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CNN Live Today
Laura Bush Meets Protests in Holy City; Operation Squeeze Play Captures Hundreds of Insurgents; Afghan President to Meet with Bush
Aired May 23, 2005 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, HOST: President Bush meets with Afghan president Hamid Karzai is this morning. The two will hold a joint news briefing in the east room of the White House later this morning. CNN will have live coverage beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern.
U.S. and Iraqi forces met nearly 30 suspected militants in overnight raids in western Baghdad. A live report on what they're calling Operation Squeeze Play is coming up in about six minutes.
The Senate races against time in the countdown to the so-called nuclear option. Democrats facing an ultimatum: vote on the president's judicial nominees or prepare for an end to filibusters on future judgeships. We have the latest on that show showdown straight ahead with our Ed Henry.
And yet another venture by the Donald. He's getting into the education business. Business leader Donald Trump just now announcing the opening of Trump University. It will be geared to ongoing training for business professionals.
And good morning to you on this Monday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.
The first lady, Laura Bush, is in the Middle East today. She is building bridges and acknowledging their are rifts. Mrs. Bush today is in the Egypt. That is the final stop of a trip that began in Jordan and continued to Israel.
It was in Israel at two holy sites that she faced the anger and resentment often vented at the United States.
Our White House correspondent, Suzanne Malveaux, is the only television correspondent traveling with the first lady and interviewed Mrs. Bush this morning.
Suzanne, good morning.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
It was a one on one interview with the first lady. It was at the Giza Pyramids just a couple of hours ago. We really talked about how she believes this good will tour is going. Talked about a number topics, of course: Israel's ole role in Palestinian women's rights, Egypt's upcoming elections.
But the top of the agenda, what could best be described really as a distraction. That is the tension and the protests that I witnessed erupt with the first lady just yesterday at those Jewish and Muslim holy sites.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MALVEAUX: What was going on through your head or through your heart at the moment when there was that hostility that was expressed towards you?
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: Well, I mean, it was a very small moment, and I was surrounded by people who were very, very welcoming.
It's not the first time. It certainly happens -- we know -- we knew when we came here that these are places of great emotion. The holy land is the birthplace of three different great religions. They are wonderful Christian sites. There are obviously the sites that mean the most to the Jewish people, and then of the Dome of the Rock, which is very important to Muslims.
But of course, there are tensions there, but that's part of the purpose of the trip and part of the purpose of working for peace.
MALVEAUX: Did you speak with the president about it? Was he worried for you?
BUSH: Sure, after he saw your coverage he was a little worried.
MALVEAUX: What did he think? What did he think?
BUSH: Well, I called him to -- he called, actually, to find out, and I told him that we were fine, that I felt like it'd been a little bit built up.
MALVEAUX: Since you've come here, I mean, obviously, you're promoting peace and democracy. The U.S. really has suffered somewhat of an image problem here.
BUSH: Sure.
MALVEAUX: Since you've been here, you've had the "Newsweek", the fallout of that, the false reports of desecration of the Quran. You've had Saddam Hussein pictures in his underwear. How difficult is this mission for you, to project and to convince people they need to rethink America's image?
BUSH: It's difficult for all Americans, for a handful of people to have committed humiliation, abuse. It's not the way all of our troops are, by any means. The great, great, great majority of our American troops are very helpful. They're serving with distinction in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MALVEAUX: And Daryn, really the message today was all about downplaying the significance of those protests, of the tension that we were all feeling at those moments, those two different sites.
In my interview with the first lady, she'd even compared it to being on the campaign trail, of course, the kind of jostling and crowds that are gathered at a campaign.
But it was really quite different from my own experience. I saw an Israeli security guard, a policeman who drew his gun on a small boy who was running towards the first lady. The boy ran away. That is just how tense it got at that moment.
Clearly, the Israeli security very concerned if anything were to happen, to the first lady. Also the Secret Service very much in tight control of the situation. It was -- it was something, of course, that they acknowledged, but they say that they did not feel the first lady was ever in any danger. They are trying to downplay some of that, the protests that had actually occurred.
But the first lady and her staff know that she really is the face of the administration, and of course, people in this region are not quite pleased, certainly, a lot of people not pleased with the United States/U.S. policy -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And meanwhile, the commotion has kind of drowned out the message that the first lady went overseas to spread, and that's about women's rights in that region.
