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Confessed Mastermind of September 11th Terrorist Attacks and Four Top Al Qaeda Suspects Arraigned; Zimbabwe Police and Military War Veterans Stop Convoy of American and British Embassy Cars

Aired June 05, 2008 - 10:00   ET

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

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news now from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The confessed mastermind of the September 11th terrorist attacks, and four top Al Qaeda suspects arraigned this morning. Live pictures of the U.S. military base in Cuba where the proceedings are being held. We'll be getting those shortly. There you go. In fact, it's their first public appearance before the military tribunal after years in secret CIA prison. CNN Justice correspondent Kelli Arena is live now at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with the latest. Good morning to you, Kelli.
KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Heidi. I just got out of the courtroom moments ago. I have my notes with me. It was pretty amazing to see. There were five defendants at five different tables. All together in one room for the first time that these men have seen each other and have been in the same room together the first time. Obviously the public has gotten a glimpse of them. Of course, the alleged master mind of the September 11th attack, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, someone we all paid attention to. Amazing transformation, Heidi. This man was much thinner than the pictures we have seen when he was taken into custody. He had a gray beard that was about a foot long. He was sitting there in a very purposetorial type way. He was talking. Looked like he may have been instructing the other defendants at some points throughout these proceedings. In back of him, Walid bin 'Attash, Ramzi Bin al Shibh, and back of him Ramzi Bin al Shibh.

You may remember one of the people who allegedly helped with the logistics of the September 11th attack also try to get into the United States several times, allegedly to be the 20th hijacker. He was the most troublesome. He had ankle shackles. The only one to be shackled. He walked in with a swagger. He laughed at the media as we were trying the look and see where they were. He was talking, not paying at all any attention to what was going on around him. Just really defiant and much larger than he was. The reverse of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Larger, looked like he bulked up a little bit. After him, we had Ali Aziz Ali, also known by the last name Al Baluchi. He had a problem with the way that the court was referring to Mustafa al Hawsawi was there, the alleged money man for Al Qaeda. They're in a very long head scarf. It was interesting. None of the men, none of the five men stood when everybody stood in the courtroom, when the judge came in. There was a 20-second delay.

Heidi, we were not exactly in the courtroom. We were behind a glass partition. Hard to see is sometimes. But there was a 20-second delay just in case there is classified information that was revealed. The judge or security person could hit the mute button so that we would not able to hear what went on. Lots of talking between the detainees. We thought maybe the judge would intervene and say hey be quiet but he did not. Couldn't understand what they were saying. But very clearly, KSM Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was passing messages down the row to each of the defendants. And they were coming back at him. Some contention between the lawyers saying we haven't had enough time with these guys to have this arraignment. As you know, they asked for a postponement and didn't get it. That came up and that's about all we got, Heidi. Just amazing, amazing stuff.

COLLINS: Yes. And we are glad you are there. And we're going to come back to you, Kelli, as soon as you can get a break to let us know what's happening inside. We appreciate it. Our Justice correspondent, Kelli Arena at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba this morning. Thanks, Kelli.

HARRIS: And also breaking news we are following. Zimbabwe now. Zimbabwe police and military war veterans -- really all that really means is they are supporters of President Robert Mugabe -- stopped a convoy of two American embassy cars and one British car. This coming from the U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe who is on the line with us. James D. McGee, Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your time. We appreciate it.

VOICE OF JAMES MCGEE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ZIMBABWE: Thank you, Tony. Good to be here.

HARRIS: If you would, describe to us what happened here. Again, two U.S. vehicles, one U.K. vehicle, stopped. I understand tires were slashed. But let me have you pick up the story from there. First of all, you were not in the convoy, correct?

MCGEE: That's correct. I had people from my embassy in the convoy, Tony. I was here at the embassy in Harare. Right, my people were stopped, detained about 40 kilometers outside of town but police put up a roadblock. Stopped the vehicles. Slashed the tires. Reached in and grabbed the telephones from my personnel. And the war veterans threatened to burn the vehicles with my people inside unless they got out of the vehicles and accompanied the police to a station nearby.

