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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

The War on ISIS; Another NFL Player Arrested; Scotland Votes on Independence Today

Aired September 18, 2014 - 04:00   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Congress officially onboard with the president's plan to battle ISIS. The House of Representatives voting to arm and train Syrian rebels. This as a new terror plot surfaces showing ISIS may be ready to extend its fight from the streets of Iraq and Syria. The new arrest and why New York City's top cop is so concerned.

Another domestic violence arrest for the NFL. Cardinals' Jonathan Dwyer now benched, joining several other players, as the league struggles to handle its off-the-field violent issues. We're breaking it all down ahead.

And happening right now: Scotland voting on independence. Will it break hundreds of years of tradition and leave the United Kingdom? A vote with repercussions felt around the world, beyond the kilt-wearing world. We are live as the votes come in.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm John Berman. It is Thursday, September 18th, 4:00 a.m. in the East. Christine Romans is off today.

A crucial element to the president's plan to fight ISIS is moving ahead this morning. The House of Representatives voted to support funding to train and arm the so-called moderate Syrian rebels. Now, Republicans back the president's plan by more than 2 to 1. This despite some GOP criticism that the plan does not go far enough, that combat troops will be needed to defeat the Islamic militant group.

But the president took pains on Wednesday to underscore his message that putting U.S. soldiers in combat in Iraq is off the table.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I want to be clear. The American forces that had been deployed to Iraq do not and will not have a combat mission. They will support Iraqi forces on the ground. As they fight for their own country against these terrorists.

As your commander-in-chief, I will not commit you and the rest of our armed forces to fighting another ground war in Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: The U.S. secretary of state has had the same message. John Kerry told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the role for U.S. ground troops in Iraq will be to support Iraqi forces. He also responded to anti-war protesters calling for diplomatic efforts by saying, quote, "There is no negotiation with ISIS."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN KERRY, SECRETARY OF STATE: For a whole philosophy or idea or a cult -- whatever you want to call it -- that frankly comes out of the Stone Age. They are coldblooded killers marauding across the Middle East, making a mockery of a peaceful religion. That's precisely why we are building a coalition to try to stop them from denying the women and the girls and people of Iraq the very future that they yearn for.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: The administration sales effort on Capitol Hill continues today with secretary of state testifying to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel appearing before the House Armed Services Committee.

Meanwhile, the president of Iran is denouncing ISIS in terms really almost as strong as John Kerry's. Hassan Rouhani telling NBC News, quote, "the killing and beheading of innocent people as a matter of a shame for them and concern for all mankind." But the Iranian president more like Republican skeptic of the president's plan when he criticized his rejection of ground forces. He said, are Americans afraid of their soldiers being killed?

The president planning to arm moderate Syrian rebels against ISIS may have hit a small snag. Syrian President Bashar al Assad has seemingly stepped up his campaign to battle those rebels. Anti-Assad fighters are hit with a new wave of airstrikes, apparently even assassinations. The Obama administration has insisted it will not coordinate with the Assad regime in the fight against ISIS.

Now, on the ground in Iraq, ISIS still has total control of that country's second largest city, Mosul. The Islamist militant group is ordering schools there to open, but with a ban on teaching history, geography and literature. Instead, the day will be spent on religious studies.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces say they are not currently strong enough to change that situation. A top Kurdish leader says Peshmerga fighters will need international help and lots of it to dislodged ISIS from Mosul.

CNN's Anna Coren is live in Irbil, about 60 miles from Mosul.

Good morning, Anna.

ANNA COREN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. Hi, John.

As you say Mosul is the next battle for these forces here in northern Iraq. But I think we have to take into consideration that Mosul falls outside of Kurdistan's borders. So, the Peshmerga going beyond to take part in this operation. The commander of the Peshmerga, he has said that his forces are not ready, they're not armed, they're not equipped. They don't have the necessary training or intelligence to hit the city of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city. It had a population of 2 million people. It has been under ISIS control now since June.

But, obviously, he is hoping that with this global coalition that they will get the resources they need. Clearly, from President Obama, they will not have U.S. forces here on the ground in that combat role despite the desire by the Peshmerga to perhaps have the Americans fighting alongside them. That is not going to happen. President Obama making it perfectly clear that Mosul, as we know, John, is a different ball game to hitting ISIS out in the desolate plains.