MALVEAUX: And she gave a very powerful speech when she was in Jordan at the World Economic Forum. She was talking about the need to promote democracy but specifically talking about education reform, women's rights.
I talked to a number of people who actually listened to her speech to get a sense of how they were they received it. And they said for the most part they agreed with her message, that they thought it was well overdue, that it was time for women to have those kind of opportunities to step up.
But what was very interesting, as well, is they said the problem is really with the messenger. And they said it's the tone that the United States expresses. They say it should be a lot more friendly, that they should have more emotion, that it shouldn't just be a bunch of aggressive speeches.
These are the kinds of things that people are saying here. It seems like they want to reach out, they make a connection. But at the same time, there is still that wall that they are trying to penetrate. A very difficult situation here, of course, for the administration.
KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux live from Egypt, thank you.
And now on to the fight for Iraq. The U.S. military says four American soldiers were killed yesterday in attacks. Terrorist attacks killed three members of Task Force Freedom in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. North of Tikrit a U.S. soldier died when a car bomb exploded near his Army patrol.
Earlier today, assassins earlier gunned down an aide to Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Iraqi officials say Major General Wael Rubaie was -- and his driver were on the way to work when they were killed in the drive-by shooting. And near Kirkuk a suicide car bomber targeted a convoy carrying an official with the patriotic union of Kyrgyzstan. Five of his body guards were killed and at least eight civilians were injured.
U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched a joint offensive against insurgent operations. It's called Operation Squeeze Play. It's being called the largest ever combined operation with Iraqi security forces.
Let's go to the Iraqi capital and CNN's Ryan Chilcote for more on that.
Ryan, hello.
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
We'll start with the violence. It's been an exceptionally violent day in Iraq, one much the most violent in more than a week and a half. We had a relative lull in the violence here, but that's all over now.
We start with the recent attack. It was also the most lethal one. It was a car bomb outside of a restaurant. It went off just -- during lunch time. The restaurant was apparently packed with people. This took place in a Shiite neighborhood here, again, in the Iraqi capital.
Now, the numbers on the casualties have been charging quite significantly, but the Iraqi police now tell us that at least 10 Iraqis were killed in that attack, more than 100 wounded.
Meanwhile, as you said, the U.S. military and Iraqi militaries have launched one of their own offensives here in the Iraqi capital. As you said, it's called Operation Squeeze Play.
Basically, it's just another one of these cordon and search operations where the troops move in, seal off a neighborhood and then basically search everything they can inside of it.
What's different about this is that it's a particularly large one. In fact, the U.S. military says it's the largest joint U.S./Iraqi operation in the Iraqi capital yet. They say that at least seven Iraqi battalions are involved. That's about 2,000 Iraqi troops alone. They also say that they've detained some 285 suspected insurgents since that operation began this morning -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ryan Chilcote reporting live from Baghdad, thank you.
Other news from that region: the parents of former NFL player Pat Tillman say the Army's handling of his death was what they are calling disgusting.
Tillman, you might remember, walked away from a multimillion- dollar contract after the 9/11 attacks to join the elite Army Rangers. He died in Afghanistan in what was officially described as an ambush.
But a recent military report revealed that, within days, the Army actually knew it was a case of friendly fire but withheld that information. Tillman's parents tell the "The Washington Post" that officials made up an heroic tale to bolster patriotism.
Now President Bush welcomes Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai to the White House, but beneath the friendly images and their alliance on the war on terror, there are some volatile issues that are lurking. A quick look at some of those issues.
There have been violent anti-U.S. demonstrations across Afghanistan. Protests earlier this month left at least 15 people dead. Many Afghans, including President Karzai, are angrily responding to reports that American soldiers have abused or tortured Afghan prisoners.
Meanwhile, Mr. Karzai is sharply denying a reported State Department memo that says he and his government are not doing enough to fight heroin and opium production. That reported cable that was sent to Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice first surfaced over the weekend.
And Afghan officials say they are in contact with kidnappers holding Italian aid worker Clementine Cantoni. The word that she is alive comes two days after reports that kidnappers had killed her.
And so with that stage now set for those talks, let's go to the White House and national correspondent Bob Franken with those details and awaiting this news conference about 50 minutes away.
Bob, good morning.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
It will be held in the East Room, as opposed to outside because of the questionable weather.
