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Connect the World
Crowds now Queuing for Four Miles or Nearly Seven Kilometers; Will Russia Resort to more Brutal Tactics after Losses; Roger Federer Announces Retirement after 20 Grand Slams; Queen Elizabeth II and her Ties with the Middle East; Report: COVID Death Toll a "Massive Global Failure"; Queen Elizabeth II and Her Legacy in the Gulf Region. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired September 15, 2022 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BECKY ANDERSON, CNNI HOST: Welcome back to what is our continuing coverage of the Queen's death. I'm Becky Anderson in London for you where the time
is four o'clock and you can see that over my shoulder here Big Ben iconic for you as far as the eye can see.
And then some these are the lines here in London where the queue to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II now stretching more than four miles or
six kilometers. We are learning that on Friday mourners will be joined by King Charles and his siblings who will begin keeping vigil at the coffin.
The line will close at 6:30 local time on Monday morning to prepare for the procession to Westminster.
And we are learning more about that procession route the funeral itself. Our Anna Stewart is out amongst the mourners, and we'll touch base with her
in a moment. First, let's get you some further details Royal Correspondent Max Foster with the latest, Max?
MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, so we've got some timing basically, the funeral will start on Monday, at 11 o'clock, local time. All
the Heads of States, Becky, we're getting a longer list, the Palace won't give us a list of who's been invited.
So each person who's invited basically has to reveal themselves and we've got Heads of State coming in from all over the world, we really do. And
there's so many of them in fact. They're trying to manage that and what they're doing is taking them all to Chelsea getting them to meet there, and
then actually going to bust them in to the funeral service at Westminster Abbey.
That lasts about an hour, and then there'll be a minute's silence, followed by a procession to Windsor, where the Queen will be laid to rest alongside
her late husband, Prince Philip.
And also in the same side chapel as her parents and her sister Margaret as well. So that part of it the final burial won't be on camera, but the
service obviously at Westminster will be and the service as well at St. George's Chapel, both of which will be very poignant.
Now the family will join the procession at the very beginning and at the very end, so the public will have a chance to see the family walking behind
the coffin in Windsor. It'll be in a hearse, but it'll be on that gun carriage we saw the other day as it goes through London.
ANDERSON: Thank you, Max. Let's get you to Anna who is down by the River Thames where this queue of well wishes is sneaking as far as the eye can
see. Anna this is a test of endurance of some people have been out there for very long time. What are they telling you?
ANNA STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, well, you know, I just spoke to someone who well described it as a marathon quite an old man. And he said
he was here for the coronation of the Queen back in the 50s. So it really is taking in absolutely everyone you can think of.
So many people want to pay their respects to the Queen hundreds of thousands are expected potentially up to a million.
And in terms of the queue you can see here Tower Bridge. So this is much further on than the queue was yesterday. It's now somewhere around the four
and a half mile mark, there is a live tracker, oops, and very much in the way on time. And it's next all the way around.
I mean, you see queue infrastructure pretty much everywhere you go. Currently it goes past the bridge here, all along the Thames right to
Westminster Hall, you do get to take in some sites. Now how long you have been in queue for?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We haven't been here for very long at all. We've just been walking all the time.
STEWART: The point near the back of the queue, aren't we?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, that's lot to go down that way.
STEWART: It is quite a long way to go. Are you ready? Have you got everything you need, comfortable shoes?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
STEWART: Lovely, lovely scarf.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
STEWART: Definitely in the flags, and you've got a badge wonderful.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
STEWART: Well, good luck with the rest of your queue.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you very much and have a lovely day.
STEWART: It does keep moving quite fast. Let's just see how everyone else is getting on. How are you getting on with the queue?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, it's moving more quickly than we thought we might be.
STEWART: Have you stopped at all is it just constant marching constant?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, it was slow, going up to the barricades. And then as we came through it speeded up, so I suspect it will slow down again
now though.
STEWART: Well, best of luck with it all. We'll let them all go and I'll let my cameraman stop walking backwards, which I'm sure he's really enjoying
Becky. But we'll be here all day. The queue is getting longer, but as you can see it is moving fast. So right now we expect people to get there
within about six hours from this point.
ANDERSON: Yes, and you can see it's quite the workout isn't it? And you're right to point out that those who aren't from London and going find
themselves in the city on a regular basis will really get you know, an opportunity to see some of those sides because this will come past
Blackfriars Bridge, Sada Bridge, Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge getting to see so much of London as they sneak around the river that's
fantastic. You are towards the back of that. We'll let you move forward and see who else you can talk to?
