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CNN Live At Daybreak

Torture Allegations; Secrets & Lies?; Survivor's Story; Harry Hoopla

Aired November 17, 2005 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KELLY WALLACE, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning, everyone. Thanks so much for waking up with us. Welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK. I'm Kelly Wallace in today for Carol Costello.

Coming up in the next 30 minutes, accusations of prisoner abuse and torture in Iraq, but this is a case of one tribe accusing another. And that story just ahead.

And you're paying a fortune at the pump while oil companies post record profits. Now the heads of those companies are under fire. We'll tell you why just ahead.

But first, these stories "Now in the News."

Some tough talk from Vice President Dick Cheney. The vice president dismisses allegations the White House lied to you about the intelligence that got us into a war with Iraq. In a speech last night, he calls the accusation -- and we are quoting here -- "one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges ever aired in this city."

"Washington Post" journalist Bob Woodward says he learned the identity of a CIA operative from an unnamed Bush administration official a month before the rest of us did. But Woodward kept that tidbit from his boss at "The Post." Executive Editor Leonard Downie says Woodward has apologized and that the issue is now over.

Still on the run, police in Iowa say they have received dozens of tips in their search for two escaped murderers. Martin Shane Moon and Robert Joseph Legendre escaped from an Iowa prison Monday night.

To the Forecast Center now and Jacqui Jeras who is telling us it's quite brisk in most of the country.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, brisk might even be putting it mildly, Kelly. It is downright cold.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WALLACE: We knew it was coming and eventually it would be here.

JERAS: It was late this year.

WALLACE: It's late, I know.

JERAS: Yes.

WALLACE: We were talking about how warm it has been, at least on the East Coast, for this November.

JERAS: It's gone for now.

WALLACE: Gone for now.

OK, Jacqui, we'll talk to you in about 10 minutes. Thanks so much.

Well our top story this half-hour in Iraq, an even deeper rift between the Sunnis and Shi'as of Iraq is developing. This time it is over the discovery of scores of jailed Iraqis, and many of them say they were tortured and tortured by other Iraqis.

Our Nic Robertson has much more on this story. But we caution you, some of these scenes are very disturbing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): This is the evidence, Sunni politician Tariq al Hashimi says, waiving CDs and a pamphlet at a press conference. Its evidence, he claims, shows Sunnis brutalized by the Shi'a dominated police force. His accusation, he says, confirmed by the U.S. military's discovery last weekend of tortured prisoners at an Iraqi ministry of interior jail.

TARIQ AL HASHIMI, SECY. GEN., IRAQI ISLAMIC PARTY (through translator): What happened a few days ago is confirmation of what we were claiming. And now we are sure that the ministry of interior was largely involved in all the harm we suffered.

ROBERTSON: On the CD, photographs carefully cataloged and gruesome in their detail. According to Hashimi, the images document the deaths of 28 Sunnis. The bodies dumped on garbage piles or left by the river, he says.

Some show the signs of beating, others of acid burns. A few appear as if they had been attacked with an electric drill.

CNN could not determine precisely when the pictures were taken, the identities of the dead or who inflicted the injuries. But one wound, showing skin peeled from a man's arm, matches the account of some of the torture discovered over the weekend. And Hashimi blames renegade police within the interior ministry for the arrests and the torture that he says usually followed.

HASHIMI: They present I.D. cards, using police vehicles, using a walkie-talkie. The officer on the walkie-talkies, wearing the uniform. All of this evidence in fact indicates to us that this charade is an obvious charade managed and developed by the ministry of the interior.

ROBERTSON: Thirty-year-old Yasser al Jamali (ph) claims his cousin was beaten a week ago. He blames the BADR Brigade, a sheer militia banned more than a year ago by the Iraqi interim government.

The arrests are conducted by the police commandos, he says, but those in reality are the BADR Brigade.

Many Sunnis believe the BADR Brigade, once the military wing of a powerful Shi'a political party, has not been disbanded, but now quietly targets Sunnis for political gain. Four months ago, the head of the renamed BADR Organization answered those accusations.

HADI AL-AMIRI, HEAD OF THE BADR "ORGANIZATION" (through translator): We tell anyone who accuses us of such to bring their evidence, if they have any.

ROBERTSON (on camera): Now Sunnis believe the evidence may have been found by the U.S. troops at that interior ministry jail, an embarrassment for the Iraqi government and an embarrassment for the U.S. military who oversaw the training of the Iraqi police.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: The Indonesian government is broadcasting video of an apparent new terrorist threat to the United States, Britain, Australia and Italy. The video was found at a hideout in central Jawa, used by a terrorist group linked to al Qaeda. In this video, the man says -- and we're quoting here -- "people who help and work for the Bush and Blair governments that oppose Muslim people will always be our enemy. They are my targets for our next attack."

Well turning gears now, if -- as if the price of gasoline isn't enough to grumble about, top oil industry executives are now being accused of lying to Congress. Three of them denied that their companies ever took part in Vice President Dick Cheney's secret energy task force back in 2001, but some leaked White House documents show otherwise.

