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CNN Newsnight Aaron Brown

Dozens Killed in Car Bomb Explosion in Iraq; Blair's Communications Director Resigns; Janklow Charged With Manslaughter

Aired August 29, 2003 - 22:00   ET

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

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


ANDREA KOPPEL, GUEST HOST: Good evening.
Shock and horror and disbelief today in Iraq, dozens are killed as a massive car bomb explodes in the Shiite holy city of Najaf. Someone who witnessed the attack today said this about whoever was behind it, they are not real Iraqis.

The challenge for the White House, however, is made clear by what another witness had to say. There is no order. There is no government, a terrible day for Iraqis and one that, no doubt, complicates the efforts by the U.S. to bring peace.

And, it is in Iraq that we begin the whip tonight. Rym Brahimi is in Baghdad with the story, Rym a headline please.

RYM BRAHIMI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, more than 100 killed in a car bomb attack in Najaf. We'll tell you it's the biggest attack in Iraq and we're going to tell you why this pushes Iraq even further toward the brink of civil discord -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Rym, thank you.

A political shakeup in Britain, part of the scandal involving the so-called dodgy dossier, Robin Oakley is in London with that. Robin, a headline.

ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The walk out by his communications chief, Alastair Campbell, robs Tony Blair of the closest ally he's had over the last nine years. Can Tony Blair manage on his own -- Andrea?

KOPPEL: A defeat of the government in its attempt to try the accused terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui the way it wants. Kelli Arena is on that tonight from Washington, Kelli a headline please.

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, this latest ruling is sure to prompt another showdown between Moussaoui and the government. He's been granted access to two more al Qaeda detainees that he says can clear him of any involvement in the September 11 attacks -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Kelli, thank you.

A Congressman is charged after an accident that left a man dead. Jeff Flock is on that tonight from Chicago, Jeff a headline please. JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, Andrea, everyone in Washington knows who Tom Daschle is but the real heavyweight in South Dakota political circles stands tonight accused of being a very bad driver with a tragic result, which could bring an end to a 30-year very successful political career.

KOPPEL: Jeff, thank you and back with all of you in a moment.

Also coming up tonight on NEWSNIGHT staggering figures about accusations of sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy, we'll look at what the academy is doing about it and talk with one former cadet who says she is one of the victims.

Frank Buckley travels along the so-called corridor of death in Arizona where immigrants gamble with their lives to become Americans and too often lose that gamble.

And, a camp where the crickets have competition in creating nighttime music, Beth Nissen pays a visit to the piano camp.

That is to come but we begin tonight with the tragedy in Iraq and whatever else it is, whatever the great implications turn out to be, whatever the perpetrators had in mind, what happened in Najaf is at the end of the day simply that, a tragedy.

Upwards of 100 dead, many more hurt the bomber or bombers created a scene of enormous human suffering in the name of something. We don't yet know who they are or what that something is but we'll explore the possibilities tonight.

First, though the scene itself and CNN's Ben Wedeman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Terror strikes Shiite Islam's holiest city, the blast caught on amateur video wreaked utter destruction. It went off just after Friday prayers as hundreds of the faithful were streaming out of the Imam Ali Mosque, the Shiites' most sacred shrine.

Among the dead, Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, one of the main Shiite factions vying for power in the post Saddam era.

In Najaf's main hospital wards crammed with the wounded. Hundreds were injured in the blast straining medical services to the limit. Many of the injured have been sent to neighboring cities for treatment.

Shrapnel from the bomb ripped into Abdul Aziz's leg and thigh. He was near Ayatollah Hakim moments before he was killed.

"I saw him come out of the mosque waving to people" Abdul Aziz recalls. "Then he got into his car and a bomb went off. I was suddenly flying through the air and then woke up here in the hospital." The death toll is expected to exceed 100. There's no more room in the hospital's morgue, bodies lined up outside. Najaf has been ridden with tension in recent months and occasionally struck by violence as rival clerical factions vie for power.

(on camera): In his last sermon just before his death, Ayatollah al-Hakim called upon Iraqis to stand united. The bomb that killed him may strain that unity to its limits.

Ben Wedeman CNN, al-Najaf in southern Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: Until this happened with a few notable exceptions this part of Iraq had been running fairly smoothly, a fair share of the credit going to Ayatollah al-Hakim himself and the influence he exercised.

A closer look now, from CNN's Rym Brahimi.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRAHIMI (voice-over): One month after U.S. forces toppled Saddam Hussein's regime, thousands of Shiites gathered in the holy city of Najaf to celebrate the triumphant return of Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim to his birthplace, an emotional reunion with the people he wanted to lead and a prayer after 23 years in exile at the shrine most holy to Shia Muslims in the Imam Ali Mosque.

A prominent Shiite cleric and activist in the '70s, al-Hakim was imprisoned and tortured by the Ba'athist regime. He left for exile in Tehran in 1980, the year that Iraq and Iran began a long and devastating war.

The United States viewed his movement to the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq with mixed feelings. It was both an important pillar of opposition to Saddam Hussein but also close to Iran.

After his return to Iraq in May, al-Hakim had managed a rare political balancing act. He appeased his followers by distancing himself from the occupying power and calling for a withdrawal of the U.S. from Iraq as soon as possible.

But, he also urged Iraqis to give the U.S. a chance to fulfill its promises and allowed his brother and deputy Abdul Aziz al-Hakim to participate in the 25 member governing council appointed by the coalition authority.

Much of Ayatollah al-Hakim's own authority stemmed from his years as an activist who had suffered, as well as many others in his prominent family, at the hands of Saddam Hussein.

But there is plenty of new violence in the new Iraq. Only a few days ago al-Hakim's uncle Mohammed Saeed al-Hakim, another prominent cleric escaped a bomb attack at his office. Three of his bodyguards were killed.

Now, on the Muslim day of rest and prayer, Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim has been killed in front of the shrine where Islam's fourth Kalif, the Prophet Mohammed's cousin, is buried. He becomes the latest and most prominent victim yet of an increasingly volatile and divided Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRAHIMI: Now, beyond the death of the political and religious figure that was al-Hakim, this is very relevant for Iraq at large because this is basically a bomb going off in that area in Najaf, Andrea, is basically like a bomb going off in front of St. Peter's Basilica on a Sunday afternoon right after mass.

As you know, Andrea, the shrine in front of which al-Hakim was killed is the shrine of Imam Ali and Imam Ali himself was killed in the early stages of Islam by people who believed that the leader of all Muslims didn't have to be a direct descendant of the prophet.

Now, the Shia movement came about precisely because Shias believed that Ali was their leader and that as a direct descendant of the prophet. So, it really takes the entire scene, if you will, the entire level of violence to a different degree here in Iraq because the theory is that it will be viewed by Shia Muslims, this attack, as an attack on Shiism itself.

And the fear is, of course, that that will push Iraq further into the risk of triggering potential civil war. It hasn't done so yet but it is a big fear among many people here -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Well, actually that goes into my question, Rym. What is your sense from having lived there, from speaking Arabic, and from talking to Iraqis now in Baghdad? Obviously, the Shiite community is sad and terribly shocked by the Ayatollah's sudden murder but where do you see this playing out in the days ahead? Do you see it coming back to haunt the Americans?

BRAHIMI: Well, in a way it might indeed come back to haunt the Americans, Andrea. It still has a huge potential of destablization not only for Iraqis but, of course, for the Americans who are the occupying force here.

Already, a lot of people among the Iraqis that I spoke to after that terrible car bombing yesterday were saying at the end of the day it's the United States' responsibility. They never planned this properly from the outset.

They planned their war but they never planned the post war Iraq. So, that's the risk there and, of course, a lot of Shias, I'm sure we're going to see a lot of demonstrations in the days to come -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: And that, of course, is the concern for the Americans Rym Brahimi, at a very early hour there in Baghdad, thank you. A bomb went off as well today outside British headquarters in Basra. It wrecked two cars but caused no injuries. It happened just as a political bombshell relating to the war fell in London.

Here's CNN's Robin Oakley.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OAKLEY (voice-over): Out of Downing Street goes the man they've called the real deputy prime minister. Tony Blair's Communications Director Alastair Campbell played a crucial role in Labour's two thumping election victories in 1997 and 2001.

He's been Blair's cheerleader, adviser, and soul mate but, as he used to tell others, when the spin doctor becomes the story it's time to go. Alastair Campbell's been at the heart of claims the government sexed up its dossier on Saddam Hussein's weapons. He'd become the central figure in the government's public fight over the dossier with the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Mr. Angry of the Blair team.

