five terror suspects in Florence. All are accused of recruiting suicide bombers to carry out attacks in Iraq. The yearlong investigation was dubbed Operation Shai (ph), the Arabic word for martyr.
The Iraqi prisoner treatment issue resurfaces on Capitol Hill tomorrow. The Senate Armed Services Committee continues its series of hearings on the matter. And the committee's chairman say Pentagon investigators will give lawmakers a first look at even more photos that have not been seen publicly.
Joe Johns has more live from Capitol Hill this morning.
Joe, good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Apparently the witness list for that hearing scheduled for tomorrow is still a work-in-progress. We are being told that there are a number of people the committee would like to get. Those people include: Air Force Lieutenant General Lance Smith, the deputy commander of Centcom, also the under-secretary for intelligence, Steve Cambone and General William Boykin, who is the chief of military intelligence at the Pentagon.
There is also a big push right now to try and get as much of those unseen photos and videos into public circulation. The concern among
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Aired May 10, 2004 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, HOST: We'll get started at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Good morning, I'm Daryn Kagan. First a look at the top stories.
The new image of Iraqi prisoner abuse tops this hour. A naked prisoner cowers before guard dogs in front of a cell at Abu Ghraib prison. The picture is published in the latest issue of "The New Yorker." The magazine reports that other photos show the same man on floor with bloody wounds on his legs.
Black smoke billows from the scene of a key Iraqi pipeline fire. Coalition officials say a terrorist attack on the pipeline in southern Iraq has cut the delivery to offshore oil terminals. The fire has been contained and the firefighters are trying to extinguish it.
That reduction in Iraqi oil exports comes with world oil prices already soaring and you'll see that when you fill up your car or your truck. A new survey shows gas prices up a dime a gallon over the last couple of weeks, with even higher prices expected.
And police in Maine are still working to identify seven victims in one of the state's worst highway accidents ever. Three women and four children were killed when their SUV crashed on Interstate 95 near Bangor. Investigators the vehicle clipped a car, plummeted down an embankment and slammed into trees and then flipped. The vehicle had been rented yesterday morning.
President Bush arrives at the Pentagon at this hour, as the administration confronts yet another new image of Iraqi prisoner abuse. A photo in "The New Yorker" magazine. This is the photo. Mr. Bush's briefing was scheduled before the mushrooming scandal, but it's likely to be a main theme of discussion.
We have a team -- we have team coverage this morning. Barbara Starr is at the Pentagon. Dana Bash starts us off at the White House.
Dana, good morning.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. And White House aides tried to send signals of support for Donald Rumsfeld all weekend, but today as you mentioned, the president is going over to the Pentagon and he will be able to show that support. He's going to go before the cameras next to the defense secretary -- the embattled defense secretary. And that will happen within the half hour. Now this, as you mentioned, was a previously scheduled trip to the Pentagon. He's going to be briefed by many officials there, including the Joint Chiefs, and the defense secretary, the CIA director is also supposed to be there. This is an issue in a briefing that, we obviously understand, will be dominated now by the Iraqi prisoner abuse issue.
Now, there are still calls from Democrats, of course, for Donald Rumsfeld's resignation. But the White House is emboldened by the fact the Republicans so far have not outwardly called for it. There were some Republicans who had their backs up perhaps this weekend. One Republican, Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska said he is reserving judgment, that it is still unclear if Rumsfeld can do his job in the near future. Another Republican, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, he said he was not happy with the statement that the vice president put out this weekend. That statement said that people should get off the backs of Donald Rumsfeld and let him do his job. Graham said that that was inappropriate because all members of Congress are doing or trying to get the facts here.
Now, meanwhile, on those pictures, the White House this morning suggested that the president certainly has been briefed about the remaining pictures that haven't been made public, but he hasn't necessarily seen them. And they certainly left the possibility open for him to see some of those photographs when he's over at the Pentagon today. And there are intense internal discussions here at the White House about whether or not to actually release those photographs themselves and not let them continue to be leaked out, and come out in a drip, drip sort of way, as they put it here at the White House. But they are saying at this point they are a going to take their cues from the Pentagon on that -- Daryn.
KAGAN: All right. Dana, thank you for that.
Speaking about the Pentagon, let's go for the view across the Potomac at the Pentagon. And for that, we turn to Barbara Starr.
Barbara, good morning.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. Well, here in the hallways of the Pentagon, the prison abuse scandal is the only thing that is really being talked about. The actual conduct of the war really has gone to the back burner in hallway conversations around here, as we await the president's visit.
