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CNN Live Sunday

The Race to Replace DeLay; McCloy's Condition; Baby Noor's Surgery

Aired January 08, 2006 - 19:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN HOST: A Black Hawk chopper goes down and Marines face gunfire. It's a deadly weekend in Iraq. We've got the details.
Saying goodbye in West Virginia: we'll have a live report as the first funerals for the lost miners are held in a small Appalachian town.

And filling Tom DeLay's shoes on the Hill: two men are already throwing their hats into the ring.

It's January 8, you're watching CNN LIVE SUNDAY.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield, in for Carol Lin.

To our top story in a moment, but first, stories making news right now.

At least two homes are destroyed in another batch of wildfires, this time in southern Colorado. Two fires burning near the New Mexico line are threatening hundreds more homes. Since the start of winter, fires in several states have consumed more than 470 homes.

Bird flu fears grow in Turkey. Preliminary tests show five more Turks tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. At least two people in Turkey died of bird flu. The deaths are the first outside China and Southeast Asia.

Gas prices are climbing. The Lundberg survey finds gas prices rose almost nine cents over the past three weeks. That puts the average cost of self-serve regular at $2.30 a gallon. Lundberg predicts the prices will continue to rise.

First to Iraq and to looming questions as to the cause of a deadly helicopter crash. Twelve people, all believed it be Americans, were killed when a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter went down late last night. CNN's Michael Holmes brings us the latest on what's been a deadly week for Americans in Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: The Blackhawk was one of two aircraft flying between bases in the northwest of the country when communications were lost at around Midnight last night and it took 12 hours before the news was confirmed that the Blackhawk had, indeed, crashed 12 kilometers East of Tal Afar. Twelve people were killed, there was a crew of four on the Blackhawk, there were also eight passengers onboard.

The weather has been bad in Iraq over the last 24 hours or so, however, should be pointed out an investigation is underway. The cause of this crash at this stage unknown. This comes after the news also that five U.S. Marines were killed in Iraq over the weekend, three of them killed by small arms fire in Fallujah and another two killed by roadside bombs. A deadly week and weekend for U.S. troops, 17 dead in just the last couple of days, 28 dead since Thursday.

Michael Holmes, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: In fact, Iraqis are getting fed up with the daily violence, as well. In an exclusive interview with CNN, Abdul Aziz al- Hakim, one of the most powerful Shia politicians in Iraq criticized the U.S. officials for their handling of the insurgency. Al-Hakim says red tape is preventing Iraqi security forces from getting insurgents off the streets. Something he fears will have Iraqis taking matters into their own hands.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ABDUL AZIZ AL-HAKIM, SUP. COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC REV. (through translator): It's not me who loses patience, but the people have now started to lose attendance and we fear we reach a level whereby we cannot control the people because people see their sons being killed in this manner, brother, father, mother, wife and consequently they say, until when? When will this butchering of us end? Especially that they believe they have the potential to confront those terrorist groups. They see the multinational forces are mostly preventing us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Al-Hakim says the enemy isn't the Sunni people, but the terrorist groups and members of the previous regime.

A change in the condition of Randy McCloy, the only survivor of last week's mining disaster in West Virginia. Doctors say he began breathing on his own today after he was taken off sedatives which had been keeping him in a medically induced coma. Once McCloy is awake, doctors can assess his brain function. While still in critical condition McCloy's heart, liver, lung, kidney show sign of improvement. He was transported back to West Virginia from Pennsylvania last night so he can be closer to home.

And it's those West Virginia communities are in mourning after a day of funerals for several of the miners who died last week. Reporting live from Tallmansville, West Virginia, CNN's Gary Nurenberg -- Gary.

GARY NURENBERG, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Good evening, Fredricka. CNN is honoring the request of those families that those funerals be kept private, but there were numerous other services today where the miners were remembered in sermons and in prayers. Hundreds of people attended those services to pray for those who are gone.

Father Andy Kranyc is the pastor at St. Elizabeth's Church in a nearby town. He helped preside over one of those ceremonies and said he is often asked by friends who live in big cities why men go into those mines and do work this work that is perceived as being so dangerous. He says he tells them that this is generational; it is passed on from family to family, and a way of life. And then he said he has a message for those who live in big cities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. ANDY KRANYC, ST. ELIZABETH CHURCH: The next time that they get on the subway in New York, to just remember that the ride that they are having comes from electricity that comes from coal that was mined from the sweat and blood of miners in West Virginia and Kentucky and Pennsylvania and to say a little prayer whenever they step on the subway.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NURENBERG: Father Kranyc point is that if you think about it that way, we're all connected to the why -- mines, rather, of West Virginia and the miners who work there -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: That sure is a good way of driving that point home. Gary, thanks so much.

