Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live At Daybreak
Controversy Over Bush Administration's Decision to Raise Terror Alert Level; Investigation of Military Commanders in Connection With Torture at Abu Ghraib Prison
Aired August 04, 2004 - 06:00 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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Her seven year sentence for having sex with a minor, a 12-year-old, over. Former teacher Mary Kay Letourneau is out of prison.
This is DAYBREAK for Wednesday, August 4.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, the teacher who served seven years in prison for a sexual relationship with a sixth grader is a free woman this morning. A prison official in Washington State did confirm less than one and a half hours ago that Mary Kay Letourneau has been released.
The 9/11 Commission report goes under the microscope again. Three hours from now this time it's the House Select Intelligence Committee's turn to examine the panel's recommendations.
The woman whose smiling face is seen in many of those notorious Abu Ghraib Prison pictures due back in court today. Day two of Army Private Lynndie England's preliminary hearing begins at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Hurricane Alex has done its damage, flooding homes, cars and roads on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The storm is now moving out, but expect high surf and rip currents along the Carolina coast today.
Rob Marciano is back today.
Chad is, what, driving back from North Carolina?
ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Driving back and drying out. He did a great job for us. Actually, a great storm to go storm watch because there wasn't a direct hit and, you know, the damage wasn't all that bad. But the wind gusts reported were certainly impressive. Ocracoke, 120 mile an hour wind gusts. And right in Cape Hatteras, 102 mile an hour wind gusts. So certainly verifying a category two hurricane. They've seen worse, that's for sure, but this one, for the most part, a glancing blow.
It is now heading out to sea, picking up steam almost at, moving off to the northeast at 20 miles an hour. It's still a strong hurricane at 90 mile an hour sustained winds. Here's our next system. Not a hurricane, but it's a front that'll be, that is moving through the Great Lakes and the upper Midwest.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: The 9/11 report is on the fast track. This morning, the panel's recommendations will be examined by the House Select Intelligence Committee. Two of the 9/11 Commission members, one Republican and one Democrat, are not quite happy with President Bush's proposal for a national intelligence chief. They insist that new chief must have real power over the budget and staff of all 15 U.S. spy agencies.
In the meantime, there is some skepticism among Americans about the latest terror threat. Some say the heightened fear is unnecessary because the intelligence is based on old information. So what's the deal?
Let's head live to Washington and Bill Prasad to find out -- good morning, Bill.
BILL PRASAD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Old information is prompting some new concerns. The Bush administration is defending the decision to go to an orange alert, but that decision is sparking some anger.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
PRASAD (voice-over): A fortress of security surrounds the U.S. Capitol. Every vehicle is checked. The heavily traveled street is shut down. Traffic grinds to a halt in some parts of the city.
D.C.'s delegate to Congress vents her frustration.
REP. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (D), D.C.: Close down all the streets. Close down the city. You can make it real safe.
PRASAD: U.S. officials now say recently uncovered al Qaeda surveillance of potential financial targets in at least three U.S. cities dates back to before September 11. But homeland security officials say some of the terrorist reconnaissance information was updated as recently as January.
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: If you've taken a look at potential sites with this kind of information, at least you're thinking about it. And we've got to take that very seriously.
PRASAD: Law enforcement officials say there are about 20 financial targets, including Washington's World Bank and the New York Stock Exchange. U.S. officials say a bulk of the information comes from a suspected al Qaeda operative and his computer.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That we've penetrated into their communications node is just an utter and absolute coup. PRASAD: But there is little to celebrate in New Jersey, New York and Washington, where this new terrorist threat tests patience and resolve.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We will end up with fortress America if we allow this stuff to continue.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
PRASAD: U.S. Capitol police reject that criticism, saying D.C. has not turned into a fortress and that the city is still open to tourists.
Carol -- back to you.
COSTELLO: Bill Prasad live in Washington this morning.
Thank you.
Arrests in Britain this morning, arrests that could prove interesting to American authorities. A Scotland Yard spokesman tells us 13 men were arrested in and around London. A statement says the investigation surrounding the arrests has been under way for some time. Now, the nationalities of the men have not been released. The arrests do not appear to be linked to that information Pakistani authorities released about new terror threats to Britain and America.
Embarrassing testimony for a very pregnant Lynndie England. The private first class has become the face of the Abu Ghraib Prison scandal. She was in court and the case against her began with testimony from a military investigator who said England told him she took part in the abuse for fun.
England was also asked about sexually explicit pictures taken of her and others.
After a courtroom break, England did not return to court, saying her doctor had summoned her.
