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American Morning

Saddam Officially Handed Over to Iraqis, Remains in U.S. Custody for Security

Aired June 30, 2004 - 08:00   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: Saddam Hussein comes full circle. The former dictator now a prisoner of the new Iraqi government.
Police in Washington, D.C. trying to catch a gang of bank robbers who were caught on videotape.

And the floods in Texas really starting to take the fun out of things this morning, on this AMERICAN MORNING.

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

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.

8:01 here in New York.

Other headlines this hour, and a big day for the Iraqi people today. Legal custody of Saddam Hussein now being transferred. We'll look at where this goes next, as well as the many different concerns for the U.S. -- from escape plots to the symbolic impact throughout the Arab world, as well.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, there's some new information coming out about an American Marine who's being held hostage in Iraq. We're going to get a report this morning from the town of West Jordan in Utah, where Hassoun has family, and also find out what the military now believes has actually happened.

HEMMER: Also, 17 years since the death of 6-year-old Lisa Steinberg shocking this country, forcing states to reexamine child abuse laws. Now the man convicted gets out of prison. The emotions still running rather high 17 years later. We'll get to that story this hour, as well.

O'BRIEN: Jack Cafferty's here. Gosh, you remember that story? You covered it, as well.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, absolutely. I was doing local news in New York at the time it happened...

O'BRIEN: Huge.

CAFFERTY: And arguably the most hated man maybe in this city's history, with the possible exception of David Berkowitz, who was the .45 caliber Son of Sam killer. This guy is an animal and he belongs out of jail like you and I and Hemmer belong inside one. Coming up in the Cafferty File in about 20 minutes, we'll tell you what Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld says he has in common with the detainees at Guantanamo. And you'll find out which singer says he was not drunk, he was just over served.

HEMMER: Sure. Aren't we all?

CAFFERTY: It sounds like my old man when I was a kid. They just gave me too many.

O'BRIEN: I like that. All right, thanks, Jack.

CAFFERTY: Yes, sure.

O'BRIEN: Disposed dictator Saddam Hussein now in Iraqi legal custody in Baghdad. The hand over of Saddam and 11 other former Iraqi leaders was made official just a few hours ago.

Earlier on AMERICAN MORNING, we spoke with Dan Senor, a top coalition adviser during the occupation, about what happens next.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, FORMER CPA SENIOR ADVISER: The Iraqis will be in charge of the legal proceedings, the Iraqi judges, Iraqi prosecutors. The Iraqi special tribunal was established by the Iraqi Governing Council. It was the first act that the Iraqi Governing Council took last July after they were formed. This is something that the Iraqis are deeply committed to. They have asked us to help with the security of Saddam Hussein, which is why we will maintain the physical custody. The last thing they want is Saddam Hussein being killed or being freed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: That was Dan Senor.

CNN analyst Ken Pollack joins us now.

He's with the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington this morning.

Nice to see you, Ken.

Let's get right to it.

We just heard Dan say that there is -- the last thing they want is Saddam Hussein being freed or being killed.

Realistically, how big of a risk are those two things?

KEN POLLACK, CNN ANALYST, THE SABAN CENTER AT BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: Well, as long as you've got U.S. forces controlling Saddam, physically, it is a fairly low risk. But as always, Soledad, it is such an enormous problem. If he were somehow killed by a disgruntled Iraqi or somehow freed, it would be such an enormous catastrophe for the coalition, for the United States, for the Iraqis, nobody wants to take that risk.

O'BRIEN: You had predicted and had fears of a lot of violence on this day in Iraq.

Is that because this was the original day of the hand over and, of course, there were concerns that insurgents would be planning events on this day? Or is it because of the official transfer of Saddam Hussein?

POLLACK: Well, actually, Soledad, I think there were a lot of people who were concerned that there would be terrorist attacks today. But in all honesty, I was, I think, actually in the opposite camp, which was my own feeling is that the terrorists in Iraq have generally moved on their own schedule. They've not really accorded these dates -- which we think are so important -- to have the same kind of importance. They strike when they are ready to. They don't strike when they think that the U.S. and the Iraqis are prepared.

I actually expected that they might try something today, but that because there would be a lot of security precautions, in all honesty, it wasn't as likely as I think a lot of other people thought.

O'BRIEN: The hand over of Saddam Hussein hugely, obviously, symbolic. But there are other big issues, as well.

Why do that one first? Is it because of the big symbolism there?

POLLACK: Yes. Absolutely, Soledad. It is enormously important. It's also, in some ways, an easy one for this new Iraqi government. You've got to think of it this way. This new Iraqi government comes in with a few strikes against it. The U.S. has tried to set up other governments. They didn't work. They're coming in now at the tail end. Everyone knows that elections are coming up. No one really knows if the Iraqi people are going to accept them. They're trying very hard to say to the Iraqi people we are a change from what went before. We are fully in charge. The Americans are not going to run things.

This is an easy one for them to say to the Iraqi people, see, we've now got custody over the biggest symbol out there.

O'BRIEN: Of course, it's got to be much easier to tackle, then, for example, dealing with the security issue, which is a much bigger issue and probably the most important issue. The national security adviser yesterday talked a little bit about emergency law and martial law. He said they would not be imposed, but there would be other restrictions.

Can you talk about that?

POLLACK: Yes, absolutely. No one knows exactly what the Iraqis have in mind. But they've got several different problems. One, they're not, as you pointed out, Soledad, they're not in full charge of security. Right now, the United States is continuing to run the majority of security operations in Iraq and really security is still in the hands of the United States. Second, if the Iraqis do turn to something like martial law, they are running a real risk. They have got to show results. Most Iraqis probably aren't going to be terribly happy with martial law and unless this new government demonstrates that they're getting something from it, they're making people's lives safer, they're actually rounding up insurgents, that is likely to backfire on them. So they need to tread very, very carefully if they decide to go down this path.

