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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

ISIS Maintains Control of Mosul; Arizona Running Back Arrested; Scotland Votes on Independence Today

Aired September 18, 2014 - 05:30   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: The hunt for ISIS. The House of Representatives approving the president's plan to battle the terrorists, but the war, well, it might not be that easy. New problems facing the United States in Syria and the new terror plot that suggests ISIS militants are perhaps ready for bigger and bolder attacks.

Another NFL player arrested, accused of domestic abuse. Four players now inactive for off-the-field violence. And how team leaders are responding this morning.

And happening right now. An historic moment. The polls open in Scotland. Voters deciding on independence. Will Scotland split from the as of right now United Kingdom? A vote with ripples that will be felt all around the world.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm John Berman. Thirty minutes past the hour. Christine Romans is off today.

A crucial element to President Obama's plan to fight ISIS is moving ahead this morning with a House vote to train and arm the so-called moderate Syrian rebels. Republicans, they backed the president's plan by more than 2-1. This despite some Republican criticism that the plan did not go far enough. That ground 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 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 U.S. Secretary of State is really reinforcing that message. John Kerry told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that U.S. ground troops, their only role 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 the 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 almost as strong as John Kerry's. 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 President Rouhani did criticize much of the U.S. plan questioning the rejection of combat troops on the ground. He said, quote, "Are Americans afraid of their soldiers being killed?"

Meanwhile, the president's plan to arm moderate Syrian rebels against ISIS problematic perhaps at many levels. Syrian President Bashar al- Assad has seemingly stepped up his campaign to destroy those rebels. Anti-Assad fighters are being hit now with a new intense wave of air strikes. These are apparently 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 Islamic 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.

Now Kurdish Peshmerga forces say they are not currently strong enough to change the situation in Mosul. A top Kurdish leaders says Peshmerga fighters will need international help and lots of it to dislodged ISIS from that city. It could be so complicated. You're talking about urban combat, ethnic complications as well.

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

Good morning, Anna.

ANNA COREN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John. And as you say, the battle for Mosul is still some way off. But it will be a critical fight when it finally does happen. Yes, the Peshmerga not ready yet to hit this city, Iraq's second

largest city taken over by ISIS back in June. They tell us quite frankly they need arms, they need weapons, they need the training to operate this equipment. They also need the intelligence gathering. So they definitely need that help from the United States and also from the global coalition before they go in.

Mosul is outside of the borders of Kurdistan so, you know, the Kurdish forces are really going beyond what their duties are. But when you take into consideration, John, what General Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made over the last few days, basically saying that half of the Iraqi Security Forces, not here in northern Iraq, but for the rest of the country, are incapable of partnering with the United States to push back ISIS.

It really is quite alarming. It does mean that the Peshmerga will be very much on their own taking that fight to ISIS. Certainly in the city of Mosul. Now if they are able to hit Mosul and do it well, then they can cut off the artery from Syria. It's very close to the Syrian border. Now that would mean, you know, stop of the flow of fighters, of arms which happens so easily and freely between the two countries, even though the Islamic State says there's no border at all. This is now a caliphate. Part of their Islamic state but it would certainly cut off that flow.

And just as far as the importance of Mosul, we've seen that address from ISIS leader Abu Baqr al-Baghdadi, you know, speaking to his followers within the caliphate but also to the world, making that address some months ago from a mosque in Mosul. It would hurt ISIS badly if Mosul was taken.

But, John, as we know, it's not going to be easy. The Peshmerga, these Iraqi Security Forces can't just walk in and take it back. This is going to be, as you say, urban fighting. It's densely populated. A city of some two million people. And U.S. air strikes which have been critical in these operations so far will not be effective. They won't be wanting to hit the city in case of inflicting mass casualties. The United States does not want collateral damage. So it will be up to the forces on the ground to really try and push ISIS out of this city -- John.

BERMAN: That's a key point, Anna. To liberate Iraq from ISIL, they have to get rid of ISIS in the city of Mosul. And to do that, air strikes will not be nearly as effective as they have been in the rest of the country.

