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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports
AP: Franks Takes Blame for 'Mission Accomplished' Banner; Will Russert Be Forced to Testify in Plame Case?
Aired August 09, 2004 - 17:00 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.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now: The Associated Press reports General Tommy Franks is taking the blame for the "Mission Accomplished" banner aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Also happening now, the journalist versus the judge. What NBC's Tim Russert and a "TIME" magazine reporter may be forced to testify against their will in the case of the clandestine CIA officer whose name was leaked to the news media.
Standby for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Countdown to combat. U.S. troops get the green light to fight near a holy shrine. The opposition vows a dual until death.
Chalabis' charged. The former Iraqi exile leader is accused of counterfeit, his nephew of murder. The accuse Baathists of a political conspiracy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fact that it was leaked to the press, makes me feel like there's an ulterior motive here.
ANNOUNCER: Terror scare, by air, land and sea. Chilling new details about an alleged al Qaeda plot against the homeland.
And an inside look behind the scenes. How al Qaeda recruits train, team up, and even argue among each other.
Laura Bush versus Nancy Reagan. The current first lady speaks out.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: A major battle now under way in the holy city of Najaf in Iraq. The radical Shiite cleric, Muqtada al Sadr rejecting calls to leave the city and he's vowing to fight to the bitter end against US forces. And that could be a very long fight.
CNN's Matthew Chance is in Baghdad with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): The holy city of Najaf, now Iraq's worst battleground. In five days, US forces backed by Iraqis, say they've killed more than 360 Mahdi Army fighters here. They're loyal to radical Shiite cleric, Muqtada al Sadr, now publicly rejecting any negotiations while US troops remain.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I will continue with resistance and I will remain in Najaf. I will not leave. I will continue to defend Najaf, as it is the holiest place. I will remain in the city until the last drop of my blood has been spilled.
CHANCE: In Baghdad, too, the Mahdi Army is taking a stand. In Sadr city there have been terrible clashes with U.S. forces. But here, the militias hijack a police station. Not a shot was fired. Inside the barracks, they rifle through cabinets for useful equipment. Body armor meant to protect the police is stolen. Still the interim Iraqi government says, it's keen to get this militia and its leader to join a political process they've so far rejected.
GEORGE SADA, IRAQI GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN: You see always the best solution is even not to fight. But after we fight, the best solution is to cease-fire, to stop fire, and make negotiations because peace making is best way of stopping and finishing any conflict.
CHANCE: But there's another way, too. Fight to the end. U.S. troops, now massed in Baghdad and with full authority in Najaf, may be poised to finish it.
(on camera): But this confrontation has potentially explosive consequences in Iraq. Reports from Najaf say the fighting is now concentrated around the Imam Ali Mosque, one of the holiest shrines in Shia Islam now said to be surrounded by U.S. troops.
(voice-over): And a wrong step could unleash among Iraq's majority Shia a ferocious backlash.
Matthew Chance, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: In a surprise move, the new Iraqi government has issued arrest warrants for Ahmed Chalabi, the former Iraqi exile leader who had strong ties to Washington and his nephew Salem Chalabi.
CNN's John Vause is in Baghdad with that part of the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In little more than a year, Ahmed Chalabi has gone from a potential Iraqi prime minister making a triumphant return from exile to a wanted man. A warrant for Dr. Chalabi was issued by Iraq's chief criminal court judge, Zuhair Abdil Sahib.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Based on complaints submitted to this court by the Central Bank of Iraq concerning counterfeited money.
VAUSE: Counterfeit notes were found during a raid on Chalabi's Baghdad home. He's accused of exchanging them for new currency. Chalabi admits he had some counterfeit dinars but only because of his work with the now defunct Iraqi governing council and their attempts he says, to stop the forgeries from being circulated.
AHMED CHALABI: The charges are outrageous and false. I deny them. They're not true. The judge who make them has a personal vendetta against me and my family.
VAUSE: And the governor of the Central Bank is reported as saying that a complaint against Chalabi was never lodged. There was no request for charges. Chalabi's nephew Salem is facing much more serious charges wanted in connect with the murder of the director general of the Finance Ministry.
SALEM CHALABI: To do all of this and be charged with this kind of ridiculous thing, really is outrageous for me.
VAUSE: The man overseeing the trial of Saddam Hussein is himself now facing the death penalty, . reinstated over the weekend by the interim government.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to emphasize that it is suspicious.
VAUSE: Right now Salem Chalabi is in London, Ahmed Chalabi is in Teheran. Both men say they will return to clear their names. But if charged, there is no trial by jury in Iraq. They'll face a panel of three judges. Regardless of what happens, this is another blow to Ahmed Chalabi's political ambitions. Scorned by the U.S., he's being accused of giving classified information to Iran and is widely seen as the source of bad intelligence about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. And all the time lacking popular support among Iraqis.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think this is the end of Ahmed Chalabi himself. He's a good survivor, but not this time.
VAUSE (on camera): Both Chalabis' say the charges against them are ridiculous. And they blame it on a return of Baath Party officials to the Iraqi government. But the chief criminal judge insists these cases have nothing to do with politics.
John Vause, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: CNN's senior international correspondent Walter Rodgers spoke to Salem Chalabi about the charges that have been leveled against him. Walter is in London, he's joining us now live.
Walter, what did he say?
WALTER RODGERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, Salem Chalabi told me there are plenty of people in Iraq with political scores to settle with the Chalabi family. And he speculated that's why he and his uncle, the one-time Pentagon favorite, Ahmed Chalabi, now face these criminal arrest warrants from the Central Court in Iraq. The investigators want to talk to Salem Chalabi particularly about allegations that he had somehow been involved in the murder of the former director general of the Finance Ministry but Salem played that down.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
S. CHALABI: I wasn't indicted. This is an investigation that's going on. There have been various people arrested in connection with this. I just -- the guy in question said he was threatened by a number of people, not only by me. People connected to me are arrested such as the director general in the Ministry of Finance, so -- so it's just an investigation process. I'm not worried because I know I'm innocent. I know I have a number of strong supporters in Iraq in the government and so on. To me, it just seems an inconceivable thing that happened.
RODGERS: But if you went back to Iraq now, you feel your life would be threatened?
S. CHALABI: Of course. Any time I go back to Iraq I feel my life is threatened because of my position in government and the sensitive position I hold. I now specifically think it would be threatened because these people are saying they'll put me in jail and I get these credible threats they'll cut me to pieces in jail. So I'm not willing to just go back. I'm not above the law. I want to go and address these charges and show that they're untrue. But until such time as I get appropriate assurances that I'll be treated fairly I'm not willing to go back.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
RODGERS: Off camera and when we spoke afterwards I got the very real impression that Salem Chalabi is keen to clear his name and his family's name. But he's quite hesitant about going back and he's not made up his mind that he's going to do it yet again until he's sure he's going to be safe and his life will not be threatened -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Walter Rodgers, reporting for us. Thank you Walter, very much. Joining us now with his assessment of all of these developments in Iraq the former defense secretary, William Cohen.
This Chalabi development is pretty amazing when you know the history of these two men, isn't it?
WILLIAM COHEN, FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY: Well it gets curiouser and curiouser. When you have a fall from grace, it can come fairly swiftly and the fall can be quite hard and that appears to be the case here. I don't think any of us are in a position to make a judgment in terms of whether these allegations are sound in fact or grounded in fact, or whether they're part of a political vendetta against the Chalabi family. But nonetheless, the accumulation of these criticisms, allegations, going back from Jordan to the fall from grace as far as the Pentagon's concerned have to take a toll on both the Chalabis.
BLITZER: I was pretty surprised about the charges, the formal charges, against Ahmad Chalabi. But Salem Chalabi, a graduate of Yale University, Northwestern University law school, someone who had been put in charge of the war crimes tribunals in Iraq, he seemed to be above the fray, until now at least.
COHEN: That's why we shouldn't prejudge the outcome of this. There may be a political motivation. We need to have a lot more fact. As he made clear, he's not about to go back to Iraq without some kind of assurance there's going to be a fair and impartial judgment process -- judging process that would protect his life as well as his liberties.
BLITZER: All right, let's talk little bit about what's happening in Najaf right now. This battle between U.S./Iraqi forces, coalition on the one hand and Muqtada al-Sadr and his forces on the other. This is a very, very serious development.
