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President Obama Meets with Gulf Allies; Hundreds of Migrants Drown in Failed Attempt to Reach Europe; Olympic Torch to Begin Journey from Greece to Brazil; Ecuador Earthquake Recovery Plans; New Technology Used in Hunt for Child Predators. Aired 3-4a ET
Aired April 21, 2016 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[03:00:00] ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN NEWSROOM SHOW HOST: A tough crowd. U.S. President Barack Obama set to meet with allies in the Gulf, amid changing priorities for both.
ERROL BARNETT, CNN NEWSROOM SHOW HOST: Nightmare at sea. Hundreds of migrants drown in a failed attempt to reach Europe. Survivors now sharing their stories.
CHURCH: And happy birthday to the queen. Britain's longest-reigning monarch turns 90.
Hello and welcome to our viewers all around the world. I'm Rosemary Church.
BARNETT: And I'm Errol Barnett. Thanks for joining us as we begin our second hour of CNN Newsroom.
CHURCH: U.S. President Obama is bringing his push for a ramp up battle against ISIS to gulf leaders in about an hour from now. But if his low-key arrival in Riyadh is any indication, his message could receive a lukewarm response at the gulf summit.
BARNETT: Mr. Obama is on the second day of a trip that will take him from Riyadh to London and then Hamburg, Germany.
CHURCH: And we will talk live with our Nic Robertson in Riyadh in just a few minutes.
BARNETT: Now hundreds of migrants may have died on a ship sank in the Mediterranean. This happened last week between Libya and Italy.
CHURCH: The U.N. refugee agency says a few dozen people were rescued and taken to Greece, where they are sharing some stories about what happened.
BARNETT: Ben Wedeman joins us from Rome to stitch this together. Ben, there's been a delay in reporting this story because of the challenge and difficulty in confirming everything. But this was a massive tragedy. How did it happen?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, yes, it's been very hard to piece exactly what happened together. But what we've been able to understand from the U.N. agency are and the international organization for migration, is that one or several boats carrying in total between 100 and 200 people left Tobruk sometime last week, Tobruk in Eastern Libya.
And had a rendezvous with a larger ship off of the Libyan coast that was already packed with hundreds of migrants and refugees. Now the whole purpose of this rendezvous was to transfer people from the smaller vessel onto the larger ship. And as that happened, apparently, the larger ship simply capsized and sank.
Quite suddenly, according to eye witnesses who spoke with the UNHCR, one man, Mohammed from Somalia said that he saw his wife, two-month child and brother-in-law drowned right in front of him as the ship went down literally in minutes.
Now, 41 people were able to survive this catastrophe. Some of them were able to swim from the larger ship to those smaller vessels, others hadn't boarded yet. Now they drifted for three days on the open sea before they were picked up by a merchant ship carrying the fly -- flying the Filipino flag, and they were taken to Greece.
But this really underscores the fact that despite the fact that the E.U. and Turkey worked out this agreement on migrants going from Turkey to Greece over the Aegean Sea, that this really just puts more pressure on the route between Libya and Italy, which last year, 150,000 people crossed.
So far this year, 25,000. And of course, with the onset of spring and the improving of the weather, we can expect more people to try to make this very, very dangerous voyage across the Mediterranean.
BARNETT: And, ben, the E.U. seems prepared to upgrade parts of its naval mission there in the Mediterranean, as you say, we approach another summer where more migrants and refugees will attempt this crossing. Has any progress been made already despite this massive incident? Because it is a recurring and persistent problem.
WEDEMAN: Well, on paper there have been improvements, but in reality, we have yet to see them. Now, there was a previous program run by the Italian navy and coast guard called Mare Nostrum, which was quite successful at preventing this sort loss of life.
But that was replaced by another European program run by the Frontex, the European border agency. And that was designed to take out the cool factor in all of it. In other words, that the possible attraction of crossing the Mediterranean. That proved largely unsuccessful. And we saw last year a very high death toll. And we shall see this year.
[03:04:59] But so far, it would not seem that any dramatic improvement has been made, as far as rescue efforts or prevention efforts, when it comes to migrants and refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean.
BARNETT: Indeed. Ben Wedeman, live for us in Rome this morning. Five minutes past 9 there. Ben, thanks. CHURCH: All right. We want to return to our top story now we were
telling you. U.S. President Barack Obama in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a visit there. And one part of that is a fight against ISIS.