[11:05:00]
ANDERSON: Max, I do want to get back to you at Buckingham Palace, from your sources, what's the sense of the atmosphere amongst the Royal Family at
present, because this has obviously been a very tough time for them, but a very, very visible one.
And it continues the family is sort of fanned out across the country today, ensuring that they get an opportunity to look at some of the wishes that
have been left for Queen Elizabeth II. And just getting a chance to speak to well-wishers around the country, not just here in London, and in
Scotland, where we saw them at the beginning of the week.
FOSTER: I think what's happening with Anna is would have been very heartening, frankly, to the Queen because what you're seeing is people
stuck in line with each other for hours, getting to know each other bonding over this moment of history and random people connecting up. And it's been
a really positive experience I think for everyone involved in those queues.
I spoke to some Palace officials today. I think the feeling very much from them, people who were speaking directly to the King is that they're very
grateful for the way the nation and everyone you know, all the authorities, the agencies involved here have responded. And they really want to keep the
current tone as we continue ahead to the funerals.
I think they're very pleased with how everything's gone. And how respectful everyone's been, and how deferential they've been to the to the Queen's
experience, because I think, you know, if you look at the family and everything and how they've sort of carried themselves over the last few
days?
It's all utterly focused on remembering the Queen and trying not to distract from that whatsoever. So much has been made, hasn't it of the
divisions within the family, but they've been coming together. And there's been no real sign of those divisions at all.
And that's actually intentional. And that's to show, you know, a force of unity in the same way as the nation has come together. So I think that
everyone's pretty pleased with how it's all gone. Because it really does reflect what the Queen wanted from this.
ANDERSON: It's a real family affair for the Royal Family but also for families across this nation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and
Northern Ireland, and in so many parts of the world. We see people coming together across generation's thanks, Max.
And you can find out the very latest about the funeral plans for the queen at our website that is cnn.com of course. And United Kingdom actually
united for now with politics on hold during this morning period, but will it last? We can read more about that with just a click on your CNN app, or
of course @cnn.com.
Well, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shaking off any of the effects of what was described as a minor car accident on Wednesday.
Welcoming the European Commission President to Kyiv a few hours ago this is Ursula Von Der Leyen's third visit Ukraine since the war started more than
200 days ago but the first since the country became a candidate to enter the EU.
She says the accession process for Ukraine's EU membership is well on track with what she calls impressive speed and determination. Well, repairs are
in progress in Mr. Zelenskyy's home town after a Russian strike damaged the city's water system. Missiles hit this water pumping station reservoir dam
burst flooding more than 100 homes. President Zelenskyy says the water station has no military value whatsoever and is another example of Russia
recklessly targeting civilian infrastructure.
Well, the strike happening not long after Mr. Zelenskyy triumphantly toured Izium that is that key city retaken from Russia in Ukraine's lightning
offensive in the Northeast. He expressed shock at the level of destruction there. And the speed of this offensive has been quite remarkable.
This map shows Russian control in red at the height of its occupation of the region on August the 28th. And you can see it around the towns of Izium
and Kharkiv there. And this one shows the situation today.
President Zelenskyy says Ukraine has reclaimed more than 8000 square kilometers' of territory from Russia in what is this lightning offensive in
the northeastern part of the country. I want to bring in Yuriy Sak now. He is Adviser to the Ukrainian Defense Minister. He is coming to you via Skype
from Kyiv. It's good to have you with us! What do you credit your recent successes on the battlefield too sir? How did it happen?
[11:10:00]
YURIY SAK, ADVISER TO UKRAINE'S MINISTER OF DEFENSE: Good evening, and thank you for inviting me. Now, indeed, the progress of the Ukrainian army
during the last week has been spectacular. And of course, there are many factors which determine the success.
One of them is the high professionalism of the Ukrainian army, this high level of motivation and determination of our soldiers. Because we are
fighting for our land, we are fighting for the future of European freedom. So it's for us, it's a matter of survival; it's a matter of just war. So we
are very, very determined to win.
The second factor, of course, and this is something that we understand and appreciate very much is the fact that the international community and in
particular, the United States of America, is supporting Ukraine militarily with providing Ukraine heavy weaponry, you know, probably better than I do.
