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American Morning

Middle East on Brink of Regional War; President Bush in Europe; Raging California Wildfires; Capital Crime Wave

Aired July 13, 2006 - 09:00   ET

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

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The Middle East on the brink of regional war. Israel launching new attacks into Lebanon. And Hezbollah returning fire, lobbing a rocket into one Israeli city and vowing to launch more.
President Bush defending Israel, urging restraint, though, and reminding there is a roadmap to peace. But is anybody listening in the region?

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Attacks in the Middle East being blamed for a rise -- a record rise, really, in oil prices. What does that mean for all of us?

And devastating wildfires are spreading through southern California. Dozens of homes have already been destroyed.

We're going to bring you there live on this AMERICAN MORNING.

Welcome back, everybody. I'm Soledad O'Brien.

M. O'BRIEN: And I'm Miles O'Brien.

Thanks for being with us.

Breaking news in the Middle East today. Let's get right to it.

Lebanon is calling for a comprehensive cease-fire with Israel right now in the wake of a dramatic escalation of attacks by both Hezbollah and Israel. This morning, Lebanese rockets landed in the northern Israeli town of Safed -- 11 injured, one critically. Israel's northern command center is located in Safed.

Israeli bombs hit the runways of Beirut's airport earlier and knocked out the airport completely. And Israel threatening to hit a Beirut neighborhood where the leader of Hezbollah lives. Hezbollah quickly responded with a threat to attack the major Israeli port of Haifa.

We are covering today's latest developments from Jerusalem with Paula Hancocks, in Beirut with Alessio Vinci.

We begin with Alessio in Beirut -- Alessio.

ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Miles.

A government session -- an emergency session of the Lebanese government has just ended a few moments ago. It will reconvene later on tonight around 6:00 local time to issue a final statement. But we're hearing so far from the Lebanese information minister, who, as you said, is calling for a comprehensive cease-fire and an end to what he described as the bloody Israeli assault on Lebanon.

This follows, of course, the attack not just on the airport here in Beirut during which this morning all three runways of the international airport here in Beirut were hit, closing it basically down, but also the attack in the southern part of Lebanon, where as much as 45 -- as many as 45 civilians were killed.

All this, meanwhile, of course, as Israel also targeted television station Al Manar, associated with Hezbollah, the militia group that the United States and Israel consider a terrorist group. But in this country, it is a political party, as well as being a militia group, with ministers within the government that had just suspended its session.

So, all this is playing out while the war of words continues between the two sides. We have heard the Israelis calling on Lebanese and Beirut civilians in the southern parts of the city to evacuate because there could be a military action targeting perhaps the leader of the Hezbollah movement. The Hezbollah movement, meanwhile, reacting by saying that they hold the right to retaliate by striking back at Israel, by hitting the northern port city of Haifa.

So, all this, of course, is happening both here in Israel -- in Beirut, as well as down on the border.

Back to you.

M. O'BRIEN: Alessio Vinci in Beirut.

Thank you very much.

Let's get right to Jerusalem and Paula Hancocks, who has been watching things unfold from there.

Paula, what's the latest?

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Miles, as the Israeli warplanes and ships and also ground troops are continuing to hit Hezbollah targets, there is also fire coming the other way. We understand that Hezbollah guerillas have managed to launch a Katyusha rocket that, as you say, has hit the town of Safed.

Now, this is within about 20 kilometers, 13 miles of the border itself. But what is more worrying for many of these people in these towns, and also the military itself, is a threat from a Hezbollah official saying that it would try and launch an attack against Haifa, the port city of Haifa, a population of 300,000 people. It's one of the big three towns in Israel.

So what we have been seeing in the northern part of Israel is many residents going into bomb shelters, as they have been advised to do by the Israeli military, and the Israeli military saying they will continue operations in Lebanon to stop these rocket attacks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANIEL TAUB, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN: What we're focused on is trying to undermine the capability of Hezbollah itself and trying to make sure that Lebanon, as the country with ultimate responsibility here, exercises its sovereignty and does exactly what the entire international community, along with the United Nations, has been asking of it, to disband -- to disarm Hezbollah, to exercise its authority, to send its forces into the south of the country and make sure no attacks against Israel or any other country are perpetrated from its territory.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HANCOCKS: So the escalation in violence and in tensions and rhetoric is increasing on both sides. This is not just a local issue anymore. It's not the Israelis versus the Palestinians, and it's not even the Israelis versus the Lebanese and Hezbollah. Also, Israel has blamed not only the Lebanese government, but implicated Iran and Syria, saying both those countries support Hezbollah -- Miles.