We want to bring in CNN's diplomatic editor, Nic Robertson, who joins us live from Riyadh. So, Nice, the White House said it was happy with the outcome with the meeting with the Saudi king. What do the Saudis have to say about that? And what's likely to be achieved at the gulf summit?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Well, the Saudis for that part put forward, you know, their position on their ideas. What we heard from the White House was the meeting with the king successfully cleared the air. It went on for several hours, longer than was originally anticipated. It was originally penciled in for 60 to 90 minutes. And came out in well over two hours. So, it's widely seen as, in that context, as being successful.
The Saudis tend not to talk publicly and openly about the nature of the meetings. So, what's been, what we've seen in the Saudi media is that, you know, President Obama is in town, he is meeting with the king, he is meeting with the GCC later today, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman, will all be there around the table.
The king of Morocco was in town to meet with the GCC last night. That was sort of front and center on the news here. And a threat of ISIS is something that's common to all of these countries. They certainly feel that here in Saudi Arabia ISIS threat is particularly high, targeting police officers in the country, targeting border installations, border security, along the border with Iraq.
The ISIS want to overthrow the monarchy here. So, this is something, all of those leaders can really get behind and work towards today. And of course, Saudi Arabia is a huge contributor in this global counterterrorism efforts, and particularly in this region, Rosemary.
CHURCH: And of course, much being said, Nic, about the lukewarm response, once the U.S. resident arrived? Is that what was playing out there, and of course, it appears that that was turned around in that two-hour meeting with the king, anyway.
But talk to us about that reaction and what people are saying on the street. You talked about how it was playing out in the local media there.
ROBERTSON: How people view it here, there's a very strong anti- Iranian view in Saudi Arabia at the moment. And they view the developments in the region that Iran is growing power and influence its nuclear deal with the United States and the west. As Germany an overall negative.
They see Iran getting greater power to the north in Iraq. They see its influence in Syria. They see its influence and power in Lebanon. They see how Iran is behind the Houthi rebels in the civil war that's going on in Yemen at the moment, that Saudi Arabia is supporting the legitimate elected government, rather not Saudi Arabia -- Yemen is supporting the elected government.
So, that's the prism through which people here view this region. Iran's growing influence, which concerns them. But the topics that the king talked about with President Obama last night, and the topic that will no doubt come up with the GCC, President Obama stressing the need to support Prime Minister Abadi in Iraq by helping in the Sunni areas like Ramadi, helping the rebuilding effort.
Now ISIS has been cleared out of there. Of course, a concern for the Saudi government. They really feel that the Iraqi leadership is now strongly supported by Iran. And that's a negative for them. There was talk about in the meeting with the king yesterday about Lebanon and the need to firm up and strengthen its institutions there, with Saudi Arabia has just withdrawn over $3 billion worth of aid to Lebanon because they feel their money is not being well spent.
That it's going towards not really into the government but into Hezbollah, who are fighting with President Assad inside Syria. So, that's negative. So, you know, while the air was cleared in that meeting and views are put forward, the general view on the ground here is one that Iran plays a negative role in the region. A zero sum game, if you will.
CHURCH: All right. Well, we know you will be watching very closely. Of course, all focus on the gulf summit and what comes out of that. Our Nic Robertson, joining us live from Riyadh. Many thanks to you.
BARNETT: In about two hours' time, the 2016 Olympic torch will be lit in Greece, using the rays of the sun if weather permits. We're looking here at pictures from the rehearsal on Wednesday, in ancient Olympia, which is the birth place of the games.
[03:10:05] CHURCH: A Greek gymnastic champion will be the first to run with the torch. The Olympic flame will be relayed through Greece before it's handed over to Brazil next Wednesday.
And it will not be all celebrations in Greece which is facing the brunt of the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.
Our senior international correspondent, Atika Shubert joins us now live from Olympia, Greece. So, Atika, let's talk about the route this Olympic torch will take after the official ceremony. Because of course, we know that it will pass through the refugee camp. What's the significance of that? And what are people saying about it?
ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely. The International Olympic Committee really wanted to focus attention on the refugee crisis that has affected in particular.
And as we heard from Ben's report earlier, that fact that we still see migrants and refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean making that journey, shows that this is a crisis that far from over.
This was the first official refugee camp set up last summer when the number of arrivals to Greece reached a peak of as many as 10,000 a day. Since then, dozens of camps have mushroomed across the country. Quite often, the numbers have overwhelmed the facilities.
Now, two of the camps are actually in former Olympic sites. Take a look at what we saw a few weeks ago when we're actually able to access the former field hockey stadium.
This is a pretty extraordinary scene. There are families sleeping put here in these abandoned buildings. Children, mothers.
There are now more than 50,000 asylum-seekers stranded in Greece hoping to be given a place somewhere in Europe. Greece's prime minister has said the country has become a warehouse of souls.