Five other soldiers face court martial proceedings in Iraq, while another has already pleaded guilty in the prisoner abuse scandal. But what about the military commanders?
CNN's senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre takes a look at that part of the investigation.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN MILITARY AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been eight months since the military first disclosed it was investigating prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib and still no one knows how high up the chain of command responsibility rests.
SEN. BILL NELSON (D), FLORIDA: Can you assure this committee and the American public that we have not only gotten to the bottom of it, but we've also gotten to the top of it, whether it goes to the highest uniformed officer or the highest civilian officer?
LES BROWNLEE, ACTING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY: Sir, I can assure you that these matters are under investigation.
MCINTYRE: But a report by the Army inspector general released in late July concludes the abuses were just the unauthorized actions taken by a few individuals, coupled with the failure of a few leaders to provide adequate supervision.
That drew howls of whitewash from skeptical members of Congress.
SEN. JACK REED (D), RHODE ISLAND: And it seems to me that this is just again reinforcing the conclusion that there were five or six aberrant soldiers. I don't think you've done the job that you have to do.
MCINTYRE: The Army I.G. says his review was an inspection, not an investigation of specific incidents or individuals. It did not, for example, attempt to confirm whether so-called ghost detainees were hidden from the International Red Cross, as found by an earlier Army probe.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: If we didn't investigate a gross and egregious violation such as that, I'm curious what else you didn't investigate.
MCINTYRE: Human rights groups say the U.S. continues to act as though it has something to hide.
ELISA MASSIMINO, HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST: I think the fact that the Pentagon continues to refuse the International Red Cross access to all the prisoners it's holding means that there's conduct going on in those interrogations that the government doesn't want the Red Cross to see or stop.
MCINTYRE: The Pentagon argues, five other investigations still under way will answer all questions. The key probe, looking at whether military intelligence officers encouraged or condoned the abuse, is still not complete. It will determine if Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, who was the top commander in Iraq, authorized the use of unmuzzled dogs to intimidate naked prisoners, something he vehemently denies.
And there are new allegations contained in a lawsuit filed on behalf of former Iraqi prisoners that Brigadier General Janis Karpinski, who was in charge of the prison at Abu Ghraib, personally witnessed abuse. In a videotaped deposition, one detainee claimed that, during a beating, his hood was removed and he saw General Karpinski.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She used to come and she used to see me, how they tortured me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She watched?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He didn't know at the time, but she was an American general. She was in charge.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, she's in charge and she used to laugh at him.
MCINTYRE: In an interview with the BBC, Karpinski flatly denied the charge, insisting, "There was never a time when I witnessed any abuse at Abu Ghraib or at any other facility anywhere."
Several Pentagon officials familiar with the investigation expect more soldiers, including some officers, to be charged when the last investigation is done. But no one seems to think the culpability will extend to the top levels of the Pentagon.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: Let's talk about a high profile case now. Mary Kay Letourneau -- remember her? She's out of jail. She's the Washington State teacher who had an affair with her sixth grade student, spent seven and a half years in jail after being convicted of child rape. As a condition of her release, she is not allowed to contact her former pupil, with whom she has two children. We'll have more on this in the second half hour of DAYBREAK. Kendall Coffey is going to be along to talk about it.
Here are some of the other stories making headlines across America this Wednesday.
It was a landslide against gay marriage in Missouri. An overwhelming majority of voters approved a constitution amendment banning same-sex marriage in the state. Opponents of the ban said they knew it would be a tough vote. As many as 12 other states may vote on similar measures in the coming months.
Mark Hacking killed his wife and left plenty of evidence for police to find. That's according to newly released court documents. Hacking reportedly admitted to killing Lori Hacking in her sleep. Police found a bloody knife in the couple's bedroom, as well as other blood evidence on the bed. Hacking has been arrested but has not been charged.
Police expect to charge two Georgia teenagers with murder today after they allegedly stabbed to death one of the pair's grandparents. The girls, one 15 and the other 16, will be tried as adults. They were arrested on the Georgia coast more than 250 miles from the crime scene.
Flight delays, just mention that phrase and some frequent fliers go ballistic. The problem at Chicago's O'Hare Airport is commonplace and getting worse. The transportation secretary is holding a meeting today with domestic airlines that fly into O'Hare to talk about flight cutbacks. The FAA says it wants no more than 86 arrivals per hour. Right now, there are up to 120 landings per hour at O'Hare's peak periods. And we want to know what you think about this. Is the solution to the airport delay problem public or private? Should the government get involved? E-mail us. The address is daybreak@cnn.com.