At the top of the hour an all new "CNN Presents: Hope and Heartbreak, Inside the Sago Mine Tragedy." What really happened? And could the disaster have been prevented? That's coming up tonight at 8:00 Eastern Time.

In the wake of Congressman Tom DeLay's decision to permanently step down as House majority leader, potential successors are surfacing. Ohio representative John Boehner is one of two Midwesterners vying for DeLay's job. He's urging his colleagues to commit to reforms already in place to combat corruption.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), OHIO: All of the allegations regarding members are allegations where members either violated law or violated the rules of the House. And the fact is is that there are ample laws, in my view, there are ample rules, but what we need to do is renew our commitment to live by those rules that we've all agree to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. ROY BLUNT (R), MISSOURI: Of course, the tax cuts have drive on the economy...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: House majority whip Roy Blunt of Missouri has filled in for DeLay temporarily, now he'd like the job permanently. Blunt is reaching out to fellow republicans trying to enlist their support. Democrats and republicans are squaring off over Judge Samuel Alito. Confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court nominee begin tomorrow. And one democrat is already talking about the possibility of a filibuster. Our Elaine Quijano has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): More than two months after President Bush nominated him as associate justice of the Supreme Court.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Congratulations on your nomination.

QUIJANO: Federal Judge Samuel Alito will get his chance this week to convince the 18 members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that he is the right person for the job. But abortion remains the issue that could possibly result in a democratic led filibuster to try to kill the nomination.

SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: If Judge Alito either objectly refuses to answer questions or when he answers those questions proves to be so far out of the mainstream that he's going to impose his views on us and not follow the law, those would be some strikes against him that would make it more likely that we'd filibuster.

QUIJANO: But republicans say Judge Alito shouldn't be required to answer specifics on how he might rule on an abortion case since one will likely come to the high court during his tenure, and republicans maintain they'll fight back if democrats push for a filibuster.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: I would consider that not only an ordinary -- extraordinary circumstance a threat to the independence to the judiciary and I would stop it in its tracks with my vote.

QUIJANO: Even the chairman and the ranking member of the committee, both pro-choice, say talk of a filibuster may be premature.

SEN. ARLEN SPECTER (R), JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN: I do not see any rational basis for filibustering Judge Alito.

SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: I think we're getting ahead of ourselves. I mean, let's find out if he answers. This is really up to Judge Alito.

QUIJANO: Alito's hearings come at a time when lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns about President Bush's authorization of a secret government surveillance program. Republican Senator Arlen Specter plans to hold separate, open hearings in early February on the matter, but says he'll raise the issue of presidential power with Judge Alito.

SPECTER: I want to hear what he'll have to say about the balance of authority between the president's war-time powers under Article two to conduct electronic surveillance with what appears to be a conflict with congressional intent on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

QUIJANO (on camera): President Bush is set to meet with Judge Alito Monday morning for breakfast before the judge heads to Capitol Hill. Senator Arlen Specter says if all goes according to schedule, there could be a vote by January 17, but democrats say that date could be pushed back.

Elaine Quijano, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And in about 10 minutes hear why a law professor thinks a double standard may be used to judge Alito. CNN will bring you in-depth coverage of Alito's confirmation hearings beginning at noon tomorrow in the "Situation Room."

The fight to save Ariel Sharon's life. We'll explain why tomorrow is a big day for the Israeli prime minister.

Little Baby Noor is hours away from potentially life-saving surgery. At the bottom of the hour, hear from the doctor leading the team that will operate on the Iraqi girl here in the states.

And still to come, will Howard Stern changed the way Americans listen to radio? We'll explain when CNN LIVE SUNDAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Tomorrow could be a major turning point for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. That's when doctors plan to take him out of his medically induced coma, a process that will reveal just how well his brain is functioning. CNN's John Voss is in Jerusalem with the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VOSS, CNN NEWS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Outside the hospital where Ariel Sharon is being treated, Christian prayers for the leader of the Jewish state. Soon the prime minister will face another critical moment when doctors begin to slowly wake him from the drug-induced coma which has kept him alive in critical, but stable condition.

