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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

ISIS Consolidating Control of Mosul; Another NFL Player Arrested; Scotland Votes on Independence Today

Aired September 18, 2014 - 05:00   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: The House officially on board with the president's plan to battle ISIS. Voting to arm and train Syrian rebels. This as a new terror plot surfaces showing that ISIS may be ready to extend its battle 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 inactive. He's joining several other players as the league struggles to handle its off-the-field violence issues. We are breaking it all down ahead.

And then happening right now, history perhaps being made. Scotland voting on independence. Will it break hundreds of years of tradition and leave the United Kingdom? A vote with repercussions that will be felt all around the world. We are live as these votes come in.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm John Berman. It is Thursday, September 18th, 5:00 a.m. in the East. Christine Romans is off today.

And a crucial element of President Obama's plan to fight ISIS is moving ahead this morning. The House voted to support funding to train and arm so-called moderate Syrian rebels. Many Republicans back the president's plan. They did so by a more than 2-1 margin. This despite some GOP criticism that the plan does not go far enough to defeat the militant group. The president underscored his message that soldiers on the ground 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 have been deployed to Iraq do not and will not have a combat mission. They will support the 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 United States Secretary of State have very much the same message. John Kerry told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the only role for U.S. ground troops in Iraq will be to support Iraqi forces. He also responded to anti-war protesters calling for further 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 cold-blooded killers marauding across the Middle East, making a mockery of a peaceful religion. And that's precisely why we are building a coalition to try to stop them from denying the women and the girls and the people of Iraq the very future that they yearn for.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: The administration's sales effort on Capitol Hill continues today with Secretary Kerry 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 almost as strong as John Kerry's there. Hassan Rouhani telling NBC News, quote, "The killing and beheading of innocent people is a matter of shame for them and concern for all mankind." But Rouhani did have plenty of criticism for the U.S. plan particularly the reluctance to use ground troops in combat. He said, quote, "Are Americans afraid of their soldiers being killed?"

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stepped up his campaign to destroy the so-called moderate Syrian rebels that the United States will be counting on to battle ISIS on the ground in -- in Syria I should say. Anti-Assad fighters are being hit with a new intense wave of air strikes. 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 largest city Mosul. The Islamic militant group is ordering schools there to open, but with a ban on teaching history, geography, and literature. Instead they want the day to be spent on religious studies.

Now Kurdish Peshmerga forces say they are not currently strong enough to change that situation, to retake Mosul, or help at least. A top Kurdish leader says Peshmerga fighters will need international help and lots of it to dislodged ISIS from Mosul. But also complicated matters. The Kurds obviously different ethnically. Most of the population of Mosul, mostly it's a Sunni city.

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

Good morning, Anna.

ANNA COREN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, John. As you say that battle for Mosul is yet to approach, but it is certainly coming up. It is going to be epic. The reason being is that they need to kick ISIS out of the city which is of two million people. Iraq's second largest. And it's also, you know, a strategic importance to ISIS. It's where the leader, Abu Baqr al-Baghdadi gave his address not just to his followers of this caliphate, the Islamic State, but also to the world.

So to kick ISIS out of that city would just be extremely important. It would really cripple the organization. It would also mean that the forces on the ground here near in northern Iraq could then cut off the artery, if you like, from Syria. And that would be extremely effective. Stopping that the flow of fighters of arms moving freely between Syria and Iraq. It would just really hurt the terrorist organization here in Iraq.

But you mentioned the Peshmerga. They are not ready to take on that battle. And we also have to remember that Mosul falls outside of the borders of Kurdistan. So they do need help. We've spent days embedded with them over the last couple of weeks. They would tell us quite openly we don't have the arms, we don't have the ammunition, we don't have the equipment, we don't have the training.

They are calling on the Americans, on other allied countries within this global coalition to come to their aid obviously that is happening. But they say that they definitely need more help. U.S. air strikes, John, as we've been discussing are absolutely critical. They are helping change the situation on the ground and certainly they're being extremely effective in pushing ISIS out of these small villages.

We were there on the ground with them at the frontlines several days where they took back five villages, as well as a strategic bridge. Now this is what we are going to see moving forward over the weeks and months as they gradually get closer to Mosul. But those U.S. air strikes are critical for cover for those ground forces, but also in taking out the enemy position, taking out the artillery targets.

Certainly what we are hearing, John, from the Peshmerga officials is they want more air strikes. They want to see an intensification of that air campaign so they can really make a difference on the ground. Considering they are the forces who are taking the fight directly to ISIS.

BERMAN: Indeed they are.

Anna Coren, for us in Irbil this morning, thanks so much.