O'BRIEN: Interesting.

Ken Pollack for us this morning.

Ken, nice to see you, as always.

Thanks.

POLLACK: Thank you, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Bill.

HEMMER: Another concern regarding Iraq, Soledad, family and friends of Marine Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun continue to wait and wonder about his whereabouts. The military yesterday changing Hassoun's status from missing to captured. And there are reports today that Hassoun may have been traumatized by some events he witnessed in Iraq.

Some of his relatives are back in West Jordan, Utah, and that's where we find Ed Lavandera there this morning -- Ed, good morning.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

Well, the U.S. military now saying what Corporal Hassoun's family has known since the very moment they saw his image broadcast on Arab television, and that is Corporal Hassoun has been captured by Islamic militants who are threatening to kill him if the U.S. does not release all Iraqi prisoners.

At a press conference late last night, a family spokesperson here in West Jordan, Utah saying that they're counting on the U.S. Marines here for support and for help and information in getting him back from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TAREK NOSSEIR, HASSOUN FAMILY SPOKESMAN: The Marine Corps have officially notified the family that loss of status, of desertion, is being revoked and has been changed to captured. Obviously, Wassef's capture is what has been destined upon us and we accept it. Yet we believe that our and your prayers will be answered. Please continue to pray for his safe release.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LAVANDERA: One of the reasons that it took so long for the U.S. military to make this announcement is that they have been investigating the circumstances as to how Corporal Hassoun got away from the base there near Fallujah in Iraq. And that is one of the reasons why it took so long. They did not want to make a public announcement as to the fact that he was missing. They were fearing that they might alert Iraqi insurgents if he had left of his own free will, alert Iraqi insurgents that he was freely roaming around Iraq and put him in a dangerous situation -- Bill.

HEMMER: Ed, what can you add on these reports about him being traumatized based on some things that he may have seen there in Iraq?

LAVANDERA: Well, we have known that -- the U.S. military has been saying that they're investigating the circumstances of how he left the base. They're -- they have reason to believe -- they've been saying that he left of his own free will. A "New York Times" report this morning quoting a Marine officer adds some more detail to this scenario, saying that this Marine officer in Iraq, saying that Corporal Hassoun had become emotionally traumatized by witnessing the death of a fellow Marine and that he was, had become emotional and traumatized and wanted to, perhaps, get away from his commitment and the duty that he was serving there.

The report also goes on to say that he befriended some Iraqis there at the base and that they helped him get away. And then the report says that the Iraqis turned on him and turned him over to the Islamic insurgents that have now held him captured.

Last night, we asked the family spokesperson about this scenario, but the family here in West Jordan, Utah says they have no comment about it at this point.

HEMMER: Ed, thanks.

O'BRIEN: After more than a decade in prison, infamous New York City child killer Joel Steinberg is being released from prison this morning. Steinberg was convicted of beating to death a 6-year-old girl he was raising in a shocking case that led to major changes in how child abuse cases were handled.

Jason Carroll is live for us this morning from Pine City in New York -- Jason, good morning.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And good morning to you, Soledad.

Steinberg was scheduled to be released about an hour and a half ago. It still hasn't happened yet. But just a short while ago, a white stretch limo pulled up with his attorney in the back. At this point, we're waiting to see what Steinberg has to say about a case that changed the way people look at child abuse.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEDDA NUSSBAUM, ADOPTIVE MOTHER: She was congested and seems to have stopped breathing.

CARROLL (voice-over): It was a 911 call that began a story that would shock the nation. It came on November 2, 1987, from Hedda Nussbaum. Her adopted daughter Lisa wasn't breathing.

NUSSBAUM: I'm giving her mouth to mouth.

CARROLL: Nussbaum said Lisa had choked on food. Police found her naked, filthy and badly bruised. Later, doctors found old bruises on her tiny body. They also noticed obvious signs of abuse on Nussbaum -- her face severely disfigured.

Three days after arriving at the hospital, Lisa died. She was six years old.

Police charged Nussbaum and her live-in lover, Joel Steinberg, with murder.

JOEL STEINBERG, CONVICTED OF KILLING LISA STEINBERG: I do not hit, strike or use any form of forceful discipline of any sort.

CARROLL: Steinberg denied claims he beat Lisa because she stared at him. What's undisputed, Steinberg and Nussbaum had illegally adopted Lisa at birth. Her teachers saw bruises over time and neighbors heard screams from their West Village brownstone, but no one investigated.

Years later, Nussbaum explained how Steinberg controlled her.

NUSSBAUM: Because I was really brainwashed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is deserving of the maximum sentence.

CARROLL: A deadlocked jury reached a compromise verdict -- manslaughter instead of murder.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not guilty.

CARROLL: After Lisa's death, New York State required anyone licensed to deal with children to take a course in recognizing abuse. Lisa's middle class background also changed stereotypes of victims of child abuse.

DR. KATHERINE GRIMM, CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY GROUP: People who are poor and minorities are assumed to be the major group of perpetrators. Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic lines and all ethnic lines.

CARROLL: Steinberg served 17 years, the required two thirds of a maximum 25 year sentence. Not enough for one former juror.