But you know, since the moment the Ukraine received those high mass systems, we were able to conduct very high precision strikes on the
Russians' command centers and their logistics and supply lines. And of course, all that made this progress made this counter offensive, very
efficient, and very fast. I mean this kind of offensive actually, this is our Minister of Defense, Mr. Oleksii Reznikov said it exceeded even our own
expectations.
ANDERSON: Are you worried about Western support, dropping off somewhat, given your recent successes? In the sense that the U.S. and the West may
feel that there is less need to supply as much aid and weaponry going forward? What's the sense in Kyiv, at this point?
SAK: Well, we hear the commitment of our international partners on a daily basis, and they will stand with Ukraine till the moment that Ukraine wins
this aggressive war. And of course, on a daily basis, we are explaining that, look; we need more weapons actually, not less right now.
Because while we have this success in the Northeast of Ukraine, in the Kharkiv region and down south in Kherson region, every day, Ukraine is a
target of massive missile strikes. Yesterday, today, you said it in your report earlier that the Russians are targeting civilian infrastructure,
that terrorizing people.
They're leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity without drinking water. So this is the moment, you know, when Ukraine needs more military
support rather than less. And we are confident that our partners understand this.
ANDERSON: What do you make of Russia casting this as a strategic regrouping? And how concerned are you about calls within Russia for a sort
of scorched earth policy going forward?
SAK: You know, Russians are trying to somehow disguise their defeat or setback their humiliation on the battlefield by coming up with this
creative terminology, regrouping relocation. But in fact, what you see is, you know, this was just a chaotic fleeing of the Russian army.
And look, just imagine, right now as we speak, they're trying to recruit new soldiers in prison. They are mobilizing essentially murderers from the
Russian prisons to go to the battlefield. They're promising them you know, if they survived the six month period, they will be set free.
So the Russians are mobilizing prisoners and murderers to come to Ukraine and kill Ukrainians. I mean, this is just you know, even in Tolkien's
movies, the - would not have come up with such a deranged strategy. So you know this talk about the regrouping this is just an attempt to cover up
their humiliation and their impotence on the battlefield.
ANDERSON: Are you though worried that attacks from Russia will become possibly more brutal behavior on the ground more brutal? We are already
seeing, you know, clear signs of war crimes having been committed. And how concerned are you about sort of in discriminatory attacks now that the
Kremlin is facing these clear losses?
SAK: We have been living with the threat of Russia's aggressive, indiscriminate strikes about war crimes for the last seven months. So of
course, we are worried about this. And for example, you know, their missile strikes a missile - terror, which only demonstrates that Russia is a
terrorist state and should be recognized as the state sponsor of terrorism on the international arena by all members of a civilized international
community. So of course we are worried about that.
[11:15:00]
SAK: And this is why we are asking our international partners to provide Ukraine with more efficient anti rocket systems and air defense systems
because we need to be able to protect our civilians.
You know, our warriors are doing well on the battlefield, as we all have seen, but it is very difficult to protect our civilians from these
terrorists from his war criminals. So this is why we need urgently, we need air defense systems, we need anti rocket systems. And we hope that this
please will be heard by our international partners.
ANDERSON: Is the Ukrainian leadership increasingly determined that this will now be a war that is one on the battlefield as opposed to around the
peace table? It does certainly seem as if this could be a definitive turning point as far as the military solution is concerned. But there is
always that sort of diplomatic off-run; does it exist to your mind to the leadership's mind any longer?
SAK: After the atrocities that we have seen earlier in places like Bucha, Irpin Mariupol, after the nuclear blackmail that the Russians have
conducted with the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is the largest in Europe.
Now, we understand that this is indeed a battle that will have to be won on the battlefield. There is no room for any negotiations until the Russians
withdraw from Ukrainian territory until they leave our land.
And then we can talk about compensation and about bringing them to justice in international war crime tribunals. But before that happens before
there's the last remaining soldier is on the Ukrainian soil. I don't think any negotiations are possible. And this is something that has been said
many times by the Ukrainian political and military leadership.
ANDERSON: The perspective of Yuriy Sak, Advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defense, it's extremely important to have you on your analysis and insight
so valuable at this point, as we do see a significant reclaiming retaking of land by Ukrainian forces. Thank you.
Well, Vladimir Putin is meeting with Russia's most powerful ally is his war in Ukraine or the Ukraine crisis, as he refers to it suffers serious
setbacks in the battlefield.