Anna Coren, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

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 threat 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. The commissioner said 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 and mass transit as well.

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.

This is really interesting. Australia confronting its own domestic ISIS threat this morning. Authorities 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.

Another NFL player arrested accused of domestic abuse. A problem plaguing the league. Four players now separated from their teams. Inactive at least for the time being for off-the-field violence. We have new developments ahead.

Plus, California burning. A state of emergency now declared. Extreme heat, wind fueling this fire. Indra Petersons is tracking it all for us next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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

In a statement, the Cardinals say, "We became aware of these allegations this afternoon when notified by Phoenix Police and cooperating fully. Given the serious nature of the allegations, we have taken immediate steps to deactivate Jonathan from all team activities."

No public comment yet from Dwyer. Detectives say he admitted confrontation did take place but denies any assault.

The Carolina Panthers is also creating distance for the player star defensive end Greg Hardy who is convicted of domestic violence in July, who's taking a voluntary leave from the team. Hardy has been placed on the exempt list while he prepares for a November appeal of his conviction. He was found guilty of choking and threatening to kill his then girlfriend. Panthers general manager David Gettleman announced Hardy's decision on Wednesday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVE GETTLEMAN, PANTHERS GENERAL MANAGER: The bigger thing is the whole issue. We're disappointed and that -- you know, I mean, he's 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: Hardy will be paid during his leave, but will not be allowed to attend team practice.

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

Listen to Vikings officials explain their about-face.

(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.

KEVIN WARREN, VIKINGS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: Our whole goal was to make sure that we did everything that we possibly could to make the best possible decision and to make the -- and to get it right.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: I guess it's about getting it right.

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 a little more than we meant sometimes. But we were only trying to prepare them for the real world. When you whip those you love, it's not about abuse, but love."

Eleven significant wildfires burning right now across the state of California. The governor there 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. Only about 5 percent contained with more than 1600 buildings threatened. More than 2500 firefighters are on the scene now hoping the winds die down today. Indra Petersons with a look at that and much more in today's forecast.

Good morning, Indra.

INDRA PETERSONS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning. Yes, a little bit of a mixed bag. There are some showers making their way into the area but of course it also means stronger winds. But just take a look how massive this fire is. This is a view from space. You can easily the devastation that's occurring in the area.

Of course one of the biggest concerns is the amount of dry fuel in the region. The drought condition now, 95 percent of the state experiencing a severe drought in the region. That is what they're dealing with. And of course, these are record-breaking temperatures that they continue to see for the last several days, really, and all up and down the entire West Coast.

Now the opposite side or the other effects that we're going to be looking at in the southwest there are going to be the remnants of Odile. So rather than heat and dry conditions, they're looking at a lot of moisture making its way into the region. So with this, the threat for flooding again today. Look at the totals we saw yesterday. Three to four inches. That just shows you, it doesn't take much rain to see severe flooding throughout the region.

And today, even upward of about five inches of rain spreading now a little bit farther east toward the Houston area. Will be the concern for even more flooding in that region.

Into the northeast, looking at a cold front making its way through. Seeing very moisture starved. We can actually see some that cool air kind of filling in, rather than a lot of rain. There is another system behind it, though. So by the end of the weekend, into the Midwest, finally kind of feeling in to the northeast.

You will start to see that system. But meanwhile, Friday, look at the drop from today through tomorrow. Enjoy this because you're going to be talking 50s as your high in Boston. Tomorrow in New York City, you're going to see the drop to 65. Definitely not so bad. But there will be a change in the air. Your football weather is here. The manana.

BERMAN: Chilly. All right, Indra. Thanks so much.

PETERSONS: Sure.

BERMAN: Happening right now, Scotland heading to the polls. Voting on independence. Will the United Kingdom be much less united this time tomorrow? We're live next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Voting under way in Scotland right now on a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. Polls opened nearly four hours ago. More than four million residents have registered to vote. That's the largest electorate ever in Scotland. Of course the results there do not just affect those people in Scotland. Huge implications for the rest of the United Kingdom. Huge implications for really countries all around the world.