M. O'BRIEN: Paula Hancocks in Jerusalem.

Thank you -- Soledad.

S. O'BRIEN: President Bush is defending Israel's attack on the Beirut airport. He says Israel has a right to defend herself. The president made the comments about three hours ago during a news conference with the German chancellor, Angela Merkel.

More on the president's trip now.

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux is in Rostock, Germany.

Hey, Suzanne. Good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, good morning, Soledad.

You're absolutely right, President Bush saying, of course, Israel has the right to defend herself, but at the same time, warning not to actually harm or cripple the Lebanese government in the process. That it really is Hezbollah that they want to damage.

Now, of course this -- these remarks come as President Bush tours Germany with his new best friend in Europe. That is, Angela Merkel. The two of them enjoying much pageantry this morning.

All of this meant to show a new robust relationship between the two countries. Both of them, in their joint press conference, downplaying the deep divisions over Iraq but really playing up some of the tough talk regarding Iran. And both of the leaders talking about the importance of working well with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tomorrow, President Bush to meet with him. It was just yesterday Putin lashed out at Vice President Cheney for criticism of Russia's backsliding in democratic reforms. Putin calling it an "unsuccessful hunting shot." That alluding to that mishap that he had when accidentally shot a hunting friend. Well, today President Bush was asked about the comment, and he shot back.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It was pretty clever. Actually quite humorous. Not to dis my friend the vice president, but...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Of course, President Bush will be going to Russia tomorrow. And this stop here in Germany very important symbolically, letting Vladimir Putin know that he still is very much committed to democratic reforms -- Soledad.

S. O'BRIEN: Suzanne Malveaux, who is in Stralsund, Germany, if I'm not mistaken.

Suzanne, thanks.

New developments to tell you about from Mumbai. Indian police say they have questioned and detained about 400 people in connection with Tuesday's train explosions. No charges, no arrests, though. Still no claim of responsibility either. But U.S. officials say they suspect that two local terrorist groups might have taken part.

One hundred eighty-six people died in the attacks. More than 700 people were injured.

M. O'BRIEN: Some dangerous wildfires raging through southern California still this morning. Thirty-seven thousand acres burned so far. Live pictures right now from one of our affiliates there. It looks like KTLA. But That number could triple before too long. Firefighters are working around the clock trying to gain the upper hand.

CNN's Kyung Lah live from Yucca Valley, California. That's about 120 miles east of L.A.

Hello, Kyung.

KYUNG LAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Miles.

This is an area where the fire has already ripped through. What you see over my left shoulder here, this is the hillside. That charred hillside you see back there, the fire came through yesterday afternoon.

This is in Pioneertown, near one of the houses that was actually in danger here. And what saved this particular house, this neighborhood, these firefighters here from Riverside County put their truck between the fire and the house. Right behind this fire truck is this house that was saved by this fire crew.

There's also other evidence of some of the firefight here in this neighborhood. You can see this trailer, this horse trailer, this red stuff that you see on it, this is fire retardant. And that's the air fire fight that is happening up in the sky. They drop this gooey substance, and that helps knock out this fire.

Firefighters say that what they are doing is -- this is one example of what they are doing across this area. They're trying to put themselves between the fire and the structures so that they can try to save them.

Despite this, there have been 42 homes lost. They do hope to gain the upper hand. But the sun is just coming up, Miles. We expect that this will be a hot and windy day yet again.

M. O'BRIEN: Yes, that is an ominous note.

All right. Kyung Lah, thank you very much.

Just a completely opposite problem in Ohio this morning. Flashflood warnings, but fortunately no longer in effect.

The heavy rains flooded streets and highways all across the northern part of the state Wednesday. Near Cleveland, the Coast Guard rescued six swimmers from a swollen creek. Another is still missing.

Just north of New York City yesterday, folks in Westchester County cleaning up from a tornado. It uprooted hundreds of trees, tore the roofs off buildings, and left thousands without power.

Let's get a forecast now.

Chad Myers, that is not Tornado Alley, Westchester County.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Really. Yes, it started out actually as a spout, kind of a waterspout over the Hudson River. Moved right onshore right up there in -- right up north of the Tappan Zee Bridge. So that's not that far from New York City.

(WEATHER REPORT)

S. O'BRIEN: Thanks, Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

S. O'BRIEN: Oil prices have hit a record high. The cost now nearly $76 a barrel. The spike follows news of escalating violence in the Middle East. We've been talking about that all day.

