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Israel to Retake Parts of West Bank; Early Reports in Smart Case Were Wrong; Study Says Large-Sized Fast Food Unhealthy
Aired June 18, 2002 - 20:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, HOST: They said they adopted their baby and 22 years later, this couple is on trial for kidnapping their son, pleading for the only parent he's ever known. That story coming up.
ANNOUNCER: More clues on a kidnapper.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. SCOTT ATKINSON, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE: We believe that this person may be a trusted person in the neighborhood.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: Police paint a portrait of the man believed to have abducted 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart right out of her bedroom.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM SMART, ELIZABETH'S UNCLE: The fact that we don't believe it's a psychotic killer gives us great hope.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: Did Robert Blake plan out his wife's murder? Prosecutors say they've got new evidence that will keep the jailed actor behind bars until his murder trial.
Slipping through the cracks, a suicide bomber succeeds in his mission of death.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are very angry. We are very upset. Nineteen of our people were murdered here today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: Hours later, Israeli tanks go on the offensive in the West Bank. CNN's live from Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Colorado, Washington, the West Bank and other datelines around the globe. Now, Carol Lin.
LIN: Right now, we begin with breaking news in the Middle East. The Associated Press, quoting Israeli government officials, says, "The Israeli military is retaking parts of the West Bank and holding them until terror attacks stop." That decision came just hours after a deadly suicide attack. A suicide bomber killed 19 people and himself when he set off a bomb on a crowded bus in Jerusalem. Much more on this story just ahead. We'll have a complete report on the bus bombing and a live report with the latest from the West Bank.
Meanwhile, here in the United States, police have a new updated description of the man who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart. And there's new information about the night she was taken from her home. CNN's Michael Okwu is following the story in Salt Lake City -- Michael.
MICHAEL OKWU, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, hello to you. We were all thrown for a little bit of a loop this morning as the investigation continues.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
OKWU (voice-over): Day 14, a twist. More details about the suspect and a revised version about what happened at the Smart home during the dark, early hours on June 5. Police say they are looking for a white male, 30 to 40 years old between 5'8" and 5'10", a man of medium build with dark hair on his head as well as his arms and hands. This does not necessarily match the description of Bret Michael Edmunds who police have been saying all along is not a suspect.
Investigators received this information from at least three interviews with Elizabeth's 9-year-old sister and roommate Mary Catherine, who described a well-dressed, soft-spoken man.
ATKINSON: This person appeared to be calm, but was concerned that the victim not make any noise that would awaken other family members, including the younger sister, whom the suspect assumed was asleep. No conversations were made between the younger sister and the suspect at any time. The suspect did not know he was observed by this child.
OKWU: Police say he was witnessed at two different times in two different locations in the house that night. Until now, the public had been led to believe Mary Catherine had been threatened by the armed suspect, which would have explained why she waited two hours before she told her parents.
SMART: We stand 100 percent beside the police, the FBI, the volunteer effort. We stand 100 percent behind them. Have we been frustrated at times? You bet we've been frustrated, because nobody has a sense of urgency and nobody wants this to be focused on Elizabeth more than us.
OKWU: Police also displayed a pair of white shoes resembling those worn by Elizabeth the morning she was abducted.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
OKWU: Now, police believe that this suspect may be a well- trusted person, well regarded, perhaps, even in the community, and somebody that might even be familiar with the Smart family.
One other thing, Carol, when asked whether Mary Catherine was hypnotized, a law enforcement official close to the investigation told CNN, "You can expect and believe that we've tried everything." -- Carol.
LIN: Michael, when you say or when you report that Mary Catherine, the younger sister, that it appears that she may have seen the kidnapping suspect maybe once or twice during the day, what does that mean? Does that mean that she knows the man?
OKWU: Well, what specifically they're saying is that they believe that this suspect was seen two times in the house in two different locations. Now, would they specify exactly where in the house this witness was seen? No, the police would not. We know that Mary Catherine saw this suspect at least once in the bedroom. Where else she may have seen him remains a big question mark.