JEREMIAH COLE, JUROR: I think justice would only be served if Joel Steinberg spent the rest of his life in some way trying to atone for what he did.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: And Steinberg plans on returning to New York City. As part of his parole, he has to stay away from children. He also has to take part in anger management classes. He also has to stay away from Hedda Nussbaum. As for Nussbaum, she avoided jail time by testifying against Steinberg. Upon hearing about his release, she has gone into hiding -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: And, also, Jason, a return to New York City, I've got to tell you, as Jack said just a couple of minutes ago, he, at one point, was the most hated man, I think it's fair to say, here in New York City, when the details of this crime were made public.

CARROLL: And it's interesting, Soledad, you still talk to people who were associated with the case -- this juror, some representatives from child advocacy groups -- they still, still very emotional about this case. Even speaking to some of my colleagues out here, some of those who worked in New York City during the time, some of those who covered this case say it is still something that resonates with them even now.

O'BRIEN: I remember it was a horrible, horrible, horrible case.

Jason Carroll for us this morning.

Jason, thanks -- Bill.

HEMMER: There is a stunning videotape capturing a crime in progress in Washington, D.C., broad daylight, nonetheless.

Gary Tuchman has that story this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A TV news photographer visiting a Washington, D.C. firehouse heard word there was a crime in progress across the street. He positioned his camera in this spot and shot video we rarely see: the aftermath of a bank robbery.

This innocent bystander realized something was wrong and quickly darted out of the way. The photographer then sees a hooded gunman who was in the getaway van, but gets out in an apparent effort to see what happened to his counterparts at this SunTrust bank in northwest Washington.

Seconds later, two bank robbers run out of the bank with the loot. One of their exits not particularly graceful. Jump in the van after firing shots inside the bank. Police believe they are serial bank robbers.

Authorities say these men have robbed at least six banks in Washington and its Maryland suburbs since January. On one occasion, they fired a shot at a police officer, narrowly missing her. At this robbery in May, a bank employee was pistol whipped, and customers were understandably shaken up.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What did they say, anything?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everybody get on the floor, and that's exactly what I did.

TUCHMAN: In each of the robberies, the criminals getaway vehicle was stolen. Minutes after they pulled away from this most recent robbery, the vehicle was found ablaze about a mile-and-a-half from the bank. The suspects have torched their getaway vehicles three times in an effort to destroy evidence. But now, police have this unique piece of video to work with, evidence these men did not anticipate.

Gary Tuchman, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Also, police, we're told, down in the D.C. area, still questioning a number of people in connection with this. One more time on the videotape, we are told they got about 50 grand in this heist on Tuesday. All told, over the past six robberies, going back to January of this year, more than $350, 000 taken. The police chief says they're vicious. To date, though, no injuries as a result of all half dozen robberies.

More when we get it -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: That was pretty shocking videotape.

It is quarter after the hour.

Time to take a look at some of the other stories making news today with Drew Griffin -- good morning to you, Drew.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad.

The Pentagon dipping into a rarely used pool of reservists. Army officials saying about 5, 600 former soldiers may be assigned to duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The troops part of the individual ready reserve. They're made up of people who left the military but still owe the Army some time. They would be used in such units like military police and engineers. The official announcement expected today.

And there's word that some terror detainees held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba are ready to go on trial now. According to reports, a five member military tribunal is in place to try at least three terror suspects. The announcement coming on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling that prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba could appeal their detentions in American courts.

Israel's high court calling for changes to the West Bank security barrier. The court ruling that a 19 mile stretch of that fence must be rerouted. The court says its current path would hamper the lives of thousands of Palestinians. Israel says the barrier, still under construction there, is needed to keep suicide bombers out.

And here in the U.S., singer/actress Beyonce Knowles and her rap star boyfriend Jay-Z getting top honors. Black Entertainment Television naming Beyonce this year's best female R&B artist. Her boyfriend, Jay-Z, winning the award for top male hip-hop artist. The couple also got nods for their collaboration on the hit song "Crazy In Love."

And the spacecraft Cassini appears to be on track to break into Saturn's orbital neighborhood today. That is according to mission control in California. Cassini expected to slow down this afternoon and then actually allow Saturn's gravity to pull it into orbit. The $3 billion mission aimed at unlocking the mysteries of how planets are formed and get a look at one of the prettiest planets we have in the solar system -- back to you, Bill.

HEMMER: Indeed, you're so right, too.

Yes, the pictures are stunning.

Thank you, Drew.

Good to have you here, too, on AMERICAN MORNING.

GRIFFIN: Thank you.

HEMMER: This has been one of the rainiest months in North Texas history. Yesterday, Dallas/Fort Worth, that area got a 17th day of rain. That ties a record from 1940. The Six Flags Amusement Park at Arlington forced to close for the day. Visitors there taking shelter at the indoor attractions. Several rides flooded. Creeks overflowed. More rain, get this, expected again today.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HEMMER: In a moment here, a 13-year-old boy defying the odds.

(AUDIO GAP)

HEMMER: We'll have an update for you on this...

O'BRIEN: What did he say?

HEMMER: Yes...

O'BRIEN: We'll tell you.

HEMMER: That's right. That's only a kind of a little tease. Ricky Barker, an update there, an inspiring story there. Doctors say his recovery is so remarkable, it's a miracle.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, talk about bipartisanship, a Democrat makes plans for the GOP convention. Our political gurus will take a look at that this morning.

HEMMER: Also, Scott Peterson's defense team trying to defuse a potential bombshell in court. Allegations he once talked to a friend about how to get rid of a human body.

Back in a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

O'BRIEN: I think we're on.

Welcome back, everybody.

Time to check in with Jack.

CAFFERTY: Time to do things.

HEMMER: That's right.