COHEN: It is serious. And what it represents is a challenge to the interim government. Mr. Allawi, has to recognize that al-Sadr is trying to assert his authority and leadership over the Shiite majority in the country. And he just has to be dealt with. And I think what the prime minister is now saying, either there's going to be a truce or we're going to come in and use force and take you down. And so it is a real battle of will right now.
BLITZER: And complicating, in Najaf, this is a holy city. A lot of holy Shiite shrines there. And there's -- I know from my own conversations with -- U.S. Military personnel, they're worried some elements of the Shiite community could destroy some of the shrines and blame the U.S. for it.
COHEN: That's has always been the problems as for as al-Sadr being in that city, the danger he poses to the innocent Iraqi's. There are people being blown up who were caught in the crossfire of this conflict. And so, innocent people are dying. There's a risk the holy sites would be blown up and he would seek to blame the United States, coalition forces or the interim government. So, it's a very dangerous flashpoint. So, we will see this materialize in the next couple of days in terms of whether al-Sadr is going to find some way to have an acceptable truce or whether he's going to "fight to death." If that's the case, it could be very explosive with the consequence the majority Shia could have a backlash here.
BLITZER: And this -- certainly seems like the most serious fighting since the end of June transfer of authority back to the Iraqis. It complicates the military operation for the Marines, other U.S. troops involved, the army soldiers, having to go in effectively with Iraqi Interim Government Authority.
COHEN: On the other hand, it's better for the U.S. and coalition forces to go in with Iraqis as partners in trying to maintain security, as opposed to the United States going it alone against the Iraqi people. So I think the image is quite different. We are now working hand in hand with the Iraqis taking the leadership here under the direction of the prime minister.
BLITZER: Bottom line, this is a key moment in Iraq's history right now, what's happening in Najaf. COHEN: It could be an important turning point. How this is resolved, whether it comes out peacefully or through bloodshed. And how effective this is seen as far as the prime minister gaining -- gaining control or regaining control to make sure he's in charge at least until the elections are held.
BLITZER: William Cohen, as usual, thanks very much.
And to our viewers, here's your chance to weigh in on this story. Our web "Question of The Day" is this, will the situation in Najaf improve now that U.S. Marines have taken command of coalition operations?
You can vote right now. Go to cnn.com/wolf. We'll have results for you later in the broadcast.
Two top journalist forced to testify in front of a grand jury regarding the leak of an undercover CIA operative. Details of this developing story, we're standing by for that.
Plus, first lady Laura Bush weighs in on the controversial political issue involving stem cell research. We'll have details.
Virtual terror and a rare glimpse into al Qaeda. Brand new information coming out right now from a computer once used by a key associate of Osama bin Laden.
And a deadly dispute apparently over a video game. Now a day in court for the men accused in six vicious beating deaths.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Two Washington journalist subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury investigating the leak of a CIA operative name to the news media, have just lost their attempt to get those subpoenas thrown out. The federal grand jury investigating the disclosure of undercover CIA operative Valerie Plain's names wanted to hear from NBC's, Tim Russert, and "Time" magazine, Matthew Cooper. They had refused to appear.
NBC News says, however it has reached an agreement with the special prosecutor to have Russert answer under oath several limited questions and they say he did so on Saturday. The questions concerned a phone conversation between Russert and Lewis Libby, the vice president's chief of staff. NBC also said this was only done after Libby formally requested that the conversation be disclosed.
"Time" magazine's Cooper's currently being held in contempt of court for refusing to testify. "Time" magazine plans to file an appeal to the ruling as early as tomorrow. The story's developing. We'll continue to follow it for you.
President Bush launched a multistate campaign tour today as Democrat John Kerry continued his trip through the west. Let's go on the trail.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): It's the kickoff to a week-long campaign tour for the president. It's also the launch of a new campaign theme...
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Government policy ought to change with the times. And one way to bring stability and security into a person's life is to encourage ownership.
BLITZER: At a town meeting in Virginia, Mr. Bush told the crowd he wants a new era of ownership, a contrasting view, he maintains, from that that of his opponent.
BUSH: That's why you got to be careful about this rhetoric we're only going to tax the rich. Yes, you know who the rich -- the rich in America happen to be the small business owners.
BLITZER: At the same time, his campaign today launched this new TV ad.
BUSH: One of the most important parts of a reform agenda is to encourage people to own something.
BLITZER: Called, ownership, the ad aims to give voters a picture of Bush's priorities. Today's event in Virginia is the first in a nine-state tour with stops in Florida, New Mexico, and Arizona. A state his opponent is visiting today, coming in by helicopter. Senator Kerry, toured the Grand Canyon, speaking of his plan to preserve and maintain national parks.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: The policies of this Administration are going backwards. We believe we ought to go forward in the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt, in the spirit of all those who for years have fought to preserve America's great treasure. That's what I intend to do.
BLITZER: From here, Kerry continues by train to Kingman, Arizona, where he'll reboard the Believe in America Bus.
SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: Oh, we're going to win. We're going to win.
BLITZER: After a stop at a Chicago diner with Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama, John Edwards today addressed the AFL-CIO Executive Conference. He pledged to overturn the Bush Administration's partial ban on stem cell research, signed into law three years ago today. In Pennsylvania, first lady Laura Bush stood by her husband today, insisting he made the right decision.
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: President has provided a booster research in a very promising new field, while recognizing that this is an issue with moral implications that must not be treated lightly.
BLITZER: Former first lady Nancy Reagan has called for restrictions on research to be lifted.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: A member of the coalition that the United States formed in Iraq, an ally of the United States, the Polish prime minister specifically, he met with the president earlier today over at the White House. The Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka will join me live. That's coming up. We'll discuss Poland's involvement in Iraq, among other subjects.
Also ahead...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They have encouraged the criminal and the gangsters to increase their activities in the country which has suffered a lot.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: Al Jazeera banned. The network offices shut down in Iraq.
Charges announced, there's been a new development in the case of Mark Hacking, the man accused of murdering his wife in Salt Lake City.
We'll have all of that. That's coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: You may recall the huge banner, this one, declaring "mission accomplished." It was the backdrop for President Bush when he declared an end to major combat operations in Iraq from the deck of the U.S. Aircraft carrier, the Abraham Lincoln, on the 1st of May last year. Now the retired U.S. Army General Tommy Franks, the overall commander of the war if Iraq, is taking the blame for the president's highly criticized remarks. Over at the National Press Club earlier today, Franks, said he asked the president to make that comment. Franks, said that once the military phase of the operation was over, he hoped other countries would join the effort to rebuild Iraq.
Poland of course, is one of the key players in the president's coalition of the willing in Iraq. And today Poland's leader was discussing the situation in Iraq over at the White House. The Polish prime minister, Marek Belka, joining us here in our Washington studio.
Mr. Prime minister, welcome to Washington. Thanks very much for joining us.
MAREK BELKA, POLISH PRIME MINISTER: Good evening.
BLITZER: Quick, your quick reaction to General Tommy Franks saying, I came up with that idea to declare a mission accomplished, he wanted it.
Over -- you were involved from day one with Britain, Australia, other allies, what do you make of that? BELKA: Well, on the part of General Franks, it's a gallant statement now that he puts -- he takes the blame. But, well, if you describe the mission accomplished as the fall of Saddam, then it was accomplished. But if you describe it in the wider sense, then, well, we'll still sometime -- some way to go.
BLITZER: How significant is this battle in Najaf right now from your perspective?
BELKA: Well. Well, it is a fight for power among the Iraqis, that's clear. Al-Sadr is really fighting for the hearts and the political influence among the Shia. And the reaction of Prime Minister Allawi is a very good evidence for this, because he's also a Shia, and he decided to crack down on him.
BLITZER: Is this potentially a turning point in the new Iraq?
BELKA: No, I don't think so. We had one very similar some months ago.
BLITZER: In Fallujah, is that what you're talking about?
BELKA: No. We had -- we had big disturbance in Najaf and Karbala, also provoked were the Mehdi Party or the party of Mehdi was the cause. No, I think it's one of the expected fights for power among the Iraqi leaders.
BLITZER: How many troops does Poland have in Iraq right now in.
BELKA: Well, at the moment, it's over 3,000, but it's because we are shifting. We are changing shifts. Normally we would have about 2500.
BLITZER: And these are combat forces?