We do know something else and of course, putting all these -- connecting the dots leads us to a little bit of speculation. We do know that Elizabeth was allowed to go back to get her shoes, to put something on. Remember, she was just wearing her pajamas and didn't have anything on her feet and this person allowed her to go back and get her shoes. Now, does this mean that Mary Catherine, while feigning sleep, got up after her sister left with this man and might have seen him going out some, you know, exit of the home and that would make the second location, remains to be seen. We just do not know at this point -- Carol.
LIN: All right, thank you very much, Michael Okwu, with another mystery out there in Salt Lack City in this investigation.
We've got a story about agony for a different family in a kidnapping case that started 22 years ago. Now, the couple and their son are in court. CNN's Jason Carroll tells us what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): By outward appearances, the Propps were just another happy middle-class family living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The couple made Southwestern style jewelry for a living, their son, Matthew, growing up playing sports like soccer and football. But the Propps had a dark secret, one they grew tired of keeping from Matthew and the family that was trying to find him.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm relieved that it's over.
CARROLL: The Propps' real last name is Smiley. As part of a plea agreement, Barry Smiley will serve two to six years and his wife, Judith, six months in prison for kidnapping Matthew when he was a baby, 22 years ago. Matthew had no idea about his true identity until a little more than a year ago when the Smileys told him they were turning themselves in.
MATTHEW PROPP, SON: The last few months have been like the last year and a half. It's been chaotic and, you know, for a better word, it's been hellish. You know, I wake up every morning and, you know, this is what the outcome was, but not knowing for that year and a half is what made it the worst. And you know, again, I'm relieved that we don't have to wake up and wonder anymore.
ANTHONY RUSSINI, MATTHEW'S BIOLOGICAL FATHER: It's not what I would have hoped for, but it'll have to do. I mean, it's vindication to hear them say guilty. They did what I know they did all along. They took my son.
CARROLL: Anthony Russini had been searching for his son since 1980 when he learned his girlfriend at the time, Matthew's mother, had put him up for adoption without his consent. A judge has ordered the Smileys to return the infant, but they refused, saying they feared his biological parents may have been unfit. So they skipped town, changed their name and began a new life.
BARRY SMILEY, FATHER: Did I do the right thing? I went where my heart led me. Does that answer your question?
CARROLL: Matthew's heart pulled in two directions.
PROPP: I'm glad that I had the opportunity to start a new relationship, you know. Obviously, I wish it would have been under different circumstances.
RUSSINI: He knows that I love him and I always have. And I'm there for him and any time he needs me, all he has to do is call.
CARROLL: Matthew says he wants to know his biological family, but he still loves the only family he has ever known.
Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: And more court action now. The judge in Robert Blake's murder case says he needs more time before deciding whether the actor should be released on bail. CNN's Frank Buckley was in the courtroom today in Los Angeles.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on-camera): Well, the hearing here ended with no immediate resolution on this bail issue. Robert Blake was in court with his attorney, Harland Braun, arguing for bail, saying that the special circumstance on which he is held, lying in wait, which makes this a capital offense, should be dropped because it makes it unconstitutionally vague.
HARLAND BRAUN, ROBERT BLAKE'S ATTORNEY: Well, the special circumstance is important because it's being used by the prosecution as a tactic to keep him in custody even though they don't seriously argue that he's a flight risk. It's a -- really, it's a game by the prosecutor. They figure if they can keep him locked up, it's going to be easier to convict and they're right. If you're locked in a cage and they're out, they have a better chance of convicting him. It's easier to convict an innocent man if they're locked up.
BUCKLEY: Judge Lloyd Nash said he hadn't had time to read through all the motions going back and forth between the defense and the prosecution on this matter right up until five minutes before the hearing, apparently. So he wasn't in a position to decide just yet.
He did, however, make a decision on Blake's co-defendant and bodyguard, Earle Caldwell, who is charged with conspiracy in the case. Nash had appointed an independent counsel to speak with Caldwell about the potential conflict of interest that exists with his attorney, Arna Zlotnick. She is being paid for by Robert Blake.
