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New Jobless Numbers; Jobs and the Listening Tour; Mission to Afghanistan; Verdict Expected Soon in Knox Trial; House Panel to Subpoena White House Crashers

Aired December 04, 2009 - 09:00   ET

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

HEIDI COLLINS: Hey guys. Good morning to you and good morning to you everybody.

A very busy day in the "NEWSROOM"; a lot to talk about: one of those things, job insecurity; new numbers on unemployment, some new considering considerations for the president. He will be going on the road, looking for some answers. We'll bring that to you.

Also, awaiting a verdict in Italy: you remember the story of an American college student accused of murder. Well, this hour her fate ends up in the hands of the jury. We'll get to that.

Also, remember this would-be robber who actually hit up a convenience store using a baseball bat? Well, a prayerful clerk brought him to his knees. Today, a story of forgiveness becomes one of redemption.

Good morning, everybody. I'm Heidi Collins. Today is Friday, December 4th, and you are in the CNN NEWSROOM.

We begin this morning with the developing story out of Afghanistan. Earlier today, NATO forces launched a new crackdown on a militant stronghold in Helmand Province. It's the first major offensive since the U.S. troop surge was announced Tuesday.

Military officials say about 900 U.S. and British troops and more than 150 Afghan soldiers are involved in the mission called Operation Cobra's Anger. We have reporters on the ground in Afghanistan. Of course, we've got a live report coming up less than 30 minutes away. We'll get that right to you.

For now, though, another developing story. Just about half an hour ago, we learned the nation's unemployment rate has taken an unexpected drop. Here to break it down for us, CNN's Stephanie Elam.

Good morning to you, Stephanie. So a little bit of good news here keeping it all in perspective. It certainly could have been a worse picture.

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Yes. And this was a surprise, no doubt about it, Heidi. We were expecting to see that there would be a loss of 125,000 jobs that the unemployment rate would stay at 10.2 percent. But what we got, instead, was a loss of 1,100 jobs. And on top of that that the unemployment rate dropped to 10 percent. That was a surprise. This definitely is probably going to play into the markets when they open up. Obviously...

COLLINS: Yes.

ELAM: You'll be talking about that when you head down to the stock exchange. But overall, we are looking at these numbers as a surprise. It shows things are moving in the right direction because on top of that, if you take a look at the numbers for September and October, those months were also revised downward to show that less jobs were lost during that period.

Now before I sound like I am completely optimistic about this.

COLLINS: Sure.

ELAM: Let me also point that out since December of 2007, when the recession began, we've lost 7.2 million jobs and at this point, there's 16 million people, just about, who are without jobs who would love to have one.

And then there's -- when you have a job opening, there's six people for each one job opening that's there.

(CROSSTALK)

ELAM: So while this is a move in the right direction...

COLLINS: Yes, we talked about that yesterday.

ELAM: ... for a lot of people. Right. For a lot of people, this is still a very painful thing. If I could just break it down a little bit here. You know, this is the smallest decline that we've seen since the recession began. So, again, a big deal there. But if you take a look at some of the breakdowns -- if you take a look at teenagers, for example, looking at the data here, the unemployment rate among teenagers is 26.7 percent.

That is still really high number. Those are the people who like to get jobs after school.

COLLINS: Yes.

ELAM: To put some money in their pocket. That shows some...

(CROSSTALK)

COLLINS: Holiday breaks, too.

ELAM: ... in getting jobs -- right. Right. But if you take a look at something like the retail part of the industry here, up 8,000. So it shows people have been hiring for the holidays. That's a cyclical move there. Professional services, adding 86,000 jobs. That is also a surprise, but when you break into that number, take a look, 52,000 jobs were added from temporary health services. So that shows that there's been a bump up in temporary help there. Health care also adding 21,000 jobs. So if you take a look at the overall picture here, you do see some glimmers of hope. Construction losing 27,000, which is a lower number than we've seen from construction in a while, and manufacturing off 41,000 jobs during this period.

But, overall, this was a surprise, Heidi.

COLLINS: Yes, yes, well, we will certainly be working all day long to keep it in perspective for everybody and showing that from 10.2 to 10 is certainly the right direction, just hoping it continues.

Stephanie Elam, we appreciate that very much.

In fact, just minutes from now, President Obama is going to be going on the road to talk about creating jobs. His backdrop, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Once an icon of the so-called rust belt, it now showcases the power of thinking outside the box.