DR. SHLOMO MOR-YOSEF, HADASSAH HOSPITAL: We'll be able to give you some more information about a neurological function of the prime minister's brain.

VOSS: In other words, doctors hope to find out the full extent of the brain damage the 77-year-old prime minister has suffered. Doctors, not directly involved in treating Ariel Sharon, say the crucial test will be whether he regains consciousness.

DR. ZEEV FELDMAN, NEUROLOGIST: If he regains his consciousness, then the fact that the left side of his brain is undamaged is reported by Hadassah team will enable him to talk, to understand and to have memory functions.

VOSS: But chances are Ariel Sharon may never return to politics. Never return to the weekly cabinet meeting he presided over for the last five years.

EHUD OLMERT, ACTING ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER (through translator): If I could speak with him this morning and ask, Arik (ph) what would you tell us? What would you want us to do? He would say, I appreciate the fact that you are all concern about my health. Thank you, but get to work.

VOSS: But Palestinians are hoping for more from the acting Israeli prime minister, a return to the peace talks which Mr. Sharon had put on hold.

SAAB EREKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR: This may sound as wishful thinking, but to Mr. Olmert, I tell him the only way to break the vicious cycle of violence and counter-violence is resuming negotiations.

VOSS (on camera): But for now there seems little chance of the Israelis and Palestinians returning to the peace process while Israel deals with its own political turmoil, the Palestinians will have to wait.

John Voss, CNN, Jerusalem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And in case you missed it, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres appeared on CNN's "Late Edition" with Wolf Blitzer, today. Peres says if Prime Minister Sharon is too sick to resume his duties his second in command Ehud Olbert should take his place.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHIMON PERES, FMR. ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: I think Ehud Olmert will run the government. I think it's a proper decision (UNINTELLIGIBLE) legally because Sharon has nominated Ahud Olmert while he was in full strength to serve as an acting prime minister (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's legally right, it's politically wise. It's a good choice. The man has a lot of experience and I think, as far as policies are concerned, he will clearly continue the policies of Mr. Ariel Sharon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Another former Israeli prime minister was also speaking out on CNN's "Late Edition" in an exclusive interview with Wolf Blitzer today, Benjamin Netanyahu talked about his relationship with Ariel Sharon, a former colleague and recent political rival.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, FMR. ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: We had the ability to work together over many, many things, on many things we saw eye to eye and a few things we didn't. He served in my government, I served in his government. And we had, I think, a stellar success in rescuing the Israeli economy in the last three years, really, to make it one of the great success of the developed economies of the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And remember every Sunday at 7:00 Eastern CNN will bring you the best headlines from the Sunday talk show circuit.

Under the cover of dark darkness U.S. forces are on the offensive to clean up Taliban remnants in Afghanistan. Only on CNN, we'll take you on patrol.

And judgment day for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. Up next, why one legal expert thinks you could see a lot of fireworks during tomorrow's hearing.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: "Stories Across America," now. Police in Virginia are linking a pair of murder suspects to a more brutal killing. Two men were captured in Philadelphia hours after a family of three was found murdered in their Richmond home. Police now believe the same men killed a couple and their two daughters in a nearby home last weekend. Authorities are looking at robbery as a possible motive.

Union officials in New York say a retired police officer has died of health problems related to the 9/11 cleanup. Thirty-year-old James Zdroga (ph) died Thursday of respiratory disease results of an autopsy are pending.

Tragedy at Florida's Walt Disney World. A runner who participated in yesterday's half marathon, collapsed after crossing the finish line and later died. The "Orlando Sentinel" says victim was a 43-year-old golf pro from Tucson, Arizona.

Well, he's been called difficult to lionize or demonize, but if Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito is confirmed some worry he could change the balance of power and possibly help overturn Roe v. Wade. Jonathan Turley is law professor at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He studied Alito's low-key style.

Good to see you, professor.

JONATHAN, TURLEY, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV.: Good to see you.

WHITFIELD: Well, all ready the drumbeat leading up to Alito's hearings are quite different, a lot more propronounced and louder than the drumbeats leading up to John Roberts' confirmation, do you agree?