Here at home New York City Police on high alert this morning 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 to have more dangerous capabilities in terms of media than al Qaeda because of their effective use of social media to recruit followers.

Bratton said on Tuesday that 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 at some point in time. Including many Canadians, many British citizens, many Australian citizens. And at least in 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, also mass transit.

A Rochester, New York, store owner will be in federal court today to answer allegations of funding ISIS and 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 on all of these charges.

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

The first American planeload of possible equipment is heading to Ebola stricken Liberia right now and is expected to arrive tomorrow. There is enough equipment on board to build a 25-bed hospital in Monrovia. This will be staffed 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 Ebola survivor Dr. Kent Brantley says he would like to return to West Africa to continue his work with Ebola victims. He told lawmakers Wednesday that 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 stability 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 development, but health officials say they will not be nearly enough for everyone when they become available. And discussions are already under way to determine who gets them.

There's some encouraging news from Nebraska on this front 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

pushed aside by their teams at least for the time being for off-the- field violence. What team leaders are saying this morning and the big cost the NFL is now facing.

Our Andy Scholes breaks it all down, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: A bad week gets worse for the NFL as another player is arrested in a domestic abuse case.

Andy Scholes has more for us in this morning's "Bleacher Report."

Good morning, Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS: Good morning, John. This latest incident involved Arizona Cardinals' back-up running back Jonathan Dwyer. His arrest yesterday stems from two separate incidents that occurred in July involving a 27-year-old woman and an 18-month-old child.

Dwyer was charged with one count of aggravated assault causing a fracture. One count of aggravated assault involving a minor and some other charges. According to Phoenix Police, Dwyer allegedly threw a shoe at or towards his son. Dwyer denies physically assaulting the female and the child. In the statement, the Cardinals said, "We became aware of these allegations this afternoon when notified by Phoenix Police and are cooperating fully. Given the serious nature of the allegations we have taken the immediate step to deactivate Jonathan from all team activities."

Adrian Peterson, meanwhile, remains away from the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson and the team mutually agreed yesterday that he would go on the exempt commissioner's list until his child abuse charges are resolved. The star running back will continue to be paid his $12 million salary while he is inactive. Yesterday the Vikings held a press conference to explain the change of heart.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZYGI WILF, VIKINGS OWNER: We want to be sure we get this right.

MARK WILF, VIKINGS PRESIDENT: In the end, it really is about getting it right.

RICK SPIELMAN, VIKINGS GENERAL MANAGER: Our focus right now, today, is to get this right. OK. And to -- you know, we admitted making a mistake and we want to get this right.

(END VIDEO CLIP) SCHOLES: I think they want to get it right. Yes. The Carolina Panthers' Greg Hardy was also places in this seldom used exempt commissioner list. He played in week one, but was benched last week after public pressure started to mount. Hardy was convicted of domestic violence in July, but is currently appealing the ruling. He, like Peterson, will continue to get paid while he sits out. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is in trouble again. Florida State

suspending quarterback Jameis Winston for the first half against Clemson for yelling an obscene gesture in the middle of the school student union. This comes after multiple witnesses posted what they saw on Twitter yesterday. Winston apologized for his actions.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAMEIS WINSTON, FLORIDA STATE QUARTERBACK: First of all, I want to apologize to the university, to my coaches and to my teammates. I'm not a me person, but in that situation, that was a selfish act. And when I do get my opportunity to play, I'm going to do everything that I can because I have to accept that. That's going to eat me up. Because I want to be out down on the field. You understand what I'm saying? I want to be out on the field with my team. But I did something. I've got to accept my consequences.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: Seems like every few months, John. Jameis Winston just finds a way to get in trouble.

BERMAN: Yes, Andy. I mean, we can't even come close to repeating what he said or shouted out loud here.

SCHOLES: No. Absolutely.

BERMAN: And I assure everyone out there that if you go investigate you yourself you'll understand why he is being punished. You may even wonder why it's only for half of a game.

SCHOLES: Yes.

BERMAN: Andy Scholes, thank you so much. Appreciate it.

SCHOLES: All right.

BERMAN: Sponsors of the NFL are speaking out, but so far they are not taking a stand with dollars. This in response to all the domestic violence issues right now surrounding the league. Two of the league's biggest sponsors, Pepsi and Anheuser-Busch, had expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the recent controversies. But neither company has pulled TV advertisements or league sponsorship yet.

Pepsi's CEO even spoke in support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday. Another major sponsor, Nike has suspended its endorsement deal with Adrian 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 promising to monitor the situation before making any major decisions. Curious how long they will be watching.

Seventeen minutes past the hour right now. Time for an EARLY START on your money. European stocks moving higher, U.S. stock futures up as well after that the Dow closed at a record high yesterday.