I mean, this is a densely populated city. This is going to require urban warfare. It will also require some form of Sunni uprising, whether it is the national guard of made of Sunni forces or the resistance groups within Mosul rising up. It's going to take a coordinated effort. They can't just send in Shia military or Kurdish military for that matter to liberate Mosul. That would exacerbate the sectarian divisions within this country and quite frankly cause sectarian blood bath.

So, there is a lot more planning underway to get it right before they attack Mosul. But that would hurt ISIS. There is no doubt about it. That is, of course, where ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi gave his address, not to see his followers of the caliphate, this Islamic State, but also to the world. So, hitting Mosul, hitting them hard would definitely hurt ISIS here in the ground.

BERMAN: But it will be as you point out so complicated. Not just militarily so because of the urban combat, but ethically so, as well. The Peshmerga would be greeted as really an outside invasion force in that city, which is not Kurdish. It is largely Sunni, as to with the Shia militia.

Anna Coren for us in Irbil right now -- thanks so much for your reporting.

Here at home, New York City police on high alert after an online posting urged ISIS supporters to target Times Square and other tourist sites. Officials say there are no specific threats, but police Commissioner Bill Bratton says he considers ISIS more dangerous than al Qaeda because of their effective use of social media to recruit followers. And the commissioner says New York is just a plane ride away from militants who have the proper documentation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WILLIAM BRATTON, NYPD COMMISSIONER: There are thousands of potential fighters over there who will exit that conflict in some point in time, including many Canadians, many -- British citizens, many Australian citizens, and at least an excess of 100 U.S. citizens. So, the potential for them to try to come back and commit terrorist acts here are very real.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: In addition to Times Square, the ISIS-linked Web site called for attacks on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as mass transit.

A Rochester, New York store owner will be in court today to answer allegations of funding ISIS in trying to recruit jihadists to fight alongside them. Thirty-year-old Mufid Elfgeeh is also accused of plotting on his own to kill American troops returning from Iraq. He is expected to plead not guilty. He faces more than 60 years in prison if convicted of all of the charges.

Now, this is interesting, Australia confronting its own domestic ISIS threat. This morning, authorities say they have disrupted the plan of execution of what they only call a member of the public. One person has been arrested, 15 others detained. Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said the planned attack was directed from the Middle East by a senior ISIS leader.

First American plane-load of desperately needed hospital equipment is heading to Ebola stricken Liberia right now. It is expected to arrive in Liberia tomorrow. There is not equipment on board for a 25-bed hospital in Monrovia. That would be staff by about 65 Americans.

This is the first of 13 U.S. air shipments bringing medical supplies to the Liberian capital. This as the United Nations announces plans to establish a new on-the-ground mission in West Africa to better coordinate the battle against Ebola.

Meanwhile, one Ebola survivor, Dr. Kent Brantly, said he would like to return to West Africa to continue his work with Ebola victims. He told lawmakers Wednesday they have to move quickly.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. KENT BRANTLY, EBOLA SURVIVOR: This is a global problem and the U.S. must take the lead immediately. The longer we wait, the greater the cost of the battle both in dollars and in lives. We must act immediately and decisively to bring healing and instability to the people of West Africa, the African continent, the United States, and the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Right now, three vaccines and 10 medications are in developments. But health officials say they will not be nearly enough for everyone, when they become available. And discussions were already underway to determine who gets them.

There is some encouraging news from Nebraska where Dr. Richard Sacra is now expected to make a full recovery after contracting Ebola while volunteering in Liberia.