TURLEY: Oh yeah, I think the democrats are going to go positively medieval on this guy. I mean, they are really armed for bear and, you know, the issue here for the democrats is that this is the decisive vote. There are dozens of important cases that are really dangling by one vote, 5-4 vote. That vote more often than not is Sandra Day O'Connor's. That's the seat that Samuel Alito is about to take over.

WHITFIELD: Wow, and it really is no laughing matter, but you know, it seems as though leading up to John Roberts' confirmation hearings, a very similar argument was being made about, you know, what will happen to the balance of power and will he tilt it in any way? But, now it seems that point is being made much stronger with Samuel Alito.

TURLEY: Well, part of the reason is that John Roberts was especially a swap of one conservative, William Rehnquist for another, John Roberts. Here you have a very strong conservative swapping for the ultimate swing vote, but that doesn't help the democrats in some respects. They're going to look a bit hypocritical. You know, John Roberts had memos saying that Roe v. Wade, for example, is wrongly decided and so does Sam Alito, but they did a virtual human wave for John Roberts. I mean, they, that guy really sailed through and people like Leahy voted for him even though he refused to answer questions on his views. Well, this time they're going to be much, much more aggressive.

WHITFIELD: And I wonder if they're going to be a lot more aggressive, too, because so many reports have come out recently to talk about the kind of language that Samuel Alito used on applications during the Reagan years and that he said quite outright, that he doesn't believe the constitution should protect the right to abortion.

TURLEY: That's right. And, you know, these are memos that are pretty radio active and there's not a good option on the abortion issue for Alito. If he distances himself from those memos, he's going to look like an opportunist who just says things when he wants to get a job. If embraces it, he's going to look like a pro-life activist who's going to drop the hammer on Roe v. Wade, and if he refuses to answer, he's look very, sort of suspicious and obstructionist. So, on abortion, he doesn't have a good option and you're going to see the democrats pressing him hard on that.

WHITFIELD: Well, if he refuses to answer, won't he be making the argument just as John Roberts did that by revealing his personal opinion he in some way might become or be perceived to be prejudicial?

TURLEY: Well you know, Fredricka, you know, I like John Roberts. I was glad he was put on the court, but I didn't like the hearing and I didn't like his answers. When John Roberts said the judicial ethics prevented him from discussing his privacy views and other views -- that's wrong. I mean, I don't know if any...

WHITFIELD: That's very non-committal, but it worked for him.

TURLEY: It worked. And in fact, people like Senator Leahy voted for him without asking him what judicial rule says that. Many of the Supreme Court justices have written whole articles on the subject. Here you're going to see the democrats, I think, just say look, it was a different nominee and you're going to have to answer. So, Alito has some basis to say, hold it, this is sort of a double standard you're applying to me.

WHITFIELD: In fact, that's what I was going to ask you. Do you believe that this is out and out just double standards?

TURLEY: I think it is. And it's because, frankly, this is a very important seat and these senators are not known to be paralyzed in doubt when it comes to principal. They're going to just basically say it's a different seat, you're a different guy, and I want an answer. But at some point this hearing is going to look like a split screen, you know, with two indifferent plays going on simultaneously. You're going to have democrats charging for answers and Sam Alito refusing to give them, and I'm not too sure you're going to learn a lot. There's going to be more heat than light that comes out of that arrangement.

WHITFIELD: Potentially pretty combative. All right, thanks so much Jonathan Turley of George Washington University.

TURLEY: Thanks, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Thanks so much.

Well, one week after traveling from Baghdad to Atlanta, Baby Noor is about to receive an operation to save her life. How dangerous is tomorrow's procedure? Hear from Baby Noor's lead surgeon next. And this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is the family room and as you can see most of this stuff is covered in oil.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Floodwaters are damaging enough, but imagine if your home was inundated with thousands of gallons of crude oil. That's what happened to some Katrina victims. Are they now getting caught in regulation limbo?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A quick look now at what's happening in the news. Doctors in West Virginia say mine survivor Randy McCloy, Jr. has started breathing on his own after having his sedatives withdrawn, doctors hope McCloy will start waking up over the next few days so they can assess his brain function.

Funeral services began today for victims of the Sago mine tragedy. Grieving families gathered in private with friends and neighbors to say good-bye to six of the 12 miners who died after becoming trapped in the mine after an explosion last Monday. More services are planned for tomorrow and Tuesday.