More now from CNN's chief national correspondent John King.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN KING, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Senate Democrats want to call oil executives back before Congress, under oath this time. And also are demanding the Justice Department investigate whether these CEOs lied about their dealings with the Bush White House.

SEN. MARIA CANTWELL (D), WASHINGTON: We are not here to coddle the oil industry. We are here to get answers for the American people.

KING: The demand stems from this exchange at a Senate hearing last week when Democrat Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey asked five oil industry CEOs if their companies helped Vice President Cheney's energy task force back in 2001.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We did not, no. KING: Three said no, the chiefs of ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil and Chevron. Shell Oil's president said he did not believe his company participated. And the chief of BP America said he did not know.

But as first reported by "The Washington Post" and confirmed by CNN, government records and reports indicate four-of-the-five companies met with administration officials on the White House complex. To Democrats, it is a chance to combine consumer anger over high prices at the pump with their long-running complaints about the highly secretive Cheney task force.

SEN. FRANK LAUTENBERG (D), NEW JERSEY: Whatever was discussed at that White House energy task force meeting, it seemed to turn out very well for the big oil companies.

KING: Lautenberg wants the Justice Department to investigate whether the CEOs violated the Federal False Statement Statute, which says anyone who knowingly provides false testimony to Congress can be imprisoned for up to five years.

The companies deny any wrongdoing. Shell, ConocoPhillips and BP America say their CEOs were not in their current jobs back in 2001 and were not aware of meetings with administration officials.

Exxon Mobil acknowledged providing what it called a routine briefing to the task force executive director, but said it did not meet with the task force to discuss the provisions of the energy policy.

Chevron says it didn't attend any meetings but did send written recommendations to the White House.

The vice president has consistently refused to detail who the task force met with. But back when the report was released, he shrugged off his critics, saying of course an energy task force would want input from industry experts.

RICHARD CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The old stereotypes kind of need to be set aside, and we need to calm down a little bit and get everybody down off the ceiling.

KING (on camera): So, will those oil CEOs be called back before Congress? First, the chairman and the ranking Democrat of the Senate Energy Committee say they will ask them to explain what they call apparent inconsistencies. Then they will decide whether additional testimony is necessary.

John King, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: And coming up here on DAYBREAK, she's not in Kansas, she's in Tennessee, but you can still call her a real life Dorothy. A 15 year old's incredible story of survival in the face of a monster tornado. That's next. And later, millions prepare to get caught up in the magic again. Harry Potter returning to theaters, and we've got a sneak peak for you. That's coming up right after the break.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Thursday morning.

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WALLACE: And welcome back to DAYBREAK.

She prayed for her life in the eye of a deadly tornado. A young survivor telling her incredible story to CNN's Rick Sanchez.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): You might say Jessica Dover bumps, bruises, scratches and all is a real life Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz."

JESSICA DOVER, TORNADO SURVIVOR: The first time I heard the tornado and everything I thought I was going to die.

SANCHEZ: She's not in Kansas but in Tennessee where the tornado ripped through town and literally picked up Jessica's mobile home while she was still there all alone.

J. DOVER: And next thing I knew I was in the living room, I heard the tornado and everything, and it was just, I don't know.

SANCHEZ: It's hard to know when everything seems to be spinning.

(on camera): Jessica's story becomes even more perilous when you consider where her home was actually situated. Not only did winds from the tornado pick it up and move it, but then because she was on a hill, it started rolling down the hill. That debris down there is what's left of Jessica's home. This was the foundation. This is where it started out.

The trailer starts rolling down the hill, what do you do?

J. DOVER: I prayed.

SANCHEZ: Prayed for what?

J. DOVER: My life.

SANCHEZ (voice-over): With tears in his eyes, her granddad says he also prayed. Some would say those prayers were answered when Jessica emerged from what was left of the home that tumbled for 200 feet.

DAVID DOVER SR., JESSICA'S GRANDFATHER: She told me, granddaddy, I'm happy. She said I lived through this. And she says, as strange as it may seem, I'm happy.

SANCHEZ: A happy ending, just like the one in the movie with a little girl surrounded by family she thought she'd never see again.

Rick Sanchez, CNN, Palmyra, Tennessee.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: Well your news, money, weather and sports. It's about 46 minutes after the hour. And here is what is all new this morning.

Dick Cheney answering some critics. He told a crowd last night that some politicians are contradicting their own statements regarding the intelligence that led to the war in Iraq. He accuses some politicians of memory loss.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is in the nation's capital today. He will testify before a House committee this morning on legislation aimed at helping Louisiana recover from Hurricane Katrina.

In money, Mayor Nagin has got some evidence to bolster his case, a report by a group of university economists says Katrina wiped out 11 years of employment growth.

In culture, Anthony -- actor Anthony Hopkins is being honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. He will receive the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement at the Golden Globe Awards in January.

In sports, Congress says now that baseball has strengthened its steroids policy, it's time for football, basketball and hockey to follow suit. Several members say those sports need to review their policies on steroids.

To Jacqui Jeras in the Forecast Center.

And, Jacqui, what are you watching right now?