And the sidelines of a regional security summit in Uzbekistan, the Russian president met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. This is a diplomatic
show of force, coming just days after what has been Russia's humiliating retreat in Ukraine.
Well, hours earlier in yet another display of unity the Chinese and Russian navies conducted joint patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Well Putin praised Xi
for his position on the war, that we acknowledged China's "questions and concerns". CNN's Ivan Watson joining me now live from Hong Kong. Questions
and concerns from Beijing, to the Kremlin. What are we talking about here?
IVAN WATSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think the most important thing that I'm picking up from this meeting so far is what wasn't
said. And what we did not hear from the Chinese leader Xi Jinping was a full throated Chinese endorsement of Vladimir Putin's bloody grinding war
in Ukraine. Instead, in this meeting, it was up to the Russian President to address the elephant in the room. Take a listen to how he did that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT: We highly appreciate the balanced position of our Chinese friends in connection with the Ukrainian crisis. We
understand your questions and concerns in this regard. During today's meeting, of course, we will explain in detail our position on this issue,
although we have spoken about this before.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WATSON: Now, this hints at some kind of Chinese unease about how the war is going or how it's been prosecuted. And Becky, I think that's such a
different tone. From what we heard from these two leaders, the last time they met face to face that was in February, the beginning of February at
the start of the Beijing Winter Olympics. And at that time, these two men, these two strong men, were talking about a new world order that was not
dominated by the U.S. they were talking about a partnership with no limits.
The White House is arguing that when it comes to the Ukrainian killing fields, it appears there are limits that the Biden Administration is not
seeing any sign of overt Chinese military support to Russia's war in Ukraine. China is by and discounted Russian energy supplies, but it seems
to be holding back from saying, go for it Vladimir Putin, your war is going well.
[11:20:00]
WATSON: If anything, Putin came to this meeting looking diminished, his military has been battered and humiliated on the battlefield, and he is
more internationally isolated than he has ever been. Instead, Xi Jinping offered more kind of bland statements about supporting Russia's core
interests and developing further developing trade ties, Becky.
ANDERSON: Ivan Watson on the story out of Hong Kong. By the time is 20 past 11 at night, it is 20 past four here in London with our continuing coverage
of the preparations for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. And ahead on "Connect the World" controversy and concern over this superhero character
find out why, just a little later.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We're following developing sports news today. 20 Time Grand Slam Champion Roger Federer will retire from professional tennis after the Laver
Cup later this month.
The 41 year old notes in a social media post that he played more than 1500 matches over 24 years and he calls his decision bittersweet, but says he
must recognize when it is time to end his competitive career.
World Sports Alex Thomas is covering the latest for us from London. 20 Grand Slam titles eight time Wimbledon winner, this is a 24 year career
that goes beyond just awards, doesn't it?
ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yes, absolutely, legendary total goat status greatest of all time. What a blow to tennis to lose Serena Williams, now
Roger Federer and just a succession of a few short weeks.
Yes, Federer even from the moment he burst onto the scene in the late 1990s, as a teenager, was touted as a potential champion. He shocked Pete
Sampras, who himself was very dominant at Wimbledon for many years, and knocking him out two years before going on to finally win the Wimbledon
title the first of eight times, as you mentioned, Becky.
And then he had a period certainly in the middle part of that opening decade of the century where he was every bit as dominant in tennis. As
Tiger Woods was in golf, both Nike athletes kind of gene each other on to win more and more major titles. He ended up with 20 of them, as you say.
So many records that he accumulated through the illustrious tennis career reaching winning each of the four Grand Slam tournaments at least once the
French Open only once because of Rafael Nadal's dominance.
I was lucky enough to be there in 2009. The only time Federer won that major on clay but also off the court Becky, such a great ambassador for the
sport speaking multiple languages.
He would seem languages; he was seamlessly flipped from one to the other during press conferences normally always charming very rarely losing his
temper, which is why he was so popular amongst other players.
[11:25:00]
THOMAS: The new world number one from Spain, Carlos Alcaraz tweeting out earlier, Roger, and a broken heart emoji.
ANDERSON: And I just spoke to Virginia wage winner of Wimbledon back in 1977. We were talking about the impact that the Queen had on her back in
the day. But we also talked about Federer's retirement and she was just talking about how gracious a man he is.
And you and I talked about that, that the grace with which he played the game, he made it look so easy, particularly on grass. But he talked about
how these injuries and surgeries that he's had over the past three years is the reason that he needs to sort of hang up his racquet as it were
professionally. Do you believe this is the right time for him to stand back?