BELKA: No, the mandate civilization -- well, these are combat forces. But they are not executing assaults -- I mean, offensive operations. Well, unless they are themselves attacked.
BLITZER: I ask the question, how many Poles have died in Iraq?
BELKA: Well, it's more than 10.
BLITZER: More than 10.
BELKA: And about 2 percent of Polish troops have been wounded. So it's the same percentage as with the U.S. Army.
BLITZER: I know your government obviously is aligned with the Bush administration, but is this a popular move inside Poland?
BELKA: It's never popular in Europe. It has never been very popular in Poland. And obviously with the casualties, the support -- the public support for the Polish involvement in Iraq is diminishing.
BLITZER: What about the fear of hostages, Polish hostages, being taken?
What is your government's policy on negotiating with terrorists in order to win the freedom of Polish citizens who may be caught up in Iraq?
BELKA: Well, our policy is not to negotiate with the terrorists. As a matter of fact, we had one case, one incident, in which a Polish citizen was captured, was taken hostage. Fortunately, he was released. So we didn't have this very important, very, very difficult dilemma.
BLITZER: Did you make any concessions?
BELKA: No.
BLITZER: I've been told that the United States, the Bush administration, is trying to get a statement from all of the members of the coalition that would make it clear, that under no circumstances would any member of the coalition make concessions to terrorists holding hostages, the way that the Philippines, for example, did. Are you involved in that effort?
BELKA: Well, all I know is an initiative that is circulated by Bulgaria, who came -- who went through a rather painful process of having two hostages executed. And they are circulating this kind of appeal or sort of code of behavior. And this is something we're going to join.
BLITZER: Poland is willing to join that statement, sign-on?
BELKA: Yes.
BLITZER: Do you have any indications of other members not willing to sign?
BELKA: Not to my knowledge. But as matter of fact, this is the only sensible way to proceed with terrorist. You can be of different opinions as to involvement in the country, in Iraq, in the conflict, but, I mean, bowing to terrorists is simply encouraging them.
BLITZER: Prime Minister Marek Belka, welcome to United States. Once again, thanks for spending a few moments with us.
BELKA: Thank you. My pleasure.
BLITZER: Safe journey back to Poland.
BELKA: Thank you.
BLITZER: By air, by land, and by sea, new ways al Qaeda allegedly planning an attack against the United States homeland. Up next, how U.S. officials are preparing right now.
Plus, plotting on the Web, frightening new evidence also could be turning to virtual terror. And later, bludgeoned by baseball bats, six people murdered in Florida, now four men formally charged. You won't believe what authorities say was their motive.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back.
New terror tactics, reports that al Qaeda planning to use helicopters and maybe even boats to carry out attacks in the United States. We'll have details.
First, though, a quick check of stories now in the news.
A high-profile retired four-star general and an adviser to John Kerry has suffered a severe stroke. The former Joint Chiefs Chairman General John Shalikashvili is in guarded condition at a Washington state hospital. The 68-year-old retired general has been a strong Kerry backer. He spoke last month over at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
A dire warning from Delta, the airline saying again today it may be forced to file for bankruptcy. In government filings, the carrier said it may also be forced to tap into its cash reserve. No time frame was given.
A warning, too, from California power officials. They have issued a power watch, urging people to cut back on electricity use through Wednesday. High temperatures in much of the state are pushing consumption to near-record levels. But officials say blackouts are unlikely.
Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.
There's a possible new terrorist threat facing the United States, the use of helicopters in suicide attacks.
CNN homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve joining us now live with details -- Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, a bulletin to law enforcement from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security says al Qaeda is known to have considered launching an attack using a helicopter packed with explosives.
It lays out possible scenarios -- quote -- "Helicopters could be used in suicide attacks against high-profile ground targets or to attack the public in open areas, including parades and sporting events with explosives carried on board to increase the destructive effects." It goes on to say, helicopters could conceivably be used to introduce chemical or biological weapons into high-rise building ventilation systems, which may be more easily breached from the roof than from lower floors.
A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration says risk assessments are being done right now to determine whether additional helicopters security directives are needed. New York's mayor claims plenty is already being done.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), MAYOR OF NEW YORK: If you try to get on a helicopter in New York City, you have to go through a magnetometer or handheld wand. And they look at you identification and they check everything you carry. That's been going on since 9/11. This is nothing new that to be -- to discover that aircraft can be used as a weapon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: Government officials say the bulletin was triggered by specific intelligence gathered recently in Pakistan. One official says, al Qaeda was -- quote -- "very deliberate and specific," exploring how to rent a helicopter and how to use one as a weapon. But Homeland Security officials are emphatic that there is no indication that al Qaeda is currently planning or plotting to use choppers and that the specifics scenarios outlined are based purely on analysis, not intelligence -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Still pretty worrying.
Thanks very much, Jeanne Meserve, for that report.
And there's a related development. Our sister publication "TIME" magazine reports al Qaeda may try to use speedboats and divers for attacks in New York Harbor before the November election. "TIME" magazine cites a U.S. law enforcement official as saying the information was contained in a recent Pakistani intelligence report. A top U.S. intelligence official tells "TIME" -- quote -- "There is nothing current we deem credible about such an attack." But there's clearly more to worry about.
There's also growing evidence of al Qaeda's sophistication and patient planning when preparing for an attack, especially in the use of modern computer and communications technology.
CNN's Brian Todd has been looking into that. He's joining us now live with more -- Brian.
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, al Qaeda and other terrorist groups are been electronically savvy for a long time. But with incremental reporting, we're getting more and more insight into the nuances of their communication.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TODD (voice-over): In the streets and safe houses of Kabul, two months after the September 11 attacks, a journalist stumbles on to a real find, a window inside Osama bin Laden's terror network.
ALAN CULLISON, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL": Yes, it was an exciting moment. And we of course didn't know the details, but we knew that there was a lot ahead of us. TODD: Alan Cullison had lost his own computer in a roadway accident in Afghanistan. In looking for a replacement, he came across two computers that experts say had been used by al Qaeda's top leadership, including bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
CULLISON: I think probably the most interesting material on the computer was mainly about the day-to-day life of these people and the squabbles that they had over money and personnel.
TODD: Like one correspondence Cullison reports between al- Zawahiri and an operative in Yemen. Al-Zawahiri asks: "Why have you been renovating the computer? Have I been informed of this?" In his reply, the operative complains and quits: "Renovating our computer doesn't mean buying a new one. The first step for me to implement in taking your advice is to resign from any relationship whatsoever between me and your emirate. Consider me a political refugee."
Cullison found disc transmissions and letters where al-Zawahiri discusses a chemical and biological weapons program that never fully developed, where members complain about bin Laden's publicity stunts, and a note from bin Laden to Taliban leader Mullah Omar after September 11, exhorting Omar to keep up the fight and utilize publicity himself: "Although you have already made strong declarations, we ask you to increase them to equal the opponent's media campaign in quantity and force."
Cullison's reporting, first in "The Wall Street Journal" December 2001 and in detail in next month's edition of "The Atlantic Monthly," takes us into the world of virtual terror, the recent explosion of videos, discs and Web sites produced by al Qaeda and many other militant groups.
Israeli Professor Gabriel Weimann has monitored terrorism through his own Internet project for years.
GABRIEL WEIMANN, UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA: When we started this project seven years ago, there were 12 organizations and only 12 Web sites. And we're monitoring now not 12 Web sites, but over 4,000 Web sites.
TODD: The phenomenon dates back to Afghanistan in the 1980s, Chechnya in the mid-'90s, militant groups getting their message out, sometimes by simply recording an attack. These days, experts say, tapes, Web sites and discs are more important than ever for terrorist groups.
PETER BERGEN, CNN TERRORISM ANALYST: You can't go to a training camp anymore in Afghanistan. But you can watch these things on the Internet and, you know, sort of get training tips from these tapes that way.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TODD: Videos are also valuable to terrorists for propaganda and fund-raising, according to experts. But they have their own vulnerability. A Web site posting training videos can quickly be shut down by a government and its producers tracked down -- Wolf.
BLITZER: All right, Brian Todd, very solid report. Thanks very much for that.
Iraqi officials say Al-Jazeera television needs to reassess its coverage of Iraq. Authorities have now closed the Arabic-language television network's Baghdad bureau, saying its reporting has incited insurgents.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): Al-Jazeera continues to beam its programs into Iraq, but its Baghdad office is to remain closed for the next month, by order of Iraq's interim government. Officials say they're fed up with the Qatar-based satellite network's news coverage.
IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI PRIME MINISTER: We have asked an independent commission here in Iraq to monitor Al-Jazeera for the last four weeks.
BLITZER: Iraqi officials say Al-Jazeera's extensive coverage of terror attacks and kidnappings has fanned the flames of violence.
FALAH AL-NAKIB, IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTER: They have encouraged the criminal and the gangsters to increase their activities in the country, which has suffered a lot.
BLITZER: Al-Jazeera aired live pictures of police coming into the Baghdad office and ordering the workers there to leave. The network, which says it's just trying to cover the news, accused the Iraqi government of censorship.
HAFEZ AL-MIRAZI, AL-JAZEERA: It's really regrettable that a government that was installed in power mainly to give and provide a model for democracy in the Middle East is just mimicking other authoritarian regimes.
BLITZER: The Paris-based media watchdog group Reporters Without Border agreed, calling the closure a serious blow to press freedom. U.S. officials have been highly critical of Al-Jazeera's reporting.
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: They have persuaded an enormous fraction of the people that we're there as an occupying force, which is a lie, that we are randomly killing innocent civilians, which is a lie.
BLITZER: Despite that, the State Department says Washington had nothing to do with the closing of Al-Jazeera's Baghdad office.
J. ADAM ERELI, STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: Think was an Iraqi decision. It was -- we had nothing to do with it. It was a decision that the Iraqi government made based on what they feel is the interests of the people of Iraq.
BLITZER: U.S. officials say, despite the Iraqi government's move against Al-Jazeera, freedom of expression is alive and well in Iraq. In March, U.S. officials closed the Baghdad newspaper for allegedly inciting violence. It was associated with radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The closing sparked months of fighting between his loyalists and U.S. troops. The paper reopened three weeks ago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: And we'll follow to see if Al-Jazeera gets to reopen their Baghdad office in the coming month.
There are new developments this hour in the Lori Hacking case, a critical announcement just made in Salt Lake City. We'll go there. We have live details.
The suspects in a mass killing appear in court. But should the alleged ringleader have been on the street in the first place?
Plus, CNN's Christiane Amanpour on the scene of a disaster in the making. Her report from Sudan, that's coming up.
First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): A high-pressure steam leak killed four workers and injured seven in the worst ever accident at a Japanese nuclear power plant. Officials say no radiation escaped from the plant.
Nagasaki remembered. A bell tolled at 11:02 a.m., the exact minute a U.S. plane dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city 59 years ago. The blast killed 70,000 people. Officials say the total number of people who have died from the bomb's aftermath stands at more than 134,000.
Dramatic rescue. A 6-year-old boy was pulled to safety after he fell into a well in China. Two ropes were lowered, and with the mother shouting instructions, the boy grabbed the ropes and was pulled out.
Stranded at sea. Four British men clung to a life raft for six hours after their rowboat was destroyed by a wave. They had been at sea 39 days after setting off from Canada in a bid to beat the world record of rowing across the Atlantic from west to east. After being picked up by a Danish ship, they described their ordeal.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you're in a hypothermic state, you want to go to sleep. It's the worst thing you can do. Once you go to sleep, you don't wake up. So the deal is, you keep everybody awake. And the way you do that is all talk, laugh, make jokes and just keep everybody happy.
BLITZER: And that's our look around the world.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) BLITZER: Officials in Salt Lake City have just this hour announced a murder charge against Mark Hacking. He's the 28-year-old who reported his pregnant wife missing last month. Court documents say he later confessed to his brothers that he killed her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID YOCOM, SALT LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY: The defendant stated that in the early morning hours of July 19, he walked into the bedroom where his wife slept and shot her in the head with a .22- caliber rifle. He further stated that he wrapped Lori's body in garbage bags, placed the body in a dumpster at approximately 2:00 a.m. And then he further stated that he disposed of the gun in another dumpster.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: A memorial is planned this weekend for Lori Hacking, although her body has not yet been found.
In Florida, a first appearance in court for four suspects in a mass killing. But what we're learning that, for at least one of them, it's only the latest in a series of criminal charges.
CNN national correspondent Susan Candiotti is following the story from Miami -- Susan.
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Wolf, four suspects in that case are now being held without bond following their first appearance in court this day, accused of killing six people late Friday and into Saturday -- or late Friday night, I should say.
Now, we've learned some disturbing news following this. It seems that tonight, four probation supervisors for the Department of Corrections in the state of Florida have been fired for how they handled one of the cases of the accused killers, that suspect, Troy Victorino. It seems, though, he has a violent past. And just a week before the murder, he was charged in a battery case.
And as recently as a day before the murders, according to authorities, they failed to file a required report that might have resulted in him being arrested. Again, this would have been the day before the murders. And tonight, as a consequence, Florida's corrections official says these people were fired for not doing what they were supposed to do.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAMES CROSBY, FLORIDA CORRECTIONS SECRETARY: The violation report was not completed and a warrant was not signed by a judge until Friday, August 6. Additionally, I have learned that Victorino reported to the probation office on Thursday, August the 5th, where the probation officer failed to ask for or seek a warrantless arrest. There's no excuse for this inaction.
(END VIDEO CLIP) CANDIOTTI: Now, Wolf, this case bears some disturbing similarities to that of Carlie Brucia, who was kidnapped and murdered earlier this year. After that happened, it turns out that the accused killer again was released on probation following his violent history. And the Florida legislature failed to pass some laws that might have prevented that from happening again -- back to you, Wolf.
BLITZER: Susan, very briefly, the motive behind these murders?
CANDIOTTI: A very scary one, something very simple. Apparently, according to the police, the accused killer, one of the accused killers, was angry over the fact one of his video games had been confiscated by one of the victims.
BLITZER: Susan Candiotti with that disturbing report -- thanks very much, Susan.
Silently suffering, an inside look at the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, disturbing images from the refugee camps. Our Christiane Amanpour is in Darfur and she has a firsthand look. That's coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: With millions of people at risk of starvation and death, the clock is ticking for both the government of Sudan and the people living in the Darfur region of that country, especially heartbreaking for the children.
CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour has the latest from Sudan.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Dr. Jonathan Spector is at war with Darfur's biggest killer now, malnutrition.
DR. JONATHAN SPECTOR, MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES: Today, he is very ill.
AMANPOUR: Dr. Spector is midway through a stint for the aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres in Al Geneina, the capital of Western Darfur. He's a long way from his pediatric practice back in Boston.
SPECTOR: In a developed country, this child would be in an intensive care unit setting. He would be on a monitor. He would be maybe even getting -- for sure getting oxygen and maybe on a ventilator.
AMANPOUR: Here, he doesn't have simple diagnostics like blood tests and every day he has to make a tough choice about who to treat.
SPECTOR: He's malnourished, doesn't actually meet criteria for admission to our camp, because he's not severely malnourished. He's moderately malnourished. AMANPOUR: But these children are severe cases. And every effort counts. Mothers are told to force formula into their skin-and-bones infants every three hours. With malnutrition comes another killer, disease, diarrhea, skin infections, septicemia. And all these patients, like the Yaya (ph) family have already been brutalized by the wave of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by government-backed militias over the past 18 months.
"They chased us our home seven months ago and stole all our cattle. They killed three people in our family," says Halema (ph), as she watches observe her starving daughter, Zahra (ph). In another tent, Dr. Spector relishes a success.
SPECTOR: She's good. She's so much better. She looks marvelous.
AMANPOUR: But it's only a small success in a desperate bid to save about two million people in urgent need of food and medical relief. There's not nearly enough humanitarian aid or enough aid workers reaching the region.; 18 months after this catastrophe began, the world has coughed up less than half the funds the U.N. requested to save this part of Sudan.
Christiane Amanpour, CNN, Al Geneina, Western Darfur.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: The U.N. Security Council will consider sanctions against Sudan at the end of the month. Even so, members of the 22- member Arab League have rejected any effort to intervene militarily in the region.
We'll have the results of our Web question of the day. That's coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Take a look. Here's how you're weighing in on our Web question of the day. But, remember, this is not a scientific poll.
No wise quacks, please, about our picture of the day. After 70 years of playing second fiddle to Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck is getting some respect. The hot-tempered sailor, the Disney cartoon character, finally got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Congratulations.