In Baghdad, they are moving rapidly ahead with the first court- martial proceeding. Specialist Jeremy Sivits, now his trial will begin May 19 in Baghdad. Specialist Sivits is charged with -- or accused, shall we say, with maltreatment of prisoners, conspiracy to maltreat prisoners, and dereliction of duties for failing to protect prisoners. He is the first soldier scheduled to go on trial. Officials want to demonstrate as quickly as possible that the military justice system is proceeding.
Earlier today in Baghdad, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt talked about just how open that proceeding will be. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BRIG. GEN. MARK KIMMITT, DEPUTY OPS DIR., U.S. MILITARY: The people of Iraq will certainly have the same access that the international audience will have; is a practice of the U.S. military that in an open hearing we allow family, we allow observers, we allow print reporters. It is has not been our practice in the past to allow cameras inside. I think there is a concern that this is not a show trial. But I'm absolutely confident that the gentlemen and the ladies of the Iraqi press will adequately record what happens inside that courtroom so the readers can observe it through the written word.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: In addition, Daryn, the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, one of the world's most respected human rights organizations, now is confirming that it had a report back in February expressing its concern about the conditions at U.S.-run prisons in Iraq. The director of operations of the ICRC saying in that report what they found was, quote, "tantamount to torture." He says, "We're dealing here with a broader pattern and system as opposed to individual acts."
That of course, is quite different than what the Bush administration has been saying, which is that these may be criminal acts by a few so-called bad apples. The ICRC indicating now it found a systemic pattern of abuse and misconduct -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Let's talk about another angle of this story, Barbara, with the heat rising on leaders in the Defense Department; and that is with an editorial coming out in some civilian run military papers.
STARR: Indeed, Daryn. The "Army Times," which is an independent newspaper, it covers military affairs but it is privately owned and run. Private employees not military officials but very well- respected, is coming out with an editorial today in which it is critical of not only Secretary Rumsfeld, but deeply critical of General Richard Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For the first time now, this editorial raising questions, saying that they, "failed to recognize the impact of the scandal." That this was a problem that goes right to the top. You can read the quote here. And raising the questions about whether both Secretary Rumsfeld and General Myers can continue in their jobs and that they can continue to command.
I must tell you sources in the Pentagon say despite the very strong support from President Bush for Secretary Rumsfeld, it is Secretary Rumsfeld himself that is assessing whether he feels he can continue to be effective in his job. No indication yet that there is any change in that. But Don Rumsfeld will be the person who makes a decision about whether he feels he can be effective, according to people close to him -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Barbara Starr, we will be back with you throughout the morning. And stay with us in the next hour for President Bush's briefing at the Pentagon. We will have live coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern.
The scandal is also thundering through the ranks of public leaders. Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued an apology and his defense minister is due to release a statement later this hour. Geoff Hoon's appearance in the House of Commons comes amid new photographs and British newspapers this morning, the chief questions what did the Blair government know about the abuses and when?
And with that let's go straight to Iraq. That's where the outrage smolders and fighting between insurgents and coalition forces flairs across much of the country.
The latest on this developing story from Ben Wedeman in Baghdad -- Ben.
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Daryn. Well, U.S. forces went into action in Sadr City, a stronghold of Shiite -- radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr. Now, what is described as Sadr's headquarters in that area of Baghdad was completely demolished by American air and tank fire. Two Sadr supporters also reportedly killed in that fighting and at least one American Humvee destroyed as well.
Now, in southern Iraq, a critical oil pipeline was sabotaged on Saturday. Not cutting off the oil flow completely, but certainly reducing it from its normal about 1.7 million barrels a day. We're told that the fire there has been contained. But it was only about 2 1/2 weeks ago that suicide boat bombers destroyed a pumping station there, killing three U.S. servicemen and severely disrupting the Iraqi oil exports.
Now, in the troublesome town of Fallujah to the west of Baghdad, a small contingent of U.S. Marines went out on control with Iraqi security forces. These members of the newly formed Fallujah Brigade, which is composed and led, by former members of Saddam Hussein's army. The Marines reportedly went to the mayor's office in the center of Fallujah. And of course, that mayor's office has frequently been under attack by insurgents there. We're told there at the mayor's office they met with local tribal and community leaders who, it is said, told the American Marines they would prefer if they stayed outside of the city to keep the situation there calm. And as we heard just a little while ago from Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, there have been no cease-fire in Fallujah for the last week -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ben Wedeman in Baghdad.