THOMAS: I think it is. I think it's rare for athletes to know when it is the right time. Clearly the pandemic had a major dent on him finishing on a
high. But take a listen to what Federer said in his own words on social media a bit earlier.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROGER FEDERER, 20-TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION: As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and
surgeries. I've worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body's capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been
clear.
I am 41 years old; I've played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. China has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now must
recognize when it is time to end my competitive career. The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the
future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
THOMAS: And Becky I'll leave the last word to another his great rivals Novak Djokovic. He once said of Federer, you have to wonder if he's from
the same planet.
ANDERSON: Alex, thank you for that. Still ahead, the Queen and her ties to the Middle East. Here is Queen Elizabeth visiting Abu Dhabi back in 1979.
That's of course home to this show under normal circumstances. We'll tell you more about the relationship which has seen big changes across the
Middle East and Gulf region through the years, that is coming up after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:00]
ANDERSON: An honor and a part of history, just as some of the words, sentiments being expressed by mourners to my colleagues at CNN as they line
up to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth, II. Well, the queue stretching may set sneaking for several kilometers along the River Thames
behind me some sort of six and a half, seven kilometers in fact, and across London.
People from all over the UK and parts of the world, just wanting to be part of this solemn remembrance, the first of all they have the Queen's lying in
state is today in Westminster Hall. And a short time ago, Buckingham Palace revealed more details of Monday's state funeral which includes two minutes
of silence across the United Kingdom at the end of the service. Well, there's no disputing the Queen's influence around the world but a long
reign leaves the Middle East with a mixed legacy. Have a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON (voice over): When Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in the early 1950s, Britain was the dominant power in the Middle East. Most
countries on this map were British protectorates, newly formed nation states, such as Iraq, Jordan and Yemen, were bound by treaties that wielded
Britain and exorbitant amount of control that was often contested.
While Gulf States such as Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, then known as the Trucial States were mostly content with British presence.
Queen Elizabeth quickly became a familiar face in the Middle East, making her first state visit to the region in Libya, just two years after she
became Head of State.
She was also pictured next to the Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa curates Sheikh Abdullah bin Java, and the UAE's founding father
Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan. But behind all these smiling was a growing movement for independence.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Britain was responsible for growing the regional map at the time. Queen Elizabeth came at a time when that map was being
challenged. In that period, the region was engaged in a massive range of anti-colonial uprising struggles and attempts to overthrow this British
domination.
ANDERSON (voice over): The attempts worked and by 1971 the last vestiges of British colonialism in the Middle East had disappeared. But visits between
Queen Elizabeth and the region's rulers didn't stop, particularly with those in the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC, where Britain's legacy wasn't
viewed as unfavorably as in other parts of the Middle East.
JAMES ONLEY, PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH: The number of state visits or other high level visits of the British Royal
Family to the GCC is such scale it is comparable to the royal families visits to the Commonwealth realms.
Members of the ruling and royal families of the GCC formed genuine relationships with members of the royal family in Britain, which results in
is substantial business ties, educational ties, cultural ties.
ANDERSON (voice over): Those ties have also been shared with royal families outside of the Gulf, such as Jordan despite being a former British
protectorate. But for some of the region's citizens, the monarchy is a symbol of British colonial rule that they blame for their current
grievances.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are many people in the world that don't have particular resentment to the queen or the current king of England. However,
they certainly disapprove of British colonial policy because it took a huge toll on the people of --.
ANDERSON (voice over): Under Queen Elizabeth's reign, British influence in the Middle East underwent significant change where colonial structures
dissolved and strategic partnerships formed that have sustained until this day.
ONLEY: The last visit to the Gulf was I believe, to Oman, where she visited the late Sultan, Sultan Qaboose. And if you take a look at the photos and
images, you'll see the genuine feeling of affection and friendship between those two monarchs. It is deep it is meaningful is real. But it is more I
think, than just a strategic ally, its family.
ANDERSON (voice over): Well, this crucial chapter of British history closes another - be burgeoning. As the new King Charles III looks towards the
region to build off the relationships his mother cultivated.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well as we mentioned, the UAE is among the Gulf countries that share particularly close ties with the UK and the British monarchy. Earlier
I spoke to the UAE's Ambassador to the United Kingdom about that close relationship. And I asked Mansoor Abulhoul about the significance of the
Queen's state visit there in 1979.