"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.
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 9, 2004 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now: The Associated Press reports General Tommy Franks is taking the blame for the "Mission Accomplished" banner aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Also happening now, the journalist versus the judge. What NBC's Tim Russert and a "TIME" magazine reporter may be forced to testify against their will in the case of the clandestine CIA officer whose name was leaked to the news media.
Standby for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Countdown to combat. U.S. troops get the green light to fight near a holy shrine. The opposition vows a dual until death.
Chalabis' charged. The former Iraqi exile leader is accused of counterfeit, his nephew of murder. The accuse Baathists of a political conspiracy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fact that it was leaked to the press, makes me feel like there's an ulterior motive here.
ANNOUNCER: Terror scare, by air, land and sea. Chilling new details about an alleged al Qaeda plot against the homeland.
And an inside look behind the scenes. How al Qaeda recruits train, team up, and even argue among each other.
Laura Bush versus Nancy Reagan. The current first lady speaks out.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: A major battle now under way in the holy city of Najaf in Iraq. The radical Shiite cleric, Muqtada al Sadr rejecting calls to leave the city and he's vowing to fight to the bitter end against US forces. And that could be a very long fight.
CNN's Matthew Chance is in Baghdad with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): The holy city of Najaf, now Iraq's worst battleground. In five days, US forces backed by Iraqis, say they've killed more than 360 Mahdi Army fighters here. They're loyal to radical Shiite cleric, Muqtada al Sadr, now publicly rejecting any negotiations while US troops remain.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I will continue with resistance and I will remain in Najaf. I will not leave. I will continue to defend Najaf, as it is the holiest place. I will remain in the city until the last drop of my blood has been spilled.
CHANCE: In Baghdad, too, the Mahdi Army is taking a stand. In Sadr city there have been terrible clashes with U.S. forces. But here, the militias hijack a police station. Not a shot was fired. Inside the barracks, they rifle through cabinets for useful equipment. Body armor meant to protect the police is stolen. Still the interim Iraqi government says, it's keen to get this militia and its leader to join a political process they've so far rejected.
GEORGE SADA, IRAQI GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN: You see always the best solution is even not to fight. But after we fight, the best solution is to cease-fire, to stop fire, and make negotiations because peace making is best way of stopping and finishing any conflict.
CHANCE: But there's another way, too. Fight to the end. U.S. troops, now massed in Baghdad and with full authority in Najaf, may be poised to finish it.
(on camera): But this confrontation has potentially explosive consequences in Iraq. Reports from Najaf say the fighting is now concentrated around the Imam Ali Mosque, one of the holiest shrines in Shia Islam now said to be surrounded by U.S. troops.
(voice-over): And a wrong step could unleash among Iraq's majority Shia a ferocious backlash.
Matthew Chance, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: In a surprise move, the new Iraqi government has issued arrest warrants for Ahmed Chalabi, the former Iraqi exile leader who had strong ties to Washington and his nephew Salem Chalabi.
CNN's John Vause is in Baghdad with that part of the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In little more than a year, Ahmed Chalabi has gone from a potential Iraqi prime minister making a triumphant return from exile to a wanted man. A warrant for Dr. Chalabi was issued by Iraq's chief criminal court judge, Zuhair Abdil Sahib.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Based on complaints submitted to this court by the Central Bank of Iraq concerning counterfeited money.
VAUSE: Counterfeit notes were found during a raid on Chalabi's Baghdad home. He's accused of exchanging them for new currency. Chalabi admits he had some counterfeit dinars but only because of his work with the now defunct Iraqi governing council and their attempts he says, to stop the forgeries from being circulated.
AHMED CHALABI: The charges are outrageous and false. I deny them. They're not true. The judge who make them has a personal vendetta against me and my family.
VAUSE: And the governor of the Central Bank is reported as saying that a complaint against Chalabi was never lodged. There was no request for charges. Chalabi's nephew Salem is facing much more serious charges wanted in connect with the murder of the director general of the Finance Ministry.
SALEM CHALABI: To do all of this and be charged with this kind of ridiculous thing, really is outrageous for me.
VAUSE: The man overseeing the trial of Saddam Hussein is himself now facing the death penalty, . reinstated over the weekend by the interim government.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to emphasize that it is suspicious.
VAUSE: Right now Salem Chalabi is in London, Ahmed Chalabi is in Teheran. Both men say they will return to clear their names. But if charged, there is no trial by jury in Iraq. They'll face a panel of three judges. Regardless of what happens, this is another blow to Ahmed Chalabi's political ambitions. Scorned by the U.S., he's being accused of giving classified information to Iran and is widely seen as the source of bad intelligence about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. And all the time lacking popular support among Iraqis.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think this is the end of Ahmed Chalabi himself. He's a good survivor, but not this time.
VAUSE (on camera): Both Chalabis' say the charges against them are ridiculous. And they blame it on a return of Baath Party officials to the Iraqi government. But the chief criminal judge insists these cases have nothing to do with politics.
John Vause, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: CNN's senior international correspondent Walter Rodgers spoke to Salem Chalabi about the charges that have been leveled against him. Walter is in London, he's joining us now live.
Walter, what did he say?
WALTER RODGERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, Salem Chalabi told me there are plenty of people in Iraq with political scores to settle with the Chalabi family. And he speculated that's why he and his uncle, the one-time Pentagon favorite, Ahmed Chalabi, now face these criminal arrest warrants from the Central Court in Iraq. The investigators want to talk to Salem Chalabi particularly about allegations that he had somehow been involved in the murder of the former director general of the Finance Ministry but Salem played that down.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
S. CHALABI: I wasn't indicted. This is an investigation that's going on. There have been various people arrested in connection with this. I just -- the guy in question said he was threatened by a number of people, not only by me. People connected to me are arrested such as the director general in the Ministry of Finance, so -- so it's just an investigation process. I'm not worried because I know I'm innocent. I know I have a number of strong supporters in Iraq in the government and so on. To me, it just seems an inconceivable thing that happened.
RODGERS: But if you went back to Iraq now, you feel your life would be threatened?
S. CHALABI: Of course. Any time I go back to Iraq I feel my life is threatened because of my position in government and the sensitive position I hold. I now specifically think it would be threatened because these people are saying they'll put me in jail and I get these credible threats they'll cut me to pieces in jail. So I'm not willing to just go back. I'm not above the law. I want to go and address these charges and show that they're untrue. But until such time as I get appropriate assurances that I'll be treated fairly I'm not willing to go back.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
RODGERS: Off camera and when we spoke afterwards I got the very real impression that Salem Chalabi is keen to clear his name and his family's name. But he's quite hesitant about going back and he's not made up his mind that he's going to do it yet again until he's sure he's going to be safe and his life will not be threatened -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Walter Rodgers, reporting for us. Thank you Walter, very much. Joining us now with his assessment of all of these developments in Iraq the former defense secretary, William Cohen.
This Chalabi development is pretty amazing when you know the history of these two men, isn't it?
WILLIAM COHEN, FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY: Well it gets curiouser and curiouser. When you have a fall from grace, it can come fairly swiftly and the fall can be quite hard and that appears to be the case here. I don't think any of us are in a position to make a judgment in terms of whether these allegations are sound in fact or grounded in fact, or whether they're part of a political vendetta against the Chalabi family. But nonetheless, the accumulation of these criticisms, allegations, going back from Jordan to the fall from grace as far as the Pentagon's concerned have to take a toll on both the Chalabis.
BLITZER: I was pretty surprised about the charges, the formal charges, against Ahmad Chalabi. But Salem Chalabi, a graduate of Yale University, Northwestern University law school, someone who had been put in charge of the war crimes tribunals in Iraq, he seemed to be above the fray, until now at least.
COHEN: That's why we shouldn't prejudge the outcome of this. There may be a political motivation. We need to have a lot more fact. As he made clear, he's not about to go back to Iraq without some kind of assurance there's going to be a fair and impartial judgment process -- judging process that would protect his life as well as his liberties.
BLITZER: All right, let's talk little bit about what's happening in Najaf right now. This battle between U.S./Iraqi forces, coalition on the one hand and Muqtada al-Sadr and his forces on the other. This is a very, very serious development.