Another NFL player accused of domestic violence. Four players now have been told to stay away for their teams for off the field violence. What team leaders are saying this morning and the big cost the NFL is now facing. Plus, a nationwide manhunt for a suspected cop killer. Police say he

is armed, he is dangerous, he is ready to strike again. We'll have the latest, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: A bad week gets worse for the NFL as another player is arrested in a domestic abuse case. This time it is Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer. The arrest on charges including aggravated assault stems from two July incidents in Dwyer's home in Phoenix. They involved a 27-year-old woman and 18-month-old child.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SERGEANT TRENT CRUMP, PHOENIX POLICE: Both incidents that occurred in July were reported to Phoenix police and they were reported by neighbors who heard the fights that were occurring at that location. On the first occurrence when we were called to the residence on the 21st, officers were met at the door by the victim who denied that there was anyone else in the home with them and had indicated she was in a verbal argument on the phone only at that point. Those officers ultimately left the home after the discussion with the victim.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: In a statement, the Cardinals say, "We became aware of these allegations this afternoon when notified by Phoenix police, and our cooperating fully. Given the serious nature of the allegations, we have taken the immediate step to deactivate Jonathan from all team activities. No public comment yet from Dwyer. Detectives say he admitted confrontations took place but denies any assault.

The Carolina Panthers also creating some distance with the players. Star defensive end Greg Hardy, who convicted of domestic violence in July, is taking a voluntary leave from the team. Hardy has been placed on the exempt list while he prepares for a November of his conviction. He was found guilty of choking and threatening to kill his then girlfriend.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman announced Hardy's decision on Thursday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVE GETTLEMAN, PANTHERS GENERAL MANAGER: You know, the bigger thing is the issue. We are disappointed and he is an outstanding player, obviously. And it's disappointing. But he's got to get this. We have to get this right. He has to get this right.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Now, Hardy will be paid during his leave, but he would not be allowed to attend team practice or games, obviously for that matter.

Minnesota Vikings are admitting they made a mistake when they activated star running back Adrian Peterson for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The team reversed its decision on Wednesday, buckling Peterson on the exempt list that bans from all team activities until his child abuse case is resolved.

Listen to Vikings officials explain their about-face and see if you can detect a recurring developing theme.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We want to get this right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the end, it really is about getting it right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our focus right now today is to get this right, OK? And to -- you know, we admitted to making a mistake and we want to get this right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our goal was to make sure we did everything we possibly could to make the best possible decision and to make the -- and to get it right.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

BERMAN: Adrian Peterson's mother is publicly defending her embattled son, telling the "Houston Chronicle", I don't care what anybody says. Most of us disciplined our kids more than we went sometimes. We were trying to prepare them for the real world. When you whip those you love, it's not about abuse, but love."

Sponsors of the NFL are speaking out. But so far, they are not taking a stands with dollars. Two of the league's biggest sponsors, Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch have expressed dissatisfaction of the league's handling of recent controversies. But neither has pulled TV advertisements or league sponsorships yet. Even Pepsi's CEO spoke in support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday.

Another sponsor, Nike, has suspended endorsement deals with Peterson and terminated its deal with Ray Rice. No word yet if Nike will scale back other partnerships. The company supplies jerseys for all 32 NFL teams, which is a very lucrative deal.

Most sponsors have bought time promising to monitor the situation before making any major decisions.

Right now, it is 17 minutes past the hour. It is time for an EARLY START of your money, on your money.

European stocks are mostly higher. U.S. stock futures are barely moving after the Dow closed at a record. Man, I miss Christine Romans.

Authorities in Pennsylvania say the man suspected of murdering one state trooper and wounding another may be looking to kill more officers. Police look to expand the search for Matthew Eric Frein, who is described as an anti-government survivalist and expert marksman with a hatred for law enforcement. Officials say that is a deadly cocktail. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE PETERS, FORMER PENNSLVANIA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL: We are in a nationwide manhunt. This is a cop killer. Every police officer and federal agent and sheriff takes it personally, particularly one so premeditated, to go in a spot, to set up, to lie in wait and in a way that was defenseless for the troopers to shoot and kill one trooper and wound another.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Police say Frein was active in a military simulation group that reenacted Cold War era European conflicts.

Eleven significant wildfires burning across the state of California. The King Fire east of Sacramento burned 30,000 acres, forcing 2,000 people to evacuate. It's only about 5 percent contained with more than 1,600 structures threatened. More than 2,500 firefighters are on the scene hoping the winds die down today.

So, let's get an early look at our weather with Chad Myers.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHAD MYERS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Hey, good morning.