Mr. Karzai arrived at the White House at the 10 hour, Eastern Time. He has an interesting assignment while he's here. He's coming as the first time since he's been freely elected in Afghanistan, and there is a need expressed by some people close to him to establish the fact that he is not a U.S. -- to use the word, a U.S. puppet.
Now this morning at the normal press briefing, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said not a puppet but a partner. And he'll get an opportunity, Karzai will, to establish some independence by saying he's going to be assertive when it comes to the questions about alleged abuse of Afghans who are being held prisoner by the United States.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMID KARZAI, PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN: This is simply, simply not acceptable. We are angry about this. We want justice. We want the people responsible for this sort of brutal behavior punished and tried and made public.
At the same time, I must say that, while we condemn this, which are Afghans, which are the rest of the world, that the behavior of one or two soldiers or interrogators must not reflect on the United States or on the U.S. people. There are bad people everywhere.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FRANKEN: That's certainly not the only issue, Daryn, that's going to come up, as you pointed out. There is the question about some dissatisfaction reported within the State Department about Karzai's government's efforts to eradicate poppy, a fundamental part of opium. Scott McClellan, at the briefing this morning, said that the two might be expected to comment on that when they hold their news conference in just a short while -- Daryn.
KAGAN: All right. Bob Franken live at the White House, thank you very much. And of course, we're going to have live coverage of next hour's meeting between presidents Bush and Karzai. That's scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern, 8 a.m. Pacific, right here on CNN.
Also out of Washington, D.C., this developing story out of the U.S. Supreme court, going into the issue of abortion once again. The U.S. Supreme Court going -- agreeing to hear a state appeal regarding the issue of do parents need to be notified when a minor is going to have an abortion?
This comes out of New Hampshire's parental notification law that had been struck down as unconstitutional by a lower court, because that particular law did not provide an exception to protect the minor's health in the event of a medical emergency.
So the U.S. Supreme Court, once again, agreeing to look at the issue of abortion, specifically, does a parent need to be notified when a minor is about to have an abortion. More on that just ahead.
Also a missing child case in Florida ends happily for one family. Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY, buried under a pile of rock, how one girl made it out alive.
Plus are convicted child molesters getting free Viagra? You'll be shocked to know who is said to be footing the bill for the blue pills.
And later, the Donald is now playing a Trump card in the classroom. Can his course be your business? Details of his latest adventure straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: High temperatures mean high water in western Colorado. The record hot weather is melting that mountain snow pack and sending it rushing downstream. Residents there are bracing for potential floods. So far only minor damage has been reported.
Let's check on Colorado and the rest of the country. Jacqui Jeras is here to do that. Hi, Jacqui.
(WEATHER REPORT) KAGAN: Thank you.
There are tears and cheers of relief in Lake Worth, Florida.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you, officers! Thank you, officers! Thank you!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: It's still a terrible story. An 8-year-old girl was found alive. She was buried under a pile of rocks in a landfill.
Police say the child had been abducted, sexually assaulted and left to die in this recycling bin. She's now recovering from her injuries and is able to identify her attacker. The 17-year-old teenager is in custody on adult charges of attempted murder, rape and false imprisonment.
Earlier on "AMERICAN MORNING", we learned new details about the girl's rescue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SGT. MIKE HALL, LAKE WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: First I started shaking the recycling bin, trying to get a response out of her. I saw no movement. I heard no voice. I did that several times, each time, getting no response.
So at that time, you know, I felt for the worst. I got on the radio, called the command post. Lieutenant Matthews arrived, our detective here, lieutenant. He jumped up, looked into the bin, as well, and then all of a sudden, he shouted out, "A finger's moving! A finger's moving!"
And at that point, you know, I mean, that hopelessness turned to hope, you know? And everybody jumped in and started taking the rocks off of her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Both the suspect and the little girl had been staying with the child's god mother.
A possible new twist in the search for two missing children in northern Idaho. Their father, Steve Groene, says an FBI agent told him he failed parts of a polygraph test, but Groene insists he does not know where his children are.
Federal officials continue their search for 8-year-old Shasta and 9-year-old Dylan. Their brother, mother and mother's boyfriend were all killed. Police say they've received more than 800 tips but so far, no solid leads.