COHEN: It is serious. And what it represents is a challenge to the interim government. Mr. Allawi, has to recognize that al-Sadr is trying to assert his authority and leadership over the Shiite majority in the country. And he just has to be dealt with. And I think what the prime minister is now saying, either there's going to be a truce or we're going to come in and use force and take you down. And so it is a real battle of will right now.
BLITZER: And complicating, in Najaf, this is a holy city. A lot of holy Shiite shrines there. And there's -- I know from my own conversations with -- U.S. Military personnel, they're worried some elements of the Shiite community could destroy some of the shrines and blame the U.S. for it.
COHEN: That's has always been the problems as for as al-Sadr being in that city, the danger he poses to the innocent Iraqi's. There are people being blown up who were caught in the crossfire of this conflict. And so, innocent people are dying. There's a risk the holy sites would be blown up and he would seek to blame the United States, coalition forces or the interim government. So, it's a very dangerous flashpoint. So, we will see this materialize in the next couple of days in terms of whether al-Sadr is going to find some way to have an acceptable truce or whether he's going to "fight to death." If that's the case, it could be very explosive with the consequence the majority Shia could have a backlash here.
BLITZER: And this -- certainly seems like the most serious fighting since the end of June transfer of authority back to the Iraqis. It complicates the military operation for the Marines, other U.S. troops involved, the army soldiers, having to go in effectively with Iraqi Interim Government Authority.
COHEN: On the other hand, it's better for the U.S. and coalition forces to go in with Iraqis as partners in trying to maintain security, as opposed to the United States going it alone against the Iraqi people. So I think the image is quite different. We are now working hand in hand with the Iraqis taking the leadership here under the direction of the prime minister.
BLITZER: Bottom line, this is a key moment in Iraq's history right now, what's happening in Najaf. COHEN: It could be an important turning point. How this is resolved, whether it comes out peacefully or through bloodshed. And how effective this is seen as far as the prime minister gaining -- gaining control or regaining control to make sure he's in charge at least until the elections are held.
BLITZER: William Cohen, as usual, thanks very much.
And to our viewers, here's your chance to weigh in on this story. Our web "Question of The Day" is this, will the situation in Najaf improve now that U.S. Marines have taken command of coalition operations?
You can vote right now. Go to cnn.com/wolf. We'll have results for you later in the broadcast.
Two top journalist forced to testify in front of a grand jury regarding the leak of an undercover CIA operative. Details of this developing story, we're standing by for that.
Plus, first lady Laura Bush weighs in on the controversial political issue involving stem cell research. We'll have details.
Virtual terror and a rare glimpse into al Qaeda. Brand new information coming out right now from a computer once used by a key associate of Osama bin Laden.
And a deadly dispute apparently over a video game. Now a day in court for the men accused in six vicious beating deaths.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Two Washington journalist subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury investigating the leak of a CIA operative name to the news media, have just lost their attempt to get those subpoenas thrown out. The federal grand jury investigating the disclosure of undercover CIA operative Valerie Plain's names wanted to hear from NBC's, Tim Russert, and "Time" magazine, Matthew Cooper. They had refused to appear.
NBC News says, however it has reached an agreement with the special prosecutor to have Russert answer under oath several limited questions and they say he did so on Saturday. The questions concerned a phone conversation between Russert and Lewis Libby, the vice president's chief of staff. NBC also said this was only done after Libby formally requested that the conversation be disclosed.
"Time" magazine's Cooper's currently being held in contempt of court for refusing to testify. "Time" magazine plans to file an appeal to the ruling as early as tomorrow. The story's developing. We'll continue to follow it for you.
President Bush launched a multistate campaign tour today as Democrat John Kerry continued his trip through the west. Let's go on the trail.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): It's the kickoff to a week-long campaign tour for the president. It's also the launch of a new campaign theme...
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Government policy ought to change with the times. And one way to bring stability and security into a person's life is to encourage ownership.
BLITZER: At a town meeting in Virginia, Mr. Bush told the crowd he wants a new era of ownership, a contrasting view, he maintains, from that that of his opponent.
BUSH: That's why you got to be careful about this rhetoric we're only going to tax the rich. Yes, you know who the rich -- the rich in America happen to be the small business owners.
BLITZER: At the same time, his campaign today launched this new TV ad.
BUSH: One of the most important parts of a reform agenda is to encourage people to own something.
BLITZER: Called, ownership, the ad aims to give voters a picture of Bush's priorities. Today's event in Virginia is the first in a nine-state tour with stops in Florida, New Mexico, and Arizona. A state his opponent is visiting today, coming in by helicopter. Senator Kerry, toured the Grand Canyon, speaking of his plan to preserve and maintain national parks.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: The policies of this Administration are going backwards. We believe we ought to go forward in the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt, in the spirit of all those who for years have fought to preserve America's great treasure. That's what I intend to do.
BLITZER: From here, Kerry continues by train to Kingman, Arizona, where he'll reboard the Believe in America Bus.
SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: Oh, we're going to win. We're going to win.
BLITZER: After a stop at a Chicago diner with Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama, John Edwards today addressed the AFL-CIO Executive Conference. He pledged to overturn the Bush Administration's partial ban on stem cell research, signed into law three years ago today. In Pennsylvania, first lady Laura Bush stood by her husband today, insisting he made the right decision.
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: President has provided a booster research in a very promising new field, while recognizing that this is an issue with moral implications that must not be treated lightly.
BLITZER: Former first lady Nancy Reagan has called for restrictions on research to be lifted.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: A member of the coalition that the United States formed in Iraq, an ally of the United States, the Polish prime minister specifically, he met with the president earlier today over at the White House. The Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka will join me live. That's coming up. We'll discuss Poland's involvement in Iraq, among other subjects.
Also ahead...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They have encouraged the criminal and the gangsters to increase their activities in the country which has suffered a lot.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: Al Jazeera banned. The network offices shut down in Iraq.
Charges announced, there's been a new development in the case of Mark Hacking, the man accused of murdering his wife in Salt Lake City.
We'll have all of that. That's coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: You may recall the huge banner, this one, declaring "mission accomplished." It was the backdrop for President Bush when he declared an end to major combat operations in Iraq from the deck of the U.S. Aircraft carrier, the Abraham Lincoln, on the 1st of May last year. Now the retired U.S. Army General Tommy Franks, the overall commander of the war if Iraq, is taking the blame for the president's highly criticized remarks. Over at the National Press Club earlier today, Franks, said he asked the president to make that comment. Franks, said that once the military phase of the operation was over, he hoped other countries would join the effort to rebuild Iraq.
Poland of course, is one of the key players in the president's coalition of the willing in Iraq. And today Poland's leader was discussing the situation in Iraq over at the White House. The Polish prime minister, Marek Belka, joining us here in our Washington studio.
Mr. Prime minister, welcome to Washington. Thanks very much for joining us.
MAREK BELKA, POLISH PRIME MINISTER: Good evening.
BLITZER: Quick, your quick reaction to General Tommy Franks saying, I came up with that idea to declare a mission accomplished, he wanted it.
Over -- you were involved from day one with Britain, Australia, other allies, what do you make of that? BELKA: Well, on the part of General Franks, it's a gallant statement now that he puts -- he takes the blame. But, well, if you describe the mission accomplished as the fall of Saddam, then it was accomplished. But if you describe it in the wider sense, then, well, we'll still sometime -- some way to go.
BLITZER: How significant is this battle in Najaf right now from your perspective?
BELKA: Well. Well, it is a fight for power among the Iraqis, that's clear. Al-Sadr is really fighting for the hearts and the political influence among the Shia. And the reaction of Prime Minister Allawi is a very good evidence for this, because he's also a Shia, and he decided to crack down on him.
BLITZER: Is this potentially a turning point in the new Iraq?
BELKA: No, I don't think so. We had one very similar some months ago.
BLITZER: In Fallujah, is that what you're talking about?
BELKA: No. We had -- we had big disturbance in Najaf and Karbala, also provoked were the Mehdi Party or the party of Mehdi was the cause. No, I think it's one of the expected fights for power among the Iraqi leaders.
BLITZER: How many troops does Poland have in Iraq right now in.
BELKA: Well, at the moment, it's over 3,000, but it's because we are shifting. We are changing shifts. Normally we would have about 2500.
BLITZER: And these are combat forces?
BELKA: No, the mandate civilization -- well, these are combat forces. But they are not executing assaults -- I mean, offensive operations. Well, unless they are themselves attacked.