The makers of Viagra say impostors have to go. Coming up next, the steps Pfizer is taking to make sure customers don't get fooled by the fakes.
And we'll find out what the Arab reaction is to recent terror threats in the United States.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The Dow Jones took a plunge at the closing yesterday. The Dow opens this morning nearly 59 points down. The Nasdaq lower by almost 33 points. The S&P 500 down almost seven points this morning.
So, it's time for a little business buzz.
Are you tired of spam filling your in box? Pfizer is, too, and it is ready to take action.
Carrie Lee tells us how live from the NASDAQ market site -- good morning.
CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol.
Well, we know that there are a lot of different types of online spam out there. Pfizer taking action against sellers of Viagra, its blockbuster drug. Pfizer is taking legal action against dozens of online pharmacies and spammers it claims are selling illegal versions of Viagra.
The company sued five Web sites for trademark infringement, also filed about a dozen or more legal proceedings to seize domain names of companies that are selling fake Viagra.
One can understand why Pfizer wants to protect its property. Viagra is one of its best selling drugs, worldwide sale of nearly $2 billion last year.
Interesting, Carol, because a survey shows that one in four men, one in four men mistakenly believe Pfizer is the source of this Viagra themed spam. So Pfizer trying to clear up the online e-mail boxes, if you will.
COSTELLO: Carrie Lee live from the NASDAQ market site.
Thank you.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 6:14 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Four Jordanians held hostage in Iraq are now free. The brother of one of the hostages says they are all now safe in Jordan. Four were being held in Fallujah.
Could Shaquille O'Neal be called to testify in the Kobe Bryant trial? "Sports Illustrated" magazine reports that O'Neal and a Florida waitress could be called on by prosecutors. The waitress claims Bryant groped her at a party hosted by Bryant's former teammate.
In money news, Halliburton will have to pay $7.5 million to settle charges the company misled investors while Vice President Dick Cheney was in charge. The case centers on accounting changes made by the company in 1998.
In culture, oh, to be a star I. Cleveland plays host today to the first round of "American Idol" auditions. More than 15,000 wannabes have been waiting in line throughout the night for their chance at stardom.
In sports, the Americans got spanked in a big way in preparation for the Olympics. The U.S. basketball team lost to Italy by 17 points. It is the worst loss since Team USA began using pro players back in 1992.
I still think that's embarrassing -- Rob.
MARCIANO: Hey, how can you say that, Carol? Our paisanos, how about that, huh?
COSTELLO: Well, I guess it's good that the Italians at least beat up on the Americans. That's better...
MARCIANO: For once.
COSTELLO: They're not even that tall.
MARCIANO: Oh, but, you know, they've got style.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.
An increased terror alert in the United States, hostage taking in Iraq and car bombings. It's time to check out what the Arab world is thinking about all of this.
Our Arab affairs editor is taking a much deserved vacation, so we're heading to Washington this morning.
Joining us now is Salameh Nematt, Washington bureau chief for the London-based Arab newspaper "Al-Hayat."
Welcome. SALAMEH NEMATT, D.C. BUREAU CHIEF, "AL-HAYAT": Thank you.
COSTELLO: What -- how is the Arab world reacting to the increased terror alerts here in the United States?
NEMATT: It's become the headline story every day in the Arab world, just like as much as it is here in the United States. There is, of course, the straightforward coverage and then you have the editorializing and, you know, these stories are dominating the scene. And probably one of the most significant things about what's going on in Iraq, the terror alerts, etc., is that, you know, the terrorists have become, you know, major personalities in this media, at the expense of the traditional leaders in the Arab world, who have been the main players.
Now instead of having, you know, the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak making the headlines, you have Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other terrorist groups basically making the headlines.
COSTELLO: And what do you mean when you say they've become major personalities?
NEMATT: Well, they became the major players on the political scene. They're dominating the political debate. The terrorists, you know, issuing their statements, their videotapes to television stations or to newspapers. And, you know, they hijacked, the terrorists have hijacked the political discourse in the Arab world. To some extent, you know, in most of the region in the Middle East, you know, you do not have democracies and the governments there are not that much representative. And as such, it was easier for, you know, radical groups, terrorist personalities, to basically hijack the political process, in a sense.
And that is, of course, very, very dangerous for the establishment, if you like, the government, the governments in the region who are trying to win back their audiences from this, you know, transnational kind of political debate that is taking place.
COSTELLO: Well, and, you know, a lot of hostage taking is taking place within Iraq. And also these car bombings. And they're not only targeting Americans now, but they're targeting Iraqis, as well.