HARRIS: And what was - and then what happened? Because I know - your people did not end up going to whatever this "detention center," where it was and that did not happen.

MCGEE: That's absolutely correct, Tony. According to the Vienna Convention, police, if they have any problems with any of our actions are supposed to run it through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Instead, in this lawless society that we call Zimbabwe, the police decided to take action into their own hands and have detaining my people for almost five hours now.

HARRIS: And where are they now physically?

MCGEE: Physically, they are being held about 45 kilometers due north of the capital, Harare. There is a team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have spoken with those folks the ones that should be dealing with this incident and they are on the scene and trying to negotiate with the police for the release of my people.

HARRIS: What is going on in Zimbabwe right now? In the - and the broader question here is has Robert Mugabe authorized his people from these military war veterans to the police in Zimbabwe to begin what is effectively a campaign of intimidation just ahead of the runoff election?

MCGEE: I think you are absolutely correct. Zimbabwe has become a lawless country, Tony. This country, this government, is not following their own laws and they are definitely not following any international laws. The government is trying to intimidate its own people and into voting what they would consider a correct way and now what they are trying to do is intimidate diplomats from traveling to the countryside to witness the violence that's being perpetrated against the population here in Zimbabwe. And yes, we do believe that this is coming directly from the top. We have had -- Tony, it is very important that you hear that in recent days, we had the wife of the President of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe, saying that - even if the opposition wins, they will never step foot in the state house.

HARRIS: All right. Let's take a step back and let me ask you on a sort of personal safety question. To what extent are you personally and your people in real danger here as to what extent have you been threatened by the regime? Have you been threatened with expulsion?

MCGEE: Yes, I have. Two weeks ago the British ambassador, Japanese ambassador, and the ambassador from European, joined me on a trip out to the countryside where we received pretty much the same treatment. The next day I was called in to the ministry of foreign affairs and threatened with expulsion if I stepped out of some imaginary boundaries that they've established. Tony, we are doing our job. And we will continue to do our job and we are not going to be intimidated into sitting inside of our embassies and not going out and seeing what's happening in the country.

HARRIS: OK. What are your thoughts - this part of the continuing campaign, today's events, I'm thinking back to yesterday and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai detained as well upwards eight, nine, maybe even 10 hours. Is this the latest, what has happened to you and your team and the U.K team as well the latest in this campaign?

Absolutely. There is no question about that. This is the coordinated campaign again to try to intimidate us and people into not witnessing what's happening in Zimbabwe. It is very well orchestrated. It might be effective with some people and but it not be effective with mine.

HARRIS: Ambassador McGee, thank you for your time.

MCGEE: Thank you.

HARRIS: Thank you. COLLINS: Quickly, we want to get you back to these pictures that we have been showing you this morning out of KTLA, our affiliate there in Los Angeles of this fire that's been going in for a while. Obviously, still trying to knock it down. You see that thick, thick smoke there. A major blaze in that part of the city's garment district. Two-story commercial building, just about half mile a from the Staples Center. The fire started about two hours ago. Sending flames and smoke shooting up into the sky. About 150 firefighters on the scene. No word of anyone hurt. We of course will keep our eye on this. And we would love it if you would do the same if you happen to be in the area. Feel free to send us an i-report at cnn.com/ireport. We'll be back in the CNN NEWSROOM after a quick break

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Welcome back everybody. I'm Heidi Collins. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM. Need to watch out today for the weather. Killer storms sweep across the country. Another round may be on the way. Are you in the path?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: We are going to get to Jacqui Jeras in the severe weather center. A high risk for a tornado outbreak today.

JACQI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Outbreak, yes. We talk about outbreaks, we are talking more than 20 in terms of tornadoes. You know, one is all it takes, obviously, if it happens in your backyard. But today we think that probability is pretty darned good that that's going to happen within 25 miles of your house in this bright pink area. So, Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas city, down towards Wichita, you are in that high threat area. We've got a moderate area from Oklahoma City extending into western parts of Wisconsin. Even all the way up there to the U.S.-Canadian border. It's like today don't happen very often. And we have two big elements that are making today so interesting and so extreme. We have a strong, potent system. Unusually strong, coming out of the four corners region. And couple that with warm, moist air that's more summery. We're talking 80 to 93 temperatures ahead of that system.