ALASTAIR CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: When allegations are made, when lines are broadcast, when as that letter shows there is not a shred of evidence to substantiate the allegation, they should apologize and then we can move on.

OAKLEY: After grilling Campbell, a committee of lawmakers cleared him of doctoring the dossier on a majority vote and, like Tony Blair, he's had to face the Hutton inquiry into the death of weapons scientist Dr. David Kelly.

Campbell says that in early April he and Mr. Blair agreed he would resign this summer. Now's the time, he says, to see more of his family after a nine year ride on the political roller coaster.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

OAKLEY: Alastair Campbell won't walk out of Tony Blair's life. He remains a friend. He will become an unofficial adviser but, in politics, nobody's irreplaceable and, already, Tony Blair's talking about a new media strategy under Campbell's successor, the former Labour Party Communications Chief David Hill -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Robin, what about Tony Blair, is any of this going to impact his stability in office?

OAKLEY: I don't think there's a threat to Tony Blair's continuance in office. He's had an effective performance himself in front of the Hutton inquiry this week.

Alastair Campbell's departure, though, does really take away from his side a fierce loyalist, a consummate professional, a man who the Hutton inquiry and all the documentation that's been released of it shows is absolutely at the heart of Tony Blair's government.

Every document seems to be copied to Alastair Campbell. He really has been closely in there. Anytime, if you go in to talk to Tony Blair, you'll see Alastair Campbell walking in and out of his room munching an apple, the body language totally comfortable.

Travel on a plane with Tony Blair during an election, Alastair Campbell will be cutting great (unintelligible) out of his speech so this is a real personal loss for Tony Blair.

KOPPEL: Robin Oakley in London thank you.

On now to the war on terrorism and what may turn out to be a serious legal defeat for the government. It concerns Zacarias Moussaoui and the effort to try his case in federal court instead of before a military tribunal.

Tonight it looks like the effort is getting harder, more from CNN's Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA (voice-over): Accused terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui has referred to it as the American system of injustice but things have certainly been going his way in court.

CNN has learned the judge overseeing the case has granted Moussaoui access to two key al Qaeda operatives, including the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks.

The ruling remains under seal but, according to sources who have seen it, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema granted Moussaoui's request for testimony from an al Qaeda leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and alleged al Qaeda financier Mustafa al-Hasawi.

Moussaoui believes the two have information that could clear him of involvement in 9/11. This very issue is already holding up the Moussaoui case. The same judge ruled Moussaoui could have access to another al Qaeda operative Ramzi Binalshibh, who Moussaoui argued could also help clear him.

BRAD BERENSON, FMR. ASSOCIATE WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: From the perspective of the Justice Department and the White House the notion of allowing a federal judge in a criminal case here in the U.S. to interfere in the ongoing terrorism interrogation of a suspect being held abroad by the military is as crazy as allowing a federal judge in the U.S. to determine the order of battle in the Iraq war.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA: The government defied the order to grant access to Binalshibh on the basis that he is being held overseas as an enemy combatant during a war and is undergoing interrogation. Well, the same is true of both Mohammed and al-Hasawi, so the government is likely to appeal this latest ruling as well -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Kelli, what will it take, what is your sense as to what it would take for the Bush administration to decide, you know the heck with going the civil route, we want to bring this before a military tribunal? ARENA: Well, several legal experts and some government officials very privately have said that if a push comes to a shove and they are forced and are given no other option but to produce one of these al Qaeda detainees in this trial that that would be the determining factor, that they would then pluck him out of the court system and put him into the military tribunal system.

Of course, you know Andrea, the Justice Department has tried really hard to prove to the world that it could handle cases like this and so that would be the absolutely last resort but it has held fast against any suggestion that it has to produce any of these people in the middle of an interrogation as long as this war on terrorism continues.

KOPPEL: I was just going to say and the saga continues. Kelli Arena in Washington thank you.

ARENA: You're welcome.

Ahead on NEWSNIGHT for a Friday, more on the Iraq situation with veteran diplomat James Dobbins.

Later, he said he didn't need anyone else's money to run for governor. We'll find out who's contributing anyway to Arnold Schwarzenegger; and, later a place where adults camp out with pianos.

This is NEWSNIGHT.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: More now on today's bombing in Najaf and the death of one of the country's leading clerics. With us tonight from Los Angeles James Dobbins of the Rand Corporation's International Security and Defense Policy Center, Ambassador Dobbins, you believe that today's attack in Najaf was even more serious for U.S. reconstruction efforts than last week's attack at U.N. Headquarters, why?

JAMES DOBBINS, DIR., RAND INTL. SECURITY AND DEFENSE POLICY CENTER: Well, because I think that the attack on U.N. Headquarters was an effort to separate the United States from its external sources of support.

The effect of this attack is to try to drive a wedge between the United States and its internal sources of support within Iraq and, in particular, within the moderate Shia community and that strikes me as an even more deadly blow.

KOPPEL: Obviously, security is a problem right now to say the very least in Iraq. I should also mention that you headed up until you left government recently the five previous efforts of the U.S. government to nation build around the world. What do you think the U.S. needs to be doing to bring security to the country right now?

DOBBINS: Well, I do think that more resources, manpower and money are going to be necessary to establish security throughout Iraq. Now, this can take a variety of forms, more Americans, more international troops, and of course more Iraqis.

The problem with more Americans is first of all we don't have any disposable troops and, secondly, General Abizaid has suggested that this operation is already too American and it needs to be multi -- internationalized.

The problem with more Iraqis is that it's going to take time to train, equip, organize new Iraq security forces to take over a number of these functions. So, I think the emphasis at the moment needs to be on moving quickly to expand the size of the coalition, bring in other nations and increase their participation.

KOPPEL: As you well know that is one option, one idea that the Bush administration is currently exploring with the United Nations but it sounds as if, while they want to keep control not only of the command structure, they also want to keep control over the political and the economic side of things. Why should the U.S. cede some of that control?

DOBBINS: Well, I think the United States is going to be the largest contributor on both the military side and on the economic side and so the United States is going to be in the lead under any arrangement.

But, if we want others to make meaningful contributions, both economically and militarily, we're going to have to offer them a voice in the management of the enterprise that's commensurate with the scale of their contributions. It's as simple as that.

KOPPEL: It sounds as if, I mean, look how long it took for the U.S. and Great Britain to get their troops lined up to head over to Iraq in the first place, if the U.S. is going to get the security situation under control as quickly as possible what does it need to do now and how much time do you think the U.S. has before the Iraqis really start to lose patience?

DOBBINS: Well, I don't know that there's a fixed deadline. Clearly, the situation is continuing to deteriorate. The more it deteriorates the more difficult it is to reverse that situation.

So, we need to move as quickly as we can. We should be, and already are, consulting at the United Nations about a new resolution which would encourage other countries to contribute and, which would give them a voice in the management of the enterprise.

We probably should be conducting the same negotiations at NATO because NATO is a much more capable organization with much more substantial assets when it comes to the military aspects of this operation.

KOPPEL: And it's still unclear, in fact, whether or not the United States wants to seek the U.N.'s role in helping out in Iraq. James Dobbins joining us tonight from California thanks so much.

DOBBINS: A pleasure. KOPPEL: A few more now from around the world starting in Beijing, the six-way North Korean nuclear talks wrapping up today, no major progress and no date set for the next round.

France has revised the death toll in the summer's heat wave. The French government now puts the number at 11,435 dead due to the heat.

And, out in the Atlantic meet Fabian. It's the third hurricane this year. Right now it's a weak storm not heading toward land but forecasters say things could change.

Coming up on NEWSNIGHT, two political stories first the trouble facing South Dakota politician heavyweight Bill Janklow because of a fatal accident.

And then there's who's giving Arnold Schwarzenegger money for his campaign even though he said he didn't need it?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: In South Dakota for the better part of three decades, Congressman Bill Janklow has been a big name in politics. Tonight, however, after a car crash that killed a motorcyclist, Congressman Janklow is a big name on a bill of indictment that could result in his spending ten years in prison, the story tonight from CNN's Jeff Flock.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK (voice-over): South Dakota's Republican political heavyweight gets a grateful hug from the president. Sixteen years as governor, four terms, this was '94, most recently elected the state's only Congressman and a possible challenger to Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

But Janklow's political career may have come to an end on this rural South Dakota road where his car hit and killed this 55-year-old motorcycle rider Randy Scott. The charge is failure to stop, going 71 in a 55, reckless driving, and the big one second degree manslaughter. Janklow, who broke a hand and injured his head in the wreck has had no comment.