How is that playing in the press?
NEMATT: Well, as I said, this is getting a lot of play in the press. And in that sense, it is, you know, it is -- there's a lot of sensational coverage. The voices of moderation and reason are basically eclipsed by these events. This is big news. It's just like, you know, an airplane crashing is always big news. You know, millions of planes just making it safely is not news.
And so, in a sense, radicalism, you know, sensational news such as hijackings, beheadings, terrorist bombings, are dominating the media as well as the political discourse in the region.
COSTELLO: In the editorials, is there an answer to stop all of this? What is the Arab solution?
NEMATT: Yes, there is a bit of that taking place and, of course, it depends on who you're talking to. In the Arab world, you know, most of the media is government controlled or government owned. And, you know, different governments have their different agendas. There are those who are more sympathetic to the so-called Iraqi resistance. Others condemning it as basically terrorism and that there is no such thing as resistance in Iraq, depending on the political agenda.
Countries like Syria and Iran very hostile to the United States and basically supportive of even these terrorist attacks taking place in Iraq. Other countries that are more moderate, more leaning toward, you know, cooperation with the United States, they are basically condemning the actions such as, you know, the bombings of the churches in Iraq, the five churches in Baghdad and Mosul, and the continuing the terrorist attacks, the bombings by the group belonging to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
COSTELLO: Salameh Nematt, thank you for joining us on DAYBREAK this morning.
We appreciate it.
Well, it's one of the most talked about stories of 1997. Mary Kay Letourneau's prison sentence has just ended. Just ahead, the legal wranglings the convicted teacher can expect as a free woman.
And if you've flown lately, you've probably experienced a delayed flight. Well, changes could be on the way.
This is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Welcome back to DAYBREAK.
We have to talk about these yellow wrist bands that every...
MARCIANO: They're the hot new thing, yes.
COSTELLO: Do you have one?
MARCIANO: No, no. But I'll look for one now.
COSTELLO: You can go on the Web site and look. Lance Armstrong's foundation is selling these yellow wristbands for a buck apiece. He has sold, his foundation has sold seven million of them.
MARCIANO: Wow!
COSTELLO: Seven million.
MARCIANO: Nice.
COSTELLO: They're a buck each. So seven million bucks goes to fight cancer amongst kids and goes to other programs for kids with cancer. Apparently the, both presidential contenders are wearing them, as well.
MARCIANO: Of course. And for a buck apiece, you and I can spring, probably, for two each.
COSTELLO: Yes. Could you go on the Web site now?
MARCIANO: I'll check it out.
COSTELLO: Thanks, Rob.
Time for our DAYBREAK "Eye Openers" right now.
One Marine Reservist has five good reasons to skip his deployment to Iraq. Josh Horton and his wife have quintuplets on the way.
MARCIANO: Wow.
COSTELLO: But the couple decided he should go even though the Marines offered him a way out. Still, he plans to be back in time for the quints' birth.
Meet Willie the Clown. There he is.
MARCIANO: Hi, Willie.
COSTELLO: Yes, Willie.
He's not just one of the mascots for the Moorhead Fargo RedHawks, he's also in charge. Team president Bruce Thom takes time away from his office to entertain the kids and adults alike. The RedHawks play in the Independent Northern League so they can safely say their boss is a clown.
MARCIANO: I suppose they can. Who cares, too?
COSTELLO: Ever wanted to own your own ice cream shop? In Dayton, Ohio, you can get one for just a hundred bucks. Alice Lecompte (ph) is planning to raffle off her business so she can retire. Tickets cost 100 bucks each and Lecompte says she'll go through with the raffle if she can sell 1,500 tickets.
MARCIANO: And all the ice cream you can eat.
COSTELLO: Exactly.
Headlines are coming your way in two minutes.
But first, this is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The teacher convicted of having sex with a minor, a 12-year-old boy, she is a free woman this morning.
It is Wednesday, August 4.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, she served more than seven years in prison for a sexual relationship with a sixth grader. Now, Mary Kay Letourneau is out of prison. As a condition of her release, she is not allowed to contact her former pupil, with whom she has two children.
In the race for the White House, President Bush begins a three day campaign swing through the nation's midsection. He's in Davenport, Iowa today.
And guess who else is in Davenport? Yes, you guessed it, the president's Democratic challenger, Senator John Kerry, hosts an economic summit there today.
Hurricane Alex has done its worst along the North Carolina coast. The storm has now moved out to sea, but expect to see some high surf and rip currents today. Winds reached 120 miles an hour when Alex hit the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Tuesday -- Rob.