It's been a deadly weekend for U.S. forces in Iraq. Twelve Americans were killed when a Blackhawk helicopter crashed last night near the northern city of Tal Afar. Three Marines died today in small arms attacks in Fallujah and roadside bombs killed two Marines on Saturday.

Just one day after Tom DeLay said he would not try to reclaim his post as majority leader, two congressmen are already vying for the top power spot in the house. Ohio Congressman John Boehner and House majority whip Roy Blunt are racing to get the support of their colleagues. A vote is expected by the end of the month.

Lost in a race against time and the elements. Firefighters in southern Colorado are trying to get the upper hand on wildfires that scorched 6,000 acres and at least two homes. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated. The fire began as a controlled burn, but wind blew out it out of control. As if to underscore the fire danger, 22 new fires erupted across Oklahoma yesterday, this large grass fire among them, just north of Oklahoma City.

Gusty wind, high temperatures, and drought conditions are all feeding the flames, are firefighters likely to see any relief? Meteorologist Monica McNeal has the weather outlook. I feel like I'm a broken record by asking you. Is there any relief? But I feel so sorry for the folks there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Trashed homes, gutted rooms, all too common painful sights in New Orleans. But one community is dealing with more than the mud and the water damage from Katrina. It's a crude problem. They say it's turned their homes into a toxic mess. Here's CNN's Rick Sanchez.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): This is oil, or what's left of 1.1 million gallons of crude oil. How it got here isn't the question, but who's supposed to clean it up is to say the least one huge, stinky mess. These are the Lewis'.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Some things are just hard to go away.

NORMAN LEWIS, CHALMETTE, LOUISIANA RESIDENT: We asked your neighbors, are they coming back? Most of them tell you, everybody says they don't know.

SANCHEZ: When he and his wife could finally get home after Hurricane Katrina, their house was inundated with oil. The Lewis' are one of about 2,000 families who live in the Chalmette community of St. Bernard Parish. So many of them are stuck in this mess. After Katrina, more than a million gallons of the thick black crude leaked from a nearby petroleum refinery owned by Murphy Oil. Oil companies normally fill storage tanks before a hurricane hits to weigh them down. But one at the Murphy refinery was three fourths empty. And when the floodwaters rose, it was literally lifted from its foundation. Result, a massive spill.

Who's looking out for these people?

CAPT. SVEN RODENBECK, ATSDR DEPUTY BRANCH CHIEF: Well, there's multiple agencies, but most importantly it's the local authorities.

SANCHEZ: Local authorities? Tell that to St. Bernard Parish Council Chair Joey Di Fatta and you'll get an earful.

JOEY DI FATTA, ST. BERNARD PARISH CO. CHAIRMAN: I laugh at that. How can the federal agency who's tasked with securing safety for the public say something like that?

SANCHEZ: You can still see the smudge lines which illustrate the scale of this mess.

We're now in the building that actually houses the agency that monitors toxic substances. In each one of the books, there's a toxicological profile for a different chemical. What we want to know is, is this spill being cleaned up effectively?

What's in crude oil that could cause problems, health risks, for the people in that community?

RODENBECK: Potentially have you benzenes and you have compounds known as polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

SANCHEZ: Hazardous chemicals familiar to government experts and to Murphy Oil, which is responsible for the cleanup, but not the people like the Lewis'.

NORMAN LEWIS: Ain't had no effects yet and been doing it for about a month now.

SANCHEZ: Environmentalists say residents need to be told more.

DARYL MALEK-WILEY, SIERRA CLUB: You know, it puts all the burden on the person to actually really look for the information, you know. You have to know you have to go to the EPA website.

SANCHEZ: The local council and residents feel confused. The Centers for Disease Control said in November that people should stay away from their homes until they were cleaned of oil. In December, the CDC issued a report analyzing samples from more than 800 homes and concluded they did not contain dangerous level of oil-based contaminants.

What are you telling the public right now?

RODENBECK: We're telling the public right now that there is, in some locations near the Murphy Oil refinery, areas that have contamination that could potentially be of a health concern and need to be cleaned up before people reoccupy their homes.

SANCHEZ: I have a letter here that Murphy has sent to -- it's addressed to St. Bernard residents. And it says that we're nearing completion of the cleanup. Those are the words that they use. Are they near completion?

RODENBECK: I would rather not speculate on how near they are to completion. SANCHEZ: In October, Murphy Oil's president sent this letter to residents stating that "nearly all of the oil spilled has now been recovered or evaporated," but the company acknowledged it had more work to do for homeowners.