For the first time in history, the Olympics will have a team of refugees athletes. About 5 to 12 competing under the Olympic flag. And to focus the world's attention on the refugee crisis here in Greece, the International Olympic Committee has selected a Syrian refugee currently in Greece, as one of the Olympic torch runners.
So, how do people in the camp feel about this? What do you think?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just heard this from you. I don't know. It's really nice. You know, I would love to see it and I would love to share that.
SHUBERT: Do you think by having the Olympic flame here, it would give hope?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Perhaps just a little. Because it's up and light but maybe help.
SHUBERT: Maybe a little?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SHUBERT: A gesture of Olympic solidarity, as thousands wait for an answer. Now, Rosemary, the International Olympic Committee has said, by having a refugee runner, they're really hoping to put a faith to the sort of anonymity of the crisis, to show an individual who is struggling through this crisis and showcasing the plight of refugees with the torch relay.
CHURCH: Incredible and very symbolic. Atika Shubert joining us there live from Olympia in Greece. And remember, to join CNN for special coverage of the Olympic torch lighting beginning at 5 a.m. Eastern Time. We will take you live to the ceremony from the Temple of Hera in ancient Olympia.
BARNETT: Still to come this hour, Donald Trump takes aim at China for hurting the U.S. economy. Next, we'll see whether his campaign claims have been true.
CHURCH: A presidential candidate in the Philippines is taking heat over a so-called joke about rape. Why he's still a front-runner, despite those comments.
[03:15:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KATE RILEY, CNN WORLD SPORT ANCHOR: I'm Kate Riley, with your CNN World Sport headlines. Barcelona made a massive statement of intent by demolishing Deportivo de La Coruna 8-0, to get back on track after the recent slump in Spain.
Luis Suarez was the undoubted star of the show, scoring four goals with the other members with (Inaudible), Lionell Messi their name are also getting on the score sheet. But Barca's title rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have also won.
There were three matches played in the English Premier League on Wednesday with the home team that all comfortably winning. For 226, Merseyside derby resulted in an easy victory for Liverpool who trash evicted 4-0. The top is also seen Funes Mori sent off as depression mounts on manager Roberto Martinez.
In a race to catch fourth place Arsenal, Man United just a point behind after defeating Crystal Palace 2-0. While West Ham still at Watford 3-1.
The clock is running down on whether or not Russia's track and field athletes will be able to compete at the summer games in Rio. The decision is due next month. Russia announced new reforms to its anti- doping efforts on Wednesday under the plan that all Russian track and field athletes intending to compete at Rio will undergo a minimum of three independent drug tests administered by external experts under the control of the IAAS.
And that's a look at your sports headlines. I'm Kate Riley.
BARNETT: Hillary Clinton is hoping her big win Tuesday in the New York democratic primary will translate into votes throughout the northeast. A new Monmouth University poll shows her with 52 to 39 percent lead over Bernie Sanders in delegate-rich Pennsylvania.
CHURCH: That state and four others hold primaries this Tuesday. Clinton appears to be reaching out to Bernie Sanders supporters.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY CLINTON, (D) U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We have to unify our country. We've got to quite the divisiveness. It's not the way to solve problems. If you have something to say, yes, you can draw attention to it. But then have a conversation about it. What are your ideas? What are your solutions? What would you do?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: And Sanders is facing an uphill battle to win enough delegates to clinch the democratic nomination. Right now, Hillary Clinton is leading by more than 700.
BARNETT: Now for months, Sanders has been criticizing the party's super delegate system. But now his campaign manager says that Sanders will try to win over those super delegates. Another adviser is taking a different approach.
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TED DEVINE, SANDERS CAMPAIGN SENIOR ADVISOR: We lost a few more delegates than I thought we would. We're little farther behind in delegates than we hope to be. But I think if we do well next week then we can get back on course to have a pledge delegate lead by the time the voting ends.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Joining me now from Washington is David Morey, he is a democratic strategist who advised to Obama's presidential campaign. Thank you, sir, for being with us.
DAVID MOREY, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: It's a pleasure.
CHURCH: SO, despite Hillary Clinton's convincing win, in the New York primary Tuesday night, Bernie Sanders insist he has a path to victory. But the numbers don't appear to add up. And he must know that. So, what is he trying to do here? What's his goal?
MOREY: Well, I think we have to give him a little bit of time to process this. You know, he's just had seven victories in a row until last night. And he has an ideological belief in what he's doing, so it's going to take him some time to I think come to some realities in terms of the math. He is just about getting to the point where this election, this nomination, is beyond his grasp.