So are your tax dollars providing Viagra for rapists, child molesters and other sex offenders? New York state controller says that Medicaid has picked up the tab for at least 200 convicted offenders. One of them abused a 2-year-old child.
New York Senator Charles Schumer reacted with surprise and outrage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: It is just mind-boggling to think that level three sexual offenders can get Viagra, which may, indeed, help them perpetrate further horrible crimes.
And what we know about level three offenders is this: they almost never change. They're almost never rehabilitated. Rare is the time. That's why in Washington and in New York state there's a move to increase the sentences. People will spend 15 to 20 or 25 years in jail, and when they get out, they commit the same crime.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Later this morning, Schumer said he is proposing legislation to stop sex offenders from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for Viagra.
Things turn violent on a Florida school bus. Now the bus driver and the student could both face serious punishment. That story is straight ahead.
Things a bit calmer when Gerri Willis is in the house.
Hi, Gerri.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn, good to see you.
You know, airline passengers could be getting feisty this summer, what with the strikes, the potential mergers. We'll tell you what you need to know if you're flying this summer.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Summer travel season looms and you have airlines merging, struggling over booking. The tempers might be rising a bit with the thermometer. But some insights can help you navigate the maze of travel misery.
Our personal finance editor, Gerri Willis, joins us with her top five tips from New York.
Good morning, Gerri.
WILLIS: Hey, good morning.
Good news in tip No. 1. Love the merger. No doubt, you've heard the possibility that U.S. Air and America West will combine. It's actually good news, particularly for frequent fliers. Here's why. U.S. Air is based primarily on the east coast, America West primarily on the west coast. That means it's going to open up new destinations for people on those frequent flier miles cards.
What's more, expect reciprocity on frequent flyer points. You can expect that U.S. Air will honor America West points and vice versa.
But here's the big deal here you need to know. It's probably going to take two years for this whole thing to work out, so some of those benefits may be awhile coming but it could be good for up.
KAGAN: OK. What's the smartest ways to use your miles? Because I know as a frequent flyer you hold onto those like they're gold.
WILLIS: Right. Exactly. I know a lot of people out there, though, are worried that they're going to lose miles, as this industry is in constant turmoil.
So if you're in the situation where you hold a lot of miles with an airline that's maybe in Chapter 11, here's a smart thing to do. Look at the partners of that airline. For example, United Air and U.S. Air are partners. Delta and Continental, partners. Book travel with the healthier partner, and so maybe you can use up some of these points before something bad might happen.
KAGAN: Yes. Well, one bad thing that might happen with these mergers, there might be labor some disagreements. So how could that impact the traveler?
WILLIS: You know, strikes are difficult for passengers. There's not a whole lot you can do. And you can be bumped and not get a new flight.
Here's what you should do. If you have an e-ticket, you come to the desk, they're on strike, convert it to a paper ticket, ask to be immediately put on another flight on another airline. If this doesn't happen, you're going to have to walk over to another airline's counter and ask yourself.
This is a difficult situation for travelers, because the guarantees are not good.
KAGAN: You say getting bumped can actually be a good thing?
WILLIS: Getting bumped is a good thing because you know, you get extras. You get more frequent flyer mile. Maybe you'll get upgraded. But just do it intelligently. Make sure that you get what you need when you get bumped, and ask for the flight you want to get bumped to. You are supposed to be guaranteed that flight.
KAGAN: And finally, just misery, when you lose your luggage, no, when they lose your luggage.
WILLIS: Scary, scary, scary. But you should know that only two percent of luggage is lost forever. Typically, they find it the next day, right?
And if you are in a situation where your luggage is completely lost, and they can't find it, they're obligated to give you some money to make up for it, as much as $2,800.
But here's the trick: you're going to have to have receipts for what you've lost, OK? So make sure you keep the really expensive stuff like the jewelry, the bling, out of the baggage.
KAGAN: That's true. Well, if you've ever really lost luggage you know it's a nightmare trying to get that money from them.
WILLIS: It's not pretty. I've been there myself.
KAGAN: All right. Gerri, carry on, carry on, carry on. Your luggage as well. Thank you.
WILLIS: Thank you, Daryn.
KAGAN: More news on Donald Trump. His show has dominated reality television. Now mega builder Donald Trump is tapping into a new arena. Still to come, the bell is ringing at Trump U., Trump University.