Hey, some decent weather across the Northeast today. Not that bad. Cool weather. It's going to be fall coming pretty up soon. Might as well feel like it now.

The big story today, if there is a big story, is the potential flooding in the Southwest, same story from yesterday. The rain and the humidity from Odile. That old hurricane that smashed Cabo San Lucas is up into the desert southwest. It came all the way up the coast and now, it's here. That's why the temperatures aren't even that warm because of the clouds and obviously showers for today.

Seventy-five in New York, 78 in D.C. High pressure in control today and tomorrow. It should be no big flight delays out of the Northeast weather-wise, anyway. They may be down here to the South, but we're seeing all that cloud cover and all that rain showers. Tampa and Orlando, maybe even toward Atlanta, but certainly Miami, and then you see the rain showers in the southwest again. Partly cloudy to the Midwest and a pleasant day there for tomorrow.

Enjoy your day, guys. Back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: All right. Our thanks to Chad for that.

Happening right now, Scotland voting on independence. Will it leave the United Kingdom and if it does, what will the new Scotland look like? We are live as the votes are being cast at this very minute. That is next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: We will know in just a few hours if Scotland will continue to be part of the United Kingdom or if it will strike out on its own as an independent nation. Now, polls have been open for a couple hours right now. More than 4 million residents have registered to vote. That's the largest electorate ever in Scotland.

This is a huge, huge deal. Not just there, but for the entire world.

CNN's Nic Robertson is standing by in Glasgow.

Good morning, Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John. More than two hours of polls and it's been busy, busy, busy here in Glasgow. People coming on the way in business suits, people coming in jogging gear as well. Mothers with children on the way to school, taking them to drop them off at school.

It's been busy and certainly that's what has been predicted here -- 4.25 million people registered to vote. That is 97 percent of the possible of the electorate, more than 5,500 polling stations across the whole of Scotland, 790 islands in total here. But by this time tomorrow, the result should be clear, whether it's a yes or no, John.

BERMAN: The issue here, the polls have shown those who are against independence with a very, very slight lead the last few days, but within the margin of error. That's what the polls say. All the enthusiasm and all the outward displays and demonstrations, they seem to be coming from those who want to split. So, it's very hard to gauge right now.

ROBERTSON: It certainly is. I mean, statistically, it's too close to call. Just a couple of percentage points with a nose ahead in the latest surveys.

But that excludes perhaps 5 percent to 10 percent of the electorate who are undecided. I've been talking to some, I used to live in Scotland. I have talked to friends here. I got friends who are sitting on the fence, almost they don't want to make their minds up.

But they know it's hugely important. They're concerned. They're concerned about the economy. Will Scotland be able to use the British pound? Will it join the euro? How long will it take to join the euro? What are the implications of that?

All of these issues, there are so many uncertainties. So, if there are people sitting on the fence right now who are going to make the difference. Statistically too close to call at this stage, John.

BERMAN: Key voting bloc would be kids. You can vote if you are as young as 16 years old in this election, which I find fascinating, because -- you know, what high school kid in America, Nic, would not choose to be independent in the abstract if he's asked about it?

ROBERTSON: You know, we have been talking to kids here. People 16 and 17-year-olds over 100,000 of them registered to vote. That is for the first time in the United Kingdom that is possible.

There was a sense here if you give young people the opportunity to vote, it would engage them in the democratic process. There is a sense as well of how well-prepared and educated will they be? Will they vote emotionally with their hearts?

Certainly, critics of the yes vote, the vote for independence, say that is the case. But many of the people we talked to, I talked to them on both sides. The yeses and nos. Seem to go in the same direction as their parents.

But absolutely, there is an aspiration here of change of something better, and that is believe to appeal more to younger people. Certainly, they're older generation here, more on the no camp. But there were no clear divide, social, economic or age-wise here, John.

BERMAN: It is fascinating. It is historic. And we'll be watching it all day. Nic Robertson, thanks so much for being with us this morning. Appreciate it.

All right. The house signs on to the war against ISIS, approving parts of the president's plan to battle the terrorists. This as a new terror plot suggests that ISIS might be ready to attack outside of the Middle East.

The new arrests and why New York City law enforcement is so concerned. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)