(WEATHER REPORT)

WALLACE: All right, Jacqui, we'll talk to you in a few minutes.

Well, everyone, the magic is back, a little older, a little wiser, a little darker. Harry Potter returns to theaters this weekend and we have got a sneak preview. That is definitely coming up next.

And also, a reminder about our e-mail question, how worried are you about losing your job? Drop us a line at DAYBREAK@CNN.com and we'll read some of your thoughts.

We'll be right back.

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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She looks beautiful.

HARRY POTTER: Yes, she does. (END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: Yes, little Harry Potter is growing up in the fourth film in the series opening tomorrow. And for the first time, it is rated PG-13. Many theaters hoping to get a jump on the weekend by scheduling midnight showings tonight.

But why is "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" such a big deal. For some answers, we're joined from Atlanta by CNN Radio's Paul Chambers.

Paul, thanks so much for starting your day with us. We appreciate it. So here is the question...

PAUL CHAMBERS, CNN RADIO FILM CRITIC: OK.

WALLACE: ... are Harry Potter fans going to be satisfied or disappointed by this new film?

CHAMBERS: I think Harry Potter fans are going to be satisfied, particularly the readers of the book. The film is extremely long, two hours and 37 minutes. It probably could have used some editing. But you know I'm saying this from the point of view of a maybe film critic, also a moviegoer. I have not read the books, but I think the detail in the film, I think, is going to be very, very appreciated by the fans.

WALLACE: But also I'm hearing and reading some articles preparing for this interview that this film expected to be the darkest one in the series. Is that right?

CHAMBERS: It most definitely is the most violent of the Harry Potter films. It has a PG-13 rating. The length is also going -- of the film is also going to be a drawback to small children who I predict are probably going to get a little restless if their parents take them to this particular film.

WALLACE: What about wider appeal then beyond the people who have read every book the minute it comes out? Does it have sort of wider appeal for let's say people like myself who haven't read most of the Harry Potter books?

CHAMBERS: It was a very interesting movie. It kept my interest most of the way. And so I think the mainstream audiences are going to respond. The last Harry Potter film did about $93 million in its opening weekend. That's a big weekend. I think this film, because of its length, because there's -- you can play it less times in a particular auditorium, I think this film is probably going to range somewhere in the $60 to $90 million this weekend. It should be a nice weekend for Hollywood.

WALLACE: Also, Paul, we talked about this, in the opening clip, little Harry Potter growing up. And I read someone saying for the first time we sense what makes Harry tick under pressure. How much are we seeing him experience sort of young adulthood in this new film? CHAMBERS: Very much so. You see a strange relationship between Harry and his friend, Ron Weasley. There is also some sexual tension there between him and Hermione. It's -- this is a very grownup Harry Potter. He is 14 years old and he's asked to play, in this particular role, in the Triwizard Championship what 17-year-old wizards are doing. So Harry has to grow up fast in this particular story.

WALLACE: All right, Paul, thanks so much. CNN Radio's Paul Chambers.

And "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" opening in theaters midnight tonight.

Well coming up here on DAYBREAK, we'll have some more of your e- mails when we come back. Don't go away.

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WALLACE: And time now for our DAYBREAK "Eye Opener."

Even as some of you keep piling up some credit card debt, the offers keep piling up in your mailbox, as you know. Last month, an offer for an American Express gold card assured that the recipient has earned this recognition. Really? As you can see, take a look at this photo, the recipient is Samson (ph), a 4-year-old cat. He has no financial history, nor does he even have pockets to carry the gold card. American Express' response to all this -- quote -- "mistakes happen."

Well this unhappy alligator stopped traffic at a Miami area airport. Air traffic at the airport was halted while the six-foot gator wandered across the runway. It was finally captured by animal control experts just a few feet from the runway.

Time to hear what you are saying about our e-mail "Question of the Day" -- Jacqui.

JERAS: Hey, Kelly, a lot of response, actually, this morning.

This one from Andy Boggle (ph) from Attleboro, Massachusetts, he says I am somewhere between moderately to very concerned about job loss. I have worked in manufacturing all of my adult life and cannot recall tougher times for U.S. manufacturers. I keep hearing in the news how great the economy is supposed to be, but we are just not seeing it in the manufacturing sector.

Barbara (ph) in Kentucky, well she tells us that she is very worried about losing her job. She works for an apparel factory in Kentucky, and she thinks it's just a matter of time.

This one from Scott Tumi (ph) from Myersville, Maryland, he said he is not worried about losing his job. He is a secondary level science teacher. He says we are in very short supply.

Joan (ph) from New York says, yes, I fear losing my job, but I feel that I am resourceful enough to pick up another job. But without -- being without health care for any period of time is most concerning.

And then I think, yes, that's true for a lot of people.

And Jay (ph) from Bloomington, Indiana, my job is in no danger. But whatever happened to employee loyalty? When did employers start looking at their workers as numbers and skills instead of people and lives -- Kelly?

WALLACE: A lot of concern out there, Jacqui. And we're going to have someone on to talk about this survey in the next hour.

And the next hour of DAYBREAK begins in just one minute. Don't go away.

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