First the prospects of a showdown in the Senate intensify. We'll have details straight ahead on that.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired May 23, 2005 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, HOST: President Bush meets with Afghan president Hamid Karzai is this morning. The two will hold a joint news briefing in the east room of the White House later this morning. CNN will have live coverage beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern.
U.S. and Iraqi forces met nearly 30 suspected militants in overnight raids in western Baghdad. A live report on what they're calling Operation Squeeze Play is coming up in about six minutes.
The Senate races against time in the countdown to the so-called nuclear option. Democrats facing an ultimatum: vote on the president's judicial nominees or prepare for an end to filibusters on future judgeships. We have the latest on that show showdown straight ahead with our Ed Henry.
And yet another venture by the Donald. He's getting into the education business. Business leader Donald Trump just now announcing the opening of Trump University. It will be geared to ongoing training for business professionals.
And good morning to you on this Monday morning. I'm Daryn Kagan.
The first lady, Laura Bush, is in the Middle East today. She is building bridges and acknowledging their are rifts. Mrs. Bush today is in the Egypt. That is the final stop of a trip that began in Jordan and continued to Israel.
It was in Israel at two holy sites that she faced the anger and resentment often vented at the United States.
Our White House correspondent, Suzanne Malveaux, is the only television correspondent traveling with the first lady and interviewed Mrs. Bush this morning.
Suzanne, good morning.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
It was a one on one interview with the first lady. It was at the Giza Pyramids just a couple of hours ago. We really talked about how she believes this good will tour is going. Talked about a number topics, of course: Israel's ole role in Palestinian women's rights, Egypt's upcoming elections.
But the top of the agenda, what could best be described really as a distraction. That is the tension and the protests that I witnessed erupt with the first lady just yesterday at those Jewish and Muslim holy sites.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MALVEAUX: What was going on through your head or through your heart at the moment when there was that hostility that was expressed towards you?
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: Well, I mean, it was a very small moment, and I was surrounded by people who were very, very welcoming.
It's not the first time. It certainly happens -- we know -- we knew when we came here that these are places of great emotion. The holy land is the birthplace of three different great religions. They are wonderful Christian sites. There are obviously the sites that mean the most to the Jewish people, and then of the Dome of the Rock, which is very important to Muslims.
But of course, there are tensions there, but that's part of the purpose of the trip and part of the purpose of working for peace.
MALVEAUX: Did you speak with the president about it? Was he worried for you?
BUSH: Sure, after he saw your coverage he was a little worried.
MALVEAUX: What did he think? What did he think?
BUSH: Well, I called him to -- he called, actually, to find out, and I told him that we were fine, that I felt like it'd been a little bit built up.
MALVEAUX: Since you've come here, I mean, obviously, you're promoting peace and democracy. The U.S. really has suffered somewhat of an image problem here.
BUSH: Sure.
MALVEAUX: Since you've been here, you've had the "Newsweek", the fallout of that, the false reports of desecration of the Quran. You've had Saddam Hussein pictures in his underwear. How difficult is this mission for you, to project and to convince people they need to rethink America's image?
BUSH: It's difficult for all Americans, for a handful of people to have committed humiliation, abuse. It's not the way all of our troops are, by any means. The great, great, great majority of our American troops are very helpful. They're serving with distinction in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MALVEAUX: And Daryn, really the message today was all about downplaying the significance of those protests, of the tension that we were all feeling at those moments, those two different sites.
In my interview with the first lady, she'd even compared it to being on the campaign trail, of course, the kind of jostling and crowds that are gathered at a campaign.
But it was really quite different from my own experience. I saw an Israeli security guard, a policeman who drew his gun on a small boy who was running towards the first lady. The boy ran away. That is just how tense it got at that moment.
Clearly, the Israeli security very concerned if anything were to happen, to the first lady. Also the Secret Service very much in tight control of the situation. It was -- it was something, of course, that they acknowledged, but they say that they did not feel the first lady was ever in any danger. They are trying to downplay some of that, the protests that had actually occurred.
But the first lady and her staff know that she really is the face of the administration, and of course, people in this region are not quite pleased, certainly, a lot of people not pleased with the United States/U.S. policy -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And meanwhile, the commotion has kind of drowned out the message that the first lady went overseas to spread, and that's about women's rights in that region.
MALVEAUX: And she gave a very powerful speech when she was in Jordan at the World Economic Forum. She was talking about the need to promote democracy but specifically talking about education reform, women's rights.