CARRIE VANDYKE, SCOTT'S FRIEND: Whatever happens to Janklow, he's going to have to live with it for the rest of his life knowing what happened.

FLOCK: In Randy Scott's Minnesota hometown, his friends who just two weeks ago attended his funeral had plenty to say.

CERRITA SPRIK, SCOTT'S FRIEND: People think it's about time that something got going with the charges and so it took quite a while.

FLOCK: Elected to his first congressional term last year, half of South Dakota now thinks Janklow should resign if convicted. In a poll taken this week before he was charged, another quarter said he should finish his term and retire, just 12 percent said run again.

GOV. MIKE ROUNDS (R), SOUTH DAKOTA: We're a system that's based upon law.

FLOCK: Republican South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds says the powerful Janklow will be treated just like anyone else.

ROUNDS: And, in this particular case the people of South Dakota have to continue to have confidence in the laws.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: Andrea, Bill Janklow is such a powerful politician he often made reference in public to his speeding. We got a copy of the 1999 State of the State Address in South Dakota.

He said: "Bill Janklow speeds when he drives. He shouldn't but he does. When he gets a ticket he pays for it but if somebody had told me I was going to jail for two days for speeding my driving habits would change. I can pay the ticket but I don't want to go to jail" he said.

I guess this is a good time to point out that the maximum penalty for second degree manslaughter in South Dakota is, in fact, ten years in the prison -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Jeff, has anybody given an explanation as to why the Congressman has made no comment and is that making South Dakotans upset that he hasn't said anything?

FLOCK: Well, he apparently is not well. His son has said that he had a head injury from the accident, also broke his hand, and he has been disoriented. So, in fact, some people that talked to him said he didn't really even remember exactly what went on, some people not buying that but that's what his family is saying.

KOPPEL: Well, clearly an upsetting story for all involved. Jeff Flock, thanks for joining us tonight from South Dakota.

On to the California recall race and something Arnold Schwarzenegger made clear from the beginning. He didn't have to fund- raise. But he is. And, apparently, he's good tat, too. It comes, though at a cost. The fund-raising is exposing him to charges that he is no superhero, just a very human politician.

The story now from CNN's Bob Franken.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He was different, said Arnold Schwarzenegger. With all his money, he could afford to be.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: I have my money myself. I am rich enough that I don't have to take anyone's money.

FRANKEN: According to campaign finance details required by the state by Thursday night, Schwarzenegger did plop down $2 million of his own money. But another $1.1 million came from other individuals and corporations, five-figure maximum contributions from grocery chains, health care companies, high-tech firms, the agricultural sector.

And the fund-raising party invitations have gone out, as his opponents are quick to note.

TOM MCCLINTOCK (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: And he pledged that he would not be raising money from special interests and now he's getting money from every special interest in the state.

FRANKEN: Schwarzenegger argues that his special interests are not as special as the others.

SCHWARZENEGGER: It is wrong to take money from, for instance, a union when you later on have to negotiate with that union as a governor. It is it wrong to take money, for instance, from the Native Americans, when you then negotiate with the Native Americans.

FRANKEN: Words that antagonized Native American gambling interests, who are big Democratic contributors in California. Schwarzenegger's explanation was viewed by some political analysts with skepticism.

BOB STERN, CENTER FOR GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES: He now looks like he's a typical politician. And also saying, incredibly to me: I'm not taking special interest money, because it's not money from the labor unions, it's not money from the trial lawyers. It's only money from the corporations.

Well, guess what? Corporations are special interests in California.

FRANKEN (on camera): It's not cheap running a campaign in California, but there are some who believe that, when it comes to his campaign promises, Schwarzenegger should worry about an impression that his talk is cheap.

Bob Franken, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: One more note from the California recall race: some bad news for Republican state Senator Tom McClintock. He won't be included in the official state voters guide, apparently because of a mistake in his paperwork. The state appeals and state Supreme Court ruled against his request to be included. The McClintock team was appealing to higher courts to get him in print before presses roll on Sunday.

As NEWSNIGHT continue: the sexual abuse crisis at the Air Force Academy, where the Pentagon's own survey shows one out of every five female cadets has been sexual assaulted. We'll talk to one victim about life on the inside of the academy and discuss what the Air Force is promising to do to fix the problem.

This is NEWSNIGHT.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: The core value for the Air Force begin like this: integrity first. But the commitment to integrity at the United States Air Force Academy has been seriously questioned over the past year, accusations that female cadets were being sexual assaulted and even punished for coming forward. A new Defense Department survey suggests that the problem is far more pervasive than most of us imagined. And the academy's leadership is trying to make clear that they finally get it.

More now from CNN's Gary Tuchman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The new commandant of Air Force Academy cadets point to a sword to make a point. The weapon has been tarnished, Brigadier General Johnny Weida told some 4,000 cadets.

BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHNNY WEIDA, AIR FORCE ACADEMY: Ladies and gentlemen, if you think we don't have a sexual assault or a sexual harassment problem at the Air Force Academy, your head is in the sand.

TUCHMAN: The General Weida says he does not dispute the preliminary defense department report showing that of 579 female Air Force cadets surveyed, 109 indicate they have been victims of sexual assault in their time in the academy. Which is almost one in five of the women surveyed.

Of those, 109 women, 43 say they were victims of rape or attempted rape. That's over 7 percent of the female cadets surveyed. At this institute where lying, stealing and cheating is not tolerated the General Weida is adamant sexual assault is also on that list.

WEIDA: Then, if they don't get it, they're going to leave.

TUCHMAN: The Brigadier General was brought here to Colorado Springs in large part to help clean up the situation.

WEIDA: There are those that have said all along this is a media creation, that this is a sensationalized issue. This helps, I think, tell everyone this is a problem.

TUCHMAN: Many female cadets say they feel more comfortable now that the issue is being prominently discussed.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There is, you know, stuff going on here that needs to be addressed and we can fix it and we need to do it together as a team.

TUCHMAN: And the Air Force Academy said it is taking the steps to do just that, something it has said in the past also. Time will tell whether the problem will be cleared up once and for all.

Gary Tuchman, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: More reaction now on sexual assault and the culture at the Air Force Academy. We're joined in Denver by Jim Cox, an attorney for cadet rape victims and one of his clients, former Cadet Jessica Brakey, who says she was raped three years ago, but didn't report it until last night.

Welcome to both of you.

JESSICA BRAKEY, FORMER AIR FORCE ACADEMY CADET: Hello.

KOPPEL: Jessica, first of all, I would like to thank you for coming on. I know you are 23 years old and this cannot be easy under any circumstances.

And I understand that you were -- you had just finished your freshman year in the cadet service. This was something you dreamed about all your life. When you were raped by an upperclassman, was the fact that he was an upperclassman one of the intimidating factors? And tell us what happened?

BRAKEY: I was very naive, I guess, as a freshman.

I believed in the system. I thought I was safe. And so it was kind of like one of the situations where he said jump, that being a superior cadet. I said, how high? I didn't question his authority, because I figured he knew what he was doing and I was supposed to be doing what I was supposed to be doing, you know?

And so, when that incident happened to me, it just rocked my whole world. I didn't know what to believe in. I didn't know who to trust. I was scared to report it, because I didn't know what was going to happen to me. So...

KOPPEL: And, in fact, you didn't report it until some time later. Tell us why you eventually came forward. And what was the reaction of your supervisors?

BRAKEY: OK.

When I did eventually come forward to report the rape, it was after I had been meeting with other fellow rape victims in a group therapy-type setting. And what astonished me was the amount of people that were there in there. And what was saddening is that I knew a lot of them. And after listening to their stories and bouncing ideas off of one another, we figured out that there was a huge problem, because either the attackers weren't being pursued -- a lot of these girls were being pushed out of the system.

There was a lot of retribution. There was a lot of intimidation. And there was a lot of fear. And there didn't seem to be anywhere we could turn to get the help that we needed, psychologically or with anything, legally. It just seemed like we were all stuck in a rut and on our way out. And it angered us. So... KOPPEL: What was the reaction, though, when you went to your supervisors and said: Listen, I was raped?

BRAKEY: They immediately started an investigation on me as to whether or not I was fit enough to be a cadet anymore. And they began a mental health investigation.

They got memorandums and documentation from my computer, from my roommates. They quarantined me into my own room within a squad room, which was humiliating. I wasn't allowed to have a roommate, and told me I was no longer commissionable. And just my career went downhill from there.