Our Erin McLaughlin live this morning in London which may lose its brothers and sisters to the North.

Good morning, Erin.

ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John. That's right. This is a historic moment for the United Kingdom. The importance of this vote really reflected in the morning headlines here in London.

Take a look at the "London Times" with the rather ominous banner "D- Day" for the union. Then you have the paper, "The Independent" with the banner that read, "The 307-Year Itch." A reference to the fact that Scotland has been a part of the union for over 300 years and during that time there have been plenty of calls for an independent Scotland. And then you have "The Daily Mirror," which says, "Don't Leave Us This Way."

This is the kind of plea that we've also been seeing from this country's politicians. British Prime Minister David Cameron really pleading with the people of Scotland to vote no. All three major political parties here in Britain offering the Scottish parliament new powers in the event of a no vote.

But as for the mood here in London, you know, I have been talking to some folks and really got some mixed reactions when I asked them what they thought of an independent Scotland. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Scotland is part of the U.K. heritage and I think it would be a real shame if they decided to leave us. I feel like it would be part of my family saying, I don't want to be with you anymore. Cheerio.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's all right if they decide to go independence. I think that's fine if they decide not to. And that's fine. That's the whole point of democracy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If they want to go, let them go. Yes. They'd be better off with us. But if they want to go, let them go.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MCLAUGHLIN: Well, one poll that took place in England and Wales found that around 63 percent of the respondents said that they are against an independent Scotland, but 47 percent, almost half, found that this had no bearing, they said, on their life whatsoever, which I found interesting considering there's been so many ominous warnings from this country's politics, economists, business leaders, even former military leaders about the implications of this referendum.

A referendum that as you mentioned has implications outside of the United Kingdom as well. Separatist movements in Spain and Belgium, even Ukraine will be watching what happens very, very closely -- John.

BERMAN: Parting is such sweet sorrow. But then again the guy who wrote that, he wasn't Scottish. He was English.

Erin McLaughlin, in London for us, thanks so much.

The release of Apple's new IOS 8 tarnished by a bug. We'll get an EARLY START on your money next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Let's get an EARLY START on your money.

Apple's new health app out sick. There was a lot of hype surrounding Health Kit, a key component of the new IOS 8 software update rolled out yesterday but the features released stalled because of a software bug. Now it is supposed to work with third-party apps to monitor things like heart rate, sleep, weight and blood pressure. You'll also be able to share that information with your doctor.

There are usually some snags with new software launches and Apple says that Health Kit should be available by the end of the month.

Now you may have noticed Christine Romans abandoned me today. Why? Well, she is doing much bigger, more important things. She's preparing for a big Twitter extravaganza. I want you to ask her your financial planning questions. She's going to answer them starting at noon today. But you can tweet her starting now. Ask her anything you want about money, finance, why she left me all alone today. Just use the #asksChristine.

"NEW DAY" starts right now.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news, an ISIS plot in Australia thwarted. Terrorists planning to grab a random member of the public and behead them. How close did they get?

The U.S. House approves the president's request to arm the Free Syrian Army to fight ISIS. But how many in his own party turned against him?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking overnight another star football player arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife and child as another player is suspended. We're live with the latest.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, the polls are open and centuries of history hang in the balance. Will Scotland break away from the United Kingdom? It's down to the wire. Christiane Amanpour is live in Scotland.

CUOMO: Your NEW DAY starts right now.

ANNOUNCER: This is NEW DAY with Chris Cuomo, Kate Bolduan and Michaela Pereira.

CUOMO: Good morning, welcome to NEW DAY. It's Thursday, September 18th, 6:00 in the East and we do have breaking news here. The situation against ISIS is getting more complicated. Here's the

latest. A terror plot in Australia was thwarted. What we understand is that ISIS sympathizers who allegedly planned to find a random member of the public and behead them to send an obvious message. This is going on as President Obama is trying very hard to win over Congress and you in his plan to combat ISIS.