I talked to a number of people who actually listened to her speech to get a sense of how they were they received it. And they said for the most part they agreed with her message, that they thought it was well overdue, that it was time for women to have those kind of opportunities to step up.
But what was very interesting, as well, is they said the problem is really with the messenger. And they said it's the tone that the United States expresses. They say it should be a lot more friendly, that they should have more emotion, that it shouldn't just be a bunch of aggressive speeches.
These are the kinds of things that people are saying here. It seems like they want to reach out, they make a connection. But at the same time, there is still that wall that they are trying to penetrate. A very difficult situation here, of course, for the administration.
KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux live from Egypt, thank you.
And now on to the fight for Iraq. The U.S. military says four American soldiers were killed yesterday in attacks. Terrorist attacks killed three members of Task Force Freedom in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. North of Tikrit a U.S. soldier died when a car bomb exploded near his Army patrol.
Earlier today, assassins earlier gunned down an aide to Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Iraqi officials say Major General Wael Rubaie was -- and his driver were on the way to work when they were killed in the drive-by shooting. And near Kirkuk a suicide car bomber targeted a convoy carrying an official with the patriotic union of Kyrgyzstan. Five of his body guards were killed and at least eight civilians were injured.
U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched a joint offensive against insurgent operations. It's called Operation Squeeze Play. It's being called the largest ever combined operation with Iraqi security forces.
Let's go to the Iraqi capital and CNN's Ryan Chilcote for more on that.
Ryan, hello.
RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
We'll start with the violence. It's been an exceptionally violent day in Iraq, one much the most violent in more than a week and a half. We had a relative lull in the violence here, but that's all over now.
We start with the recent attack. It was also the most lethal one. It was a car bomb outside of a restaurant. It went off just -- during lunch time. The restaurant was apparently packed with people. This took place in a Shiite neighborhood here, again, in the Iraqi capital.
Now, the numbers on the casualties have been charging quite significantly, but the Iraqi police now tell us that at least 10 Iraqis were killed in that attack, more than 100 wounded.
Meanwhile, as you said, the U.S. military and Iraqi militaries have launched one of their own offensives here in the Iraqi capital. As you said, it's called Operation Squeeze Play.
Basically, it's just another one of these cordon and search operations where the troops move in, seal off a neighborhood and then basically search everything they can inside of it.
What's different about this is that it's a particularly large one. In fact, the U.S. military says it's the largest joint U.S./Iraqi operation in the Iraqi capital yet. They say that at least seven Iraqi battalions are involved. That's about 2,000 Iraqi troops alone. They also say that they've detained some 285 suspected insurgents since that operation began this morning -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Ryan Chilcote reporting live from Baghdad, thank you.
Other news from that region: the parents of former NFL player Pat Tillman say the Army's handling of his death was what they are calling disgusting.
Tillman, you might remember, walked away from a multimillion- dollar contract after the 9/11 attacks to join the elite Army Rangers. He died in Afghanistan in what was officially described as an ambush.
But a recent military report revealed that, within days, the Army actually knew it was a case of friendly fire but withheld that information. Tillman's parents tell the "The Washington Post" that officials made up an heroic tale to bolster patriotism.
Now President Bush welcomes Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai to the White House, but beneath the friendly images and their alliance on the war on terror, there are some volatile issues that are lurking. A quick look at some of those issues.
There have been violent anti-U.S. demonstrations across Afghanistan. Protests earlier this month left at least 15 people dead. Many Afghans, including President Karzai, are angrily responding to reports that American soldiers have abused or tortured Afghan prisoners.
Meanwhile, Mr. Karzai is sharply denying a reported State Department memo that says he and his government are not doing enough to fight heroin and opium production. That reported cable that was sent to Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice first surfaced over the weekend.
And Afghan officials say they are in contact with kidnappers holding Italian aid worker Clementine Cantoni. The word that she is alive comes two days after reports that kidnappers had killed her.
And so with that stage now set for those talks, let's go to the White House and national correspondent Bob Franken with those details and awaiting this news conference about 50 minutes away.
Bob, good morning.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
It will be held in the East Room, as opposed to outside because of the questionable weather.