The independent counsel reported back to the court that he had had time to talk to Caldwell about this. Caldwell understood the potential conflicts. Caldwell was asked by the judge if he understood this. He said he did understand and that he wanted to continue on with Zlotnick and that satisfied the judge on that matter.
So for now, Robert Blake remains in county jail awaiting his next hearing. His son talked about that just a few moments after the hearing ended.
NOEL BLAKE, ROBERT BLAKE'S SON: He's doing the best that he can. I'm sure all things being equal, he'd rather be someplace else. But considering that's where he is, he's holding up the best he can.
BUCKLEY: The next court date on Robert Blake is set for June 27 at 1:30 in the afternoon. At that time, we're expecting a setting of a preliminary hearing date. Also, we expect to hear some arguments on this issue of bail.
Frank Buckley, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: Next, a deadly day in the Holy Land. CNN cameras take you to the scene of a suicide bombing in Jerusalem. And we'll go live to the West Bank, where Israeli tanks are on the move.
Fanning the flames of the largest wildfire ever to scorch Colorado, we'll go live to the front lines in a heated battle.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: Israel began construction Sunday on what is intended to be a 217-mile fence designed to keep suicide bombers out of Israel. The fence is being built along the previously unmarked border between Israel and the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. The first 68 miles of the $200 million project are scheduled to be completed within a year.
LIN: In the Middle East, another suicide bombing and a rapid response from Israel. The Israeli government says its forces are retaking parts of the West Bank and will stay there until terror attacks stop. That after today's bombing of a Jerusalem bus. Nineteen people and the suicide bomber were killed. The militant group, Hamas, claims responsibility. And in a videotape released after the blast, the bomber pledges allegiance to the Palestinian cause. More now from CNN's Sheila MacVicar in Jerusalem.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SHEILA MACVICAR, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): Death came with the morning rush hour. The number 32A bus was making its way into Jerusalem, on board, workers heading for their jobs and children heading to school, waiting with deadly intent at a bus stop, the suicide bomber. Michael Laski (ph) was on the bus as the terrorist boarded.
"I realized what he was going to do," he says. "I managed to crouch down and the bus exploded."
Jerusalem had been on high alert for nearly 24 hours. Israeli police said they had specific intelligence a suicide bomber had entered the city. In spite of roadblocks and searches, they were not able to catch him in time.
Once again, Israelis were dealing with terror. And rescue workers had the grim task of collecting the dead. The bus driver, dead in his seat. A body lying on the steps of the bus. Through the morning, the toll mounting, the row of body bags growing longer.
(on-camera): This comes as both Israelis and Palestinians wait for U.S. President Bush's statement on his views of the way forward towards a political dialogue. And the view of Israel's government is that it will not now accept the creation of any form of a Palestinian state.
(voice-over): With the U.S. administration's deliberations in mind, Israel's prime minister paid an unusual visit to the scene. Somber, sorrowed Ariel Sharon walked solemnly past the dead. "This was," he said, "a terrible scene, stronger than words."
ARIEL SHARON, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER (through translator): What Palestinian state are they intending? What Palestinian state are they talking about? It is this terrorism, which we have to fight, and that is what we shall do.
UZI LANDAU, INTERNAL SECURITY MINISTER: What must be clear that there is no Palestinian state, there is no negotiation with Arafat, there is no trying to reach a compromise with all those terrorist organizations.
MACVICAR: From Gaza, the spiritual leader of Hamas confirmed that this bomber had been launched by that organization. The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack but said control of the bomber was beyond its current capabilities and made a plea for renewed dialogue.
GHASSAN KHATIB, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY MINISTER: The only security for everybody can guarantee an end to the violence. MACVICAR: As one more horrifying reality sinks in, everyone, Israelis and Palestinians, wait to see what happens next.
Sheila MacVicar, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: And already, we're seeing some developments. In case you're just joining us, we have a report now that the Israeli government is saying that Israel is going to retake parts of the West Bank in response to that bombing. We've got CNN's Matthew Chance in Ramallah with some reaction there.