[11:35:00]
MANSOOR ABULHOUL, UAE AMBASSADOR TO UK: That first state visit to the UAE was so significant. And it doesn't surprise me today that we have over
100,000 British citizens there, because Her Majesty would have catalyzed that people, connectivity that you have in between our two nations. And she
did a remarkable job, she went round, this did everything.
And you see that through the people today, we have over a million and a half visitors every year from the United Kingdom. And I think her visit
would have been fundamental in setting the course of the relationship to where it is today, a very strong robust relationship.
ANDERSON: Because she doesn't govern, she doesn't rule she reigns but the royal family, as you rightly point out in the relationship between the UAE
and the UK you can see that the importance of the monarchy, particularly in a region like the Gulf. What do you envision, envision and hope for in the
relationship between your countries, the Gulf under a new King Charles III?
ABULHOUL: Gosh, it's a new bright start a new chapter. And as you quite rightly put, the royal families, they provide a canopy under which the
relationship falls and they provide that very essential sort of cover that I think is key.
And that's the depth of that is felt through friendships. And I've been privileged to sit in on some of his highness, a new presidential Hamad bin
Zayed meetings with the new king, King Charles His Majesty.
And, you know, I often think when I think of King Charles, I think when he was the Prince of Wales, he was before his time on so many different when
you look at conservation, when you look at interfaith understanding he was before he started, his time has come now and he will be a fine king.
And he visited the UAE many times from dugong sanctuaries, to places of religious importance, interfaith on he has so much understanding of the
region and Islam.
ANDERSON: An admiration for Islam.
ABULHOUL: Absolutely, you know, an authority and admiration for Islam, but also more critically, and admiration for religions and interfaith
understanding. He's going to be a remarkable king.
ANDERSON: And there are condolences pouring in from all over the world, not least from the Middle East. Israel's Prime Minister said and I quote on
behalf of the government and people of Israel and send my condolences to the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Her
Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
She leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of leadership and service, echoing, you know, many of the statements that we have heard not least,
from the UAE, as well. There are plans in place, and obviously countries around the world putting their plans in place for who will attend and
represent their countries.
Before that funeral and while I've got you here, and we're talking about Israel, the foreign minister of the UAE is in Israel today. It is the two
year anniversary of the Abraham Accords, the normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE.
If we sort of think back over the reign of Queen Elizabeth, how things have changed so much across the Middle East here is with these accords in a
moment in time, which is indicative of the way this region is on the move. What is the foreign minister hoping to achieve while he's there?
ABULHOUL: I think it's a continuation. It's, as you said, the anniversary second anniversary of the Abraham accords such a transformational step
within the region in terms of peace building in terms of unlocking opportunities for youth, you know.
And all of those will be doubling down on and his Highness leads on this on, you know, on this particular file. So highly important, you know, and I
think we also need to take it back to King Charles, you know, he unlocked so much for youth. And that's the importance there.
So the UAE under the stewardship of President Hassan and bin Zayed but also Sheikh Abdallah sort of carrying that message, showing the energy,
enthusiasm and commitment to the accords is vital.
ANDERSON: The UAE Ambassador to the UK speaking to us. Earlier this show, of course, has its home in Abu Dhabi on a regular basis. We are here
covering the continuing coverage of the Queen's funeral. Well plans to put in Israeli superhero in a new Marvel comic film raising concerns that it
could do more harm than good. Sabra was first introduced more than 40 years ago.
Well now Disney plans to bring her to the big screen in 2024 in its latest Captain America film. And some critics are pushing back saying that many of
the Arab characters who interacted with Sabra in the original comments were portrayed as misogynistic as anti-semitic and violent. And they fear that
reviving her will spread offensive Arab stereotypes, more from CNN's Hadas Gold who's following this story from Jerusalem, Hadas?
[11:40:00]
HADAS GOLD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Becky, this announcement came over the weekend at Disney's big Expo. And it's a bit of a surprise because the
Sabra's character is a relatively unknown Marvel superhero that was, as you noted, first introduced in 1980.
And while there are many fans who are very excited for this character to be the first Jewish Israeli superhero in the Marvel universe, there have been
quite a few detractors, especially from Palestinian activists and analysts who are concerned when they look back at the comics in the early 1980s
about how they see Arabs were portrayed in those comics.