CAFFERTY: The File today, Wednesday, things people said over the last week that got our attention, beginning with this. "What I gotta do to get that brand new 300 up outta you? Get back in contact with my nephew so you can make it happen, then it's official like a referee's whistle. If you want this car to blow, give it to me."

That would be...

O'BRIEN: Are you rapping?

CAFFERTY: That would be Snoop Dogg in a message actually left at a Chrysler dealership on the West Coast inquiring about the company's new 300C sedan. Word is they had to call in a translator to find out what it meant.

This one: "I stand for eight to 10 hours a day. Why is standing limited to four hours?" Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in a memo written in 2002 on interrogation tactics. He was commenting on the length of time terrorism detainees could be made to stand.

"He could have made it right with the book. But he hasn't. He is a revisionist of history. He has lied." Monica Lewinsky on President Clinton's account of their liaison -- there's a new word for it -- in his autobiography, "My Life."

"I feel like 'Cactus' Gavvy Cravath. Do you know who that is? Right. Nobody does. He's the guy who had the home run record before Babe Ruth came along." That's former Jeopardy champion Tom Walsh, who had the record for Jeopardy winnings until this guy Ken Jennings of Salt Lake City broke it. Jennings won his 20th consecutive game last night. He has earned now $663, 000 to this point, which is pretty...

O'BRIEN: Wow.

CAFFERTY: And he's amazing. I watched one night. I mean he knows everything.

HEMMER: Yes, that's true.

CAFFERTY: The guy knows everything there is to know.

HEMMER: And he was blowing people away.

CAFFERTY: Well...

HEMMER: He's not just winning by a little bit.

CAFFERTY: Yes.

"I already know I can't act. I don't have to do some terrible submarine movie in order to figure that out. Hey, celebrities, stay put. Enjoy. Is it so bad to make millions of dollars just from singing?" that would be John Mayer, a singer, on singers turned actors, possibly referring to Jennifer Lopez. Who really knows?

"I wasn't really that drunk. I was just over served." Glen Campbell, speaking with Access Hollywood about his DUI arrest last November. "I was just over served."

HEMMER: Over served.

CAFFERTY: It wasn't my fault.

HEMMER: So were we.

O'BRIEN: Well, I like -- pretty clever, you've got to admit.

CAFFERTY: I like that Snoop Dogg thing.

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: Can you imagine?

O'BRIEN: You know, I don't -- I'm not even sure what it said.

CAFFERTY: Yes, well nobody is.

O'BRIEN: He wanted the car.

CAFFERTY: I mean he knew exactly what he was saying...

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: ... but nobody else could understand it.

HEMMER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), though.

O'BRIEN: And for a moment I think we heard Jack getting in the groove.

HEMMER: Yes, a little bit.

O'BRIEN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). But I was thinking.

Well, a few weeks ago we told you about this harrowing story of a 13-year-old boy. His name is Ricky Barker. He somehow survived a serious accident and seemingly ever since he's been making some progress.

We've got an update now from Thelma Gutierrez.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They were small steps on a painful and unlikely journey that defied all medical odds.

DR. DAVID BEYDA, CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST: There was only one of two things that could happen as a result of that. One was that we were going to lose him and the other was that he would have severe neurological injury and perhaps never walk again.

GUTIERREZ: It is a remarkable recovery even doctors call miraculous. His story began back in April. Thirteen-year-old Ricky Barker was hit by a car, his injuries so severe doctors say he was internally decapitated.

DR. KIM MANWARING, NEUROSURGEON: An internal decapitation is to tear all of the connections that hold the head to the spine.

GUTIERREZ: The injuries should have been fatal. Ricky couldn't breathe on his own and he was paralyzed from the neck down.

STAN BARKER, FATHER: I said a prayer that god would raise my son back up.

GUTIERREZ: A team of doctors at doctors at Children's Hospital in Phoenix placed titanium rods and bolts in Ricky's neck, attaching his skull to his spine. After 36 hours, Ricky began to breathe on his own. He could move his right leg, then his left. Eventually, he began to talk.

RICKY BARKER, ACCIDENT SURVIVOR: It took me a couple minutes to figure it out. And then I'm like wait a minute, I can talk.

MANWARING: If miracle means unusual, unexpected, very rare recovery, this certainly you would appropriately call it a miracle.

GUTIERREZ: Just six weeks later, Ricky's journey took another step forward. Ricky was able to attend his eighth graduate graduation.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All that keeps running through my head is hearing the doctors say six weeks ago that my son was going to die. And here we are.

GUTIERREZ: Amazingly, just 10 weeks after the accident, Ricky was able to walk out of the hospital.

R. BARKER: I had a lot of determination and will. And I think when I got hit, that determination and will to keep living was still there.

GUTIERREZ: Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Wow, what a remarkable little boy.

Well, the doctors aren't exactly sure just how long it will be until Ricky's recovery is complete. But, of course, we wish him his family the very best. HEMMER: Absolutely.

In a moment here, Scott Peterson's defense team does damage control after what could be stunning testimony from a witness. We'll get to that in a moment.

Also, we already knew secondhand smoke was bad for you. It might be a big shock, though, to learn just how bad. Sanjay explains that in a few moments here on AMERICAN MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

HEMMER: Welcome back, everybody.

Just shy of 70 degrees here at 8:30 in the morning in New York City. What a wonderful day it's going to be today.

If you're in the Northeast, get outside today, all right? Take advantage of the springtime, because we haven't had one until now.

In a moment here, the Scott Peterson trial has plenty of twists and turns in the last week, all from one witness, we're told, too. Another surprise coming from testimony suggesting that Scott Peterson once considered of ways to dispose of a human body. At Redwood City, California, we'll get a report from California in a moment on that.