And CNN's Kate Bolduan is at the White House with a preview of that.

Kate, good morning to you. Why, exactly, has the president chosen Allentown?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey there, Heidi. Well, the White House says that Allentown really represents cities across the country struggling with the same economic challenges that so many places across this country are facing right now.

At the very same time, the mayor of Allentown, he says this is also a place that is working very hard to reinvent its economy, at least in part, through investment in green technology, something this administration and this White House very much support.

The mayor of Allentown, Mayor Pawlowski, he was at the president's job summit yesterday and here's a little bit of what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR ED PAWLOWSKI, ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA: On behalf of the city of Allentown, you know, we have had some difficult challenges, like most mid-sized cities in the northeast. Our unemployment rate last month has gone up to 9.8 percent. We have 41,000 people in that region that are unemployed, but there's great things that are happening. We hopefully -- and hopefully you're going to see some of those great things.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: Now, the president, as you mentioned, he is going to Allentown this morning, kicking off a multi-city listening tour, you could describe it as a little bit, that will be happening over the next -- the coming months. The White House says that the president really wants to speak and hear directly from the American people on the economic challenges that they face.

Clearly, part of the reality here that cannot be missed, Heidi, is that the White House wants to show that they're not only listening to what's going on across the country, as people continue to struggle, even with this good news of the unemployment rate, but they also want to show that they are doing something about it.

But you can rest assure that the White House this morning is very much welcoming this news of the new unemployment rate today.

COLLINS: Yes, and yesterday when we talked about it that was the instant, sort of, criticism, if you will. People saying, OK, great to talk about it, but let's get something done. How is he then going to take the talk and put it all into action?

BOLDUAN: Yes, that's not entirely clear. I mean, yesterday, the president said that private business, the private sector -- that was his audience yesterday -- that they would be key in really working to kick-start hiring once again.

Yesterday, we've heard talk in the discussion of the job summit and we'll probably hear more about it today, ideas that are not entirely new for this administration, investment and infrastructure, roads and highways, green -- investment in green technologies, weatherizing of homes and also, you know, tax incentives and tax credits for business.

But there aren't entirely new proposals or plans laid out, but the president did say yesterday that early next week, he will be laying out in more details some of his ideas and initiatives going forward.

COLLINS: OK. Everyone waiting. We appreciate it, Kate Bolduan in front of the White House, thank you.

BOLDUAN: Thanks, Heidi.

COLLINS: Allentown is so much more than just a Billy Joel song. You remember that one, of course. So let's take a look now. The unemployment rate was 9.3 percent in October. It's 8.8 percent for the entire state. The latest census figures say 18.5 percent of people in Allentown live below the poverty line. So hat compares to 13 percent nationally. President Obama won 57 percent of the vote in Lehigh County in the 2008 election.

The president is counting on NATO members to back his new strategy for Afghanistan with more troops. And Secretary of State Hillary Clinton traveled overnight to Brussels, Belgium to make the pitch in person.

In an exclusive interview with CNN's John Roberts, she said U.S. allies had already pledged more than 5,000 troops.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HILLARY CLINTON, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: These include decisions by governments to keep troops that they were about to remove, that they had sent only for the elections, plus new, additional commitments. For example, today we heard from the Italians and the Poles and the Slovakians and -- I'm probably forgetting some others, but we had some really positive new commitments.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: Our foreign affairs correspondent, Jill Dougherty, is also in Brussels this morning.

Jill, good morning to you. We're hearing even more countries have come on board. Do we have a breakdown of how many and who are getting involved?

JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Well, we know there are probably about 25 countries that are going to be contributing to this. They're not getting really, really specific in terms of exact numbers from each country.

And you'd have to say that a couple of the heavy hitters, like Germany and France, are saying, that's enough, at least at this point. We have troops there, but we will be rethinking or perhaps they could come up with more by the end of January, when there will be yet another big conference.

But, you know, Heidi, it's a tough sell. It's a tough sell sometimes in the United States and it's a tough sell in some of these countries here in Europe, who are members of NATO, and other coalition countries. The people in their countries are concerned about this. So some may be willing to make these contributions, but they don't want to do it publicly, at least yet.

COLLINS: Why do they say it's a tough sell, Jill? I'm curious about those conversations and sort of the talk on the ground there.