Most of the time Sabra, the superhero she was fighting what were described then as Arab terrorist and they're concerned that the way that they were
portrayed in those comics were seen as dehumanizing and some of them are just against the idea of an Israeli superhero just on its own.
Then there's also the problem of the name and the timing of this announcement. Now Sabra in Hebrew is used to describe somebody who was born
in Israel. It's the Hebrew word for the name of the prickly pear fruit.
But it's also similar in English, especially to the name of a Palestinian community in Lebanon, where in 1982, it was one of two communities, the
more than 1000 civilians were killed by Lebanese Christian militia who were aligned with Israel.
So there's people who are very worried, who were very offended by the timing because this is actually the 40th anniversary of those massacres. I
do want to pull up Marvel statement we reach out to them about this upward and here's what they said. They say, while our characters and stories are
inspired by the comics, and the MCU, they are always freshly imagined for the screen.
And today's audience, the filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra, who was first introduced in the comics over 40 years ago.
Now Becky, this film won't be out until May 2024. But I'm sure a lot of eyes will be watching exactly how this character is portrayed. Becky?
ANDERSON; Hadas Gold is in Jerusalem for you folks. Widespread global failures on many levels led to millions of deaths from COVID 19. That is
just part of what is scathing new report that looks at the world's response to the pandemic, more on that after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: The COVID-19 death toll is both a profound tragedy and a massive global failure at multiple levels. That is just part of what is a troubling
new report from the Lancet Commission, the group established in 2020 and made up of 28 of the world's leading experts in everything from public
policy to epidemiology. Well the commission stresses the overarching lesson of the pandemic is "The need for national preparedness along with global
cooperation".
Joining me now to discuss is CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
[11:45:00]
ANDERSON: And it's good to have you with us, Sanjay considering 6 million people have died this, this report and its conclusions, perhaps not
surprising. What did they cite as some of the world's biggest missteps?
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, not surprising, but still shocking. I mean, if you look at the numbers, first off, Becky, you
know, 6 million or so confirmed that's from COVID around the world.
I think what is always striking is about a million of those in the United States, OK, one of the wealthiest countries 200,000, about a fifth in the
UK, which is about a fifth of the population of the United States, so some of the wealthiest countries got hit the hardest here.
And I think that's just something that they really paid attention to. But all sorts of different reasons why not looking at all the evidence as it
was coming in, initially, not having enough in the stockpiles of personal protective equipment.
And, you know, generally a slow response, you may remember Becky, that CNN actually declared this a pandemic, even before the World Health
Organization, so all those things play a factor. What I took note of in this report, Becky really was the focus on when organizations like World
Health Organization's referred to this virus as being spread airborne.
And it's interesting, because back in January of 2020, so right at the beginning of this, there was evidence that it could spread airborne,
although they said just in health care settings, than over the next couple of years, Becky, there were all these various reports, examples, the
Diamond Princess cruise, where you had people becoming infected, all over the ship, certainly seem to give evidence that it was airborne.
But it wasn't until December of 2021, when the World Health Organization said yes, in fact, this spreads airborne in all sorts of different
settings. That probably would have led to different sorts of measures, everything from masking and different things, as opposed to just saying,
hey, keep a meter or two meters away, and you should be good. So that's really some of the things that Lance - had focused on.
ANDERSON: Were there any actions they praised in this report?
DR. GUPTA: Well, yes, I mean, I think there were the biggest thing really was around vaccines. And you know, before this, these COVID vaccines, the
fastest you'd ever seen a vaccine actually be deployed and authorized was about four years.
So several months here, 11 months or so they had a at a COVID vaccine authorized. So that was pretty impressive. The issue still, though, Becky,
is that there's places around the world that are doing much better with regard to vaccinations in part because of access the United States, about
two thirds of the population vaccinated, similar in Europe.
But in Africa, you know, about a quarter of the people that are vaccinated different reasons for not, you know, higher uptake in these places. In the
United States, in Europe, it's more because of vaccine hesitancy.
And in other places around the world, including Africa, the bigger problem seems to be access. So that's an issue as well, you know, we've talked
about this a lot over the last couple years, Becky.
But I think it's it bears repeating that an outbreak anywhere in the world can quickly become an outbreak everywhere in the world, which is why
everyone needs to care about vaccinations everywhere.
ANDERSON: Sanjay, it's always good to have you with us. Thank you very much indeed.
DR. GUPTA: Thank you.