CHURCH: Now, Sanders pledged to stay in the race right up to the convention. And a Clinton aide has said his campaign is destructive. Just how much damage will he likely to inflict on the Clinton campaign while he does in the race?
[03:20:04] MOREY: Well, that's a challenge. Because, you know, right now you have two front-runners, basically two nominees who are in some ways unelectable. You know, Hillary has got 56 percent unfavorables, Trump has got 55 unfavorables.
Because they've been through tough primaries already and there is unprecedented anger around in this country. So, you know, they have to pull the parties together. Give Bernie some time to do that. He can actually become an asset, assuming Hillary is the nominee which we do assume. We are going to have to give a little time to pull that together.
CHURCH: Yes. And how much of an impact does Sanders' attacks have on Clinton's credibility as he keeps talking about issues like the Wall Street transcripts?
MOREY: You know, this is a challenge because he's attacking her character. And as you know that's one of her great vulnerabilities. Any candidate who is getting ready for a general election has to protect and really inoculate against attacks on their character. So, you know, this is a challenge. She's going to have to redesign herself. Re-up some of those positives. She's going to have to define her opponent. She is already beginning to do that assuming it's Trump. I think it's Hillary versus Trump. I think there's no question about that. And she's going to have to lay out an articulation of what the future looks like.
CHURCH: And it is of course looking more likely now that Clinton will get that nomination. And when she does, what will Sanders do? And what will his supporters likely do. Will they get behind her or will they abandon the Democratic Party?
MOREY: Well, we don't know for sure. But, you know, I think that there's a good case to be made, just like in '08, that this party, the Democratic Party, will come together. You know, that was a pretty bitter, if you will, a bloody battle between Clinton and Obama in 2008. They came together, one became the other Secretary of State.
Not that Bernie will become Secretary of State. But look for him to make some ideological points at the convention to really continue his movement, maybe in some ways beyond what he can do himself. And look for the party to mend itself. This election is going to come down to turn out. So, Hillary is going to have to figure out a way that tap into Bernie's turnout making this and look at these crowds that he's put together. It's pretty amazing.
CHURCH: Yes, indeed. All right, David Morey. Pleasure to talk to you. Many thanks.
MOREY: You're very welcome.
BARNETT: Now Donald Trump won the lion share of delegates in New York republican primary. And just for one night only, Rosemary, he stopped calling Ted Cruz lying Ted.
CHURCH: Yes. Trump was back on the campaign trail in Indiana and Maryland Wednesday. And even though he's far ahead in the delegate race, he is still blasting the process.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, (R) U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: It's a rigged, crooked system, that's designed so that the bosses can pick whoever they want. And that people like me can't run and can't defend you against foreign nonsense. And can't defend you against China, and Japan, and Mexico, and Vietnam, and India, and every single country you can name. Because we lose with every -- we lose, believe me, with every deal we do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BARNETT: Now China has been a frequent target for Trump in his campaign speeches. He is promising in fact to make Beijing play fair trade and currency issues.
CHURCH: Yes. CNN's money Asia Pacific editor, Andrew Stevens looks at how that might work. ANDREW STEVENS, CNN MONEY ASIA PACIFIC EITOR: Republican presidential
front-runner, Donald Trump, blames one country repeatedly for the U.S. economic woes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: China. China. China. Look what's happening with China.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEVENS: But is that the case? Let's do a reality check and find out. We start with China's currency, the Yuan or renminbi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: They are the single greatest biggest currency manipulator that's ever been on this planet.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEVENS: He's repeatedly accused China's weakening Yuan to benefit its own exporters. Economist says that argument might have held up several years ago, but not anymore. The Yuan has actually been strengthening sharply over the last 10 years, up 20 percent against the U.S. dollar. That makes U.S. exports to China much cheaper.
Its strengthen so much that the International Monetary Fund, the IMF, added the Yuan to its basket of reserve currency that gives China an international stamp of approval and credibility.
Now, Beijing is intervening. But the objective is to keep its currency strong, so it gives no advantage to its own exporters. When it comes to trade with China, Trump says the U.S. is getting a raw deal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: You lose $500 billion a year with China. It's a total imbalance. We don't make good deals anymore. We don't win anymore.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEVENS: the U.S. trade deficit with China is actually $365 billion. That means the U.S. is buying more Chinese goods than China is buying U.S. goods.
[03:25:00] The deficit is at a record high. But the balance has been like that for the last 30 years. Now staying with trade, Trump says the only way to fight this imbalance is by slapping a 45 percent tax on Chinese goods to the U.S.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're open to a tariff.