Behind it we are talking 50-degree temperatures. And so you put all of those the elements together with strong upper-level winds and that spells a very significant severe weather outbreak. Right now the atmosphere is what we call cap, which means there're a warm layer of air in the middle level of the atmosphere. So, any vertical development we get and any thunderstorms trying to break through are not going to get above the cap until it breaks. We think that's going to happen a little bit later on today. And experts of the storm prediction center, by the way, are the ones that issued these outlooks and they're also the ones that issued the watches. So, whenever you see those on there, that comes directly from the Storm Prediction Center.

And directly from there is our own CNN's Reynolds Wolf reporting live for us. And what a great experience to be there, you know, the world experts really on tornadoes are here on such a big day with you. Tell us what's going on.

REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Absolutely. Leading forecaster, (John Hart), moments ago we were speaking with him. He echoed exactly what you just mentioned. This is a very rare event. It is not every day you see these elements come together to create this great potential for damaging storms. Take a look at these monitors above me. And as we do so, you will notice a couple of elements. The first monitor shows water vapor imagery. That gives you an idea how much moisture the atmosphere has to work with in building these immense storms. Now, we're going to move down a little bit more. This next monitor that you're going to be seeing is one of the other many tools that they happen to use here, this is just an infrared satellite and radar showing you where the most damaging storms are at this time.

Right now, Jacqui, as you have been talking about all morning long, in the western half of the Great Lakes, we move on down the next monitor you see, is this one that actually shows a lot of lightning. Great deal of electricity with the storm moving across parts of Lake Michigan. And then the last one is a composite which really shows our watches and some of our warnings. And of course, the areas where we have the high risk, you'll notice. You have parts of the central and back into the northern plains and portions of the Midwest. Just beginning of what should prove to be a very, very busy day.

Now, we were talking moments ago as I mentioned about the forecaster John Hart. He is right over on our other camera and you can see him right over there just poring over all kinds of maps, all kinds of charts. Taking a look at every single level of the atmosphere, trying to decode what we can anticipate later on today and what we anticipate is a good chance of those violent storms.

Jacqui, let's send it right back to you.

JERAS: Hey, Reynolds. You know, we have seen a loft severe weather so far. In fact, we have seen as many tornado reports, they are all verified, more than typically we see in a calendar year. Are they saying that today maybe could be worse than all of those day that we put together? Are they saying Parkersburg, Iowa, could happen again today?

WOLF: There's certainly going to be that possibility, Jacqui. What you are seeing right now for a good part of the southern plains, looks like it's going to be a wind event. But in the same areas you were talking about, like near Parkersburg, there certainly is that possibility of seeing some tornadoes. Some of those possibly in excess of EF-2, 3, stronger.

JERAS: All right. Great insight. Meteorologist Reynolds Wolf at the Storm Prediction Center. Thanks for being with us and a great to have somebody there with those experts and of course, we will have our experts here as well. Bonnie Schneider coming in this afternoon as well as Chad Myers. Continuing coverage overnight as needed to get you through the day.

COLLINS: Good. Very good. All right. Jacqui, thanks so much. We will check back with you a little bit later on.

Meanwhile, happening right now, we have been telling you about this all morning long. This is the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. Ken Fisher at the podium right now. He's the chairman of the Fisher House Foundation which is part of the organization that is funding a this humongous $70 million facility alongside the intrepid hero's fund. It's going to be mainly treating traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Really a state of the art facility. 75,000-square feet. We have live shots coming in today and a couple more interviews coming up what this facility is about. But the Secretary of Defense is there as well alongside many other dignitaries. So, we will keep that live shot up for and you watch it for the rest of the morning.

HARRIS: Gas prices hit another record high overnight. AAA says the nationwide average is just a hair below $4 per gallon. Wait a second. Oil prices has been falling? Why not gas prices? Poppy, I hear you. Cnnmoney.com's Poppy Harlow has our "Energy Fix" from New York. Good morning, lady.