KOPPEL: And then you left.

Jim, you are Jessica's attorney, among others. And I understand you're suing the Air Force. What is it that you hope to achieve?

JIM COX, ATTORNEY FOR JESSICA BRAKEY: Well, we have not filed any action as yet, although I anticipate that we probably will do that shortly.

We hope to get some recompense, some reimbursement, some compensation for these ladies. But, also, these ladies are united in wanting to achieve something good for the system for the academy. And we hope to be able to do that at the same time. That's something that's very important to these ladies.

KOPPEL: And, Jessica, I was actually a little surprised to understand that you want to be reinstated and that this survey actually was of your class.

BRAKEY: Yes, it was.

I've wanted to be an Air Force officer since fifth grade. And that hasn't stopped me. This is unfortunate, but I feel that I was wronged. And I feel that the Air Force has an opportunity to correct it. I believe I would have made a good officer, because I really did care about other individuals and it was something that I had put so much effort into. So...

KOPPEL: What advice would you have for any young women who are considering applying to go into the Air Force Academy?

BRAKEY: If that's what they really want to do, there shouldn't be anything there to stop them.

And if something happens to them like a sexual assault, they shouldn't be afraid to report it, because reporting it is doing the right thing. And at the Air Force Academy, they want us to do the right thing. That's an important part of being a good Air Force officer. So...

KOPPEL: Well, I can kind of tell you would make a great Air Force officer. And I wish you lots of luck with your legal case and with your attempt to get back in. I want to thank you, Jessica Brakey, and Jim Cox this evening.

COX: Thanks.

BRAKEY: Thank you.

KOPPEL: Ahead on NEWSNIGHT: trying to save lives along the U.S.- Mexican border. We'll go on patrol with a special U.S. team trying to keep illegal aliens from dying in the Arizona desert.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: It's hard not to feel sympathy, even if they are trying to evade the law, the immigrants who risk their lives to give themselves and often their kids a better life in the United States. One place of extreme danger is a stretch of Arizona known as the corridor of death.

Frank Buckley recently traveled the corridor with the people trying to help the immigrants, help them not to become Americans, but to stay alive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): We're on the road with Bravo 2.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One reported left behind the night before.

BUCKLEY: This is Kelly Kirby of the U.S. Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team, known as BORSTAR. We were with BORSTAR on what would turn out to be their worst day in the summer.

These two illegal immigrants rescued by border agents among the lucky ones -- they only had blistered feet and dehydration. But they would live. Five other men and women would die during our two days with BORSTAR, this man among them, found inside the U.S. some 40 miles from the border, but nowhere near any water or help when temperatures rose to 110 degrees.

KELLY KIRBY, BORSTAR DEPUTY COMMANDER: He was that overheated, that dehydrated. He got up on the tree, tried to get shade. And you saw where he was attempting to break limbs to make some cover. And that's where he passed.

BUCKLEY: Last year, 134 people died in this so-called corridor of death near Tucson, Arizona, where illegal immigrants try to walk from Mexico to a better life.

(on camera): And they travel across very difficult terrain. There are pads in some places. But, for the most part, the land is like this. It's very raw. On top of that, of course, you have the desert heat. Many people escape that midday heat, though, by traveling at night and sleeping by day. You find throughout the area makeshift shelters like this one. In this case, next to the shelter was some standing water. (voice-over): It's filthy water left for cattle and it's the only water the illegal immigrants can expect to find on journeys that last up to four days.

This woman told us she did it because she has five children to feed. BORSTAR agents are Border Patrol agents first, rescuers second. They track those who need help, even if it takes them into the desert in the middle of the night.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Potentially group of 50 that's missing.

BUCKLEY: Their ironic job, to save the lives of illegal immigrants, then send them back. They are armed with guns, but trained to save lives. On this night, however, the agents would find a heartbreaking scene, an 18-year-old woman dead, her husband crying over her body.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Her husband was just basically over top of her, basically -- I think he was probably comforting her to the very end.

BUCKLEY: But then he was taken into custody. He's in the back of this van. By dawn, he'll be back in Mexico.

Frank Buckley, CNN, Tucson, Arizona.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: It is incredible to see what some people will do to try to get to this country.

A quick look now at some other stories making news around the country tonight, first, the latest legal chapter in the Ten Commandments story, a federal judge saying today, the state of Alabama is now in compliance with orders to remove the monument from the rotunda of the state courthouse.

Next to Hopkins, Minnesota. Perhaps you've heard of it. If not, you have now. Hopkins is home to 18-year-old Jeffrey Lee Parson. He was arrested today and charged with letting a computer worm that infected about 7,000 computers on the net. This is a federal rap for young Mr. Parson, who is under house arrest. If convicted, he could get up to 10 years in the pen.

And finally to New Haven, Connecticut, where striking workers greeted students returning to Yale University. Among the parents dropping their kids off today was presidential candidate Howard Dean, who briefly spoke with picketers.

Next on NEWSNIGHT, segment seven goes to camp. And the only way to get there is practice, practice, practice.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: And finally tonight, what they did on their summer vacation, a story about a camp that's actually open year-round, where kids and adults can go and play to their heart's content, a place where playing doesn't involve scraped knees or a case of poison ivy.

Here's NEWSNIGHT's Beth Nissen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BETH NISSEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Welcome to camp in the green mountains of Vermont, piano camp for grownups, 24 of them, who come for a week to 10 days to play and play and play.

POLLY VAN DER LINDE, DIRECTOR, SONATA PIANO PROGRAM: There's something about being under one roof where everyone is doing the same thing, basically this focus on the piano, that makes magic things happen. I don't know how else to describe it.

NISSEN: Magic might account for the appearance of pianos almost everywhere in this century-old house. There are pianos in upstairs dorm rooms and the downstairs rec room, pianos at the top of the stairs, on the landings, and at the bottom of stairs, even one tucked beneath the stairs in a space just big enough for an upright, but hardly to stand upright.

There's a piano out on the front porch and one parked in the garage, one next to the wet towels in the laundry room, one under folded towels in the linen closet, 26 pianos in all, many playing at once, audible through the walls, ceilings, and floors.

VAN DER LINDE: It's very distracting to participants who are not used to that. But, as they go through the days, they do learn to really focus on their own playing.

NISSEN: Playing that is at all levels, from "Chopsticks" to Rachmaninov.

Camper Frank Bunn (ph), professor of hematology at Harvard Medical School, is advanced enough to play Schumann. Bob Sergeant (ph), a Somerville, Massachusetts, chef is more of a beginner, working on simple chords.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm 41 now, and I started when I was 38. And my reasoning was, if I start when I'm 38 and I make slow progress, I'll be an intermediate player who can be serviceable by the time I'm 50 or 60.

NISSEN: Most campers are childhood refugees from the piano, like Debra Schnell (ph), an Army lieutenant colonel who works at the Pentagon.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I guess I was one of those adults who had six weeks of lessons when they were kids, hated it, rebelled, and then regretted it for the next 40-odd years.

NISSEN: Three years ago, she went back to the piano, started taking lessons, struggled to find time, between work and family, to practice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Fighting in practices, and it's not something that's easy to fit into the usual daily routines.

NISSEN: But at camp, the daily routine is keyed to the piano. After breakfast, campers have music theory classes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's certain cadences that happen.

NISSEN: Then practice time. After lunch, campers get one-on-one instruction and encouragement.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was great.

NISSEN: Then practice time.

Camp director Polly van der Linde, herself a concert pianist, gives afternoon master classes.

VAN DER LINDE: Take your time and you can start to gradually enjoy. There has got to be pain on that chord.

NISSEN: She helps an accomplished player with phrase expression. She helps a beginner play cross-hand.

VAN DER LINDE: You have to have your eyes ahead of where your hand is. Yes. See how quick that was. That was amazing.

NISSEN: After class, practice time.

Campers practice a minimum of four and as much as eight hours each day, no interruptions.

VAN DER LINDE: They just want that focus away from telephones and fax machines. And I think that's why they enjoy coming so much, because they can really focus on what they really love to do.

NISSEN: So many love camp that they return year after year. The waiting list is three years long for newcomers who want to join veteran campers, who want to play etudes all morning and nocturnes all night, who want to play the piano, play it better, make music by hand.

Beth Nissen, CNN, Bennington, Vermont.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: Now we all have an idea as to what we can do next summer vacation.