DOUGHERTY: You know there's a lot of talk, of course, about corruption in the Afghan government. Could this money be just going down a hole and not used properly? And that's a concern among Afghan citizens. And so there's a whole other side to the conversation that's going on here.

Hillary Clinton came here not only to get troops, but she came here to get civilian assistance and aid and that may be more forthcoming. And interestingly, that part of it could be more long lasting.

You know, the president has defined that July 2011 date as a time when the transition from these forces, U.S. and coalition, would begin to transition over to the Afghan forces. But the civilian part of it could continue for a long time. And that's what the people really need.

COLLINS: All right. Jill Dougherty, thanks so much. I'm sure also the date they're talking about, September 11th of 2001. We, of course, will continue to follow all of this and the NATO troop involvement as we continue on the story of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, turning now to Pakistan, at least 36 people are dead after militants attacked a mosque.

It happened during midday prayers, close to Pakistan's army headquarters in Rawalpindi. That's just a few miles from the capital. The Pakistani military says four militants armed with guns and grenades stormed the mosque. Two of them blew themselves up inside. The other two were killed by security forces outside. At least 45 people were wounded.

An American student accused of killing her roommate will soon learn her fate.

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: I'm Rob Marciano in the CNN Severe Weather Center. Hot off the heels of the last storm that brought some snow to Texas. Another one is heading that way with the threat for more snow. We run it down when the CNN NEWSROOM comes right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Rob Marciano standing by now with all the talk of the cold weather. You probably, yourself, wish you were wearing a jacket, huh? I don't know if you're feeling the pain for some of these people who are getting cold and not really used to it because we're talking about the south.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: Got it. The wall has lost its magic.

MARCIANO: It's snowing -- I love the wall. Yes, it's not moving at all. God bless it. One to 3 inches across parts of northern -- eastern Texas, north of I-10, especially. A sliver moving across parts of Louisiana. And actually, this will roll up the eastern seaboard as well, but with snow in parts of the western Carolinas. We'll talk more about that -- oh, now it works.

COLLINS: Is it magic now? It's magic again.

MARCIANO: No, it's only magic when it wants to end.

COLLINS: OK.

MARCIANO: It's magic.

COLLINS: Very good.

MARCIANO: Next half hour we pull a rabbit out of a hat. We'll see how that goes.

COLLINS: Perfect. Look forward to it.

MARCIANO: All right. See you later.

COLLINS: All right, Rob. Thanks.

MARCIANO: Bye. COLLINS: A verdict is expected soon in the murder trial of Amanda Knox. Knox, an American student, and her former boyfriend, are accused of killing her roommate during a bizarre sexual assault at their home in Perugia, Italy.

CNN's Paula Newton is there with the very latest.

PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Heidi, incredible emotion and tension already here. The jury is now considering whether or not to sentence Amanda Knox to life in prison for the murder of Meredith Kercher.

You know, what's really gnawing at Amanda Knox right now is the issue that the jury could still convict her even if they have reasonable doubt.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON (voice-over): Amanda Knox abandoned the poise and calm the jury is used to seeing to make one last impassioned plea. In Italian, her voice trembling, she told the jury she was frightened, terrified, of losing her way.

"I'm afraid of having the mask of an assassin forced on me," she said.

The yearlong trial of Amanda Knox is supposed to answer the question who killed promising British student, Meredith Kercher. She was found dead in November 2007, sexually assaulted, her throat savagely slashed. The 21-year-old left to bleed to death in the home she shared with Amanda Knox.

EDDA MELLAS, AMANDA KNOX'S MOTHER: We have to continue to hope that, you know, this -- that she is going to get a fair trial. You know it looks like the judge and the jury are really paying attention and so we have to hope.

NEWTON (on camera): For more than two years here in Perugia, investigators have been picking apart this case, bringing in forensic experts, criminologists, psychologists. And yet those close to the investigation tell CNN they are still no closer to knowing the truth.

(Voice-over): That doesn't stop anyone from having their own opinion as to how these four young lives converged. Kercher allegedly murdered in her bed during a sex-fueled sadistic attack. Rudy Guede has already been convicted of the murder and sentenced to 30 years, but the prosecution accuses Knox of masterminding the crime, exacting revenge on a housemate she hated, so much so, the prosecution claims, Knox slit Kercher's throat, as her former boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, held her down and Guede sexually assaulted her.