Pretrial hearings are getting underway for the U.S. Army sergeant who is accused of killing two of his own officers in Kuwait. Sergeant Hasan Akbar faces charges of premeditated murder and attempted premeditated murder for a grenade attack on fellow members of the 101 Airborne Division. The attack took place in March 2003, on the day before they were to move into action in Iraq.
At nine minutes after the hour, let's check in with stories from around the world. The Russian breakaway Republic of Chechnya buries its president killed in yesterday terrorist bombings. Separatist rebels are blamed for the killing of the Moscow-backed leader and at least several others attending Victory Day celebrations were injured.
India completes the final phase of what is now the world's largest democratic election. It will take a few days to tally the votes in the country's parliamentary elections. Electronic machines reported some 350 million votes.
And Taiwan has started a recount of the bitterly divisive presidential election. More than 400 judges and 1600 lawyers are taking part in the recount, which is expected to re-affirm the president's re-election. The March vote sparked outrage and violent street protests.
Another day in court for Kobe Bryant. We will take you to Eagle, Colorado. Live pictures there now as Kobe Bryant arrives for day one of what is expected to be a three-day hearing. What's at stake? We'll talk about that.
Also, windy weather in the northern heartland. Twisters touch down in the Twin Cities. We'll survey the damage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All of a sudden, it just hit me. Oh, my God he's in the box!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: And a little later, the story of a feline who crossed state lines by way of Fed Ex. Details ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: A three-day hearing in the Kobe Bryant case starts a few minutes from now. The Los Angeles Lakers' player is expected to enter a formal plea. Before that, the critical issue of the accuser's sexual history will be addressed.
Adrian Baschuk is up early in Eagle, Colorado this morning.
Adrian, good morning.
ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. This is one tough week for Kobe Bryant. Let's retrace his steps. Yesterday, pivotal Game 3 against the Spurs in L.A., flew into Colorado this morning where he sits for two days of pretrial motion hearings. He just walked into the courtroom just a couple of minutes ago. Then he flies back to L.A. tomorrow night for Game 4, and returns here on Wednesday for the final day of his hearing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant will be arraigned this week and will stand before the court to declare he is not guilty.
The judge must set a trial within six months of the arraignment. But that isn't in stone. BASCHUK: Variables persist. Will the Judge Terry Ruckriegel rule in favor of the defense's motion challenging Colorado's rape shield law? The defense wants part of the accuser's sexual past submitted as trial evidence. Also, will the judge rule statements Kobe Bryant made to police be sealed and never heard by a jury?
Here's what we can say, anything the defense wins is weakening the prosecution case.
BASCHUK: The prosecution scored a prior victory when the judge ordered the alleged victim's medical record sealed. But this week, he re-examines the decision and conducts hearings on whether evidence can be submitted that Kobe Bryant's accuser allegedly attempted committed suicide twice in 2003, and whether or not she has a history of drug abuse.
CRAIG SILVERMAN, FMR. DEPUTY DA, DENVER: There are a lot of defenses that the witness had has lined up through a solid investigation, who will testify about alleged drug and alcohol problems. Is that relevant or is it just character assassination?
BASCHUK: The judge will address another tough question. Whether or not the accuser can continue to be referred to as a, quote, "victim," in open court proceedings by the prosecution.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BASCHUK: Kobe Bryant is finally arraigned and that's expected Wednesday. For the first time in months, the judge will open the doors of the hearing to the public and cameras will capture the courtroom scene -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Adrian Baschuk in Eagle, Colorado. Thank you for that.
And we're going to have more on the Kobe Bryant case in the next half hour. Harvey Levin, the executive producer of "Celebrity Justice," will join us.
Now, on to weather. Strong storms ripped across Minnesota leaving behind toppled trees and damaged homes. St. Paul and other areas reported golf ball sized hail and winds hitting 70 miles an hour. A tornado is blamed for damaging a home in Greenfield.
Keeping up with your credit up next. Tips that can improve your credit score dramatically.
And you're going to need a good score if you're in the market for a new home this year. Interest rates appear ready to rise. Details CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
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KAGAN: Let's talk about money that matters to you. Interest rates are about to rise. Mortgage rates are already inching upward and most of us can't do anything about that. But we can be better prepared by knowing and possibly improving the all-important credit score.
With "Top Five Tips" on credit, here is Gerri Willis of CNN Financial News.