But for all us here at NEWSNIGHT, we hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, as you enjoy the last weekend of this summer. Good night.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com





Communications Director Resigns; Janklow Charged With Manslaughter>


Aired August 29, 2003 - 22:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDREA KOPPEL, GUEST HOST: Good evening.
Shock and horror and disbelief today in Iraq, dozens are killed as a massive car bomb explodes in the Shiite holy city of Najaf. Someone who witnessed the attack today said this about whoever was behind it, they are not real Iraqis.

The challenge for the White House, however, is made clear by what another witness had to say. There is no order. There is no government, a terrible day for Iraqis and one that, no doubt, complicates the efforts by the U.S. to bring peace.

And, it is in Iraq that we begin the whip tonight. Rym Brahimi is in Baghdad with the story, Rym a headline please.

RYM BRAHIMI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, more than 100 killed in a car bomb attack in Najaf. We'll tell you it's the biggest attack in Iraq and we're going to tell you why this pushes Iraq even further toward the brink of civil discord -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Rym, thank you.

A political shakeup in Britain, part of the scandal involving the so-called dodgy dossier, Robin Oakley is in London with that. Robin, a headline.

ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The walk out by his communications chief, Alastair Campbell, robs Tony Blair of the closest ally he's had over the last nine years. Can Tony Blair manage on his own -- Andrea?

KOPPEL: A defeat of the government in its attempt to try the accused terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui the way it wants. Kelli Arena is on that tonight from Washington, Kelli a headline please.

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, this latest ruling is sure to prompt another showdown between Moussaoui and the government. He's been granted access to two more al Qaeda detainees that he says can clear him of any involvement in the September 11 attacks -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Kelli, thank you.

A Congressman is charged after an accident that left a man dead. Jeff Flock is on that tonight from Chicago, Jeff a headline please. JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, Andrea, everyone in Washington knows who Tom Daschle is but the real heavyweight in South Dakota political circles stands tonight accused of being a very bad driver with a tragic result, which could bring an end to a 30-year very successful political career.

KOPPEL: Jeff, thank you and back with all of you in a moment.

Also coming up tonight on NEWSNIGHT staggering figures about accusations of sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy, we'll look at what the academy is doing about it and talk with one former cadet who says she is one of the victims.

Frank Buckley travels along the so-called corridor of death in Arizona where immigrants gamble with their lives to become Americans and too often lose that gamble.

And, a camp where the crickets have competition in creating nighttime music, Beth Nissen pays a visit to the piano camp.

That is to come but we begin tonight with the tragedy in Iraq and whatever else it is, whatever the great implications turn out to be, whatever the perpetrators had in mind, what happened in Najaf is at the end of the day simply that, a tragedy.

Upwards of 100 dead, many more hurt the bomber or bombers created a scene of enormous human suffering in the name of something. We don't yet know who they are or what that something is but we'll explore the possibilities tonight.

First, though the scene itself and CNN's Ben Wedeman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Terror strikes Shiite Islam's holiest city, the blast caught on amateur video wreaked utter destruction. It went off just after Friday prayers as hundreds of the faithful were streaming out of the Imam Ali Mosque, the Shiites' most sacred shrine.

Among the dead, Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, one of the main Shiite factions vying for power in the post Saddam era.

In Najaf's main hospital wards crammed with the wounded. Hundreds were injured in the blast straining medical services to the limit. Many of the injured have been sent to neighboring cities for treatment.

Shrapnel from the bomb ripped into Abdul Aziz's leg and thigh. He was near Ayatollah Hakim moments before he was killed.

"I saw him come out of the mosque waving to people" Abdul Aziz recalls. "Then he got into his car and a bomb went off. I was suddenly flying through the air and then woke up here in the hospital." The death toll is expected to exceed 100. There's no more room in the hospital's morgue, bodies lined up outside. Najaf has been ridden with tension in recent months and occasionally struck by violence as rival clerical factions vie for power.

(on camera): In his last sermon just before his death, Ayatollah al-Hakim called upon Iraqis to stand united. The bomb that killed him may strain that unity to its limits.

Ben Wedeman CNN, al-Najaf in southern Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: Until this happened with a few notable exceptions this part of Iraq had been running fairly smoothly, a fair share of the credit going to Ayatollah al-Hakim himself and the influence he exercised.

A closer look now, from CNN's Rym Brahimi.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRAHIMI (voice-over): One month after U.S. forces toppled Saddam Hussein's regime, thousands of Shiites gathered in the holy city of Najaf to celebrate the triumphant return of Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim to his birthplace, an emotional reunion with the people he wanted to lead and a prayer after 23 years in exile at the shrine most holy to Shia Muslims in the Imam Ali Mosque.

A prominent Shiite cleric and activist in the '70s, al-Hakim was imprisoned and tortured by the Ba'athist regime. He left for exile in Tehran in 1980, the year that Iraq and Iran began a long and devastating war.

The United States viewed his movement to the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq with mixed feelings. It was both an important pillar of opposition to Saddam Hussein but also close to Iran.

After his return to Iraq in May, al-Hakim had managed a rare political balancing act. He appeased his followers by distancing himself from the occupying power and calling for a withdrawal of the U.S. from Iraq as soon as possible.

But, he also urged Iraqis to give the U.S. a chance to fulfill its promises and allowed his brother and deputy Abdul Aziz al-Hakim to participate in the 25 member governing council appointed by the coalition authority.

Much of Ayatollah al-Hakim's own authority stemmed from his years as an activist who had suffered, as well as many others in his prominent family, at the hands of Saddam Hussein.

But there is plenty of new violence in the new Iraq. Only a few days ago al-Hakim's uncle Mohammed Saeed al-Hakim, another prominent cleric escaped a bomb attack at his office. Three of his bodyguards were killed.

Now, on the Muslim day of rest and prayer, Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim has been killed in front of the shrine where Islam's fourth Kalif, the Prophet Mohammed's cousin, is buried. He becomes the latest and most prominent victim yet of an increasingly volatile and divided Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRAHIMI: Now, beyond the death of the political and religious figure that was al-Hakim, this is very relevant for Iraq at large because this is basically a bomb going off in that area in Najaf, Andrea, is basically like a bomb going off in front of St. Peter's Basilica on a Sunday afternoon right after mass.

As you know, Andrea, the shrine in front of which al-Hakim was killed is the shrine of Imam Ali and Imam Ali himself was killed in the early stages of Islam by people who believed that the leader of all Muslims didn't have to be a direct descendant of the prophet.

Now, the Shia movement came about precisely because Shias believed that Ali was their leader and that as a direct descendant of the prophet. So, it really takes the entire scene, if you will, the entire level of violence to a different degree here in Iraq because the theory is that it will be viewed by Shia Muslims, this attack, as an attack on Shiism itself.

And the fear is, of course, that that will push Iraq further into the risk of triggering potential civil war. It hasn't done so yet but it is a big fear among many people here -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Well, actually that goes into my question, Rym. What is your sense from having lived there, from speaking Arabic, and from talking to Iraqis now in Baghdad? Obviously, the Shiite community is sad and terribly shocked by the Ayatollah's sudden murder but where do you see this playing out in the days ahead? Do you see it coming back to haunt the Americans?

BRAHIMI: Well, in a way it might indeed come back to haunt the Americans, Andrea. It still has a huge potential of destablization not only for Iraqis but, of course, for the Americans who are the occupying force here.

Already, a lot of people among the Iraqis that I spoke to after that terrible car bombing yesterday were saying at the end of the day it's the United States' responsibility. They never planned this properly from the outset.

They planned their war but they never planned the post war Iraq. So, that's the risk there and, of course, a lot of Shias, I'm sure we're going to see a lot of demonstrations in the days to come -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: And that, of course, is the concern for the Americans Rym Brahimi, at a very early hour there in Baghdad, thank you. A bomb went off as well today outside British headquarters in Basra. It wrecked two cars but caused no injuries. It happened just as a political bombshell relating to the war fell in London.

Here's CNN's Robin Oakley.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OAKLEY (voice-over): Out of Downing Street goes the man they've called the real deputy prime minister. Tony Blair's Communications Director Alastair Campbell played a crucial role in Labour's two thumping election victories in 1997 and 2001.

He's been Blair's cheerleader, adviser, and soul mate but, as he used to tell others, when the spin doctor becomes the story it's time to go. Alastair Campbell's been at the heart of claims the government sexed up its dossier on Saddam Hussein's weapons. He'd become the central figure in the government's public fight over the dossier with the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Mr. Angry of the Blair team.