Journalists Barbie Nadeau has been covering every development in the case.

BARBIE NADEAU, "NEWSWEEK": Especially at the very beginning, before the trial started, the portrayal of Amanda Knox was that of an angel-faced killer, this blue-eyed girl, this American assassin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NEWTON: Heidi, I spoke to Amanda Knox's family as they were coming out, they're hoping for the best, but again that issue of reasonable doubt and knowing that their daughter could be convicted even with those doubts.

The justice system here is completely different. Those doubts would be raised in an appeals process. People are already saying that this trial will go to appeal whether she's found innocent or guilty and that that appeal will start this year.

We expect to have a verdict today only because the jury has ordered lunch and dinner, but no hotel accommodations. We will be standing by for this verdict -- Heidi?

COLLINS: All right. Very good, Paula Newton, we'll wait for that. Thank you.

Film director Roman Polanski out of jail and living in the lap of luxury in Switzerland. But what about that sex offense charge here in the U.S.?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Let's give you a check of our top stories now. Oscar- winning director Roman Polanski began house arrest today at his luxury Swiss chalet. He was released from a jail after posting $4.5 million bond. The 76-year-old Polanski is being allowed to serve house arrest pending his extradition to the U.S. in a 32-year-old statutory rape case that involved a teenage girl.

In Tennessee, a statutory rape case ends in outrage and three days in jail. Emily Zinkiss was accused of sleeping with a neighbor when he was as young as 15. But before the boy could testify, a judge ordered Zinkiss to the three days in jail and one year probation. Zinkiss is 31 years old and the wife of a prominent Memphis businessman.

The death toll has climbed to 23 in a suicide bomb attack at a Somali graduation ceremony. Government ministers, medical students, doctors and journalists are among the dead. Witnesses say a male suicide bomber dressed in women's clothing carried out yesterday's attack. A powerful Islamic rebel group denies it was responsible.

The House Homeland Security Committee wants to talk to that Virginia couple who crashed last week's White House state dinner and committee staffers are preparing subpoenas to make that happen.

CNN's Homeland Security correspondent, Jeanne Meserve, reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This time Tareq and Michaele Salahi were on the guest list, but didn't show up.

REP. BENNIE THOMPSON (D), HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: I'm directing staff to prepare subpoenas for the Salahis. If the Salahis continue to rebuff this committee's oversight request, they could be subject to contempt of Congress.

MESERVE: Republican Peter King also wants to subpoena White House social secretary, Desiree Rogers. The White House said she didn't appear to preserve separation of powers between the executive branch and Congress.

REP. PETER KING (R), RANKING MEMBER, HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: I think it's wrong, I think it's stonewalling.

MESERVE: Secret Service director, Mark Sullivan, the sole and star witness, revealed that three of his employees are on administrative leave while the investigation of the security breach continues.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Violation and potential threat.

MESERVE: Members were alarmed that the security bubble around the president was so easily punctured. Sullivan said, to his knowledge, it was only time it has happened.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Was there a threat to the president or not a threat to the president?

MARK SULLIVAN, SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR: Sir, we have counter measures in place and I am confident in telling you that there was no threat to the president.

MESERVE: Sullivan testified that before the state dinner, the Secret Service and White House agreed that the social secretary would not have personnel at security checkpoints, as usual, but nearby for consultation. And the Secret Service failed to follow protocol and call them when the Salahis' names did not appear on the guest list. Sullivan called that unacceptable and indefensible.

This is our fault and our fault alone. There's no other people to blame here.

SULLIVAN: This is our fault and our fault alone. There's no other people to blame here.

MESERVE: But many members clearly felt the White House shared that blame.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And we always expect the Secret Service to take a bullet for the president. We don't expect the Secret Service to take a bullet for the president's staff.

MESERVE: One reporter at the dinner said she told White House staff the Salahis were not on the guest list. Sullivan wouldn't comment, but made it clear that information did not make it to the Secret Service that night. SULLIVAN: We were advised of it the following day.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And advised by whom, sir?

SULLIVAN: The Facebook.

MESERVE: Some members also express concern about an e-mail in which Tareq Salahi listed who had declined invitations to dinner and why. Members of Congress wanted to know how he got his hands on this potentially sensitive information. Sullivan said, at this point, he doesn't know.

Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COLLINS: A mosque in Pakistan turns from a place of worship to a killing field. Dozens of people are dead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: Live in the CNN NEWSROOM, Heidi Collins.

COLLINS: Well, today is the day Wall Street has been waiting for the monthly jobs report, was released about an hour ago. And as our Stephanie Elam told us at the top of the hour, the economy lost 11,000 jobs last month, but the unemployment rate fell to 10 percent. That's down 2 percent from the month prior.

For a look at how investors are set to react, let's go ahead to Felicia Taylor in the New York Stock Exchange.

Good morning to you, Felicia.

What do you think is going to happen today? Crystal ball?

FELICIA TAYLOR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Things are going to be great today. I'm sure the bulls are going to be out in force.

COLLINS: Yes.

TAYLOR: Already we're seeing a gain of 16 points, 24 points on the Dow. Wall Street really didn't even know what to expect. Estimates were all over the map for this job number.

COLLINS: Yes.

TAYLOR: Ranging from a loss of 30,000 to as many as 180,000. So the loss of 11,000 is essentially unchanged, but still those jobs are gone for those people that had to file for unemployment.

It's still a positive sign, though, for the labor market. It's the fewest job losses since the recession began about two years ago. Now, combine that with the falling unemployment rate to 10 percent. And the Dow could even see a triple digit gain. In just the last few seconds, the Dow is now up 85 points. So we're going to hopefully see -- we've already made up the losses that we saw yesterday. We had a loss of 86 points on the Dow. But things are so far pretty good at the open.

But the top jobs at General Motors may be set for a shake u up. Various reports say interim CEO Ed Whitacre will announce several management changes today, although nothing is expected on the CEO search. And that comes just days, as you remember, after CEO Fritz Henderson resigned. It shows GM's push to make the automaker in a different direction and to do it pretty quickly. In addition, GM has now said that its main Chinese partner and it will have a joint venture to expand further into India. That, of course, is one of the fastest growing car markets. So they're actively making to redesign GM.

And, finally, it's going to cost you more to ship packages after the New Year. I actually shipped something yesterday and was a little surprised. FedEx is raising rates for its ground and home delivery services by an average of -- get this -- five percent. And that follows a similar move by rival UPS.

Let's take one more check of the markets. The Dow is up 101 points, like we said, a triple-digit gain as forecast by the futures. The NASDAQ composite is up 30. That's almost a gain of 1.5 percent. And the S&P is up over one percent. So really good news for the marketplace today, and hopefully that will last throughout the session -- Heidi.

COLLINS: Yes, hopefully. All right. Felicia, we'll check back later. Appreciate that.

We want to get this to now. Almost 40 people are dead after militants armed with guns and grenades stormed a mosque in Pakistan. It happened during Friday prayers in Rawalpindi near the capital.

CNN's Reza Sayah is joining us now from Islamabad with more on this.

Reza, good morning to you. Not the first time we've seen a mosque targeted.

REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: No, but this isn't just any mosque, Heidi. This is a mosque that's frequented by both retired and serving military officials, and based on the past pattern of militants here in Pakistan, it appears that these militants were going after these individuals. This mosque was located inside a walled residential compound in the Garrison City of Rawalpindi right near the army headquarters. Police say four militants, two of them suicide attackers, climbed over a wall and that's when the horror started. Police say they raced over to the mosque, heaving grenades, and then shooting panic-stricken worshippers who were racing out. Two of the militants went inside and blew themselves up. The other two were shot and killed by security forces.

When the carnage was all done, 40 people were killed. Scores of people were injured. Among the killed, ten children, women, elderly citizens. And indeed several senior military officials were killed according to the army. And this just in to CNN. Among the injured, Colonel Mohammad Youssif, who was second in command of the army during President Pervez Musharraf's reign.

So, Heidi, this is another instance where the militants here is sending a message to the army that if you go after us in the tribal region, we're going to hit back hard and we'll go after mosques even. And, remember, these are militant who call themselves good Muslims -- Heidi?

COLLINS: Yes, yes, Reza. In his speech on Tuesday, President Obama said he's counting on Pakistan to go after militants like this in order to make his Afghan strategy work. It's imperative. Are these type of attacks weakening Pakistan's resolve?