JIMMY LICCIARDI, HOMEOWNER: Well, this is the family room. And as you can see, most of this stuff here is offered in oil.

SANCHEZ: Murphy Oil is digging up top soil and power washing everything else, including people's walls, but they're leaving it up to residents to throw out their own belongings like furniture and clothes. Jimmy Licciardi says he's not going to do it.

LICCIARDI: Why would I go spend money on something that Murphy and nobody can tell me in six months is going to be safe?

SANCHEZ: Federal agencies insist that Chalmette's spill can be cleaned up and they expect the Murphy Oil Company will complete the job. Murphy Oil says, it will get the job done. The EPA says that given the circumstances, the process is going well. But residents want both to know the toll it's taking on them. And as for those cleaning their community, they want to be sure the feds are keeping them honest.

Rick Sanchez, CNN, New Orleans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Tomorrow morning, doctors in Atlanta will perform potentially life-saving surgery on baby Noor. The Iraqi infant suffers from spina bifida and was brought to the U.S. for treatment after Georgia national guardsmen discovered her during a Baghdad raid. Earlier today, our Gerri Willis talked to Dr. Roger Hudgins, chief of neurosurgery at Children's Health Care of Atlanta. He'll lead the team that performs Noor's surgery.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk about the surgery tomorrow. What's your objective? What do you want to accomplish? And how long will that surgery take?

DR. ROGER HUDGINS, PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGEON: Well, baby Noor has the spinal cord out on the surface at the top of this very large sack. So our objective tomorrow is to find that spinal cord, clean it off as much as possible, put it back down where it belongs and then close multiple layers over top of it. At the same time, we will be getting rid of that mass on her back.

WILLIS: And how long will that take? How many doctors will be on hand to help you?

HUDGINS: It should probably take about three hours. An anesthesiologist will be in the room. And as we finish, Dr. Pernando Berstein (ph) of Pediatric Plastic Surgery (ph) is going to help close skin over this very large lesion. WILLIS: And what's the prognosis? What's the outlook for baby Noor? This baby is so adorable and your heart can't help but just go out to this baby. Will she be OK?

HUDGINS: She will do OK. She's a sweetheart, you're absolutely right. Unfortunately, at this point, we've not seen any movement in the legs and I suspect that that will remain that way. This surgery, unfortunately, doesn't fix that problem.

WILLIS: So she will probably never walk. Is that what you're saying?

HUDGINS: That's probably true. On the other hand, getting this closed and getting everything back where it belongs will reduce her risk of life-threatening meningitis type of infection to zero.

WILLIS: Well, let's talk a little bit about that because brining her over from Baghdad certainly had its risks and we're lucky she's still alive even now. She outlived the base's (ph) doctors' prognosis when she was in Baghdad.

HUDGINS: Right.

WILLIS: What were the major risks then and what will be the major risks tomorrow?

HUDGINS: Well, the biggest risk when she was a newborn was that that sack, which was much thinner at that point, would rupture, spinal fluid would leak out and bacteria could get in. That would be a life- threatening and probably would have taken her life. Other issues that would arise would be urinary tract infections and so forth. But she has weathered all of that very well.

WILLIS: Unbelievably.

HUDGINS: Yes, she's amazing.

WILLIS: Just unbelievably come through this. How common is spina bifida? This condition?

HUDGINS: Spina bifida in the United States occurs about one in 2,000 births. So it's probably much more common than you would think.

WILLIS: Is there any way to prevent it?

HUDGINS: You can reduce your chances of having a baby with spina bifida, a pregnant woman can, by taking folic acid before she knows that she's pregnant.

WILLIS: That's iron, basically, right?

HUDGINS: It's a type -- well, it's a vitamin, yes.

WILLIS: it's a vitamin. So, tomorrow, you'll be getting underway. This will be three hours long. What kinds of follow-up care will be required? HUDGINS: Well, there's the likelihood, actually, that within a couple days she's going to need another surgery once we close this over. This surgery will be a shunt surgery because I would anticipate that fluid will begin to back up inside the brain once we've closed this lesion. So we've actually tentatively scheduled that for Wednesday. Following that, there will be a urology and orthopedic evaluations and I would anticipate that she'll be in the hospital two or three weeks.