ALASTAIR CAMPBELL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: When allegations are made, when lines are broadcast, when as that letter shows there is not a shred of evidence to substantiate the allegation, they should apologize and then we can move on.

OAKLEY: After grilling Campbell, a committee of lawmakers cleared him of doctoring the dossier on a majority vote and, like Tony Blair, he's had to face the Hutton inquiry into the death of weapons scientist Dr. David Kelly.

Campbell says that in early April he and Mr. Blair agreed he would resign this summer. Now's the time, he says, to see more of his family after a nine year ride on the political roller coaster.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

OAKLEY: Alastair Campbell won't walk out of Tony Blair's life. He remains a friend. He will become an unofficial adviser but, in politics, nobody's irreplaceable and, already, Tony Blair's talking about a new media strategy under Campbell's successor, the former Labour Party Communications Chief David Hill -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Robin, what about Tony Blair, is any of this going to impact his stability in office?

OAKLEY: I don't think there's a threat to Tony Blair's continuance in office. He's had an effective performance himself in front of the Hutton inquiry this week.

Alastair Campbell's departure, though, does really take away from his side a fierce loyalist, a consummate professional, a man who the Hutton inquiry and all the documentation that's been released of it shows is absolutely at the heart of Tony Blair's government.

Every document seems to be copied to Alastair Campbell. He really has been closely in there. Anytime, if you go in to talk to Tony Blair, you'll see Alastair Campbell walking in and out of his room munching an apple, the body language totally comfortable.

Travel on a plane with Tony Blair during an election, Alastair Campbell will be cutting great (unintelligible) out of his speech so this is a real personal loss for Tony Blair.

KOPPEL: Robin Oakley in London thank you.

On now to the war on terrorism and what may turn out to be a serious legal defeat for the government. It concerns Zacarias Moussaoui and the effort to try his case in federal court instead of before a military tribunal.

Tonight it looks like the effort is getting harder, more from CNN's Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA (voice-over): Accused terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui has referred to it as the American system of injustice but things have certainly been going his way in court.

CNN has learned the judge overseeing the case has granted Moussaoui access to two key al Qaeda operatives, including the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks.

The ruling remains under seal but, according to sources who have seen it, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema granted Moussaoui's request for testimony from an al Qaeda leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and alleged al Qaeda financier Mustafa al-Hasawi.

Moussaoui believes the two have information that could clear him of involvement in 9/11. This very issue is already holding up the Moussaoui case. The same judge ruled Moussaoui could have access to another al Qaeda operative Ramzi Binalshibh, who Moussaoui argued could also help clear him.

BRAD BERENSON, FMR. ASSOCIATE WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: From the perspective of the Justice Department and the White House the notion of allowing a federal judge in a criminal case here in the U.S. to interfere in the ongoing terrorism interrogation of a suspect being held abroad by the military is as crazy as allowing a federal judge in the U.S. to determine the order of battle in the Iraq war.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ARENA: The government defied the order to grant access to Binalshibh on the basis that he is being held overseas as an enemy combatant during a war and is undergoing interrogation. Well, the same is true of both Mohammed and al-Hasawi, so the government is likely to appeal this latest ruling as well -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Kelli, what will it take, what is your sense as to what it would take for the Bush administration to decide, you know the heck with going the civil route, we want to bring this before a military tribunal? ARENA: Well, several legal experts and some government officials very privately have said that if a push comes to a shove and they are forced and are given no other option but to produce one of these al Qaeda detainees in this trial that that would be the determining factor, that they would then pluck him out of the court system and put him into the military tribunal system.

Of course, you know Andrea, the Justice Department has tried really hard to prove to the world that it could handle cases like this and so that would be the absolutely last resort but it has held fast against any suggestion that it has to produce any of these people in the middle of an interrogation as long as this war on terrorism continues.

KOPPEL: I was just going to say and the saga continues. Kelli Arena in Washington thank you.

ARENA: You're welcome.

Ahead on NEWSNIGHT for a Friday, more on the Iraq situation with veteran diplomat James Dobbins.

Later, he said he didn't need anyone else's money to run for governor. We'll find out who's contributing anyway to Arnold Schwarzenegger; and, later a place where adults camp out with pianos.

This is NEWSNIGHT.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: More now on today's bombing in Najaf and the death of one of the country's leading clerics. With us tonight from Los Angeles James Dobbins of the Rand Corporation's International Security and Defense Policy Center, Ambassador Dobbins, you believe that today's attack in Najaf was even more serious for U.S. reconstruction efforts than last week's attack at U.N. Headquarters, why?

JAMES DOBBINS, DIR., RAND INTL. SECURITY AND DEFENSE POLICY CENTER: Well, because I think that the attack on U.N. Headquarters was an effort to separate the United States from its external sources of support.

The effect of this attack is to try to drive a wedge between the United States and its internal sources of support within Iraq and, in particular, within the moderate Shia community and that strikes me as an even more deadly blow.

KOPPEL: Obviously, security is a problem right now to say the very least in Iraq. I should also mention that you headed up until you left government recently the five previous efforts of the U.S. government to nation build around the world. What do you think the U.S. needs to be doing to bring security to the country right now?

DOBBINS: Well, I do think that more resources, manpower and money are going to be necessary to establish security throughout Iraq. Now, this can take a variety of forms, more Americans, more international troops, and of course more Iraqis.

The problem with more Americans is first of all we don't have any disposable troops and, secondly, General Abizaid has suggested that this operation is already too American and it needs to be multi -- internationalized.

The problem with more Iraqis is that it's going to take time to train, equip, organize new Iraq security forces to take over a number of these functions. So, I think the emphasis at the moment needs to be on moving quickly to expand the size of the coalition, bring in other nations and increase their participation.

KOPPEL: As you well know that is one option, one idea that the Bush administration is currently exploring with the United Nations but it sounds as if, while they want to keep control not only of the command structure, they also want to keep control over the political and the economic side of things. Why should the U.S. cede some of that control?

DOBBINS: Well, I think the United States is going to be the largest contributor on both the military side and on the economic side and so the United States is going to be in the lead under any arrangement.

But, if we want others to make meaningful contributions, both economically and militarily, we're going to have to offer them a voice in the management of the enterprise that's commensurate with the scale of their contributions. It's as simple as that.

KOPPEL: It sounds as if, I mean, look how long it took for the U.S. and Great Britain to get their troops lined up to head over to Iraq in the first place, if the U.S. is going to get the security situation under control as quickly as possible what does it need to do now and how much time do you think the U.S. has before the Iraqis really start to lose patience?

DOBBINS: Well, I don't know that there's a fixed deadline. Clearly, the situation is continuing to deteriorate. The more it deteriorates the more difficult it is to reverse that situation.

So, we need to move as quickly as we can. We should be, and already are, consulting at the United Nations about a new resolution which would encourage other countries to contribute and, which would give them a voice in the management of the enterprise.

We probably should be conducting the same negotiations at NATO because NATO is a much more capable organization with much more substantial assets when it comes to the military aspects of this operation.

KOPPEL: And it's still unclear, in fact, whether or not the United States wants to seek the U.N.'s role in helping out in Iraq. James Dobbins joining us tonight from California thanks so much.

DOBBINS: A pleasure. KOPPEL: A few more now from around the world starting in Beijing, the six-way North Korean nuclear talks wrapping up today, no major progress and no date set for the next round.

France has revised the death toll in the summer's heat wave. The French government now puts the number at 11,435 dead due to the heat.

And, out in the Atlantic meet Fabian. It's the third hurricane this year. Right now it's a weak storm not heading toward land but forecasters say things could change.

Coming up on NEWSNIGHT, two political stories first the trouble facing South Dakota politician heavyweight Bill Janklow because of a fatal accident.

And then there's who's giving Arnold Schwarzenegger money for his campaign even though he said he didn't need it?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: In South Dakota for the better part of three decades, Congressman Bill Janklow has been a big name in politics. Tonight, however, after a car crash that killed a motorcyclist, Congressman Janklow is a big name on a bill of indictment that could result in his spending ten years in prison, the story tonight from CNN's Jeff Flock.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK (voice-over): South Dakota's Republican political heavyweight gets a grateful hug from the president. Sixteen years as governor, four terms, this was '94, most recently elected the state's only Congressman and a possible challenger to Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

But Janklow's political career may have come to an end on this rural South Dakota road where his car hit and killed this 55-year-old motorcycle rider Randy Scott. The charge is failure to stop, going 71 in a 55, reckless driving, and the big one second degree manslaughter. Janklow, who broke a hand and injured his head in the wreck has had no comment.