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 June 30, 2004 - 08:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Saddam Hussein comes full circle. The former dictator now a prisoner of the new Iraqi government.
Police in Washington, D.C. trying to catch a gang of bank robbers who were caught on videotape.

And the floods in Texas really starting to take the fun out of things this morning, on this AMERICAN MORNING.

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

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.

8:01 here in New York.

Other headlines this hour, and a big day for the Iraqi people today. Legal custody of Saddam Hussein now being transferred. We'll look at where this goes next, as well as the many different concerns for the U.S. -- from escape plots to the symbolic impact throughout the Arab world, as well.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, there's some new information coming out about an American Marine who's being held hostage in Iraq. We're going to get a report this morning from the town of West Jordan in Utah, where Hassoun has family, and also find out what the military now believes has actually happened.

HEMMER: Also, 17 years since the death of 6-year-old Lisa Steinberg shocking this country, forcing states to reexamine child abuse laws. Now the man convicted gets out of prison. The emotions still running rather high 17 years later. We'll get to that story this hour, as well.

O'BRIEN: Jack Cafferty's here. Gosh, you remember that story? You covered it, as well.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, absolutely. I was doing local news in New York at the time it happened...

O'BRIEN: Huge.

CAFFERTY: And arguably the most hated man maybe in this city's history, with the possible exception of David Berkowitz, who was the .45 caliber Son of Sam killer. This guy is an animal and he belongs out of jail like you and I and Hemmer belong inside one. Coming up in the Cafferty File in about 20 minutes, we'll tell you what Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld says he has in common with the detainees at Guantanamo. And you'll find out which singer says he was not drunk, he was just over served.

HEMMER: Sure. Aren't we all?

CAFFERTY: It sounds like my old man when I was a kid. They just gave me too many.

O'BRIEN: I like that. All right, thanks, Jack.

CAFFERTY: Yes, sure.

O'BRIEN: Disposed dictator Saddam Hussein now in Iraqi legal custody in Baghdad. The hand over of Saddam and 11 other former Iraqi leaders was made official just a few hours ago.

Earlier on AMERICAN MORNING, we spoke with Dan Senor, a top coalition adviser during the occupation, about what happens next.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, FORMER CPA SENIOR ADVISER: The Iraqis will be in charge of the legal proceedings, the Iraqi judges, Iraqi prosecutors. The Iraqi special tribunal was established by the Iraqi Governing Council. It was the first act that the Iraqi Governing Council took last July after they were formed. This is something that the Iraqis are deeply committed to. They have asked us to help with the security of Saddam Hussein, which is why we will maintain the physical custody. The last thing they want is Saddam Hussein being killed or being freed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: That was Dan Senor.

CNN analyst Ken Pollack joins us now.

He's with the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution in Washington this morning.

Nice to see you, Ken.

Let's get right to it.

We just heard Dan say that there is -- the last thing they want is Saddam Hussein being freed or being killed.

Realistically, how big of a risk are those two things?

KEN POLLACK, CNN ANALYST, THE SABAN CENTER AT BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: Well, as long as you've got U.S. forces controlling Saddam, physically, it is a fairly low risk. But as always, Soledad, it is such an enormous problem. If he were somehow killed by a disgruntled Iraqi or somehow freed, it would be such an enormous catastrophe for the coalition, for the United States, for the Iraqis, nobody wants to take that risk.

O'BRIEN: You had predicted and had fears of a lot of violence on this day in Iraq.

Is that because this was the original day of the hand over and, of course, there were concerns that insurgents would be planning events on this day? Or is it because of the official transfer of Saddam Hussein?

POLLACK: Well, actually, Soledad, I think there were a lot of people who were concerned that there would be terrorist attacks today. But in all honesty, I was, I think, actually in the opposite camp, which was my own feeling is that the terrorists in Iraq have generally moved on their own schedule. They've not really accorded these dates -- which we think are so important -- to have the same kind of importance. They strike when they are ready to. They don't strike when they think that the U.S. and the Iraqis are prepared.

I actually expected that they might try something today, but that because there would be a lot of security precautions, in all honesty, it wasn't as likely as I think a lot of other people thought.

O'BRIEN: The hand over of Saddam Hussein hugely, obviously, symbolic. But there are other big issues, as well.

Why do that one first? Is it because of the big symbolism there?

POLLACK: Yes. Absolutely, Soledad. It is enormously important. It's also, in some ways, an easy one for this new Iraqi government. You've got to think of it this way. This new Iraqi government comes in with a few strikes against it. The U.S. has tried to set up other governments. They didn't work. They're coming in now at the tail end. Everyone knows that elections are coming up. No one really knows if the Iraqi people are going to accept them. They're trying very hard to say to the Iraqi people we are a change from what went before. We are fully in charge. The Americans are not going to run things.

This is an easy one for them to say to the Iraqi people, see, we've now got custody over the biggest symbol out there.

O'BRIEN: Of course, it's got to be much easier to tackle, then, for example, dealing with the security issue, which is a much bigger issue and probably the most important issue. The national security adviser yesterday talked a little bit about emergency law and martial law. He said they would not be imposed, but there would be other restrictions.

Can you talk about that?

POLLACK: Yes, absolutely. No one knows exactly what the Iraqis have in mind. But they've got several different problems. One, they're not, as you pointed out, Soledad, they're not in full charge of security. Right now, the United States is continuing to run the majority of security operations in Iraq and really security is still in the hands of the United States. Second, if the Iraqis do turn to something like martial law, they are running a real risk. They have got to show results. Most Iraqis probably aren't going to be terribly happy with martial law and unless this new government demonstrates that they're getting something from it, they're making people's lives safer, they're actually rounding up insurgents, that is likely to backfire on them. So they need to tread very, very carefully if they decide to go down this path.