POPPY HARLOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey there, Tony. You stole my lead. I was going to tell everyone we are almost at $4 a gallon. But you said it. It's $3.989 on average. It's a lot more than that in some states. But oil prices have fallen. $13 or more than 8 percent from the peak we saw two weeks ago today. Since oil prices make up more than 70 percent of the price of retail gas, you would think that would cause gas prices to fall. Right, well, yes, it should. But gas prices are continuing to climb. And analysts say gas prices tend to rise faster than they fall. So not great news for us. It could take a while for prices to ease. The "Wall Street Journal" notes that the price of oil is still high enough that even if gas and oil prices fell in concert, gas prices would only be just a few cents lower than they are now. But Tony, you know what, for weary consumers out there, every penny counts, at least the price would still be going up.

HARRIS: I tell you, I think we are watching the bubble begin to burst here. But you know, the fact of the matter is oil isn't the only factor impacting gas prices.

HARLOW: That's exactly right. It's the majority of us, but this is not the whole story. A refinery capacity plays a large role as well. Refineries are what turns oil into gas. And the United States has not built a new refinery in more than 30 years. But that may soon change. While most voters in South Dakota were focusing on the Democratic primary on Tuesday, others were deciding whether to support a proposal that will allow a new $10 billion refinery to be built just north of Elk point, South Dakota. That is in the southeastern corner of the state. Now, voters approved that proposal with proponents saying it's going to bring some very-needed jobs to the region. And opponents, of course, are very concerned about the environment. As Perry () of our affiliate KELO reports, the issue has pitted neighbor against neighbor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

reporter: In a small town of politics of oil can seep into every corner of Main Street. That's why some people in Elk Point think ruins caused by the Hyperion refinery project may never heal.

DEB MATTHYS, OPPOSES REFINERY: A lot of people are angry with their neighbors and other people. And it's just, it's kind of sad in a way. It separated a lot of people. I hate to see that happen.

reporter: People that voted against the project say the resentments may grow with each stage of the refinery's construction.

MATTHYS: And you hate to see something like this come. So I - I'm sure a lot of people will probably never talk to each other again. And that's very sad.

reporter: But those who support Hyperion say reconciliation over the refinery will take place.

ROBERTA OLSON, SUPPORTS REFINERY: We are still a small town. We are still -- an American town. I don't see why we shouldn't.

DENISS HARKNESS, SUPPORTS REFINERY: They will come back together whether it be a hurricane, tornado, whatever it is, they'll come back together.

reporter: But binding those political wounds won't happen overnight.

HARKNESS: After it is up and running, provided it goes through every time you're running, then maybe to calm down a little.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: Hyperion resources says it is considering other sites for the refinery. We here at the cnnmoney.com, we're following the "Energy Fix" story for you from every angle. We have a great piece talking about possible solutions to the rising cost of oil and therefore the surging prices.

HARRIS: We need it. All right. Poppy Harlow, thank you. Appreciate it.

And breaking news just in to CNN. Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba. The arraignment we have been following with our Kelli Arena throughout the morning. We have just learned that alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed says he wants the death sentence. We heard from our chief legal correspondent, legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin earlier this morning that this trial, if you will, is all about death, if fully acquitted - even if fully acquitted, Mohammed Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and the others were not likely to ever be released from the naval base. And this just in. Alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed says he wants the death sentence.

OK. All right. Thank you. Now I'm getting word that there may be a little bit of push back against this reporting. Our Kelli Arena, our justice correspondent, is in the courtroom. We are going to raise her as soon as we can to clarify, to make perfectly clear, the reporting on this. Let me hold off on giving you this bulletin again until we talk to our Kelli Arena. We are going to take a break and clear all this up and bring you the latest information.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: OK. As gas prices keep rising, so does interest and hybrid vehicles. But are these cars a good deal for you? It's a critical question. Our Gerri Willis has some tips for you when you hit the dealers. Gerri, good morning. Good to see you.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Tony, Tony, hello.