Matthew, do you see any action on your end yet?
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, that's right. In fact, in Ramallah here, it's relatively quiet despite the fact that there is a great deal of anticipation about what might be happening here over the next coming hours. A lot of concern about what the Israeli response will be.
We're getting out first indications of some kind of formulation of that response, talking about an incursion, an Israeli military incursion into the West Bank city of Jenin where eyewitnesses say between 60 and 70 Israeli tanks and armored personnel carriers have taken up positions outside key installations in the city at road junctions, outside important buildings and such and on the outskirts of the refugee camp in Jenin as well, where we're told that Israeli troops have been conducting house-to-house searches between -- inside Jenin itself.
We've also had word from Israeli officials of the outcome of a security meeting between Ariel Sharon and cabinet ministers, security chiefs, that they will retake areas of land held by the Palestinian Authority and hold them until what they call "Palestinian terror attacks" end.
And so, it seems to be some kind of a shift in policy there from the sort of pinpoint strikes we've been witnessing, the sort of temporary in and out incursions into Palestinian territories that we've been witness here to -- for the past several weeks, in fact, the past several months to what may be a more long-term strategy to come back into areas of the West Bank and reoccupy it -- Carol.
LIN: Matthew, how are the Palestinians likely to respond? I mean this can only increase the tensions between both sides.
CHANCE: Yeah. I mean, there's a great deal of concern amongst the Palestinians certainly here in the West Bank about the line of policy that Israel, that Ariel Sharon is choosing to pursue.
Palestinian officials here as well as many Palestinians we speak to on the street say the only way out of this crisis as far as they're concerned is a peace deal that gives them a Palestinian state. Israel appears to be following a different strategy at the moment, Carol.
LIN: All right. The story still developing on that end. Thank you very much Matthew Chance live in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
Well, the president here in the United States had condemned the latest suicide bombing in Israel but he still planned to form some sort of outline this week for some sort of provisional Palestinian state. Actions by the Israeli government, who knows what the impact of that's going to be. But senior White House correspondent John King joins us now -- more with that.
John, have you been able to get any reaction from the administration to what we're hearing about the Israeli military action, retaking parts of the West Bank now?
JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, U.S. officials, Carol, here keeping a close eye on all of this. And they say, of course, that while the public line at the White House is that this latest bombing will have no impact on the president's new peace initiative, it certainly will affect the timing. Mr. Bush had planned to make that speech perhaps as early as today. U.S. officials telling us he's putting the finishing details on some of it.
White House officials say they are watching tonight. They say they have no official word yet to these reports that Israel plans to hold indefinitely land it is now seizing in the West Bank. But as they watch all this, one senior official saying, "We need to let this settle."
Now, we are told the president's new initiative will be unveiled Thursday at the very earliest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KING (voice-over): The president's central goal is to get the Israelis and Palestinians back to the bargaining table, not to present a detailed, new U.S. peace plan. But Mr. Bush does hope to offer a roadmap.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're going to be steadfast toward a vision that rejects terror and killing and honors peace and hope.
KING: Central to the Bush proposal is a call for reforms to the Palestinian Authority -- a new Palestinian constitution, new leadership positions and improved security forces. But selling those reforms could be complicated by tough talk from senior White House officials who make clear they would prefer that Yasser Arafat have no role in day-to-day decision-making.
SHIBLEY TELHAMI, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: Very often when it seems as if the intent of the U.S. is to remove a leader, the people rally behind him even if he's unpopular. I think in the -- and we've seen that in the past, including in the case of Mr. Arafat.
KING: Mr. Bush also will call for an international Middle East conference this summer with the goal of narrowing differences between Israel and Arab states, a resumption of direct Israeli/Palestinian negotiations and an easing of economic restrictions on the Palestinians.
One controversial idea is recognizing an interim or provisional Palestinian state that would consist of West Bank and Gaza Strip land now under Palestinian control. The borders of a permanent state and competing claims on Jerusalem would be left to direct negotiations.