SAYAH: Well, it's interesting. I think the opposite is happening here based on what we're seeing. It looks like the army is strengthening its resolve. Of course, it's launched a couple of aggressive offensives against militants. One going on right now in South Waziristan. And I'll give you an example.

Earlier today, I was on the phone with a spokesperson for the army who's usually a very calm, collected customer, but he lost his cool after this attack, at least for a moment. I asked him how many militants were involved in this attack. He said, don't call these individuals militants. These are terrorists going after innocent people. So you get a glimpse of the resolve.

The key is, how much longer is the public here, who's been through so much, going to endure this cycle of violence because there's no end in sight with these attacks -- Heidi?

COLLINS: Understood. All right, Reza Sayah, glad you're there and we'll continue to follow that angle. Certainly.

Meanwhile, the White House reportedly is directing the CIA to expand the use of drones in Pakistan's lawless tribal areas. Some of those areas we were just talking about.

The region near the border of Afghanistan where Taliban leaders are believed to be hiding. "The New York Times" reports the decision to widen the drone program is linked to President Obama's new strategy in Afghanistan. Counterterrorism officials credit the secretive drone strikes with eliminating key terrorists.

Operation "Cobra's Anger" is now under way. The first major offensive in Afghanistan since President Obama announced a troop surge there. The crackdown is targeting a militant stronghold in Helmand Province. We've talked about that area many times before.

Joining us now live from Kabul is CNN's Frederik Pleitgen.

Fred, what can you tell us about this?

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Heidi. This is happening in the northern part of Helmand Province. The town of Nawzad. Now, what we have to know about this area is that this area in particular has been a stronghold of Taliban militants. It's not only one that they used to go to fly their fighters; it's also one that they actually hold. And in the past, coalition forces have been trying to launch operations there, but really they haven't had the manpower to actually do this.

Now, what we know about the operation that started in the very early morning hours of today, Afghan time, is that this involves some 900 coalition forces, both Marines as well as British soldiers. And it also involves about 150 Afghan soldiers.

Now, what they're doing, basically, is they're moving in on that area from three directions. From the north, the south, and the east. They say, so far, the coalition has taken no casualties whereas some militants have been killed. They also say that they have managed to capture several weapons caches and confiscated building materials for bombs, the types that are usually used against coalition forces.

So this operation got under way early this morning. They say they're still moving on as you can see. The details are still a little bit sketchy, but you are absolutely right, this is the first major operation since the president announced his new plan for Afghanistan and the increase by some 30,000 U.S. Troops there -- Heidi?

COLLINS: Yes. OK. And Fred, before we let you go, I know that you've just come up from an in bed yourself. Is there anything that you can tell us about how that went?

PLEITGEN: Well, I was down there in Kandahar, of course. That's going to be the main focus of where those U.S. soldiers are going to go. And I can tell you, since the announcement of those 30,000 additional American troops coming in, there's really been a boost in morale among a lot of units down there.

They say for a long time, they've been hoping that more soldiers would come in. They say their major problem is one that they've been seeing a lot in the past year. They say they will go into areas and clear those areas, and then they will simply not be able to hold those areas.

That, of course, is also very important when we're talking about the operation that started today, because one thing that was always a problem for our troops, especially in the Helmand Province is that they were fighting the whole time, but they were having a lot of difficulty holding a lot of key areas.

So certainly I think you're going to see a lot more of the kind of operations that you're seeing right now as those additional troops pour in. I can tell you, there is a big boost in morale among troops, at least in that southern region, which is going to be key, according to the commanding general of ISEF, Stanley McChrystal -- Heidi?

COLLINS: Yes. All right, good to hear. You're doing some great reporting there.

Fred Pleitgen, appreciate it.

The NATO secretary general says at least 7,000 more allied troops will be going to Afghanistan next year. That's in addition to the 30,000 U.S. troops President Obama plans to send. NATO's announcement came as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was pitching the new U.S. strategy to the allies.

In an exclusive interview with CNN's John Roberts, she emphasized it was a three-pronged approach.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HILLARY CLINTON, SECRETARY OF STATE: There are combat troops. People who are there, you know, fighting the Taliban, reversing their momentum. There are trainers of both the security forces, including the army, and the police. We imagine that their mission will continue. And then there are all the civilian efforts, which we intend to make a long-term commitment to continuing.