Mr. Karzai arrived at the White House at the 10 hour, Eastern Time. He has an interesting assignment while he's here. He's coming as the first time since he's been freely elected in Afghanistan, and there is a need expressed by some people close to him to establish the fact that he is not a U.S. -- to use the word, a U.S. puppet.
Now this morning at the normal press briefing, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said not a puppet but a partner. And he'll get an opportunity, Karzai will, to establish some independence by saying he's going to be assertive when it comes to the questions about alleged abuse of Afghans who are being held prisoner by the United States.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HAMID KARZAI, PRESIDENT OF AFGHANISTAN: This is simply, simply not acceptable. We are angry about this. We want justice. We want the people responsible for this sort of brutal behavior punished and tried and made public.
At the same time, I must say that, while we condemn this, which are Afghans, which are the rest of the world, that the behavior of one or two soldiers or interrogators must not reflect on the United States or on the U.S. people. There are bad people everywhere.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FRANKEN: That's certainly not the only issue, Daryn, that's going to come up, as you pointed out. There is the question about some dissatisfaction reported within the State Department about Karzai's government's efforts to eradicate poppy, a fundamental part of opium. Scott McClellan, at the briefing this morning, said that the two might be expected to comment on that when they hold their news conference in just a short while -- Daryn.
KAGAN: All right. Bob Franken live at the White House, thank you very much. And of course, we're going to have live coverage of next hour's meeting between presidents Bush and Karzai. That's scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern, 8 a.m. Pacific, right here on CNN.
Also out of Washington, D.C., this developing story out of the U.S. Supreme court, going into the issue of abortion once again. The U.S. Supreme Court going -- agreeing to hear a state appeal regarding the issue of do parents need to be notified when a minor is going to have an abortion?
This comes out of New Hampshire's parental notification law that had been struck down as unconstitutional by a lower court, because that particular law did not provide an exception to protect the minor's health in the event of a medical emergency.
So the U.S. Supreme Court, once again, agreeing to look at the issue of abortion, specifically, does a parent need to be notified when a minor is about to have an abortion. More on that just ahead.
Also a missing child case in Florida ends happily for one family. Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY, buried under a pile of rock, how one girl made it out alive.
Plus are convicted child molesters getting free Viagra? You'll be shocked to know who is said to be footing the bill for the blue pills.
And later, the Donald is now playing a Trump card in the classroom. Can his course be your business? Details of his latest adventure straight ahead.
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KAGAN: High temperatures mean high water in western Colorado. The record hot weather is melting that mountain snow pack and sending it rushing downstream. Residents there are bracing for potential floods. So far only minor damage has been reported.
Let's check on Colorado and the rest of the country. Jacqui Jeras is here to do that. Hi, Jacqui.
(WEATHER REPORT) KAGAN: Thank you.
There are tears and cheers of relief in Lake Worth, Florida.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you, officers! Thank you, officers! Thank you!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: It's still a terrible story. An 8-year-old girl was found alive. She was buried under a pile of rocks in a landfill.
Police say the child had been abducted, sexually assaulted and left to die in this recycling bin. She's now recovering from her injuries and is able to identify her attacker. The 17-year-old teenager is in custody on adult charges of attempted murder, rape and false imprisonment.
Earlier on "AMERICAN MORNING", we learned new details about the girl's rescue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SGT. MIKE HALL, LAKE WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: First I started shaking the recycling bin, trying to get a response out of her. I saw no movement. I heard no voice. I did that several times, each time, getting no response.
So at that time, you know, I felt for the worst. I got on the radio, called the command post. Lieutenant Matthews arrived, our detective here, lieutenant. He jumped up, looked into the bin, as well, and then all of a sudden, he shouted out, "A finger's moving! A finger's moving!"
And at that point, you know, I mean, that hopelessness turned to hope, you know? And everybody jumped in and started taking the rocks off of her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Both the suspect and the little girl had been staying with the child's god mother.
A possible new twist in the search for two missing children in northern Idaho. Their father, Steve Groene, says an FBI agent told him he failed parts of a polygraph test, but Groene insists he does not know where his children are.
Federal officials continue their search for 8-year-old Shasta and 9-year-old Dylan. Their brother, mother and mother's boyfriend were all killed. Police say they've received more than 800 tips but so far, no solid leads.
So are your tax dollars providing Viagra for rapists, child molesters and other sex offenders? New York state controller says that Medicaid has picked up the tab for at least 200 convicted offenders. One of them abused a 2-year-old child.