O'BRIEN: Interesting.

Ken Pollack for us this morning.

Ken, nice to see you, as always.

Thanks.

POLLACK: Thank you, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Bill.

HEMMER: Another concern regarding Iraq, Soledad, family and friends of Marine Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun continue to wait and wonder about his whereabouts. The military yesterday changing Hassoun's status from missing to captured. And there are reports today that Hassoun may have been traumatized by some events he witnessed in Iraq.

Some of his relatives are back in West Jordan, Utah, and that's where we find Ed Lavandera there this morning -- Ed, good morning.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

Well, the U.S. military now saying what Corporal Hassoun's family has known since the very moment they saw his image broadcast on Arab television, and that is Corporal Hassoun has been captured by Islamic militants who are threatening to kill him if the U.S. does not release all Iraqi prisoners.

At a press conference late last night, a family spokesperson here in West Jordan, Utah saying that they're counting on the U.S. Marines here for support and for help and information in getting him back from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TAREK NOSSEIR, HASSOUN FAMILY SPOKESMAN: The Marine Corps have officially notified the family that loss of status, of desertion, is being revoked and has been changed to captured. Obviously, Wassef's capture is what has been destined upon us and we accept it. Yet we believe that our and your prayers will be answered. Please continue to pray for his safe release.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LAVANDERA: One of the reasons that it took so long for the U.S. military to make this announcement is that they have been investigating the circumstances as to how Corporal Hassoun got away from the base there near Fallujah in Iraq. And that is one of the reasons why it took so long. They did not want to make a public announcement as to the fact that he was missing. They were fearing that they might alert Iraqi insurgents if he had left of his own free will, alert Iraqi insurgents that he was freely roaming around Iraq and put him in a dangerous situation -- Bill.

HEMMER: Ed, what can you add on these reports about him being traumatized based on some things that he may have seen there in Iraq?

LAVANDERA: Well, we have known that -- the U.S. military has been saying that they're investigating the circumstances of how he left the base. They're -- they have reason to believe -- they've been saying that he left of his own free will. A "New York Times" report this morning quoting a Marine officer adds some more detail to this scenario, saying that this Marine officer in Iraq, saying that Corporal Hassoun had become emotionally traumatized by witnessing the death of a fellow Marine and that he was, had become emotional and traumatized and wanted to, perhaps, get away from his commitment and the duty that he was serving there.

The report also goes on to say that he befriended some Iraqis there at the base and that they helped him get away. And then the report says that the Iraqis turned on him and turned him over to the Islamic insurgents that have now held him captured.

Last night, we asked the family spokesperson about this scenario, but the family here in West Jordan, Utah says they have no comment about it at this point.

HEMMER: Ed, thanks.

O'BRIEN: After more than a decade in prison, infamous New York City child killer Joel Steinberg is being released from prison this morning. Steinberg was convicted of beating to death a 6-year-old girl he was raising in a shocking case that led to major changes in how child abuse cases were handled.

Jason Carroll is live for us this morning from Pine City in New York -- Jason, good morning.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And good morning to you, Soledad.

Steinberg was scheduled to be released about an hour and a half ago. It still hasn't happened yet. But just a short while ago, a white stretch limo pulled up with his attorney in the back. At this point, we're waiting to see what Steinberg has to say about a case that changed the way people look at child abuse.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEDDA NUSSBAUM, ADOPTIVE MOTHER: She was congested and seems to have stopped breathing.

CARROLL (voice-over): It was a 911 call that began a story that would shock the nation. It came on November 2, 1987, from Hedda Nussbaum. Her adopted daughter Lisa wasn't breathing.

NUSSBAUM: I'm giving her mouth to mouth.

CARROLL: Nussbaum said Lisa had choked on food. Police found her naked, filthy and badly bruised. Later, doctors found old bruises on her tiny body. They also noticed obvious signs of abuse on Nussbaum -- her face severely disfigured.

Three days after arriving at the hospital, Lisa died. She was six years old.

Police charged Nussbaum and her live-in lover, Joel Steinberg, with murder.

JOEL STEINBERG, CONVICTED OF KILLING LISA STEINBERG: I do not hit, strike or use any form of forceful discipline of any sort.

CARROLL: Steinberg denied claims he beat Lisa because she stared at him. What's undisputed, Steinberg and Nussbaum had illegally adopted Lisa at birth. Her teachers saw bruises over time and neighbors heard screams from their West Village brownstone, but no one investigated.

Years later, Nussbaum explained how Steinberg controlled her.

NUSSBAUM: Because I was really brainwashed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is deserving of the maximum sentence.

CARROLL: A deadlocked jury reached a compromise verdict -- manslaughter instead of murder.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not guilty.

CARROLL: After Lisa's death, New York State required anyone licensed to deal with children to take a course in recognizing abuse. Lisa's middle class background also changed stereotypes of victims of child abuse.

DR. KATHERINE GRIMM, CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY GROUP: People who are poor and minorities are assumed to be the major group of perpetrators. Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic lines and all ethnic lines.

CARROLL: Steinberg served 17 years, the required two thirds of a maximum 25 year sentence. Not enough for one former juror.