(WEATHER REPORT)
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 August 4, 2004 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Her seven year sentence for having sex with a minor, a 12-year-old, over. Former teacher Mary Kay Letourneau is out of prison.
This is DAYBREAK for Wednesday, August 4.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, the teacher who served seven years in prison for a sexual relationship with a sixth grader is a free woman this morning. A prison official in Washington State did confirm less than one and a half hours ago that Mary Kay Letourneau has been released.
The 9/11 Commission report goes under the microscope again. Three hours from now this time it's the House Select Intelligence Committee's turn to examine the panel's recommendations.
The woman whose smiling face is seen in many of those notorious Abu Ghraib Prison pictures due back in court today. Day two of Army Private Lynndie England's preliminary hearing begins at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Hurricane Alex has done its damage, flooding homes, cars and roads on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The storm is now moving out, but expect high surf and rip currents along the Carolina coast today.
Rob Marciano is back today.
Chad is, what, driving back from North Carolina?
ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Driving back and drying out. He did a great job for us. Actually, a great storm to go storm watch because there wasn't a direct hit and, you know, the damage wasn't all that bad. But the wind gusts reported were certainly impressive. Ocracoke, 120 mile an hour wind gusts. And right in Cape Hatteras, 102 mile an hour wind gusts. So certainly verifying a category two hurricane. They've seen worse, that's for sure, but this one, for the most part, a glancing blow.
It is now heading out to sea, picking up steam almost at, moving off to the northeast at 20 miles an hour. It's still a strong hurricane at 90 mile an hour sustained winds. Here's our next system. Not a hurricane, but it's a front that'll be, that is moving through the Great Lakes and the upper Midwest.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: The 9/11 report is on the fast track. This morning, the panel's recommendations will be examined by the House Select Intelligence Committee. Two of the 9/11 Commission members, one Republican and one Democrat, are not quite happy with President Bush's proposal for a national intelligence chief. They insist that new chief must have real power over the budget and staff of all 15 U.S. spy agencies.
In the meantime, there is some skepticism among Americans about the latest terror threat. Some say the heightened fear is unnecessary because the intelligence is based on old information. So what's the deal?
Let's head live to Washington and Bill Prasad to find out -- good morning, Bill.
BILL PRASAD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Old information is prompting some new concerns. The Bush administration is defending the decision to go to an orange alert, but that decision is sparking some anger.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
PRASAD (voice-over): A fortress of security surrounds the U.S. Capitol. Every vehicle is checked. The heavily traveled street is shut down. Traffic grinds to a halt in some parts of the city.
D.C.'s delegate to Congress vents her frustration.
REP. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (D), D.C.: Close down all the streets. Close down the city. You can make it real safe.
PRASAD: U.S. officials now say recently uncovered al Qaeda surveillance of potential financial targets in at least three U.S. cities dates back to before September 11. But homeland security officials say some of the terrorist reconnaissance information was updated as recently as January.
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: If you've taken a look at potential sites with this kind of information, at least you're thinking about it. And we've got to take that very seriously.
PRASAD: Law enforcement officials say there are about 20 financial targets, including Washington's World Bank and the New York Stock Exchange. U.S. officials say a bulk of the information comes from a suspected al Qaeda operative and his computer.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That we've penetrated into their communications node is just an utter and absolute coup. PRASAD: But there is little to celebrate in New Jersey, New York and Washington, where this new terrorist threat tests patience and resolve.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We will end up with fortress America if we allow this stuff to continue.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
PRASAD: U.S. Capitol police reject that criticism, saying D.C. has not turned into a fortress and that the city is still open to tourists.
Carol -- back to you.
COSTELLO: Bill Prasad live in Washington this morning.
Thank you.
Arrests in Britain this morning, arrests that could prove interesting to American authorities. A Scotland Yard spokesman tells us 13 men were arrested in and around London. A statement says the investigation surrounding the arrests has been under way for some time. Now, the nationalities of the men have not been released. The arrests do not appear to be linked to that information Pakistani authorities released about new terror threats to Britain and America.
Embarrassing testimony for a very pregnant Lynndie England. The private first class has become the face of the Abu Ghraib Prison scandal. She was in court and the case against her began with testimony from a military investigator who said England told him she took part in the abuse for fun.
England was also asked about sexually explicit pictures taken of her and others.
After a courtroom break, England did not return to court, saying her doctor had summoned her.
Five other soldiers face court martial proceedings in Iraq, while another has already pleaded guilty in the prisoner abuse scandal. But what about the military commanders?