You know, we've left Afghanistan and Pakistan before, much to our detriment. I think during the last two days of testimony, Secretary Gates, who was in the administration in the 1980s, was one of the people pushing to arm and train the Mujahideen to defeat the Soviet Union made it very clear that we then left, and we left at our peril. So we want to underscore our commitment to the people of Afghanistan and of Pakistan.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: Secretary Clinton also reiterated the president's pledge to begin withdrawing U.S. forces in July of 2011. Now, that date keeps coming up during congressional hearings.

Yesterday, Secretary Gates, and you see Admiral Mike Mullen there, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, told members of the House Armed Services Committee he believes President Obama is committed to that date.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT GATES, DEFENSE SECRETARY: I have, in the past, been adamantly opposed to deadlines, and I think that -- and where I was persuaded in this case was the importance of incentivizing the Afghans and finding the right balance. And my concerns were mitigated by, frankly, our military's view of when they were convinced they would be able to say, with some confidence, whether the strategy was working.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: Let's take a quick look now at the cost of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to a congressional research service report, the Defense Department budget since the start of operations in 2001 through this year is $210 billion. The DOD spends around $3.6 billion a month on Afghanistan right now.

For 2010, the budget request for the mission in Afghanistan is $68 billion. That does not take into account the 30,000 extra troops President Obama ordered earlier this week. The president says that will cost an additional $30 billion.

Britain is making some cuts to help pay for its efforts in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defense announced they're closing Britain's UFO hotline. The hotline allowed people to call in sightings and tips. The military says after 50 years, they have determined there are no aliens and, therefore, no threat to the U.K. The lone officer who responded to the calls has been reassigned.

Rob Marciano joining us now.

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Now what's he going to do? I mean, 50 years of answering the phone for UFO sightings. I mean, that's a limited skill set.

COLLINS: Yes, especially if the phone's not ringing so much.

MARCIANO: Exactly. Speaking of aliens, if you haven't seen "Fourth Kind" and you kind of sort of believe in aliens, check that movie. It will freak you out.

COLLINS: That's a good one, huh?

MARCIANO: It's a good one.

COLLINS: All right. I will get that rented immediately.

MARCIANO: UFOs sighted in Houston right now, Heidi, snowflakes flying across the Deep South. How about that? This is a historic snowstorm as far as it being so far south so early in the season. We're going to talk more about that where it's headed when CNN NEWSROOM comes right back.

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COLLINS: A look at our top stories now. Same cause, new energies. Supporters of gay marriages rallied outside New York State capital last night, trying to send the message that same-sex marriage is not dead. This follows Wednesday's landslide vote in the state senate against legalizing gay marriages. Some supporters say this will become an issue in next year's legislative elections.

From your house to the White House, this is season for celebration. Last night President Obama and his family took part in the annual lighting of the national Christmas tree. It's beautiful isn't it? It's the first family's first year doing those honors. First lady Michelle Obama read the holiday -- oh, it's the Celtic women, love them. I'm sorry -- Michelle Obama read the holiday classic, "The Night before Christmas."

If you want to remember U.S. troops on the front lines this holiday season, time is running out. The U.S. Postal Service says today is the last day to send holiday letters and packages to military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. You have another week, though, to send holiday mail to send to other U.S. military locations overseas. Remember your troops.

In fact, that's what we're talking about today on our blog. We want you to share your holiday messages to the troops. Just go to CNN.com/Heidi. We're going to read some of those responses and some of those well wishes in the next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM.

Rob Marciano standing by now with more on the severe weather. Can we go back to the UFOs first? That was interesting, wasn't it?

MARCIANO: Yes. I mean, well, if you're going to cut back, I guess you cut back the one guy that's answering the phone at the UFO hotline. That would be a wise choice, though.

COLLINS: Indeed, yes. All right...

MARCIANO: Do we have one -- do we have one that is based in Roswell? I assume...

COLLINS: I'm not sure. I'm not sure. Colorado has one for balloon boys and stuff.

MARCIANO: Well, that's where they need it, actually.

COLLINS: Yes.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COLLINS: All right, thank you, Rob.

MARCIANO: Ok, see you.

COLLINS: I'll talk to you later.

We do have new jobless numbers this morning and the headline is better than expected. The nation's unemployment rate has taken an unexpected dip from 10.2 percent to 10 percent even.