HARRIS: Got to ask you, what is it that people, that we all, people, we should know before we think about buying a hybrid?

WILLIS: Well, OK. First of all they cost more -- $1,500 more on average. Compared to a similarly equipped car. That's because a hybrid has both an electric motor and a gas engine. And the power strength is much more sophisticated. We should also know that hybrids are not created equal. Look, some manufacturing use hybrid engines not to save money on gas but to soup them up and make them perform better. To make a hybrid worth your while though, you need to save $1,500 on gas the life of the car. Because that's the extra of what you're paying. You know like the Lexus RX 400H, it would take 20 years to recoup the cost because the mpg is so low. On the other hand the Toyota Camry will recoup the costs in less than two years. So, very big difference.

HARRIS: I'm curious. Weren't we getting something of a tax break for buying these kinds of vehicles? Is that still available?

WILLIS: Some of them have it, come of it not yet. You got to do the math.

HARRIS: Yes, you are right. How about repairs? All right, I got a problem with my hybrid. How easy or difficult, how expensive to repair that thing?

WILLIS: Well, the first thing you should know, Tony, there is a lot of worry out there that the batteries are going to fail. The studies are now showing it is not an issue. You should also know they don't need the brakes repaired as often. There's less wear and tear on the gas engine because a lot of the work is done by the electric motor. On the other hand, hybrids use energy saving tires which tend to wear faster. So, you are going to have to replace them more often. And you also have to find a special repair shop, one that works specifically with hybrid cars. Also, keep in mind, good news, a lot of these hybrids have extended warranties on components.

HARRIS: How about to actually buying one, what should be - maybe the top consideration if I'm actually going to buy a hybrid?

WILLIS: Number one the top, the numero uno consideration with the hybrid, MPG, miles per gallon. OK. If you're not getting at least 35 miles per hour you are not getting your money's worth out of the hybrid. And look don't be pressured by these salesmen. They're going to tell you that everybody out there is wanting to buy these and you're going to pay thousands of dollars over sticker. They may say this is the last one on the lot. We got lots of it and still be friend.. Don't be pressured. Go online and compare prices. You know what? This fall, they are going to be a lot new hybrids - make some miles out there on the lot. So, you're going to have more choice and lower prices, more leverage. You hear what I'm saying here?

HARRIS: We like it. OK. Bottom line of this thing the way you do so well, hybrids at the end of the day, are they worth it?

WILLIS: Well, look. They make sense if you are in the market for a new car. You're going to buy a new car anyway.

HARRIS: Yes.

WILLIS: Otherwise, if you are trading in your SUV for, for example, probably not. Look, for those people considering a hybrid there are some cool goodies to be had. Here's some good news. You might be able, might be able to get a 5 percent discount on your insurance. Plus some employers are offering incentives to employees to buy hybrids. You know, you got to find your money where you can here.

HARRIS: Absolutely. Give us a big preview of "Issue #1" coming up in about 90 minutes.

WILLIS: Well, we will be covering a lot of topics. But one of the big ones today that everybody is talking about, what's going on with the airlines? Cutting service, raising fees. For goodness sakes, What can we expect? We will tell you all about it. If you have any questions for us at top tips, send them to us. Toptips@cnn.com and we love to hear from you. And we answer your questions live right here on CNN every Friday morning.

HARRIS: Love seeing you right here in the CNN NEWSROOM. Gerri, thank you. Appreciate it.

WILLIS: My pleasure.

HARRIS: And bottom of the hours. Welcome back everyone to the CNN news. I'm Tony Harris.

COLLINS: I'm Heidi Collins. Quickly, we want to get you directly to our justice correspondent Kelli Arena who is following a dramatic day in the courtroom in Guantanamo Bay. Let's head directly there. Kelli, tell us what's happening in the middle of all of these hearings. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, or Ramsey Bin Sheikh, two of the names that we know best as to what's happening there today.