Analysts say the markets also responding to word that Iran has been referred back to the United Nations Security Council for sanctions after those nuclear talks failed.

You own a Lexus? Own a Toyota? Own a Nissan? Listen up. Got some big recalls to tell you about this morning. First on the list, 267,000 Toyota SUVs, including the 2006 Highlander, the Lexus RX hybrids, too. And the 2004 and 2005 regular versions of the same vehicles. A piece of the panel console apparently can break off, and then it gets kind of stuck up with the gas pedal.

Meanwhile, Nissan is recalling more than 200,000 cars. They've got a stalling problem. That would be the 2003 Altima and Sentra models with the 2.5 liter engines. Obviously, if you think you might be one of the people on that very long list, check it out with your dealer -- Miles.

M. O'BRIEN: It's Thursday. And what does that mean, Soledad?

S. O'BRIEN: It's what day?

M. O'BRIEN: Thursday.

S. O'BRIEN: Oh, Thursday. It means the weekend is almost here.

M. O'BRIEN: No, it's Miles Cam day, for god sakes.

S. O'BRIEN: Oh, it's Miles -- and more importantly, it's Miles Cam.

M. O'BRIEN: Pipeline is the place to do it. CNN.com/pipeline, 10:30 Eastern. But the best way to participate is send your e-mails now, am@cnn.com.

Obviously a special shuttle space version with the International Space Station. Here's the space station crew right there. Take a look at them right there.

S. O'BRIEN: Oh, what a good shot.

Hi guys.

M. O'BRIEN: Thomas Reiter to the left. Pavel Vinogradov in the middle. And to the right, Jeff Williams. That's the new space station crew. They are doing an interview with somebody else right now. We're not going to listen in right now.

S. O'BRIEN: Coming up this morning, we're going to continue to keep an eye on that breaking news. We've been covering this story as our top story all morning, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalating. We'll take you live to Beirut for the very latest.

M. O'BRIEN: Also ahead, is it a vacation resort or is it a prison? We'll tell you why more than a hundred hardened criminals are serving time in what looks like an island paradise.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Bob Franken in Washington, where officials are dealing with a spike in crime or the perception after spike in crime with police action and the perception of police action.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

M. O'BRIEN: In the nation's capital, the police chief is declaring a crime emergency. Fourteen murders just this month in the District of Columbia, bringing back talk of the old unwelcome distinction, "Murder Capital."

AMERICAN MORNING'S Bob Franken is in Washington to separate the perception from the reality.

Good morning, Bob.

FRANKEN: Good morning.

And what you have here is city officials who are trying to not live up, or should I say live down, to the reputation of the city.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice over): Welcome to the nation's capital, known far and wide for its monuments, the seat of government, and for its violent crime. Murder and attempted rape are not supposed to happen in exclusive neighborhoods like Georgetown, but a particularly violent killing and assault did last Saturday night.

Last January, former "New York Times" editor David Rosenbaum was bludgeoned to death in his prosperous northwest Washington neighborhood.

In the first half of this month alone there have been 14 homicides in all parts of the district. And that was enough for the police chief to declare a crime emergency.

CHIEF CHARLES RAMSEY, WASHINGTON POLICE: Now we're starting to see a trend where more and more people are being arrested in neighborhoods that they do not live in.

FRANKEN: The truth is, there has only been one more homicide this year than the same period last year, but robberies are up 14 percent, and both the locals and tourists are on edge.

BYRON LARSON, ARVADA, COLORADO: That is not a real encouraging thing, especially when I'm here with a family.

FRANKEN: In late May, a series of robberies near the D.C. monuments targeted Memorial Day tourists in the Mall area, where crime is very rare. There's been a couple more this week.

ROBERT BIGLEY, PHOENIX, ARIZONA: You just kind of try to avoid putting yourself in a position you shouldn't be in being, being out late at night or, you know, alone.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You really do need to pay attention and, you know, keep your eyes open.

FRANKEN: The Mall area is actually patrolled by a separate police force, but the D.C. mayor points out that doesn't really matter.

MAYOR ANTHONY WILLIAMS (D), WASHINGTON, D.C.: If crime is increasing, it hurts your tourism.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Of course crime is a problem in most American cities; however, most American cities, all other American cities, aren't the nation's capital -- Miles.