CARRIE VANDYKE, SCOTT'S FRIEND: Whatever happens to Janklow, he's going to have to live with it for the rest of his life knowing what happened.

FLOCK: In Randy Scott's Minnesota hometown, his friends who just two weeks ago attended his funeral had plenty to say.

CERRITA SPRIK, SCOTT'S FRIEND: People think it's about time that something got going with the charges and so it took quite a while.

FLOCK: Elected to his first congressional term last year, half of South Dakota now thinks Janklow should resign if convicted. In a poll taken this week before he was charged, another quarter said he should finish his term and retire, just 12 percent said run again.

GOV. MIKE ROUNDS (R), SOUTH DAKOTA: We're a system that's based upon law.

FLOCK: Republican South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds says the powerful Janklow will be treated just like anyone else.

ROUNDS: And, in this particular case the people of South Dakota have to continue to have confidence in the laws.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLOCK: Andrea, Bill Janklow is such a powerful politician he often made reference in public to his speeding. We got a copy of the 1999 State of the State Address in South Dakota.

He said: "Bill Janklow speeds when he drives. He shouldn't but he does. When he gets a ticket he pays for it but if somebody had told me I was going to jail for two days for speeding my driving habits would change. I can pay the ticket but I don't want to go to jail" he said.

I guess this is a good time to point out that the maximum penalty for second degree manslaughter in South Dakota is, in fact, ten years in the prison -- Andrea.

KOPPEL: Jeff, has anybody given an explanation as to why the Congressman has made no comment and is that making South Dakotans upset that he hasn't said anything?

FLOCK: Well, he apparently is not well. His son has said that he had a head injury from the accident, also broke his hand, and he has been disoriented. So, in fact, some people that talked to him said he didn't really even remember exactly what went on, some people not buying that but that's what his family is saying.

KOPPEL: Well, clearly an upsetting story for all involved. Jeff Flock, thanks for joining us tonight from South Dakota.

On to the California recall race and something Arnold Schwarzenegger made clear from the beginning. He didn't have to fund- raise. But he is. And, apparently, he's good tat, too. It comes, though at a cost. The fund-raising is exposing him to charges that he is no superhero, just a very human politician.

The story now from CNN's Bob Franken.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He was different, said Arnold Schwarzenegger. With all his money, he could afford to be.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: I have my money myself. I am rich enough that I don't have to take anyone's money.

FRANKEN: According to campaign finance details required by the state by Thursday night, Schwarzenegger did plop down $2 million of his own money. But another $1.1 million came from other individuals and corporations, five-figure maximum contributions from grocery chains, health care companies, high-tech firms, the agricultural sector.

And the fund-raising party invitations have gone out, as his opponents are quick to note.

TOM MCCLINTOCK (R), CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE: And he pledged that he would not be raising money from special interests and now he's getting money from every special interest in the state.

FRANKEN: Schwarzenegger argues that his special interests are not as special as the others.

SCHWARZENEGGER: It is wrong to take money from, for instance, a union when you later on have to negotiate with that union as a governor. It is it wrong to take money, for instance, from the Native Americans, when you then negotiate with the Native Americans.

FRANKEN: Words that antagonized Native American gambling interests, who are big Democratic contributors in California. Schwarzenegger's explanation was viewed by some political analysts with skepticism.

BOB STERN, CENTER FOR GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES: He now looks like he's a typical politician. And also saying, incredibly to me: I'm not taking special interest money, because it's not money from the labor unions, it's not money from the trial lawyers. It's only money from the corporations.

Well, guess what? Corporations are special interests in California.

FRANKEN (on camera): It's not cheap running a campaign in California, but there are some who believe that, when it comes to his campaign promises, Schwarzenegger should worry about an impression that his talk is cheap.

Bob Franken, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: One more note from the California recall race: some bad news for Republican state Senator Tom McClintock. He won't be included in the official state voters guide, apparently because of a mistake in his paperwork. The state appeals and state Supreme Court ruled against his request to be included. The McClintock team was appealing to higher courts to get him in print before presses roll on Sunday.

As NEWSNIGHT continue: the sexual abuse crisis at the Air Force Academy, where the Pentagon's own survey shows one out of every five female cadets has been sexual assaulted. We'll talk to one victim about life on the inside of the academy and discuss what the Air Force is promising to do to fix the problem.

This is NEWSNIGHT.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: The core value for the Air Force begin like this: integrity first. But the commitment to integrity at the United States Air Force Academy has been seriously questioned over the past year, accusations that female cadets were being sexual assaulted and even punished for coming forward. A new Defense Department survey suggests that the problem is far more pervasive than most of us imagined. And the academy's leadership is trying to make clear that they finally get it.

More now from CNN's Gary Tuchman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The new commandant of Air Force Academy cadets point to a sword to make a point. The weapon has been tarnished, Brigadier General Johnny Weida told some 4,000 cadets.

BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHNNY WEIDA, AIR FORCE ACADEMY: Ladies and gentlemen, if you think we don't have a sexual assault or a sexual harassment problem at the Air Force Academy, your head is in the sand.

TUCHMAN: The General Weida says he does not dispute the preliminary defense department report showing that of 579 female Air Force cadets surveyed, 109 indicate they have been victims of sexual assault in their time in the academy. Which is almost one in five of the women surveyed.

Of those, 109 women, 43 say they were victims of rape or attempted rape. That's over 7 percent of the female cadets surveyed. At this institute where lying, stealing and cheating is not tolerated the General Weida is adamant sexual assault is also on that list.

WEIDA: Then, if they don't get it, they're going to leave.

TUCHMAN: The Brigadier General was brought here to Colorado Springs in large part to help clean up the situation.

WEIDA: There are those that have said all along this is a media creation, that this is a sensationalized issue. This helps, I think, tell everyone this is a problem.

TUCHMAN: Many female cadets say they feel more comfortable now that the issue is being prominently discussed.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There is, you know, stuff going on here that needs to be addressed and we can fix it and we need to do it together as a team.

TUCHMAN: And the Air Force Academy said it is taking the steps to do just that, something it has said in the past also. Time will tell whether the problem will be cleared up once and for all.

Gary Tuchman, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: More reaction now on sexual assault and the culture at the Air Force Academy. We're joined in Denver by Jim Cox, an attorney for cadet rape victims and one of his clients, former Cadet Jessica Brakey, who says she was raped three years ago, but didn't report it until last night.

Welcome to both of you.

JESSICA BRAKEY, FORMER AIR FORCE ACADEMY CADET: Hello.

KOPPEL: Jessica, first of all, I would like to thank you for coming on. I know you are 23 years old and this cannot be easy under any circumstances.

And I understand that you were -- you had just finished your freshman year in the cadet service. This was something you dreamed about all your life. When you were raped by an upperclassman, was the fact that he was an upperclassman one of the intimidating factors? And tell us what happened?

BRAKEY: I was very naive, I guess, as a freshman.

I believed in the system. I thought I was safe. And so it was kind of like one of the situations where he said jump, that being a superior cadet. I said, how high? I didn't question his authority, because I figured he knew what he was doing and I was supposed to be doing what I was supposed to be doing, you know?

And so, when that incident happened to me, it just rocked my whole world. I didn't know what to believe in. I didn't know who to trust. I was scared to report it, because I didn't know what was going to happen to me. So...

KOPPEL: And, in fact, you didn't report it until some time later. Tell us why you eventually came forward. And what was the reaction of your supervisors?

BRAKEY: OK.

When I did eventually come forward to report the rape, it was after I had been meeting with other fellow rape victims in a group therapy-type setting. And what astonished me was the amount of people that were there in there. And what was saddening is that I knew a lot of them. And after listening to their stories and bouncing ideas off of one another, we figured out that there was a huge problem, because either the attackers weren't being pursued -- a lot of these girls were being pushed out of the system.

There was a lot of retribution. There was a lot of intimidation. And there was a lot of fear. And there didn't seem to be anywhere we could turn to get the help that we needed, psychologically or with anything, legally. It just seemed like we were all stuck in a rut and on our way out. And it angered us. So... KOPPEL: What was the reaction, though, when you went to your supervisors and said: Listen, I was raped?

BRAKEY: They immediately started an investigation on me as to whether or not I was fit enough to be a cadet anymore. And they began a mental health investigation.

They got memorandums and documentation from my computer, from my roommates. They quarantined me into my own room within a squad room, which was humiliating. I wasn't allowed to have a roommate, and told me I was no longer commissionable. And just my career went downhill from there.