New York Senator Charles Schumer reacted with surprise and outrage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: It is just mind-boggling to think that level three sexual offenders can get Viagra, which may, indeed, help them perpetrate further horrible crimes.
And what we know about level three offenders is this: they almost never change. They're almost never rehabilitated. Rare is the time. That's why in Washington and in New York state there's a move to increase the sentences. People will spend 15 to 20 or 25 years in jail, and when they get out, they commit the same crime.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: Later this morning, Schumer said he is proposing legislation to stop sex offenders from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for Viagra.
Things turn violent on a Florida school bus. Now the bus driver and the student could both face serious punishment. That story is straight ahead.
Things a bit calmer when Gerri Willis is in the house.
Hi, Gerri.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Daryn, good to see you.
You know, airline passengers could be getting feisty this summer, what with the strikes, the potential mergers. We'll tell you what you need to know if you're flying this summer.
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KAGAN: Summer travel season looms and you have airlines merging, struggling over booking. The tempers might be rising a bit with the thermometer. But some insights can help you navigate the maze of travel misery.
Our personal finance editor, Gerri Willis, joins us with her top five tips from New York.
Good morning, Gerri.
WILLIS: Hey, good morning.
Good news in tip No. 1. Love the merger. No doubt, you've heard the possibility that U.S. Air and America West will combine. It's actually good news, particularly for frequent fliers. Here's why. U.S. Air is based primarily on the east coast, America West primarily on the west coast. That means it's going to open up new destinations for people on those frequent flier miles cards.
What's more, expect reciprocity on frequent flyer points. You can expect that U.S. Air will honor America West points and vice versa.
But here's the big deal here you need to know. It's probably going to take two years for this whole thing to work out, so some of those benefits may be awhile coming but it could be good for up.
KAGAN: OK. What's the smartest ways to use your miles? Because I know as a frequent flyer you hold onto those like they're gold.
WILLIS: Right. Exactly. I know a lot of people out there, though, are worried that they're going to lose miles, as this industry is in constant turmoil.
So if you're in the situation where you hold a lot of miles with an airline that's maybe in Chapter 11, here's a smart thing to do. Look at the partners of that airline. For example, United Air and U.S. Air are partners. Delta and Continental, partners. Book travel with the healthier partner, and so maybe you can use up some of these points before something bad might happen.
KAGAN: Yes. Well, one bad thing that might happen with these mergers, there might be labor some disagreements. So how could that impact the traveler?
WILLIS: You know, strikes are difficult for passengers. There's not a whole lot you can do. And you can be bumped and not get a new flight.
Here's what you should do. If you have an e-ticket, you come to the desk, they're on strike, convert it to a paper ticket, ask to be immediately put on another flight on another airline. If this doesn't happen, you're going to have to walk over to another airline's counter and ask yourself.
This is a difficult situation for travelers, because the guarantees are not good.
KAGAN: You say getting bumped can actually be a good thing?
WILLIS: Getting bumped is a good thing because you know, you get extras. You get more frequent flyer mile. Maybe you'll get upgraded. But just do it intelligently. Make sure that you get what you need when you get bumped, and ask for the flight you want to get bumped to. You are supposed to be guaranteed that flight.
KAGAN: And finally, just misery, when you lose your luggage, no, when they lose your luggage.
WILLIS: Scary, scary, scary. But you should know that only two percent of luggage is lost forever. Typically, they find it the next day, right?
And if you are in a situation where your luggage is completely lost, and they can't find it, they're obligated to give you some money to make up for it, as much as $2,800.
But here's the trick: you're going to have to have receipts for what you've lost, OK? So make sure you keep the really expensive stuff like the jewelry, the bling, out of the baggage.
KAGAN: That's true. Well, if you've ever really lost luggage you know it's a nightmare trying to get that money from them.
WILLIS: It's not pretty. I've been there myself.
KAGAN: All right. Gerri, carry on, carry on, carry on. Your luggage as well. Thank you.
WILLIS: Thank you, Daryn.
KAGAN: More news on Donald Trump. His show has dominated reality television. Now mega builder Donald Trump is tapping into a new arena. Still to come, the bell is ringing at Trump U., Trump University.
First the prospects of a showdown in the Senate intensify. We'll have details straight ahead on that.
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