Eleven significant wildfires burning now across the state of California. The governor has declared a state of emergency in two counties. The King Fire east of Sacramento has burned nearly 30,000 acres forcing more than 2,000 people to evacuate. It's only about 5 percent contained so far with more than 1600 buildings threatened. More than 2500 firefighters are on the scene now hoping the winds die down today.

Beating the odds. Indra Petersons is here to keep me company with a look at our forecast today.

Good morning, Indra.

INDRA PETERSONS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, John. Yes, definitely want to show you what it looks like from space. Look how massive this wildfire is in California. You can actually see all the smoke even from way up high. And this is the concern as we still have really horrible drought conditions across much of the state. We're talking about 95 percent of the state of California now looking at a severe drought.

That is the concern. You have so much dry fuel out there. And then last week, we've been talking about record temperatures as well. So we're still talking about this unbelievable heat. That dry fuel definitely not good a combination for firefighters.

The opposite problem today is in the southwest. What are we looking at? We're looking still at those remnants from Odile. So the flooding threat remains high again today. Just take a look at the amount of rain they saw yesterday. About four inches of rain. Remember when you have that very dry ground, definitely not a good combination. They have a lot of flooding concerns there and today it's going to be shifting a little bit farther to the east in places like Texas, looking for anywhere from three to some places I see amount of seven inches of rain is still possible out there today.

If you're in the northeast, definitely kind of a calmer picture. A couple of fronts kind of making their way through. Southeast already improving as well. Everyone feeling a little bit better for the next several days. By the weekend, though, we'll watch another storm make its way and bring some more of those showers. Maybe about Friday for the Midwest and maybe about Saturday or so into the northeast.

What are you going to notice, though? Look at the drop in temperatures. Especially as we go in through tomorrow. I mean, Boston is going to be going from the 70s today down to 50s as they're highs. So definitely going to feel that change coming your way.

BERMAN: All right. Thanks so much, Indra. Appreciate it.

Happening right now, Scotland voting on its independence. Will it leave the as of now United Kingdom? And if it does, what will the new Scotland look like?

We're live as the votes are cast next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Within the next 24 hours, we will know whether the United Kingdom will be quite as united or whether Scotland will strike out on its own as an independent country. Polls opened about three hours ago or so. More than four million residents have registered to vote. This is the largest electorate ever in Scotland.

CNN's Nic Robertson is standing by in Glasgow.

Nic, I mean, this is historic. We've just never seen anything like this, Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, not at all. I've have been talking to some of the people outside of the polling station here who covered elections in this area before. And they tell me that they've never seen this number of people coming in at this time of day. Normally it's just a tiny trickle of people.

But we've been here since the poll opened. And it was almost a flood of people when it first opened the first couple of hours. And it is still busy. Traditionally a time right now when people are at work and not many people will be out voting. So a huge interest. 97 percent of the possible electorate have registered to vote. People are expecting an historic turnout. There have been 790,000 postal votes registered so far. That is -- that is more than an 80 percent pickup on the -- on the postal votes, John.

BERMAN: Serious concerns, Nic, among those who oppose independence and many of those and the rest of the United Kingdom as to what happens starting tomorrow if Scotland votes to leave.

ROBERTSON: OK, so tomorrow would be the day, if it votes to leave, that they would begin -- David Cameron, the prime minister of the United Kingdom would being talking to Scottish leaders about how they would separate the two countries, the modalities to do it. And then by March 2016, that's the expected date. That's when Scotland would become independent if the vote goes through.

Of course there have been so many questions in the lead up to the -- in lead up to this voting day today. What will happen to the currency? Will Scotland get to share the British pound and London is saying no. That wouldn't happen. How quickly would Scotland get into the European Union and get all those very important farming subsidies as so many other farmers here rely on. And some people are saying, the Spanish and the Italians, have indicated well, you know, they don't really want to see separatist groups in their countries breaking away. And they've indicated Scotland might take some time to get into European Union.

The view from the independence camps is, you know, that they would get in quickly and they'd have their own voice at the table so this has been the debate back and forward. But of course no one has at this time concrete answers -- John.

BERMAN: And the polls are within the margin of error. And as they head to the polls today, kids as young as 16 can vote in this historic election. That could change the face of the United Kingdom forever. And also a lot of the U.S. alliances all around the world and the region.

Nic Robertson for us in Glasgow, in Scotland, thanks so much.

Twenty-six minutes after the hour right now. The House officially signing on to the war against ISIS, at least part of the president's plan, approving the effort to fund the moderate Syrian rebels. This as a new terror plot suggests that ISIS may be ready to attack outside of the Middle East. The new arrests and why New York City law enforcement are so concerned next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)