TRUMP: I'm open to a tariff.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEVENS: This threat is aim to Chinese companies but would hurt American consumers. Economists say a higher tax means a bigger price tag for goods that come from China. Once more, economist at unanimous in saying this could trigger retaliation by China, which would trigger a global trade war. And that wouldn't be in the interest of anyone.
Andrew Stevens, CNN, Hong Kong.
BARNETT: And some news from the Philippines. A presidential candidate is under fire for comments he made about a murdered rape victim.
CHURCH: But it doesn't seem to be affecting his standing in the race.
Alexandra Field explains why his supporters find him appealing.
ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Rodrigo Duterte vowed he was done after three decades in politics. Then, he did an about face. He was last to join the field of other candidates for president of the Philippines. He's now at the top of the heat in a controversial comment has landed him on the international stage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RODRIGO DUTERTE, PHILIPPINES PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE (TRANSLATED): I was angry she was raped. Yes, that was one thing. But she was so beautiful. I think the mayor should have been first. What a waste.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FIELD: He was the mayor of Davao when an Australian missionary was murdered and gang raped in 1989 in the jail in Davao City where he is still the mayor today. His daughter, a rape survivor, is defending him.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SARA DUTERTE, RODRIGO DUTERTE'S DAUGHTER (TRANSLATER): It was a really bad joke, if it was indeed a joke. It was a bad joke. All I'm saying is his being a joker doesn't affect his performance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FIELD: His party issued an apology. But he has waffled on whether he is sorry. He has die-hard supporters and outspoken critics because of a history of tough talk.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
R. DUTERTE: If I became president, there is no such thing as bloodless cleansing. I propose to get rid of the drugs within three to six months.
Criminals, well, I go after them. As long as I do it in the accordance with the rules of law, I will continue to kill criminals.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FIELD: Dubbed "the punisher," one of the Philippines' longest serving mayor is running on his record of cleaning up crime in the City of Davao.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DINDO MANHIT, POLITICAL ANALYST: We have seen the rise of Duterte's polling numbers as he was able to tap on the voter frustration, voter anger, voter fear, about the rise in crime, the rise in drug issue in the Philippines.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FIELD: But human rights groups have called for an investigation, saying that more than a thousand people have disappeared from the city during Duterte's tenure. Activists allege vigilante groups have carried extra judicial killings of criminals that are tolerated by the mayor. He denies any links to the groups and he hasn't been charged with a crime. But with many in the Philippines, he has struck a chord.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MANHIT: Right now, he's being seen as the alternative to traditional candidates in the Philippines. His demeanor, the way he speaks, the way he has answered questions has shown that he is an alternative to the politics as usual candidates.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FIELD: Analysts are closely watching the elections in the Philippines. They say there are three key issues that matter the most to voters. The first being jobless and poverty, the second being crime and drugs, the third being government corruption. Duterte seems to be resonating the most with voters for most concerned about those last two issues.
In Hong Kong, Alexandra Field, CNN.
CHURCH: All right. We'll take a very short break here.
But still to come, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, long-time allies, facing growing strains. How the relationship has chilled during the Obama presidency.
BARNETT: Also coming for you, Queen Elizabeth passes a new milestone. Later this hour, how the British monarch is celebrating her 90th birthday.
[03:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: And a warm welcome back to you all our viewers all around the world. I'm Rosemary Church.
BARNETT: And I'm Errol Barnett. It's your last half hour with us this week. Let's make it count. Here are our top stories. Ecuador's president is imposing a temporary earthquake tax and other
financial measures to help rebuild from the worst disaster in decades. At least 570 people were killed in Saturday's quake, 24,000 displaced. And the big quake shook the same region Wednesday but no injuries were recorded.
CHURCH: An explosion Wednesday killed three people at a petro chemical plant owned by Mexico state oil company. At least 60 others were injured. The governor of Vera Cruz called it an accident. Several towns have been evacuated.
BARNETT: The former professional wrestler known as "Chyna," has died. Her real name was Joan Laurer and she became a popular figure in the WWE in the late 1990s. Police say the 46-year-old was found in her southern California apartment on Wednesday. There were no signs of foul play.
CHURCH: After Wednesday's meeting with Saudi King Salman, U.S. President Barack Obama will attend a summit with gulf leaders shortly. Amid strained relations with Riyadh, Mr. Obama is pressing for a step- up battle against ISIS.
BARNETT: Joining me now is Simon Henderson. He is he director of the Gulf and Energy program at the Washington Institute, and just wrote an article on this very subject for foreign policy entitled "The long divorce, how the U.S./Saudi relationship grew cold under Barack Obama's watch."