ANDERSON: It appears a looming strike by 60,000 American rail workers has been averted. After marathon talks, a tentative deal was reached to avoid a
walkout that would have brought rail freight to a halt.
A strike would have hit U.S. supply chains hard, most likely pushing consumer prices even higher than they are already. President Biden
underscored the high stakes personally with a phone call to the negotiators. And just a short time ago, he officially announced that there
is a deal crediting both sides for working tirelessly to come to an agreement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: This agreement is a big win for America. And for both in my view, this agreement is validation,
validation, what I've always believed. Unions and management can work together; can work together for the benefit of everyone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Amtrak meanwhile now says it's working quickly to restore cancelled trains following the announcement. She was simply amazing. Those
are the words of a former officer who was one of Queen Elizabeth's close attendances. We're going to speak to him live after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:50:00]
ANDERSON: We've been taking a closer look at the Queen's legacy in the Gulf region and especially in the UAE. Normally this shows broadcasting home.
When you're looking at people paying their respects on the QE2 ship in Dubai, the Queen herself launched the ocean liner in 1967.
It's been permanently docked in Dubai since 2008. Our next guest was a captain in the Coldstream Guards, and one of the Queen's Equerries. In
acquisition, he got to interact with the queen many times over a two year period.
Charles Clifton has been living in the UAE for the past 15 years. And he joins us now live from Dubai. What an honor, that roll must have been as a
Queen's Equerry, you said that you saw and spoke with her almost every day over that two year period. What did you discuss?
CHARLES CLIFTON, FORMER EQUERRY OF THE QUEEN: Becky, thank you for having me on the show. And first of all, could I just maybe express my condolences
to the king and the royal family from my family and friends across the region and at home to someone who to me was quite simply the boss.
But we talked about all sorts of different things really, I mean, my role as an Equerry was to make sure that things run smoothly. So any event that
the queen goes to whether it's opening a school or a hospital, launching a ship, or whether it's a state visits, where they're on hand to make sure
things run smoothly.
So most of what we actually talked about was after an event and she wants to know what didn't go smoothly or what went wrong, that maybe she didn't
see or we had to deal with as well. So talks about all sorts of different things, but lots of different passions, and could talk about any manner of
subjects in a hugely informed way.
ANDERSON: As you speak, we're sharing images of people in the UAE, lightly British residents. They're signing the condolence book on the QE2, a ship
that of course she absolutely loved. You've spent over a decade in the region, the UAE, specifically how has the community responded to her death?
CLIFTON: Becky, it's been fantastic, really, I mean, the UAE knows how to do things in a way very similar to the UK. And we had three days of
mourning in the UAE last weekend.
So flags at half-mast and they put a lovely display on the Burj Khalifa of the Queen and the Union flag. But it's not just the UAE that's been
impacted as well. I've had beautiful messages of condolence from my friends across the region, from Saudi Arabia, from Jordan from Oman, all of whom
have a mutual respect for the queen and someone that they've looked up to and loved for many years as well.
ANDERSON: I'm looking at these images as you speak. And there are lots of kids. It's been a particularly interesting response amongst some of the
younger folks, as I understand it.
CLIFTON: I'm sure I mean, the schools here my children are being allowed to leave school early or take the day off from school on Monday to watch the
ceremony. But it's the young children and also the millennial and the Gen Z is for whom I wouldn't have expected this to be such a momentous event.
But actually the people that I work with she's been a fantastic role model. The queen had broken through glass ceilings. She was driving when people in
Saudi Arabia couldn't or ladies in Saudi Arabia couldn't drive. So they've looked at her as a real inspiration and role model for many years.
[11:55:00]
ANDERSON: Charles, it's a joy having you on. Charles Clifton, thank you very much indeed, former Equerry to the Queen or attendant to the Queen.
ANDERSON: Viewers, that's the end of coverage.
CLIFTON: Thank you, Becky. Thank you for--
ANDERSON: Thank you. CNN's coverage, of course does continue. But I want to leave you as I finish out my shift here with this. It's a tweet that I've
just received, while we've been on it. It's from Roz Gray, who's been keeping up with our coverage and some of the social that we've been posting
on Twitter.
She's one of hundreds of thousands who have and will pay their respects to the Queen lying in state at the Westminster Hall in the Palace of
Westminster behind me, just gone through so emotional so proud to be British right now, effortlessly faultless. Thank you to all for keeping us
safe. Roz Gray thanks for joining our special coverage. CNN continues after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:00:00]
END