CNN's senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre takes a look at that part of the investigation.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN MILITARY AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been eight months since the military first disclosed it was investigating prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib and still no one knows how high up the chain of command responsibility rests.
SEN. BILL NELSON (D), FLORIDA: Can you assure this committee and the American public that we have not only gotten to the bottom of it, but we've also gotten to the top of it, whether it goes to the highest uniformed officer or the highest civilian officer?
LES BROWNLEE, ACTING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY: Sir, I can assure you that these matters are under investigation.
MCINTYRE: But a report by the Army inspector general released in late July concludes the abuses were just the unauthorized actions taken by a few individuals, coupled with the failure of a few leaders to provide adequate supervision.
That drew howls of whitewash from skeptical members of Congress.
SEN. JACK REED (D), RHODE ISLAND: And it seems to me that this is just again reinforcing the conclusion that there were five or six aberrant soldiers. I don't think you've done the job that you have to do.
MCINTYRE: The Army I.G. says his review was an inspection, not an investigation of specific incidents or individuals. It did not, for example, attempt to confirm whether so-called ghost detainees were hidden from the International Red Cross, as found by an earlier Army probe.
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: If we didn't investigate a gross and egregious violation such as that, I'm curious what else you didn't investigate.
MCINTYRE: Human rights groups say the U.S. continues to act as though it has something to hide.
ELISA MASSIMINO, HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST: I think the fact that the Pentagon continues to refuse the International Red Cross access to all the prisoners it's holding means that there's conduct going on in those interrogations that the government doesn't want the Red Cross to see or stop.
MCINTYRE: The Pentagon argues, five other investigations still under way will answer all questions. The key probe, looking at whether military intelligence officers encouraged or condoned the abuse, is still not complete. It will determine if Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, who was the top commander in Iraq, authorized the use of unmuzzled dogs to intimidate naked prisoners, something he vehemently denies.
And there are new allegations contained in a lawsuit filed on behalf of former Iraqi prisoners that Brigadier General Janis Karpinski, who was in charge of the prison at Abu Ghraib, personally witnessed abuse. In a videotaped deposition, one detainee claimed that, during a beating, his hood was removed and he saw General Karpinski.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She used to come and she used to see me, how they tortured me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She watched?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He didn't know at the time, but she was an American general. She was in charge.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, she's in charge and she used to laugh at him.
MCINTYRE: In an interview with the BBC, Karpinski flatly denied the charge, insisting, "There was never a time when I witnessed any abuse at Abu Ghraib or at any other facility anywhere."
Several Pentagon officials familiar with the investigation expect more soldiers, including some officers, to be charged when the last investigation is done. But no one seems to think the culpability will extend to the top levels of the Pentagon.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: Let's talk about a high profile case now. Mary Kay Letourneau -- remember her? She's out of jail. She's the Washington State teacher who had an affair with her sixth grade student, spent seven and a half years in jail after being convicted of child rape. As a condition of her release, she is not allowed to contact her former pupil, with whom she has two children. We'll have more on this in the second half hour of DAYBREAK. Kendall Coffey is going to be along to talk about it.
Here are some of the other stories making headlines across America this Wednesday.
It was a landslide against gay marriage in Missouri. An overwhelming majority of voters approved a constitution amendment banning same-sex marriage in the state. Opponents of the ban said they knew it would be a tough vote. As many as 12 other states may vote on similar measures in the coming months.
Mark Hacking killed his wife and left plenty of evidence for police to find. That's according to newly released court documents. Hacking reportedly admitted to killing Lori Hacking in her sleep. Police found a bloody knife in the couple's bedroom, as well as other blood evidence on the bed. Hacking has been arrested but has not been charged.
Police expect to charge two Georgia teenagers with murder today after they allegedly stabbed to death one of the pair's grandparents. The girls, one 15 and the other 16, will be tried as adults. They were arrested on the Georgia coast more than 250 miles from the crime scene.
Flight delays, just mention that phrase and some frequent fliers go ballistic. The problem at Chicago's O'Hare Airport is commonplace and getting worse. The transportation secretary is holding a meeting today with domestic airlines that fly into O'Hare to talk about flight cutbacks. The FAA says it wants no more than 86 arrivals per hour. Right now, there are up to 120 landings per hour at O'Hare's peak periods. And we want to know what you think about this. Is the solution to the airport delay problem public or private? Should the government get involved? E-mail us. The address is daybreak@cnn.com.
The makers of Viagra say impostors have to go. Coming up next, the steps Pfizer is taking to make sure customers don't get fooled by the fakes.