Now, this marks the fewest jobs lost in a single month in a full two years. That is significant, because December of 2007 is also viewed as the beginning of the recession.

Long lines are forming in the St. Louis area, but there may be a paycheck at the other end. The new River City Casino in Lemay is hiring about 1,200 people as it gets ready to open in the spring.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm actually looking for a dealer position or some type of a floor supervisory position.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The most important thing is just someone who is fun, exciting, just happy to come to work and is really looking for a career.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've been looking a lot for about a month and I am working, but they've cut my hours down so I've just -- I've got to find something. I really do. My kids need me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLINS: The casino plans to hire about 1,000 people within 45 days. On the first day alone, about 1,500 people applied for those jobs.

A store owner who gave a robber a second chance hears from the suspect months later; an extraordinary twist to an already bizarre crime story.

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COLLINS: We have an awful a lot going on this morning as usual in the CNN NEWSROOM it seems. And our crews are in place to bring it all to you. I want to check in with some of our correspondents now beginning with Jason Carroll. You've got some great stories that you've been doing, Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh yes, Heidi, we've got part two of our special series "A Soldier's Story" coming up for you. What we're basically doing is trying it to chronicle soldiers through their entire military experience. This is a series you will only see right here on CNN. Part one yesterday, part two coming up right after the next hour.

MARCIANO: And if you plan on sending a Christmas card to a soldier overseas, today is the last day to do it so get on that if you're a mailman delivering cards or mail today in Texas you may have some issues; we've got snow across the south. We'll talk more about that in the next hour.

COLLINS: Ok, very good. Thanks guys.

We are also looking at the big board because check this out. Boy, up by triple digits already and we've only been in the trading day for about 25 minutes; some good news about the economy apparently sending those stocks higher. Unemployment rate fell back to 10 percent that's from 10.2 and even though jobs are still being cut, that number improving pretty dramatically last month.

We'll have more on that coming up next hour.

Meanwhile, we will also be going live to Afghanistan where troops are involved in a big push against insurgents. We'll get a closer look at an operation called "Cobra's Anger".

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COLLINS: A crime story in New York with an ending no one could ever have predicted. A would-be robber was given a second chance by his victim and now months later that suspect is reaching out to show his appreciation.

Here's our Mary Snow. MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We first brought you Mohammad Sohail's story in June when he showed mercy to a would-be robber who came into his store demanding money; the ordeal all captured by surveillance cameras. Sohail grabbed a rifle and said the man began crying saying he needed to feed his family. Sohail gave him $40, a loaf of bread and made him promise never to rob again.

Six months later the 47-year-old Sohail says that promise was returned in a way he never imagined. He recently received a letter with $50 inside and no return address.

MOHAMMAD SOHAIL, CONVENIENCE STORE OWNER: I was surprised, I mean. I said, "What is that?" When I read the letter, that's the same person, you know, the guy come try to rob my store.

SNOW: He read it for us.

SOHAIL: "Now, I have a good job and make good money and staying out of trouble and taking care of my family. You give me $40 and a loaf of bread. Here is the $50. Thank you for sparing my life. Because of that you changed my life."

SNOW: Did you cry when you got that letter?

SOHAIL: Absolutely. Because all the time I'm thinking my mom; my mom said help anybody if anybody need help.

SNOW: The letter is signed, "Your Muslim Brother" and the writer states he's now a true Muslim.

During the aborted robbery, the man told Sohail he wanted to be a Muslim just like him and Sohail recited an Islamic prayer and told him he was converted.

While the man's life may have changed, things are also different for this Pakistani immigrant. At his store in New York, he displays letters he's received from across the country.

SNOW: "Dear Mr. Sohail" -- look at this -- "I want to say that no person has ever moved my spirit the way you did." Wow. From an admirer. "Your biggest admirer, Lee". Do you know who Lee is?

SOHAIL: I have no idea. People send me the letters.

SNOW: Some have sent checks. Sohail says he's received a couple hundred dollars and now offers free bagels, rolls and coffee for several hours during the day and he vows to help others.

Would you one day like to meet with this anonymous mystery man?

SOHAIL: Of course. I would like to see him. I want to see him. If he hear me, if he listening to me, this person, come to my store.

SNOW: Sohail says all is forgiven in his eyes, the Suffolk County police say this is still an open investigation as they have yet to find the mystery man. Mary Snow, CNN, New York.

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