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, just moments ago, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed told the judge that he was rejecting the legal team put together for him. Not only his military counsel, but his private counsel as well, saying tat he will only abide by Sharia law. He says because George Bush, the president, has declared a crusade, what he called a crusade, against Osama bin Laden, Afghanistan, Iraq, that he cannot accept these U.S. lawyers. He started chanting some Koranic verses, which probably were a bit of comedy in the courtroom because the judge was waiting for translation. Supposed to be simultaneous translation, but the translator just couldn't keep up with Khalid Shaikh Mohammed.

Mohammed was asked repeatedly by the judge if he understood what he was doing. He said, I think I may have the best team here. I know that they're qualified. But I want to represent myself. He understands that he's facing the death penalty, but says his god is all sufficient, that his god is the real protector.

So as it stands right now, looks like Khalid Shaikh Mohammed wants to represent himself. The judge says that he won't force him to take counsel, but he wants him to understand that this is a complicated and difficult process, and that his life is at stake.

COLLINS: Yes, because, Kelli, it's important to point out moments ago we had thought that some of that drama in the courtroom was that he was open to the death penalty for himself. That, in fact, not the case, and going ahead and rejecting his counsel.

COLLINS: No, Heidi, he's very difficult to understand at times. And the audio feed -- and don't forget, no one is actually in the courtroom. We're either behind a glass partition or in a room, where there's a closed-circuit television feed. So it's difficult to understand him, because what he was asked was whether or not he understood that he was facing the death penalty, and he said yes. And I believe that there may have been some misunderstanding by one reporter, who thought that he said he wanted the death penalty. That is not what he said. What he said was that he understood he's facing the death penalty, and that he was prepared still to reject his legal team.

COLLINS: OK, Kelli Arena, I'm so glad that you were able to clear it up for us. I know that you are watching all of these events very closely and doing your best to be able to translate for us out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba this morning.

Kelli Arena, we appreciate that. And we will check back with her throughout these proceedings.

HARRIS: Bowing out and backing Obama. Hillary Clinton makes plans to exit the presidential race after a long, hard-fought campaign. Clinton holds an event Saturday to thank supporters and throw her support behind Barack Obama. She is suspending her campaign days after Obama racked up enough delegates to secure the nomination. Obama kicks off his general election campaign, with stops today in Virginia. He is stepping up his hunt for a running mate. He has named Caroline Kennedy to his three-member search team. On the Republican side, John McCain gives a speech later today in Florida.

And new this morning, we learned that McCain called Obama last night. Both candidates say they look forward to civil discussions during the campaign.

COLLINS: Reassuring Israel. Talking to Iran. Barack Obama's Middle East views in focus.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: We quickly want to get you to Bethesda, Maryland, medical, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. Of course you are looking at the secretary of defense, Robert Gates, who has just said that he's profoundly grateful to the Fishers. They are the family of course who have Fisher houses across this country and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund who are funding this massive project, $70 million facility, specifically for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. He also talked about how we have come, and still how far we have to go in treating our military servicemen and women. The facility to open in December of 2009. Again, that groundbreaking ceremony, you're looking at the secretary of defense.

HARRIS: Families back together. All children seized from polygamist sects returned. But the group troubles may not be over.

CNN's Susan Roesgen reports from San Angelo.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This was one of the families reunited at the Yearning for Zion Ranch in El Dorado, Texas.

ZAVENDA YOUNG, FLDS MOTHER: We were meant to be together.

ROESGEN: The state of Texas was forced to release nearly 450 children taken from the polygamist ranch. But the state kept the children's scientific identity.

(on camera): Here at the San Angelo courthouse, DNA test results are finally ready for investigators, who've been trying to find out if underaged girls were forced to marry and have children with older men.

DR. NICK FLYNN, BIOCHEMISTRY PROFESSOR: Upon conception, these will line up...

ROESGEN (voice-over): Biochemistry Professor Dr. Nick Flynn says the DNA test is a 95 percent to 99 percent accurate.

(on camera): Would you have ultimate faith that your child's DNA would reflect you as the father?

FLYNN: Yes.

ROESGEN: You wouldn't question the DNA results?

FLYNN: I would not question the DNA results.