And we'll find out what the Arab reaction is to recent terror threats in the United States.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The Dow Jones took a plunge at the closing yesterday. The Dow opens this morning nearly 59 points down. The Nasdaq lower by almost 33 points. The S&P 500 down almost seven points this morning.
So, it's time for a little business buzz.
Are you tired of spam filling your in box? Pfizer is, too, and it is ready to take action.
Carrie Lee tells us how live from the NASDAQ market site -- good morning.
CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Carol.
Well, we know that there are a lot of different types of online spam out there. Pfizer taking action against sellers of Viagra, its blockbuster drug. Pfizer is taking legal action against dozens of online pharmacies and spammers it claims are selling illegal versions of Viagra.
The company sued five Web sites for trademark infringement, also filed about a dozen or more legal proceedings to seize domain names of companies that are selling fake Viagra.
One can understand why Pfizer wants to protect its property. Viagra is one of its best selling drugs, worldwide sale of nearly $2 billion last year.
Interesting, Carol, because a survey shows that one in four men, one in four men mistakenly believe Pfizer is the source of this Viagra themed spam. So Pfizer trying to clear up the online e-mail boxes, if you will.
COSTELLO: Carrie Lee live from the NASDAQ market site.
Thank you.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It is 6:14 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.
Four Jordanians held hostage in Iraq are now free. The brother of one of the hostages says they are all now safe in Jordan. Four were being held in Fallujah.
Could Shaquille O'Neal be called to testify in the Kobe Bryant trial? "Sports Illustrated" magazine reports that O'Neal and a Florida waitress could be called on by prosecutors. The waitress claims Bryant groped her at a party hosted by Bryant's former teammate.
In money news, Halliburton will have to pay $7.5 million to settle charges the company misled investors while Vice President Dick Cheney was in charge. The case centers on accounting changes made by the company in 1998.
In culture, oh, to be a star I. Cleveland plays host today to the first round of "American Idol" auditions. More than 15,000 wannabes have been waiting in line throughout the night for their chance at stardom.
In sports, the Americans got spanked in a big way in preparation for the Olympics. The U.S. basketball team lost to Italy by 17 points. It is the worst loss since Team USA began using pro players back in 1992.
I still think that's embarrassing -- Rob.
MARCIANO: Hey, how can you say that, Carol? Our paisanos, how about that, huh?
COSTELLO: Well, I guess it's good that the Italians at least beat up on the Americans. That's better...
MARCIANO: For once.
COSTELLO: They're not even that tall.
MARCIANO: Oh, but, you know, they've got style.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.
An increased terror alert in the United States, hostage taking in Iraq and car bombings. It's time to check out what the Arab world is thinking about all of this.
Our Arab affairs editor is taking a much deserved vacation, so we're heading to Washington this morning.
Joining us now is Salameh Nematt, Washington bureau chief for the London-based Arab newspaper "Al-Hayat."
Welcome. SALAMEH NEMATT, D.C. BUREAU CHIEF, "AL-HAYAT": Thank you.
COSTELLO: What -- how is the Arab world reacting to the increased terror alerts here in the United States?
NEMATT: It's become the headline story every day in the Arab world, just like as much as it is here in the United States. There is, of course, the straightforward coverage and then you have the editorializing and, you know, these stories are dominating the scene. And probably one of the most significant things about what's going on in Iraq, the terror alerts, etc., is that, you know, the terrorists have become, you know, major personalities in this media, at the expense of the traditional leaders in the Arab world, who have been the main players.
Now instead of having, you know, the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak making the headlines, you have Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other terrorist groups basically making the headlines.
COSTELLO: And what do you mean when you say they've become major personalities?
NEMATT: Well, they became the major players on the political scene. They're dominating the political debate. The terrorists, you know, issuing their statements, their videotapes to television stations or to newspapers. And, you know, they hijacked, the terrorists have hijacked the political discourse in the Arab world. To some extent, you know, in most of the region in the Middle East, you know, you do not have democracies and the governments there are not that much representative. And as such, it was easier for, you know, radical groups, terrorist personalities, to basically hijack the political process, in a sense.
And that is, of course, very, very dangerous for the establishment, if you like, the government, the governments in the region who are trying to win back their audiences from this, you know, transnational kind of political debate that is taking place.
COSTELLO: Well, and, you know, a lot of hostage taking is taking place within Iraq. And also these car bombings. And they're not only targeting Americans now, but they're targeting Iraqis, as well.
How is that playing in the press?