JEREMIAH COLE, JUROR: I think justice would only be served if Joel Steinberg spent the rest of his life in some way trying to atone for what he did.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: And Steinberg plans on returning to New York City. As part of his parole, he has to stay away from children. He also has to take part in anger management classes. He also has to stay away from Hedda Nussbaum. As for Nussbaum, she avoided jail time by testifying against Steinberg. Upon hearing about his release, she has gone into hiding -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: And, also, Jason, a return to New York City, I've got to tell you, as Jack said just a couple of minutes ago, he, at one point, was the most hated man, I think it's fair to say, here in New York City, when the details of this crime were made public.

CARROLL: And it's interesting, Soledad, you still talk to people who were associated with the case -- this juror, some representatives from child advocacy groups -- they still, still very emotional about this case. Even speaking to some of my colleagues out here, some of those who worked in New York City during the time, some of those who covered this case say it is still something that resonates with them even now.

O'BRIEN: I remember it was a horrible, horrible, horrible case.

Jason Carroll for us this morning.

Jason, thanks -- Bill.

HEMMER: There is a stunning videotape capturing a crime in progress in Washington, D.C., broad daylight, nonetheless.

Gary Tuchman has that story this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A TV news photographer visiting a Washington, D.C. firehouse heard word there was a crime in progress across the street. He positioned his camera in this spot and shot video we rarely see: the aftermath of a bank robbery.

This innocent bystander realized something was wrong and quickly darted out of the way. The photographer then sees a hooded gunman who was in the getaway van, but gets out in an apparent effort to see what happened to his counterparts at this SunTrust bank in northwest Washington.

Seconds later, two bank robbers run out of the bank with the loot. One of their exits not particularly graceful. Jump in the van after firing shots inside the bank. Police believe they are serial bank robbers.

Authorities say these men have robbed at least six banks in Washington and its Maryland suburbs since January. On one occasion, they fired a shot at a police officer, narrowly missing her. At this robbery in May, a bank employee was pistol whipped, and customers were understandably shaken up.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What did they say, anything?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everybody get on the floor, and that's exactly what I did.

TUCHMAN: In each of the robberies, the criminals getaway vehicle was stolen. Minutes after they pulled away from this most recent robbery, the vehicle was found ablaze about a mile-and-a-half from the bank. The suspects have torched their getaway vehicles three times in an effort to destroy evidence. But now, police have this unique piece of video to work with, evidence these men did not anticipate.

Gary Tuchman, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Also, police, we're told, down in the D.C. area, still questioning a number of people in connection with this. One more time on the videotape, we are told they got about 50 grand in this heist on Tuesday. All told, over the past six robberies, going back to January of this year, more than $350, 000 taken. The police chief says they're vicious. To date, though, no injuries as a result of all half dozen robberies.

More when we get it -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: That was pretty shocking videotape.

It is quarter after the hour.

Time to take a look at some of the other stories making news today with Drew Griffin -- good morning to you, Drew.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad.

The Pentagon dipping into a rarely used pool of reservists. Army officials saying about 5, 600 former soldiers may be assigned to duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The troops part of the individual ready reserve. They're made up of people who left the military but still owe the Army some time. They would be used in such units like military police and engineers. The official announcement expected today.

And there's word that some terror detainees held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba are ready to go on trial now. According to reports, a five member military tribunal is in place to try at least three terror suspects. The announcement coming on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling that prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba could appeal their detentions in American courts.

Israel's high court calling for changes to the West Bank security barrier. The court ruling that a 19 mile stretch of that fence must be rerouted. The court says its current path would hamper the lives of thousands of Palestinians. Israel says the barrier, still under construction there, is needed to keep suicide bombers out.

And here in the U.S., singer/actress Beyonce Knowles and her rap star boyfriend Jay-Z getting top honors. Black Entertainment Television naming Beyonce this year's best female R&B artist. Her boyfriend, Jay-Z, winning the award for top male hip-hop artist. The couple also got nods for their collaboration on the hit song "Crazy In Love."

And the spacecraft Cassini appears to be on track to break into Saturn's orbital neighborhood today. That is according to mission control in California. Cassini expected to slow down this afternoon and then actually allow Saturn's gravity to pull it into orbit. The $3 billion mission aimed at unlocking the mysteries of how planets are formed and get a look at one of the prettiest planets we have in the solar system -- back to you, Bill.

HEMMER: Indeed, you're so right, too.

Yes, the pictures are stunning.

Thank you, Drew.

Good to have you here, too, on AMERICAN MORNING.

GRIFFIN: Thank you.

HEMMER: This has been one of the rainiest months in North Texas history. Yesterday, Dallas/Fort Worth, that area got a 17th day of rain. That ties a record from 1940. The Six Flags Amusement Park at Arlington forced to close for the day. Visitors there taking shelter at the indoor attractions. Several rides flooded. Creeks overflowed. More rain, get this, expected again today.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HEMMER: In a moment here, a 13-year-old boy defying the odds.

(AUDIO GAP)

HEMMER: We'll have an update for you on this...

O'BRIEN: What did he say?

HEMMER: Yes...

O'BRIEN: We'll tell you.

HEMMER: That's right. That's only a kind of a little tease. Ricky Barker, an update there, an inspiring story there. Doctors say his recovery is so remarkable, it's a miracle.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, talk about bipartisanship, a Democrat makes plans for the GOP convention. Our political gurus will take a look at that this morning.

HEMMER: Also, Scott Peterson's defense team trying to defuse a potential bombshell in court. Allegations he once talked to a friend about how to get rid of a human body.

Back in a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

O'BRIEN: I think we're on.

Welcome back, everybody.

Time to check in with Jack.

CAFFERTY: Time to do things.

HEMMER: That's right.

CAFFERTY: The File today, Wednesday, things people said over the last week that got our attention, beginning with this. "What I gotta do to get that brand new 300 up outta you? Get back in contact with my nephew so you can make it happen, then it's official like a referee's whistle. If you want this car to blow, give it to me."