ROESGEN (voice-over): Unfortunately for investigators in this case, we now know that of the 599 samples collected, just 36 came from adult men. That means that either those 36 men fathered more than 400 children or some fathers did not get tested and can't be genetically traced. That could make a criminal case harder to pursue. And it makes it harder for outsiders to understand a hidden world's family tree.

EDSON JESSOP, FLDS FATHER: We feel like that everybody's been fed a bunch of garbage about us. But then I think most people as they learn to know us they see we're a little bit different than what they supposed. But it's really hard to change the spots on a leopard; we are what we are.

ROESGEN: Right now investigators won't say how they plan to use the DNA results in a possible criminal case.

Susan Roesgen, CNN, San Angelo, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: He survived the hurricane. but couldn't survive life in post-Katrina New Orleans. Despair turns deadly over a FEMA trailer.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Barack Obama, stepping in to the volatile issues surrounding Israel and Middle East. His views well received by some of the region, upsetting to others.

CNN's Atika Shubert, live from Jerusalem.

Atika, good morning.

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Tony.

Well, Obama is promising a change in U.S. policy in the Middle East. And that is making some people here very happy. But not others.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): Obama had a lot of convincing to do for Israelis. It doesn't help to have Hussein, as a middle name, or an e-mail campaign that paints him as secretly Muslim and is detriment to Israel. But his vision of the Middle East and his declaration of unwavering support for Israel, dispelled some of those fears.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I didn't believe that he talk like this. Not even an Israeli Prime Minister will talk.

SHUBERT: Not everyone was happy. Obama's declaration that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel provoked harsh criticism from Palestinian officials.

SAEB ERAKAT, PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR: And when Mr. Obama said what he said yesterday, he stands in the camp of those who are against peace. Whether he likes it or not.

SHUBERT (on camera): Jerusalem is still a disputed city. It is not recognized as Israel's capital by the United States. Both Palestinians and Israelis claim it as their capital city and Obama steps right into the middle of it. (voice-over): Some Israeli analysts say Obama is simply stating what America's voters want.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think he's pandering to an election just to voters. He understands the true dynamics. You know, 70 percent or more , of Americans are supportive of Israel.

SHUBERT: Perhaps Obama's most controversial policy, a willingness to talk with Iran. In his speech Wednesday, Obama promised tough negotiations with a clear message. No nukes. That is what Israel wants to hear. But that same policy was heard differently in other parts of the region from Baghdad to Beirut.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think that it will definitely change the U.S. standpoint from Lebanon and Middle East. Of course, Obama is willing to negotiate with other forces, Hezbollah, Hamas and everyone else, unlike McCain.

SHUBERT: Seems that many in the Middle East are still learning who Obama is and what he stands for. Projecting their own hopes and fears on to the presumptive Democratic nominee.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Now that mixed reaction to his speech may give Obama a taste of the political mind field that is, the Middle East -- Tony.

HARRIS: I take that thing you said and he stepped right into it. We heard the comment yesterday at AIPAC. And I think a lot of us in the room had the same reaction -- whoa.

Atika Shubert, from Jerusalem, for us. Atika, great to see you. Thank you.

(BUSINESS HEADLINES)

HARRIS: Well you know what? Let's push to Ali Velshi's radio show. I know he's on the air now. I don't think we can hear him right now. Again, it's really -- I know, I know we can't hear him, it's really technical and takes a lot of time to pull it all together.

But there he is. Ali Velshi, he is on the radio right now, CNN radio. If you'd like to call in and fire up your "ISSUE #1" questions, there's the number: 1-877-266-4189. On the air for another 10 minutes or so. No, it's at 11:00 -- oh, it starts at 11:00. Oh, Terrific. OK, and then he jumps out of the radio studio and into the New York television studio for "ISSUE #1" at noon Eastern time.

COLLINS: Gotta tell me what you think about this. Spouse swapping. Comes to broadcast TV, in fact. And one group is not in the swing of things.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: A stand-off over a FEMA trailer turns deadly. The tragic legacy of hurricane Katrina, lingering for New Orleans.