WILLIS: It takes quite some time. And I assume there's follow- up care even after that.

HUDGINS: Oh, yes. Yes.

WILLIS: And it continues for some time.

HUDGINS: Right.

WILLIS: Now I imagine that there are people out there, and we've certainly heard reports, but even in the U.S. here who may have these kind of issues who don't have the advantage of having a Doctor Roger Hudgins to call up on the telephone. What should they do? What can you do if you're in this situation and, like the parents of baby Noor, you can't afford to get help?

HUDGINS: You know, I've heard that. But, to me, that's -- it's almost astounding because every child that I've ever heard of in the United States with spina bifida is taken care of regardless of their ability to pay. I mean we've, in our practice, see 20 or 30 newborn babies a year and it does not matter to us whether they have money, whether they don't have money, we take care of everyone.

WILLIS: And you do a lot of this pro bono work already here in the states.

HUDGINS: Yes. Oh, yes.

WILLIS: So taking care of baby Noor is nothing new for you.

HUDGINS: No, but it is challenging and exciting. And the thing that makes it special for me is, number one, the connection with our soldiers in Iraq and what they've done to make this happen. And I feel honored to be a part of this. And as you mentioned, she is just such an enchanting baby that just being around her makes you feel good. So I'm happy and overjoyed to be participating in this.

WILLIS: She's completely adorable. I wish you all the luck in the world tomorrow.

HUDGINS: Thank you.

WILLIS: You and your team, as well as baby Noor. Good luck to you and thanks for coming in, Doctor.

HUDGINS: Thank you. My pleasure.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Now, what's it like for U.S. troops trying to secure Afghanistan? We'll show you when we go on night patrol for Operation Counterstrike. It's a story you'll only see on CNN.

And still to come, does Howard Stern have the power to change the way Americans listen to radio? Why this shock jock's new multi- million dollar job could change an entire industry.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Afghanistan's president says Taliban resistance to his government is fading, but he believes suicide attacks will continue there for a long time. Hamid Karzai's comments came during an interview today with the Associated Press. Despite the progress, insurgents are still causing havoc for U.S. forces. CNN's Becky Diamond found out for herself in a report you'll only see on CNN.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE), this is silver six. Prepare to receive outgoer (ph).

BECKY DIAMOND, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): A night combat patrol in the area around Kandahar in Afghanistan.

LT. JAMES SMITH, U.S. ARMY: The Taliban network all over this area sees us doing these patrols and the villagers can see that too and it makes everybody more aware of our presence.

DIAMOND: Insurgents have been firing rockets from this area at the U.S. and coalition base. This is Operation Counterstrike. Twenty-five-year-old Lieutenant James Smith is leading the mission.

SMITH: We're taking a short halt. They're probably doing a map check right now. We're waiting for the rear vehicle to catch up.

DIAMOND: This 82nd airborne soldier locates possible enemy position.

SMITH: 030 over.

DIAMOND: And calls in illumination rounds.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 76920 roger, copy.

DIAMOND: To flood the area with light. This is the view through his night vision goggles as he and his platoon search for insurgents. No enemy tonight, the mission considered a success.

SMITH: You put lights in the sky and scare off the bad guys basically.

DIAMOND: The battalion commander says missions like this one are part of an offensive campaign to take the fight to the insurgents in Kandahar province. Becky Diamond, CNN, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: In other news around the world, a strong earthquake shook up residents in Southern Greece today. Only minor damage is being reported from the magnitude 6.7 quake. Three people were injured. One woman broke her leg and two men suffered cuts from shattered glass. The quake was felt as far east as Sicily, Italy. Residents there were dealing with two minor earthquakes not related to the larger tremor. Now damage or injuries are reported.

In Britain, Prince William is carrying on a family tradition of military service. He's enrolled in Sandhurst Academy and began his training at the elite school today. His younger brother enrolled last year, but the two royals will be at different parts of the school.

It's a holy time for Muslims. More than 2 million of them are engaged in the hajj, or annual pilgrimage to Mecca. For many, it's the trip of a lifetime. One they must take if they're able. But times are changing in the areas around Mecca and pilgrims are experiencing something new. Our Hala Gorani explains in this video diary.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HALA GORANI, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): The dense crowds around the grand mosque in Mecca. Pilgrims from all over the world, from the Middle East, Africa, Indonesia, even a group of Chinese Muslims chanting prayer. Up to 3 million estimated visitors converge on Mecca to perform their pilgrimage. Around the mosque, Islam's holiest site, there are a variety of very American retail outlets that I didn't expect to see in the birthplace of Islam. A Kentucky Fried Chicken with one line for men and another for women. A Burger King inside the mall, as well as a Baskin Robins. Five-star hotels like the Mecca Hilton and the Sheridan.