Vice President Cheney has said, by knowledgeable sources, to be skeptical of recognizing an interim Palestinian state before seeing proof of Palestinian reforms. And several top officials say the idea, while still on the table, appears to be losing appeal.
Another deadly bombing only reinforced Israel's view that this is no time for peace talks and no time to discuss Palestinian statehood, interim or otherwise. The White House condemned the bombing as the work of those who oppose peace and says it will not impact the president's deliberations.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KING: But it clearly will impact the timing of the president releasing and announcing his new initiative. White House officials again tonight saying they need to see how the situation on the ground changes over the next day or so. They say it makes no sense for the president to try to focus the parties on peace at a time there is continuing violence -- Carol.
LIN: John, how aggressively do you think the White House is going to act with Ariel Sharon in at least asking him or pressuring him to pull back out of the West Bank, not retake parts of the West Bank because in effect, how can the president announce this plan while Israel is occupying or retaking these portions of these West Bank cities?
KING: That is a fair question and one that is put to the administration. But at the same time, Israel puts this question to the administration -- how can you tell us not to respond appropriately, in our view, to terrorist strikes when you yourself, meaning the United States, are leading a war against terrorism around the world. That has been the Catch-22, if you will, the administration has faced for months.
We do know after the last bombing, Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser, did call Prime Minister Sharon and urge restraint.
We are told tonight the White House is still trying to get a sense of all this and that it is certainly no secret to the Sharon government that Mr. Bush wants to move forward with this new initiative. White House officials telling us we just need to wait a few hours, maybe a day or so.
In the words of one, "We need to see how all this settles out." But certainly, a permanent or indefinite Israeli troop occupation in the West Bank would significantly complicate an already difficult sell for the president.
LIN: You said it right there, a diplomatic catch-22. Thank you very much. John King live at the White House. We'll be back in a moment.
ANNOUNCER: Next, a deadly crash. A fleet is grounded and the flames keep burning. We'll have the latest in a massive battle against western wildfires.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: Nineteen large wildfires are currently burning in 11 states. So far this year, flames have scorched more than 1.5 million acres. That's nearly double the average for this time of year.
LIN: Well, the most dramatic of these fires is burning near Denver, and in just the last few hours, the Hayman fire is taking a turn for the worse. CNN's Charles Molineaux got a special assignment today. He was able to actually fly into the fire zone. He joins us now. He is just south of this fire.
Charles, what was it like for you out there?
CHARLES MOLINEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, actually, it was pretty hairy for a while there. We, of course, wanted to see what these firefighters were doing, but the warnings kept coming that this fire might pick up and cause problems. And ultimately, we and the firefighters did have to clear out.
This is the day firefighters have been dreading since late last week and sure enough, as expected, the winds picked up. The humidity dropped to dramatically low and the Haines Index, which is measure of fire risk from one to six, six being the highest, was at a six.
The fire has burned another 6,000 acres over the past couple of days. So the biggest fire in Colorado state history is now at a 109,000 miles. The Forest Service says more homes have been destroyed over the past of couple days, but they honestly couldn't get back in the fire lines to see which ones and what happened. So the official count of homes destroyed is still only 25 although they say there are definitely more of them.
You know firefighters out on the fire lines were trying to lay down some containment, but ultimately, they had to pull out and get back because the winds were just too hairy. And they had some crowning fires in the treetops coming down towards their positions. And at that point, they just had to be content with the fire lines they had laid, pull out and just be safe.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BOB MANLEY, FIREFIGHTER: It's a hot day. We're putting some lines in and spot fires sparking up all around us. And we had to pull out and here we are trying to stay safe.
JONAS ST. JOHN, FIREFIGHTER: It's been a slow day. We've been taking it real slow and careful. With the weather the way it is and the high temperatures, we need to just be slow and make sure we don't get ourselves into trouble and we did a good job with that today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOLINEAUX: And the Hayman fire continues at 109,000 acres right now. The northern part of the fire was pretty quiet, but down here in the south, there were a lot more problems. In fact, you can probably see the smoke coming over that ridge behind me.