CNN's Sean Callebs, reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Ragged blood- stained blankets. Tear gas canisters on the second floor of a gutted home. Signs the violent end to a 10-hour stand-off with police.

HOMER MINSHEW III, BROTHER KILLED IN POLICE STAND-OFF: This is where my brother lost his life.

CALLEBS: Homer Minshew, says his 49-year-old brother, Eric, is another victim of hurricane Katrina.

MINSHEW: My brother has had a problem with mental illness for several years. And since Katrina, it just pushed him over the edge.

CALLEBS: The final blow came Monday, when FEMA representatives arrived to talk to Eric Minshew, about moving out of the FEMA trail other the front lawn of his family's New Orleans property and into a hotel or apartment.

MINSHEW: He pulled a revolver on them and told them to get off of his property. They were trespassing.

JAMES STARK, DIR. OF FEMA GULF COAST RECOVERY: I don't think we were the bad guy in this case.

CALLEBS: What FEMA did, was call the cops. James Stark, is the director of FEMA's Gulf Coast recovery office and says that the agency has been working with Eric Minshew, for months.

STARK: FEMA did the right things. We took all the steps necessary to fulfill our obligations and the emergency housing mission with him.

CALLEBS: What happened to Eric Minshew, shines a light on two of the region's most glaring problems. A lack of adequate housing for Katrina victims and a lack of available mental health care in New Orleans. FEMA's role in the Gulf is coming to an end, even though thousands of hurricane victims still have no permanent residence. That combined with the lack of affordable or accessible mental health care in post Katrina New Orleans, became too much for a man who had lost so much.

MINSHEW: He was shooting at the police all night long.

CALLEBS: In the wee hours of the morning, after Minshew had fired several rounds at police, authorities returned fire, killing him. Today Homer Minshew, doesn't blame police or FEMA.

MINSHEW: The medical profession got whacked here.

CALLEBS: But he is incensed his brother couldn't get mental health treatment. MINSHEW: So, I have friends that are in mental health here. I called them and e-mailed them and they said there's just nothing available.

CALLEBS: Now, Homer Minshew, plans to tear down the family home where his brother, in a cruel irony, had found safety when Katrina's flood waters swept through the Lakeview neighborhood. Only to die in the very same house, nearly three years later.

Sean Callebs, CNN, New Orleans.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: CBS, debuting a show about the swinging lifestyle.

Here's Kareen Wynter.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): "Swingtown," is one of the most anticipated shows of the summer. It hasn't even debuted yet, but already there's concern about its content.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You and Tom have an open marriage.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, don't you?

WYNTER (voice-over): An orgy, spouse swapping and illegal drug use. It's not a movie or a late night cable series. "Swingtown," is a new network prime time show, coming straight into your home courtesy of CBS.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why don't you take your shoes off Mom, and join the party.

ALAN PAUL, "SWINGTOWN" DIRECTOR: The show is provocative and we love the raised eyebrows. But the fact is, for people that watch the show, they come to understand very quickly that the show is about the choices that our characters make.

WYNTER: The show's creator and executive producers say, "Swingtown" was an easy sell to CBS, who put it in a later time slot. But some critics aren't sold on the series. Set in the 1970s, about married suburban couples engaging in drugs and extramarital sex.

(on camera): If you don't like it, don't watch. This is in fact, a lifestyle for some.

TIM WINTER, PARENTS' TELEVISION COUNCIL: CBS is normalizing the behaviors. And I think that's very unfortunate that CBS would take a show that clearly is intended more for cable television and put it on the public airways and the broadcast network. This is a network in desperation right now.

WYNTER (voice-over): CBS issued a statement that reads in part, "The concern expressed concerning the content of "Swingtown" is from an organization that has not seen the show. We invite viewers to make up their own minds."

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Your wife's going to kill me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My wife is going to love you.

WYNTER: Viewers like this 64-year-old woman, who says she has been swinging for 37 years, believes this type of show is long overdue.

SHELL, SWINGER FOR 37 YEARS: CBS has a lot of guts. And I am proud of them for doing it. And I hope that there are more television shows that follow in their footsteps.