Simon, thanks for joining us today. Tell us how has President Obama's 2008 message of hope change and really global outreach to both to what we see today. And is it really that bad?
SIMON HENDERSON, WASHINGTON INSTITUTE NEAR EAST POLICY DIRECTOR: I think it is that bad. And frankly, that message of 2008 was never directed at Saudi Arabia or anyway, which he spotted as early as 2002, when he criticized it in an anti-war speech that he gave at that time.
And since then, the Saudis has had suspicions that Obama doesn't like them. But the shock was about four weeks ago when this major article game out, called the Obama doctrine in The Atlantic magazine here in Washington.
[03:35:02] Which was an analysis of the way that Obama saw foreign policy. And an assessment of America's adversaries and allies. And Saudi Arabia came off badly indeed in the assessment.
BARNETT: They're always been a different views on human rights between these two countries. And you also currently have this debate about passages within the 9/11 report, which have remained concealed. And now there's a push to release them.
And people saying that since 9/11, there's been a government policy of protecting strategic interests, specifically Saudi Arabia and any connections people there may have to be attackers. Have the common interest between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia increased or decreased as the issue of ISIS has popped up? HENDERSON: The common interest if it could encapsulated in one fourth
is oil. And that's big thing which is really change over the last seven years. The price of oil shot up. And as a consequence, this technology, which we now know as fracking, has been able to develop. And America has started to produce extra quantities of oil in huge amounts. And so, this oil relationship with Saudi Arabia is changing. And this is...
(CROSSTALK)
BARNETT: And just very quickly, I want to ask you about Iran. Of course, the U.S. has signed a nuclear deal with the country. I'll just take a quote from your article. "Saudi Arabia wanted a boyfriend called the U.S. The U.S. instead chose Iran. Saudi Arabia is beyond jealousy." What will this jealous partner do?
HENDERSON: Well, this jealous partner is very upset. It doesn't trust Iran. And it's also upset with the United States who Riyadh regards as being hopelessly naive in thinking that Iran is amenable to change.
You got an agreement on nuclear matters. One could argue about the merits of that. But Iran's behavior on missiles supporting terrorism, supporting of the Houthi rebels in Yemen are all considered by the Saudis and the other gulf states as being mischief. America and the Obama administration seem blind to that.
BARNETT: You mean these really are changing geopolitical tectonic plates. And your article is a fascinating read. Simon Henderson, the director of the Gulf and Energy Policy Program at the Washington Institute, thanks for joining us today on CNN.
HENDERSON: Thank you.
CHURCH: All right. We'll take a very short break here. But coming up next on CNN Newsroom, a look at some breakthrough technology slashing the time it takes for law enforcement to track down child predators. We'll have the details on that.
[03:40:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: Law enforcement agencies who hunt down child predators are using technology they describe as a game-changer, known as photo DNA. It allows investigators to mine through millions of images online faster than ever before.
BARNETT: And it is incredible. Last year, it lead to the rescue of more than 1,000 children in the U.S. alone.
CNN's Lynda Kinkade has more in our CNN Freedom Project report.
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A girl kneeling on a bathroom counter, to the unassisted eye there's no way of identifying the person taking this photo. The perpetrator this young child.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIM COLE, VIC PROJECT FOUNDER: We've the pill bottle here, as I bring it up you'll notice and more pixelated it gets.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Apart from the pharmacy and the first name, Steven, it's unreadable. This technology can change that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLE: From now we can see what the medication is in the first two characters of the prescription number.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: That led detectives to this man, Steven Keating. And they found another clue.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLE: We have a close-up image of the suspect's hand.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: By applying filters they can bring out the details.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLE: It was actually the very first time that we were able to pull fingerprints from an image.
KINKADE: So, this is really strong evidence to put this offender behind bars?
COLE: Absolutely.
KINKADE: And he is now serving time?
COLE: He has out serving a 110-year prison sentence.
KINKADE: And through this one case you found out that he had other victims?
COLE: Yes, 14 in total. This case ended up running about two to three weeks total of time.
KINKADE: In the past, how long would this have taken?
COLE: Every case is different but this could have easily taken months. And the bigger issue is we may not have discovered this material at all.
KINKADE: That's because they're seeing an explosion of images just like this.
COLE: About 500,000 a week. We're going to more than 24 million a year. KINKADE: Breakthrough technology now slashing the time it takes
officers to process them. So, you can identify more victims faster than ever. How fast are we talking?