M. O'BRIEN: Bob, explain this crime emergency, what it means in reality on the streets there.

FRANKEN: What it is a procedural move by the police chief, where he now is able to circumvent many of the union rules that normally he has to labor under. He can now assign police officers, for instance, without going through the normal delay and process.

M. O'BRIEN: Bob Franken on the Mall in Washington.

Thank you -- Soledad.

S. O'BRIEN: Some pretty alarming news for couples who have got a baby on the way. There are more babies being born prematurely than ever before. The big question, of course, is why? We're going to take a closer look this morning.

Then you're going to meet a New York City policeman who was paralyzed by a teenage gunman. He's forgiven his attacker, and now he's really devoted his life to spreading his message of forgiveness around the world.

We've got his powerful story just ahead.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

S. O'BRIEN: In "House Call" this morning, there's a new report that's raising some concern about what has become a record number of premature births in the U.S.

Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen joins us from the CNN Center in Atlanta with details.

Good morning, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.

Soledad, that's right, there are more preemies born in this country than ever before. The preemie birth rate is way up. And that takes a toll, obviously, on those babies, but on society as a whole.

Let's take a look at the numbers. In approximately the past 20 years, the preemie birth rate has gone up 30 percent. And obviously there are medical costs -- medical problems that we'll talk about in a minute. But the financial costs are $26.2 billion a year to take care of those babies. That comes down to about $51,600 per premature baby.

Now, when you look at premature babies, they are more likely to have a whole lost of problems, respiratory, immunological, GI, gastrointestinal problems. They often have vision problems and hearing problems, as well as later in life behavioral and emotional problems. Even babies born, say, just, like, six weeks early or a month early can have issues, although the littler ones like the one you're seeing here, of course, are more likely to have problems.

Well, the solution is tough to come by. This report that has just come out from the National Academy of Sciences talks about how there have not been a lot of great advances in preventing premature births. There hasn't been great advances in drugs to help women go into premature -- stop going into premature labor or to cut down on preeclampsia, a disease that can cause prematurity.

So here are some thoughts.

More medical research is necessary. Also, they say that fertility treatments need to be improved so that there won't be so many multiple births.

When a woman takes fertility treatments, has multiple births, those multiples are more likely to end up being premature. That's true, also, for multiples that are conceived naturally.

And also, the report urges more early ultrasounds. The reason for that is that an early ultrasound can best determine the true gestational age of the fetus so that later on in the pregnancy the doctor knows really truly how old it is -- Soledad.

S. O'BRIEN: But let me ask you a question. Isn't this bad news really good news in a way? I mean, I have friend who have had babies who weigh under two pounds, who weigh one pound something, and those babies survive. And so one of the reasons you have higher premature rates is that previously those are babies that would not have lived, right?

COHEN: Absolutely. That is true. Those are baby whose would have died decades and decades ago.

But what -- and you hear about that quite a bit. What you don't always hear about is the problems that preemies might have later on. Sometimes we hear the story about the one-pound baby that survives, which is obviously terrific. What you don't always hear about is the problems that that baby has not just in the immediate period after birth, but even years later.

S. O'BRIEN: Elizabeth Cohen for us this morning.

Elizabeth, thanks. COHEN: Thanks.

S. O'BRIEN: Miles.

M. O'BRIEN: Coming up on the program, hard time or is it time- sharing? A paradise prison.

S. O'BRIEN: That's the prison?

M. O'BRIEN: Yes. You think we are easy on criminals in this country. Wait until you get a load of this one.

S. O'BRIEN: Wow. What did he do?

M. O'BRIEN: We'll find out.

And later, you would forgive him if he were bitter, but a New York cop paralyzed in the line of duty is all about forgiveness. You really don't want to miss this one.

Stay tuned to AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

M. O'BRIEN: Opening bell will happen in just a minute or so.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

M. O'BRIEN: Good morning to you. I'm Miles O'Brien.

S. O'BRIEN: And I'm Soledad O'Brien.

Let's get right to breaking news out of the Middle East.

Lebanon calling for a comprehensive cease-fire with Israel after a day of heavy fighting. Hezbollah has been firing rockets into the northern Israeli town of Safed this morning. The Israeli army's northern command center is located there.

Israeli bombs hit the runways at Beirut's airport earlier today, and now Israel is making -- well, really, it's not quite a veiled threat to attack a Beirut neighborhood. They believe that the head of Hezbollah is living in that neighborhood, and they have told people living there that they should evacuate. Hezbollah is responding in turn with threats to send rockets into the major Israeli city of Haifa.

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