Good morning.
GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn. Good to see you. My first tip here: you got to understand what the credit score is. Simply put, it's one number that boils down your entire credit history, so that lenders can decide whether you're a good credit risk or not. Now, the range of scores could be anywhere from 300 to 850. If you want to B score, you might want to get credit score of, say, 620 to 650. And if you want the best terms of the best rates from lenders, you'd want something above 680. That would get you the absolute best deal when you're out in the marketplace looking for a loan -- Daryn.
KAGAN: That's just how important those credit scores are.
WILLIS: You know, Daryn, they're becoming more and more important. It used to be that it was just all about your mortgage rate. That if you were getting a mortgage loan you had to have the credit rate absolutely pristine. But now it affects so much more. Even employees today are looking at your credit rating to determine just how reliable you are. so it's going to affect you in many ways. Not just when you're just out there looking for a loan.
KAGAN: So how do you find out what your score is?
WILLIS: Easy enough. There are three big companies that do this: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. They all have web sites, as you can see here. or you can call them directly. Now, they're going to charge you anywhere from nine bucks to 30 bucks to get their report. And some will offer you a one report that includes all of the information. I think it's better, particularly if you're looking for a loan right now, to get each and every report. Because sometimes, many times, in fact, the scores you get are quite different. And you want to make sure you're going to see everything that a lender might see -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Well, and what happens if you look at this report and find out that there is some errors on there?
WILLIS: You know, this happens a lot. Often you'll find that there is information on your credit report you've never seen before; you have no idea where the debt came from. What do you do? Well, you write a letter directly to that credit company saying we dispute this, this is not my information and providing some kind of backup. What's more, you want to identify yourself completely. You want to have not just your name, your Social Security Number, and as well, what you're disputing what your account numbers might be.
So, you've got to follow-up with this; keep an eye on it so that you can get this information off your credit history. And also, if your problem is that you're worried that your identity has been stolen by thieves, go to idcenter.org. It's a great web site that will help you out if your identity has, in fact, been stolen.
KAGAN: And so is the idea you can just check once and forget about it?
WILLIS: Wouldn't that be great?
KAGAN: Yes. I'd like that.
WILLIS: But no, of course not. You need to keep up with it, because the fact is as you open new credit, you're completely changing your history over, and over, and over again. So you want to keep up with it and make sure the information they have is correct. And that you know what's on your credit history so when you're applying for a new job or even just getting insurance for your home, you know what everybody is seeing -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Gerri Willis, thank you so much for that.
Gearing up for more testimony on the treatment of Iraqi prisoners. Up next, we are live from Capitol Hill where senators will take up the issue again this week.
Also, Democratic front-runner, John Kerry focuses this week on health care and the economy. The latest from the campaign trail coming up next.
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KAGAN: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the stop top stories at this hour.
An attorney for U.S. Army Private Lynndie England says photographs of apparent abuse featuring her are not as they appear. The attorney says the images were staged by intelligence officials, and the 21-year-old England simply stood where she was told.
President Bush will deliver remarks to the Pentagon in the next hour. Expected among them, a repeated show of support for embattled Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. Mr. Bush's visit was scheduled before the emergence last week of photographs showing the apparent abuse of Iraqi prisoners at a U.S. military prison near Baghdad.
Rumsfeld's British counterpart, Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon faces Parliament this hour. He is expected to make a statement on the scandal. His appearance comes as new photographs hit British newspapers. Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair issued an apology for any British soldiers who took part in mistreating prisoners.
Italian authorities say they have arrested five terror suspects in Florence. All are accused of recruiting suicide bombers to carry out attacks in Iraq. The yearlong investigation was dubbed Operation Shai (ph), the Arabic word for martyr.
The Iraqi prisoner treatment issue resurfaces on Capitol Hill tomorrow. The Senate Armed Services Committee continues its series of hearings on the matter. And the committee's chairman say Pentagon investigators will give lawmakers a first look at even more photos that have not been seen publicly.
Joe Johns has more live from Capitol Hill this morning.
Joe, good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. Apparently the witness list for that hearing scheduled for tomorrow is still a work-in-progress. We are being told that there are a number of people the committee would like to get. Those people include: Air Force Lieutenant General Lance Smith, the deputy commander of Centcom, also the under-secretary for intelligence, Steve Cambone and General William Boykin, who is the chief of military intelligence at the Pentagon.
There is also a big push right now to try and get as much of those unseen photos and videos into public circulation. The concern among
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