COLE: Well, it used to take nine months. Now, it takes under a month.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Jim Cole is a special agent and supervisor of victim identification at the Homeland Security Cyber Crime Center. He's also a founder of project VIC. Their hope is that no victim is left behind.
Using technology known as photo DNA, the system automatically categorizes what they have already seen before, to focus their resources on new cases.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: With the volume of images you used to have, you would have had many victims that would have gone undetected in many cases that would have remained unsolved.
COLE: Absolutely. Yes, and this has helped us to find and rescue more victims than ever before.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: And that technology is crucial. In the last three years, the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, has seen reporting to the cyber tip line increase by almost 800 percent. In 2013, the department received half a million tip-offs by phone and e- mail. It tripled the following year. And by 2015, the number of reports have soared to 4.4 million.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: How do you obtain caught with the influx of report that physically how do you go through 4.4 million reports?
LINDSAY OLSON, NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN DIRECTOR: That's a good question. We use technology as much as possible. There are some automated tools in place that help us find those jurisdictions very quickly and help us get reports that offer them quickly.
KINKADE: Lindsay Olson, director of the Exploited Child Division, says last year 94 percent of the cases resulted in an international location. Internationally, project VIC is being adopted by other law enforcement agencies in countries around the globe. How many are you working with?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[03:45:06] COLE: We have full deployment in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States. And we've got 35 other countries out there that are using project VIC in some way, shape or form. KINKADE: For law enforcement officers, it makes the work all the more
worthwhile when they can free a child.
COLE: I've been in law enforcement for going on 25 years. And this last segment of my career has been the absolute most rewarding.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Linda Kinkade, CNN, Fairfax, Virginia.
CHURCH: Of course, so important to see these sorts of advancements, particularly when it comes to tracking down children.
BARNETT: Yes. And eye-opening that you literally that every piece of technology to fight against such a big issue with the human trafficking.
Now forget partying like a rock star. Much different story coming up next. How about partying like a queen? The pomp and pageantry for Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PEDRAM JAVAHERI, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It's been the wettest April on record across portions of Houston, Texas. The storm systems are responsible really for all the wet weather finally beginning to exit the picture. And as it does we get high pressure that replaces this area. So, we really set up for at least a couple of days of dry weather as we head towards early portion of this weekend.
But I want to show you the temperatures in Mid-Western U.S. places like Chicago, a rollercoaster ride of sort here with temps, rising into 20s, dropping down into the single digit going right back up into the 20s.
It is this time of year well-known for that unsettled weather pattern and certainly the case across that region of the Midwestern U.S. And you notice that storm system that's been responsible for all the wet weather. Again, it is beginning to migrate off to the east, so certainly good news there. The western U.S. and parts of British Colombia, they have some record heat in place the last couple of days.
Finally, tapping into some showers. Vancouver comes down to around 17 degrees. San Francisco, cools off to around 19 degrees. Some of these temperatures are still warmer than what you see in July across portions of Northern California. But that is certainly something worth noting across that region.
And notice the showers and thunderstorms do want to push towards areas around Dallas and eventually towards Houston, Texas, by later into Thursday afternoon, as well.
So, here's the set-up across the western U.S. and British Columbia. Wet weather expected there. To the south we go. Really the northern tier of this region looks to remain dry with showers and thunderstorms from Kingston down toward Cartagena. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BARNETT: Britain's Queen Elizabeth is celebrating her 90th birthday. Last year, that she became the nation's longest serving monarch. And now, she is the first to reach nine decades.
CHURCH: How about that? And there are several events planned in the coming hours to honor her, including at her home, Windsor Castle.
[03:50:06] BARNETT: CNN Royal correspondent Max Foster joins us now live for more from Windsor Castle. Max, it's a very exciting day. What can everyone there, and I guess around the world who may be following this, what can we all expect?
MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, she's here. She's got up. I mean, in the grounds Windsor Castle which actually where she has spends most of her time. So, for example, they've released some new pictures this morning of the queen and they feature her in Windsor Castle.
One of them is her sitting with all the youngest members of the royal family, including the young Princess Charlotte in her arms. With all the great grandchildren and some of the grandchildren in that image.
So, what she's doing is very much emphasizing Windsor. Windsor is her home, it was here, where during the war, as a young she was educated. She was protected. And it's certainly the home that means the most to her.
But the main event is actually just a walkabout. I say just a walkabout that she is going to go out in the street. So, the crowds are gathered already. The normal royal fans are all out there. But the walkabout says so much about the queen's reign. Because the royals didn't really go on walkabouts before she came into the mix.
And that's something that she completely popularizes and it's something that allows her to get close to the public, also to be seen to be close to the public. And it is certainly one of the secrets of a very long, successful reigns.