KOPPEL: And then you left.

Jim, you are Jessica's attorney, among others. And I understand you're suing the Air Force. What is it that you hope to achieve?

JIM COX, ATTORNEY FOR JESSICA BRAKEY: Well, we have not filed any action as yet, although I anticipate that we probably will do that shortly.

We hope to get some recompense, some reimbursement, some compensation for these ladies. But, also, these ladies are united in wanting to achieve something good for the system for the academy. And we hope to be able to do that at the same time. That's something that's very important to these ladies.

KOPPEL: And, Jessica, I was actually a little surprised to understand that you want to be reinstated and that this survey actually was of your class.

BRAKEY: Yes, it was.

I've wanted to be an Air Force officer since fifth grade. And that hasn't stopped me. This is unfortunate, but I feel that I was wronged. And I feel that the Air Force has an opportunity to correct it. I believe I would have made a good officer, because I really did care about other individuals and it was something that I had put so much effort into. So...

KOPPEL: What advice would you have for any young women who are considering applying to go into the Air Force Academy?

BRAKEY: If that's what they really want to do, there shouldn't be anything there to stop them.

And if something happens to them like a sexual assault, they shouldn't be afraid to report it, because reporting it is doing the right thing. And at the Air Force Academy, they want us to do the right thing. That's an important part of being a good Air Force officer. So...

KOPPEL: Well, I can kind of tell you would make a great Air Force officer. And I wish you lots of luck with your legal case and with your attempt to get back in. I want to thank you, Jessica Brakey, and Jim Cox this evening.

COX: Thanks.

BRAKEY: Thank you.

KOPPEL: Ahead on NEWSNIGHT: trying to save lives along the U.S.- Mexican border. We'll go on patrol with a special U.S. team trying to keep illegal aliens from dying in the Arizona desert.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: It's hard not to feel sympathy, even if they are trying to evade the law, the immigrants who risk their lives to give themselves and often their kids a better life in the United States. One place of extreme danger is a stretch of Arizona known as the corridor of death.

Frank Buckley recently traveled the corridor with the people trying to help the immigrants, help them not to become Americans, but to stay alive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): We're on the road with Bravo 2.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One reported left behind the night before.

BUCKLEY: This is Kelly Kirby of the U.S. Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team, known as BORSTAR. We were with BORSTAR on what would turn out to be their worst day in the summer.

These two illegal immigrants rescued by border agents among the lucky ones -- they only had blistered feet and dehydration. But they would live. Five other men and women would die during our two days with BORSTAR, this man among them, found inside the U.S. some 40 miles from the border, but nowhere near any water or help when temperatures rose to 110 degrees.

KELLY KIRBY, BORSTAR DEPUTY COMMANDER: He was that overheated, that dehydrated. He got up on the tree, tried to get shade. And you saw where he was attempting to break limbs to make some cover. And that's where he passed.

BUCKLEY: Last year, 134 people died in this so-called corridor of death near Tucson, Arizona, where illegal immigrants try to walk from Mexico to a better life.

(on camera): And they travel across very difficult terrain. There are pads in some places. But, for the most part, the land is like this. It's very raw. On top of that, of course, you have the desert heat. Many people escape that midday heat, though, by traveling at night and sleeping by day. You find throughout the area makeshift shelters like this one. In this case, next to the shelter was some standing water. (voice-over): It's filthy water left for cattle and it's the only water the illegal immigrants can expect to find on journeys that last up to four days.

This woman told us she did it because she has five children to feed. BORSTAR agents are Border Patrol agents first, rescuers second. They track those who need help, even if it takes them into the desert in the middle of the night.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Potentially group of 50 that's missing.

BUCKLEY: Their ironic job, to save the lives of illegal immigrants, then send them back. They are armed with guns, but trained to save lives. On this night, however, the agents would find a heartbreaking scene, an 18-year-old woman dead, her husband crying over her body.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Her husband was just basically over top of her, basically -- I think he was probably comforting her to the very end.

BUCKLEY: But then he was taken into custody. He's in the back of this van. By dawn, he'll be back in Mexico.

Frank Buckley, CNN, Tucson, Arizona.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: It is incredible to see what some people will do to try to get to this country.

A quick look now at some other stories making news around the country tonight, first, the latest legal chapter in the Ten Commandments story, a federal judge saying today, the state of Alabama is now in compliance with orders to remove the monument from the rotunda of the state courthouse.

Next to Hopkins, Minnesota. Perhaps you've heard of it. If not, you have now. Hopkins is home to 18-year-old Jeffrey Lee Parson. He was arrested today and charged with letting a computer worm that infected about 7,000 computers on the net. This is a federal rap for young Mr. Parson, who is under house arrest. If convicted, he could get up to 10 years in the pen.

And finally to New Haven, Connecticut, where striking workers greeted students returning to Yale University. Among the parents dropping their kids off today was presidential candidate Howard Dean, who briefly spoke with picketers.

Next on NEWSNIGHT, segment seven goes to camp. And the only way to get there is practice, practice, practice.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KOPPEL: And finally tonight, what they did on their summer vacation, a story about a camp that's actually open year-round, where kids and adults can go and play to their heart's content, a place where playing doesn't involve scraped knees or a case of poison ivy.

Here's NEWSNIGHT's Beth Nissen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BETH NISSEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Welcome to camp in the green mountains of Vermont, piano camp for grownups, 24 of them, who come for a week to 10 days to play and play and play.

POLLY VAN DER LINDE, DIRECTOR, SONATA PIANO PROGRAM: There's something about being under one roof where everyone is doing the same thing, basically this focus on the piano, that makes magic things happen. I don't know how else to describe it.

NISSEN: Magic might account for the appearance of pianos almost everywhere in this century-old house. There are pianos in upstairs dorm rooms and the downstairs rec room, pianos at the top of the stairs, on the landings, and at the bottom of stairs, even one tucked beneath the stairs in a space just big enough for an upright, but hardly to stand upright.

There's a piano out on the front porch and one parked in the garage, one next to the wet towels in the laundry room, one under folded towels in the linen closet, 26 pianos in all, many playing at once, audible through the walls, ceilings, and floors.

VAN DER LINDE: It's very distracting to participants who are not used to that. But, as they go through the days, they do learn to really focus on their own playing.

NISSEN: Playing that is at all levels, from "Chopsticks" to Rachmaninov.

Camper Frank Bunn (ph), professor of hematology at Harvard Medical School, is advanced enough to play Schumann. Bob Sergeant (ph), a Somerville, Massachusetts, chef is more of a beginner, working on simple chords.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm 41 now, and I started when I was 38. And my reasoning was, if I start when I'm 38 and I make slow progress, I'll be an intermediate player who can be serviceable by the time I'm 50 or 60.

NISSEN: Most campers are childhood refugees from the piano, like Debra Schnell (ph), an Army lieutenant colonel who works at the Pentagon.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I guess I was one of those adults who had six weeks of lessons when they were kids, hated it, rebelled, and then regretted it for the next 40-odd years.

NISSEN: Three years ago, she went back to the piano, started taking lessons, struggled to find time, between work and family, to practice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Fighting in practices, and it's not something that's easy to fit into the usual daily routines.

NISSEN: But at camp, the daily routine is keyed to the piano. After breakfast, campers have music theory classes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's certain cadences that happen.

NISSEN: Then practice time. After lunch, campers get one-on-one instruction and encouragement.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was great.

NISSEN: Then practice time.

Camp director Polly van der Linde, herself a concert pianist, gives afternoon master classes.

VAN DER LINDE: Take your time and you can start to gradually enjoy. There has got to be pain on that chord.

NISSEN: She helps an accomplished player with phrase expression. She helps a beginner play cross-hand.

VAN DER LINDE: You have to have your eyes ahead of where your hand is. Yes. See how quick that was. That was amazing.

NISSEN: After class, practice time.

Campers practice a minimum of four and as much as eight hours each day, no interruptions.

VAN DER LINDE: They just want that focus away from telephones and fax machines. And I think that's why they enjoy coming so much, because they can really focus on what they really love to do.

NISSEN: So many love camp that they return year after year. The waiting list is three years long for newcomers who want to join veteran campers, who want to play etudes all morning and nocturnes all night, who want to play the piano, play it better, make music by hand.

Beth Nissen, CNN, Bennington, Vermont.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOPPEL: Now we all have an idea as to what we can do next summer vacation.

But for all us here at NEWSNIGHT, we hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, as you enjoy the last weekend of this summer. Good night.

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