BLITZER: I ask the question, how many Poles have died in Iraq?
BELKA: Well, it's more than 10.
BLITZER: More than 10.
BELKA: And about 2 percent of Polish troops have been wounded. So it's the same percentage as with the U.S. Army.
BLITZER: I know your government obviously is aligned with the Bush administration, but is this a popular move inside Poland?
BELKA: It's never popular in Europe. It has never been very popular in Poland. And obviously with the casualties, the support -- the public support for the Polish involvement in Iraq is diminishing.
BLITZER: What about the fear of hostages, Polish hostages, being taken?
What is your government's policy on negotiating with terrorists in order to win the freedom of Polish citizens who may be caught up in Iraq?
BELKA: Well, our policy is not to negotiate with the terrorists. As a matter of fact, we had one case, one incident, in which a Polish citizen was captured, was taken hostage. Fortunately, he was released. So we didn't have this very important, very, very difficult dilemma.
BLITZER: Did you make any concessions?
BELKA: No.
BLITZER: I've been told that the United States, the Bush administration, is trying to get a statement from all of the members of the coalition that would make it clear, that under no circumstances would any member of the coalition make concessions to terrorists holding hostages, the way that the Philippines, for example, did. Are you involved in that effort?
BELKA: Well, all I know is an initiative that is circulated by Bulgaria, who came -- who went through a rather painful process of having two hostages executed. And they are circulating this kind of appeal or sort of code of behavior. And this is something we're going to join.
BLITZER: Poland is willing to join that statement, sign-on?
BELKA: Yes.
BLITZER: Do you have any indications of other members not willing to sign?
BELKA: Not to my knowledge. But as matter of fact, this is the only sensible way to proceed with terrorist. You can be of different opinions as to involvement in the country, in Iraq, in the conflict, but, I mean, bowing to terrorists is simply encouraging them.
BLITZER: Prime Minister Marek Belka, welcome to United States. Once again, thanks for spending a few moments with us.
BELKA: Thank you. My pleasure.
BLITZER: Safe journey back to Poland.
BELKA: Thank you.
BLITZER: By air, by land, and by sea, new ways al Qaeda allegedly planning an attack against the United States homeland. Up next, how U.S. officials are preparing right now.
Plus, plotting on the Web, frightening new evidence also could be turning to virtual terror. And later, bludgeoned by baseball bats, six people murdered in Florida, now four men formally charged. You won't believe what authorities say was their motive.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back.
New terror tactics, reports that al Qaeda planning to use helicopters and maybe even boats to carry out attacks in the United States. We'll have details.
First, though, a quick check of stories now in the news.
A high-profile retired four-star general and an adviser to John Kerry has suffered a severe stroke. The former Joint Chiefs Chairman General John Shalikashvili is in guarded condition at a Washington state hospital. The 68-year-old retired general has been a strong Kerry backer. He spoke last month over at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
A dire warning from Delta, the airline saying again today it may be forced to file for bankruptcy. In government filings, the carrier said it may also be forced to tap into its cash reserve. No time frame was given.
A warning, too, from California power officials. They have issued a power watch, urging people to cut back on electricity use through Wednesday. High temperatures in much of the state are pushing consumption to near-record levels. But officials say blackouts are unlikely.
Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.
There's a possible new terrorist threat facing the United States, the use of helicopters in suicide attacks.
CNN homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve joining us now live with details -- Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, a bulletin to law enforcement from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security says al Qaeda is known to have considered launching an attack using a helicopter packed with explosives.
It lays out possible scenarios -- quote -- "Helicopters could be used in suicide attacks against high-profile ground targets or to attack the public in open areas, including parades and sporting events with explosives carried on board to increase the destructive effects." It goes on to say, helicopters could conceivably be used to introduce chemical or biological weapons into high-rise building ventilation systems, which may be more easily breached from the roof than from lower floors.
A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration says risk assessments are being done right now to determine whether additional helicopters security directives are needed. New York's mayor claims plenty is already being done.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), MAYOR OF NEW YORK: If you try to get on a helicopter in New York City, you have to go through a magnetometer or handheld wand. And they look at you identification and they check everything you carry. That's been going on since 9/11. This is nothing new that to be -- to discover that aircraft can be used as a weapon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: Government officials say the bulletin was triggered by specific intelligence gathered recently in Pakistan. One official says, al Qaeda was -- quote -- "very deliberate and specific," exploring how to rent a helicopter and how to use one as a weapon. But Homeland Security officials are emphatic that there is no indication that al Qaeda is currently planning or plotting to use choppers and that the specifics scenarios outlined are based purely on analysis, not intelligence -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Still pretty worrying.
Thanks very much, Jeanne Meserve, for that report.
And there's a related development. Our sister publication "TIME" magazine reports al Qaeda may try to use speedboats and divers for attacks in New York Harbor before the November election. "TIME" magazine cites a U.S. law enforcement official as saying the information was contained in a recent Pakistani intelligence report. A top U.S. intelligence official tells "TIME" -- quote -- "There is nothing current we deem credible about such an attack." But there's clearly more to worry about.
There's also growing evidence of al Qaeda's sophistication and patient planning when preparing for an attack, especially in the use of modern computer and communications technology.
CNN's Brian Todd has been looking into that. He's joining us now live with more -- Brian.
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, al Qaeda and other terrorist groups are been electronically savvy for a long time. But with incremental reporting, we're getting more and more insight into the nuances of their communication.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TODD (voice-over): In the streets and safe houses of Kabul, two months after the September 11 attacks, a journalist stumbles on to a real find, a window inside Osama bin Laden's terror network.
ALAN CULLISON, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL": Yes, it was an exciting moment. And we of course didn't know the details, but we knew that there was a lot ahead of us. TODD: Alan Cullison had lost his own computer in a roadway accident in Afghanistan. In looking for a replacement, he came across two computers that experts say had been used by al Qaeda's top leadership, including bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
CULLISON: I think probably the most interesting material on the computer was mainly about the day-to-day life of these people and the squabbles that they had over money and personnel.
TODD: Like one correspondence Cullison reports between al- Zawahiri and an operative in Yemen. Al-Zawahiri asks: "Why have you been renovating the computer? Have I been informed of this?" In his reply, the operative complains and quits: "Renovating our computer doesn't mean buying a new one. The first step for me to implement in taking your advice is to resign from any relationship whatsoever between me and your emirate. Consider me a political refugee."
Cullison found disc transmissions and letters where al-Zawahiri discusses a chemical and biological weapons program that never fully developed, where members complain about bin Laden's publicity stunts, and a note from bin Laden to Taliban leader Mullah Omar after September 11, exhorting Omar to keep up the fight and utilize publicity himself: "Although you have already made strong declarations, we ask you to increase them to equal the opponent's media campaign in quantity and force."
Cullison's reporting, first in "The Wall Street Journal" December 2001 and in detail in next month's edition of "The Atlantic Monthly," takes us into the world of virtual terror, the recent explosion of videos, discs and Web sites produced by al Qaeda and many other militant groups.
Israeli Professor Gabriel Weimann has monitored terrorism through his own Internet project for years.
GABRIEL WEIMANN, UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA: When we started this project seven years ago, there were 12 organizations and only 12 Web sites. And we're monitoring now not 12 Web sites, but over 4,000 Web sites.
TODD: The phenomenon dates back to Afghanistan in the 1980s, Chechnya in the mid-'90s, militant groups getting their message out, sometimes by simply recording an attack. These days, experts say, tapes, Web sites and discs are more important than ever for terrorist groups.
PETER BERGEN, CNN TERRORISM ANALYST: You can't go to a training camp anymore in Afghanistan. But you can watch these things on the Internet and, you know, sort of get training tips from these tapes that way.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TODD: Videos are also valuable to terrorists for propaganda and fund-raising, according to experts. But they have their own vulnerability. A Web site posting training videos can quickly be shut down by a government and its producers tracked down -- Wolf.
BLITZER: All right, Brian Todd, very solid report. Thanks very much for that.
Iraqi officials say Al-Jazeera television needs to reassess its coverage of Iraq. Authorities have now closed the Arabic-language television network's Baghdad bureau, saying its reporting has incited insurgents.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): Al-Jazeera continues to beam its programs into Iraq, but its Baghdad office is to remain closed for the next month, by order of Iraq's interim government. Officials say they're fed up with the Qatar-based satellite network's news coverage.
IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI PRIME MINISTER: We have asked an independent commission here in Iraq to monitor Al-Jazeera for the last four weeks.
BLITZER: Iraqi officials say Al-Jazeera's extensive coverage of terror attacks and kidnappings has fanned the flames of violence.
FALAH AL-NAKIB, IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTER: They have encouraged the criminal and the gangsters to increase their activities in the country, which has suffered a lot.
BLITZER: Al-Jazeera aired live pictures of police coming into the Baghdad office and ordering the workers there to leave. The network, which says it's just trying to cover the news, accused the Iraqi government of censorship.
HAFEZ AL-MIRAZI, AL-JAZEERA: It's really regrettable that a government that was installed in power mainly to give and provide a model for democracy in the Middle East is just mimicking other authoritarian regimes.
BLITZER: The Paris-based media watchdog group Reporters Without Border agreed, calling the closure a serious blow to press freedom. U.S. officials have been highly critical of Al-Jazeera's reporting.
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: They have persuaded an enormous fraction of the people that we're there as an occupying force, which is a lie, that we are randomly killing innocent civilians, which is a lie.
BLITZER: Despite that, the State Department says Washington had nothing to do with the closing of Al-Jazeera's Baghdad office.
J. ADAM ERELI, STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: Think was an Iraqi decision. It was -- we had nothing to do with it. It was a decision that the Iraqi government made based on what they feel is the interests of the people of Iraq.
BLITZER: U.S. officials say, despite the Iraqi government's move against Al-Jazeera, freedom of expression is alive and well in Iraq. In March, U.S. officials closed the Baghdad newspaper for allegedly inciting violence. It was associated with radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The closing sparked months of fighting between his loyalists and U.S. troops. The paper reopened three weeks ago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: And we'll follow to see if Al-Jazeera gets to reopen their Baghdad office in the coming month.
There are new developments this hour in the Lori Hacking case, a critical announcement just made in Salt Lake City. We'll go there. We have live details.
The suspects in a mass killing appear in court. But should the alleged ringleader have been on the street in the first place?
Plus, CNN's Christiane Amanpour on the scene of a disaster in the making. Her report from Sudan, that's coming up.
First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): A high-pressure steam leak killed four workers and injured seven in the worst ever accident at a Japanese nuclear power plant. Officials say no radiation escaped from the plant.
Nagasaki remembered. A bell tolled at 11:02 a.m., the exact minute a U.S. plane dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city 59 years ago. The blast killed 70,000 people. Officials say the total number of people who have died from the bomb's aftermath stands at more than 134,000.
Dramatic rescue. A 6-year-old boy was pulled to safety after he fell into a well in China. Two ropes were lowered, and with the mother shouting instructions, the boy grabbed the ropes and was pulled out.
Stranded at sea. Four British men clung to a life raft for six hours after their rowboat was destroyed by a wave. They had been at sea 39 days after setting off from Canada in a bid to beat the world record of rowing across the Atlantic from west to east. After being picked up by a Danish ship, they described their ordeal.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you're in a hypothermic state, you want to go to sleep. It's the worst thing you can do. Once you go to sleep, you don't wake up. So the deal is, you keep everybody awake. And the way you do that is all talk, laugh, make jokes and just keep everybody happy.
BLITZER: And that's our look around the world.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) BLITZER: Officials in Salt Lake City have just this hour announced a murder charge against Mark Hacking. He's the 28-year-old who reported his pregnant wife missing last month. Court documents say he later confessed to his brothers that he killed her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID YOCOM, SALT LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY: The defendant stated that in the early morning hours of July 19, he walked into the bedroom where his wife slept and shot her in the head with a .22- caliber rifle. He further stated that he wrapped Lori's body in garbage bags, placed the body in a dumpster at approximately 2:00 a.m. And then he further stated that he disposed of the gun in another dumpster.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: A memorial is planned this weekend for Lori Hacking, although her body has not yet been found.
In Florida, a first appearance in court for four suspects in a mass killing. But what we're learning that, for at least one of them, it's only the latest in a series of criminal charges.
CNN national correspondent Susan Candiotti is following the story from Miami -- Susan.
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Wolf, four suspects in that case are now being held without bond following their first appearance in court this day, accused of killing six people late Friday and into Saturday -- or late Friday night, I should say.
Now, we've learned some disturbing news following this. It seems that tonight, four probation supervisors for the Department of Corrections in the state of Florida have been fired for how they handled one of the cases of the accused killers, that suspect, Troy Victorino. It seems, though, he has a violent past. And just a week before the murder, he was charged in a battery case.
And as recently as a day before the murders, according to authorities, they failed to file a required report that might have resulted in him being arrested. Again, this would have been the day before the murders. And tonight, as a consequence, Florida's corrections official says these people were fired for not doing what they were supposed to do.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAMES CROSBY, FLORIDA CORRECTIONS SECRETARY: The violation report was not completed and a warrant was not signed by a judge until Friday, August 6. Additionally, I have learned that Victorino reported to the probation office on Thursday, August the 5th, where the probation officer failed to ask for or seek a warrantless arrest. There's no excuse for this inaction.
(END VIDEO CLIP) CANDIOTTI: Now, Wolf, this case bears some disturbing similarities to that of Carlie Brucia, who was kidnapped and murdered earlier this year. After that happened, it turns out that the accused killer again was released on probation following his violent history. And the Florida legislature failed to pass some laws that might have prevented that from happening again -- back to you, Wolf.
BLITZER: Susan, very briefly, the motive behind these murders?
CANDIOTTI: A very scary one, something very simple. Apparently, according to the police, the accused killer, one of the accused killers, was angry over the fact one of his video games had been confiscated by one of the victims.
BLITZER: Susan Candiotti with that disturbing report -- thanks very much, Susan.
Silently suffering, an inside look at the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, disturbing images from the refugee camps. Our Christiane Amanpour is in Darfur and she has a firsthand look. That's coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: With millions of people at risk of starvation and death, the clock is ticking for both the government of Sudan and the people living in the Darfur region of that country, especially heartbreaking for the children.
CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour has the latest from Sudan.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Dr. Jonathan Spector is at war with Darfur's biggest killer now, malnutrition.
DR. JONATHAN SPECTOR, MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES: Today, he is very ill.
AMANPOUR: Dr. Spector is midway through a stint for the aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres in Al Geneina, the capital of Western Darfur. He's a long way from his pediatric practice back in Boston.
SPECTOR: In a developed country, this child would be in an intensive care unit setting. He would be on a monitor. He would be maybe even getting -- for sure getting oxygen and maybe on a ventilator.
AMANPOUR: Here, he doesn't have simple diagnostics like blood tests and every day he has to make a tough choice about who to treat.
SPECTOR: He's malnourished, doesn't actually meet criteria for admission to our camp, because he's not severely malnourished. He's moderately malnourished. AMANPOUR: But these children are severe cases. And every effort counts. Mothers are told to force formula into their skin-and-bones infants every three hours. With malnutrition comes another killer, disease, diarrhea, skin infections, septicemia. And all these patients, like the Yaya (ph) family have already been brutalized by the wave of ethnic cleansing perpetrated by government-backed militias over the past 18 months.
"They chased us our home seven months ago and stole all our cattle. They killed three people in our family," says Halema (ph), as she watches observe her starving daughter, Zahra (ph). In another tent, Dr. Spector relishes a success.
SPECTOR: She's good. She's so much better. She looks marvelous.
AMANPOUR: But it's only a small success in a desperate bid to save about two million people in urgent need of food and medical relief. There's not nearly enough humanitarian aid or enough aid workers reaching the region.; 18 months after this catastrophe began, the world has coughed up less than half the funds the U.N. requested to save this part of Sudan.
Christiane Amanpour, CNN, Al Geneina, Western Darfur.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER: The U.N. Security Council will consider sanctions against Sudan at the end of the month. Even so, members of the 22- member Arab League have rejected any effort to intervene militarily in the region.
We'll have the results of our Web question of the day. That's coming up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Take a look. Here's how you're weighing in on our Web question of the day. But, remember, this is not a scientific poll.
No wise quacks, please, about our picture of the day. After 70 years of playing second fiddle to Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck is getting some respect. The hot-tempered sailor, the Disney cartoon character, finally got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Congratulations.
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