She has managed to make herself relevant to the public, which is so distanced from her in everyday living, of course. But actually she has always made herself relevant. I think that's one of the ways she does it. And that's her top fitting as a way of marking her 90th, as well.
BARNETT: Yes. And despite of what anyone's views of the royal family, she truly has been a remarkable figure this entire time. Max Foster, live for us in London. And will be live next hour with much more. Max, thanks a lot.
CHURCH: Thanks, Max.
And we also want to bring in royal commentator and royal watcher, Richard Fitzwilliams. He is live in London. Thank you so much for being with us.
BARNETT: Hi there, Richard.
CHURCH: On this historic day, we have to say, it is really incredible, isn't it? Queen Elizabeth reaching this significant milestone. And as a royal expert, talk to us about her reign as queen and what she has achieved so far in her 90 years.
RICHARD FITZWILLIAMS, ROYAL COMMENTATOR: Well, I can say that it's a really historic occasion today. And as to what she has achieved dedication to duty, religious faith, and continuity in a time of change are very, very important. But there's no question how her sense of service. The oath she took in 1947, to serve Britain and the commonwealth her whole life.
They have underpinned a reign, which has been remarkable with her strength and stay, as she called the Duke of Edinburgh, who will also be 95 in June. What she has achieved I think firstly, the commonwealth. It's a loose association of 53 nations.
But without the queen, it might very well not have continued to exist in its present form. She has been so committed to it. And if one looks, for example, of the way the queen has projected soft power, her visit in 2011 to Ireland. I mean, this was truly significant, and it was part of the peace process which has continued.
There's so much that the queen has done in so many ways. And her sense of humor and fun must be mentioned, too. Especially also the magic when you meet her, it's that very, very significant moment, which you will always remember, and she makes it so special.
BARNETT: And, Richard, Errol here. She has really watched over the shrinking of the British Empire. How has she positioned Prince Charles, her grandkids, her great grandkids, how is she leaving the family, so to speak, for the future at a time when people may think that the royal family is outdated?
FITZWILLIAMS: But they don't. It's a very important question. Because a poll a week ago, showed the queen's personal popularity there about 80 percent. Ipsos MORI poll also mentioned that if you asked people, if they wanted an executive president, only 12 percent did, and the republican is 17 percent which is diminutive.
And the popularity, you're absolutely right, of the younger members of the royal family. I mean, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are popular. And the Duchess' popularity has increased in recent years.
But there's no doubt on William and Kate. And also the fascination with George and Charlotte. Not to mention Harry. All of them, popular in their different ways. And I must mention the successful trip to India and Bhutan, of course, by the Cambridge's, as an example.
The most high-profile royal family in the world and the queen has dedicated her life to this institution, to making it relevant.
[03:55:02] And look at the changes, the use of social media, for example, there's no question that she is truly a remarkable person. But that she has also been someone who has had a tremendously successful reign and a memorable one.
CHURCH: And a historic day, as you point out. Many thanks to royal watcher and commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams for talking to us.
BARNETT: Thanks, Richard. Now if you like to know more about the queen, head to cnn.com/royals. And why one historian thinks the sovereign is unsinkable and how she took the monarchy into the modern age.
CHURCH: All right. Well, our next story is about a t-shirt that can avertedly speak in any language. It's printed with nearly 40 icons, tourists can point to, if they don't know how to say something.
BARNETT: OK. Some guys from Switzerland came up with the idea when they had a communication breakdown in Vietnam. The shirt costs $33 online. But if you woke up to me and point your finger, I might point one that back.
CHURCH: And, you know, I can see the benefits. But also you are walking around saying, hey, everyone, I'm a tourist.
BARNETT: I'm a tourist.
CHURCH: I'm a target. I'm a target.
BARNETT: Come look at me.
CHURCH: All right. Another great story. When you are a giant panda, almost everyone finds you adorable, especially when this is how you make your South Korean debut. This cutie pie took several naps, stretched out and licked the taste of an earlier meal.
BARNETT: Hey, go as you do. The 2-year-old female and 3-year-old male are on a research loan by China. It is the first time that South Korea has pandas in over 20 years.
CHURCH: Come on, everyone.
BARNETT: That's nice.
CHURCH: I'm Rosemary Church.
BARNETT: And I'm Errol Barnett.
Please remember, you can always follow us on Twitter any time. We love to hear from you.
CHURCH: And Max Foster is up next with another edition of CNN Newsroom, live from Windsor Castle. Stay with us.
BARNETT: See you next week.
[04:00:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