That would be...

O'BRIEN: Are you rapping?

CAFFERTY: That would be Snoop Dogg in a message actually left at a Chrysler dealership on the West Coast inquiring about the company's new 300C sedan. Word is they had to call in a translator to find out what it meant.

This one: "I stand for eight to 10 hours a day. Why is standing limited to four hours?" Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in a memo written in 2002 on interrogation tactics. He was commenting on the length of time terrorism detainees could be made to stand.

"He could have made it right with the book. But he hasn't. He is a revisionist of history. He has lied." Monica Lewinsky on President Clinton's account of their liaison -- there's a new word for it -- in his autobiography, "My Life."

"I feel like 'Cactus' Gavvy Cravath. Do you know who that is? Right. Nobody does. He's the guy who had the home run record before Babe Ruth came along." That's former Jeopardy champion Tom Walsh, who had the record for Jeopardy winnings until this guy Ken Jennings of Salt Lake City broke it. Jennings won his 20th consecutive game last night. He has earned now $663, 000 to this point, which is pretty...

O'BRIEN: Wow.

CAFFERTY: And he's amazing. I watched one night. I mean he knows everything.

HEMMER: Yes, that's true.

CAFFERTY: The guy knows everything there is to know.

HEMMER: And he was blowing people away.

CAFFERTY: Well...

HEMMER: He's not just winning by a little bit.

CAFFERTY: Yes.

"I already know I can't act. I don't have to do some terrible submarine movie in order to figure that out. Hey, celebrities, stay put. Enjoy. Is it so bad to make millions of dollars just from singing?" that would be John Mayer, a singer, on singers turned actors, possibly referring to Jennifer Lopez. Who really knows?

"I wasn't really that drunk. I was just over served." Glen Campbell, speaking with Access Hollywood about his DUI arrest last November. "I was just over served."

HEMMER: Over served.

CAFFERTY: It wasn't my fault.

HEMMER: So were we.

O'BRIEN: Well, I like -- pretty clever, you've got to admit.

CAFFERTY: I like that Snoop Dogg thing.

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: Can you imagine?

O'BRIEN: You know, I don't -- I'm not even sure what it said.

CAFFERTY: Yes, well nobody is.

O'BRIEN: He wanted the car.

CAFFERTY: I mean he knew exactly what he was saying...

HEMMER: Yes.

CAFFERTY: ... but nobody else could understand it.

HEMMER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), though.

O'BRIEN: And for a moment I think we heard Jack getting in the groove.

HEMMER: Yes, a little bit.

O'BRIEN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). But I was thinking.

Well, a few weeks ago we told you about this harrowing story of a 13-year-old boy. His name is Ricky Barker. He somehow survived a serious accident and seemingly ever since he's been making some progress.

We've got an update now from Thelma Gutierrez.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They were small steps on a painful and unlikely journey that defied all medical odds.

DR. DAVID BEYDA, CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST: There was only one of two things that could happen as a result of that. One was that we were going to lose him and the other was that he would have severe neurological injury and perhaps never walk again.

GUTIERREZ: It is a remarkable recovery even doctors call miraculous. His story began back in April. Thirteen-year-old Ricky Barker was hit by a car, his injuries so severe doctors say he was internally decapitated.

DR. KIM MANWARING, NEUROSURGEON: An internal decapitation is to tear all of the connections that hold the head to the spine.

GUTIERREZ: The injuries should have been fatal. Ricky couldn't breathe on his own and he was paralyzed from the neck down.

STAN BARKER, FATHER: I said a prayer that god would raise my son back up.

GUTIERREZ: A team of doctors at doctors at Children's Hospital in Phoenix placed titanium rods and bolts in Ricky's neck, attaching his skull to his spine. After 36 hours, Ricky began to breathe on his own. He could move his right leg, then his left. Eventually, he began to talk.

RICKY BARKER, ACCIDENT SURVIVOR: It took me a couple minutes to figure it out. And then I'm like wait a minute, I can talk.

MANWARING: If miracle means unusual, unexpected, very rare recovery, this certainly you would appropriately call it a miracle.

GUTIERREZ: Just six weeks later, Ricky's journey took another step forward. Ricky was able to attend his eighth graduate graduation.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: All that keeps running through my head is hearing the doctors say six weeks ago that my son was going to die. And here we are.

GUTIERREZ: Amazingly, just 10 weeks after the accident, Ricky was able to walk out of the hospital.

R. BARKER: I had a lot of determination and will. And I think when I got hit, that determination and will to keep living was still there.

GUTIERREZ: Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Wow, what a remarkable little boy.

Well, the doctors aren't exactly sure just how long it will be until Ricky's recovery is complete. But, of course, we wish him his family the very best. HEMMER: Absolutely.

In a moment here, Scott Peterson's defense team does damage control after what could be stunning testimony from a witness. We'll get to that in a moment.

Also, we already knew secondhand smoke was bad for you. It might be a big shock, though, to learn just how bad. Sanjay explains that in a few moments here on AMERICAN MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

HEMMER: Welcome back, everybody.

Just shy of 70 degrees here at 8:30 in the morning in New York City. What a wonderful day it's going to be today.

If you're in the Northeast, get outside today, all right? Take advantage of the springtime, because we haven't had one until now.

In a moment here, the Scott Peterson trial has plenty of twists and turns in the last week, all from one witness, we're told, too. Another surprise coming from testimony suggesting that Scott Peterson once considered of ways to dispose of a human body. At Redwood City, California, we'll get a report from California in a moment on that.

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