NEMATT: Well, as I said, this is getting a lot of play in the press. And in that sense, it is, you know, it is -- there's a lot of sensational coverage. The voices of moderation and reason are basically eclipsed by these events. This is big news. It's just like, you know, an airplane crashing is always big news. You know, millions of planes just making it safely is not news.
And so, in a sense, radicalism, you know, sensational news such as hijackings, beheadings, terrorist bombings, are dominating the media as well as the political discourse in the region.
COSTELLO: In the editorials, is there an answer to stop all of this? What is the Arab solution?
NEMATT: Yes, there is a bit of that taking place and, of course, it depends on who you're talking to. In the Arab world, you know, most of the media is government controlled or government owned. And, you know, different governments have their different agendas. There are those who are more sympathetic to the so-called Iraqi resistance. Others condemning it as basically terrorism and that there is no such thing as resistance in Iraq, depending on the political agenda.
Countries like Syria and Iran very hostile to the United States and basically supportive of even these terrorist attacks taking place in Iraq. Other countries that are more moderate, more leaning toward, you know, cooperation with the United States, they are basically condemning the actions such as, you know, the bombings of the churches in Iraq, the five churches in Baghdad and Mosul, and the continuing the terrorist attacks, the bombings by the group belonging to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
COSTELLO: Salameh Nematt, thank you for joining us on DAYBREAK this morning.
We appreciate it.
Well, it's one of the most talked about stories of 1997. Mary Kay Letourneau's prison sentence has just ended. Just ahead, the legal wranglings the convicted teacher can expect as a free woman.
And if you've flown lately, you've probably experienced a delayed flight. Well, changes could be on the way.
This is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Welcome back to DAYBREAK.
We have to talk about these yellow wrist bands that every...
MARCIANO: They're the hot new thing, yes.
COSTELLO: Do you have one?
MARCIANO: No, no. But I'll look for one now.
COSTELLO: You can go on the Web site and look. Lance Armstrong's foundation is selling these yellow wristbands for a buck apiece. He has sold, his foundation has sold seven million of them.
MARCIANO: Wow!
COSTELLO: Seven million.
MARCIANO: Nice.
COSTELLO: They're a buck each. So seven million bucks goes to fight cancer amongst kids and goes to other programs for kids with cancer. Apparently the, both presidential contenders are wearing them, as well.
MARCIANO: Of course. And for a buck apiece, you and I can spring, probably, for two each.
COSTELLO: Yes. Could you go on the Web site now?
MARCIANO: I'll check it out.
COSTELLO: Thanks, Rob.
Time for our DAYBREAK "Eye Openers" right now.
One Marine Reservist has five good reasons to skip his deployment to Iraq. Josh Horton and his wife have quintuplets on the way.
MARCIANO: Wow.
COSTELLO: But the couple decided he should go even though the Marines offered him a way out. Still, he plans to be back in time for the quints' birth.
Meet Willie the Clown. There he is.
MARCIANO: Hi, Willie.
COSTELLO: Yes, Willie.
He's not just one of the mascots for the Moorhead Fargo RedHawks, he's also in charge. Team president Bruce Thom takes time away from his office to entertain the kids and adults alike. The RedHawks play in the Independent Northern League so they can safely say their boss is a clown.
MARCIANO: I suppose they can. Who cares, too?
COSTELLO: Ever wanted to own your own ice cream shop? In Dayton, Ohio, you can get one for just a hundred bucks. Alice Lecompte (ph) is planning to raffle off her business so she can retire. Tickets cost 100 bucks each and Lecompte says she'll go through with the raffle if she can sell 1,500 tickets.
MARCIANO: And all the ice cream you can eat.
COSTELLO: Exactly.
Headlines are coming your way in two minutes.
But first, this is DAYBREAK for a Wednesday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: The teacher convicted of having sex with a minor, a 12-year-old boy, she is a free woman this morning.
It is Wednesday, August 4.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.
Now in the news, she served more than seven years in prison for a sexual relationship with a sixth grader. Now, Mary Kay Letourneau is out of prison. As a condition of her release, she is not allowed to contact her former pupil, with whom she has two children.
In the race for the White House, President Bush begins a three day campaign swing through the nation's midsection. He's in Davenport, Iowa today.
And guess who else is in Davenport? Yes, you guessed it, the president's Democratic challenger, Senator John Kerry, hosts an economic summit there today.
Hurricane Alex has done its worst along the North Carolina coast. The storm has now moved out to sea, but expect to see some high surf and rip currents today. Winds reached 120 miles an hour when Alex hit the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Tuesday -- Rob.
(WEATHER REPORT)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