All around the grand mosque, also known as the Harum (ph), even more hotels are being built to accommodate the swelling number of visitors hoping to travel to Mecca in the future. I was advised to wear a surgical mask to protect from germs and dust. The masks have become popular here and pharmacies are selling them in packs of 50.

On the ground, I snake my way through thousands of exhausted pilgrims. Some sleeping directly on the marble clad (ph) surrounding the mosque. They eat, drink and congregate on thin plastic mats, hang their luggage and bags of food on metal railings. We're told this is technically illegal, but nobody seems to be stopping these pilgrims from setting up camp here.

Not far from the mosque, a woman in full black veil admonishes me for not completely covering my hair. Midday prayers have now just ended and pilgrims will be making their way to mina (ph) several kilometers away from Mecca. That's where the process of hajj officially starts. They'll be traveling by a bus, car, moped and some, maybe some of these who are waving now, might even go by foot. And off they go on a journey many say will be one of the most defining moments of their lives.

Hala Gorani, CNN, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: He's unpredictable, uninhibited and now uncensored. Coming up, Howard Stern, his jump to Sirius Radio. Is it a preview of things to come from CNN's beat control? You're watching CNN LIVE SUNDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: For years, Howard Stern has been the bad boy of main stream radio, repeatedly fined by the FCC, dropped by many radio stations. It seems there was no controlling him. And that's the way his fans seem to like it. Tomorrow Stern makes his much hyped, completely uncensored and very pricy debut on Sirius Satellite Radio. Jeff Greenfield has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): When Howard Stern bid farewell to his millions of fans at years end, thousands of them jammed Midtown Manhattan to cheer his short walk to his new home at Sirius Satellite Radio. The storyline seemed obvious. The radio personality who had built a massive following and who had triggered millions of dollars in FCC fines for the body, often course content of his broadcasts was moving to a medium where no government agency could have anything to say about content. Given what Stern had offered on broadcast media, the mind boggles at the possibilities.

But there is a different way to look at this story, as another possibly key stage in the ever-growing willingness of the audience to pay for the kind of electronic entertainment that once was free.

Sirius is one of two major satellite services. XM is the other. Both offer more than 100 choices of music, sports and talk. Like razor companies that virtually give away razors to sell the blades, satellite companies offer radios which can be used in cars, homes or as personal entertainment devices for as low as $50. But they also charge some $13 a month for the service. XM, which features Ellen DeGeneres and Snoop Dogg, among others, claims some 5 million subscribers. Sirius, which also has Martha Stewart, says it has gained some 2.2 million subscribers since Stern signed on. About enough to pay his $100 million a year take. Still, says "Washington Post" reporter Paul Farhi, it's a huge gamble.

PAUL FARHI, "WASHINGTON POST": Sirius is betting this this is a long-term proposition that Howard Stern won't be paid just $100 million for the first year, but for every year for the next five years. So they've got to get people to stick around.

GREENFIELD: If it does work, does it mean the end of conventional advertiser (ph) supported radio? Not at all. Local radio is where we get news, weather, traffic. But it does mean a potentially significant new competitor for the audience and we know what that looks like.

FARHI: We already have a model that we know works. It's called cable television. The betting is, is that everyone will pay for something extra and different than what they can get now for free.

GREENFIELD: So what Howard Stern's move represents is more than a new age of radio material who's subject matter we can barely hint at, it means another new media presence that will further reduce the once dominant position of traditional ad-supported media. A reduction that is already slowly, but surely, changing the fundamental economic rules of the whole media game.

Jeff Greenfield, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And tonight on "Larry King Live" Larry talks to Howard Stern about his upcoming debut on satellite radio and what listeners can expect from his new show. That's tonight at 9:00 Eastern.

So much more ahead on CNN. Coming up, CNN presents "Hope and Heartbreak: The Sago Mine Tragedy." What really happened and could it have been prevented? We'll look at the state of mine safety in the U.S. But first, this hour's headlines right after this.

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