One problem, not a very severe one, is that one of their C-130 tanker planes is stuck on the ground because of that nationwide grounding of some C-130s. On the other hand, that was one out of only six planes and the planes were certainly busy today making drops as well as the helicopters as this became pretty much just an air campaign. Once the firefighters had to pull out, it was the tankers and the helicopters that were moving in and dropping water on the hot spots.
One slightly brighter spot on the horizon, Carol -- the weather forecast for tomorrow is for slightly moister and slightly cooler weather, but then, more heat and more low humidity coming up towards the end of this week.
LIN: Yeah, we've been hearing that every single day now, Charles. Are there homes still in the path of this fire and are there any more planned evacuations?
MOLINEAUX: There were more evacuations overnight, actually. Several areas were cleared out and more areas. Again, this is in the southern ends of the county, Douglas and Teller - southern end of the fire, Douglas and Teller County. There were more homes cleared out, more mandatory evacuations and more places were put on notice. So yes, there is more danger to more homes and more people have had to clear out in its path.
LIN: No end in sight. Charles Molineaux, thank you very much. Well other fire crews have their hands full with a major fire in the southwestern part of the state. It is burning about 15 miles from Durango and is threatening two water supplies. The winds are gusting there as well.
Now near the California-Nevada border, investigators are trying to figure out why a Forest Service plane crashed while fighting a fire. Until they do, the government grounded all planes of the same model. Charles just mentioned one of them at the Hayman fire.
And about an hour east of Los Angeles, firefighters are slowly getting a handle on a fire in the San Bernardino National Forest. Yesterday, you may remember it shut down a nearby interstate. Well today, traffic is moving again. We're back in a moment.
ANNOUNCER: Next, Washington warns that the terror threat to the nation's airlines is still very real. We'll tell you what the government's doing to beef up security and screening at the nation's airports.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: Welcome back. Here's a look at our top stories this hour. Israel says its troops will retake parts of the West Bank and hold them until terror attacks stop. Just hours ago, Israeli tanks moved into Jenin in the West Bank. The Israeli Government called the town a hotbed of Palestinian terrorists. The Israeli move comes after another deadly suicide bombing, this one in Jerusalem. Today's bombing on a city bus killed 19 people, plus the suicide bomber. The Islamic militant group Hamas is claiming responsibility.
And here in the United States, police in Salt Lake City give more details about the man who kidnapped teenager Elizabeth Smart. He's described as a white male, 30 to 40 years old, 5'8" to 5'10" with a medium build and dark hair. Police now say the man did not threaten Smart's younger sister that night. That is contrary to earlier reports.
Well, U.S. transportation officials say they're stepping up the pace of the airport security overhaul that is scheduled to put all passenger and baggage screening under federal supervision by the end of the year. CNN's Patty Davis joins us now with a progress report -- Patty.
PATTY DAVIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, transportation officials say the threat to aviation is still very real and they are moving into high gear to protect airlines and passengers. The plan is to overhaul airport passenger checkpoints at more than one-quarter of the nation's airports this summer, and the push is on to hire as many as 54,000 federal passenger screeners to man those checkpoints.
DAVIS (voice-over): Officials say you'll begin to see federal screeners at airports across the country by late July, early August; now the only airport to have them so far Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
Also being moved into place, screening machines for checked bags; now they must be screened by the end of the year, all of those bags. That is the deadline. It is a massive undertaking, and critics, including airport executives, say they're not sure the government can pull it off. Transportation officials, though, say it is a daunting schedule but they vow they will make the deadline.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN MAGAW, UNDERSECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION: All that stuff is in place and this building is going to start coming out of the ground pretty quickly, and I have every intention, every belief that we'll get there. Now will we have every airport exactly the way they want it? No.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DAVIS (on camera): Officials say they're trying to have as little disruption for passengers as possible, as all this gets put into place, but your patience may be tested as the government tries something it has never done before, screening all those bags and passengers in time for flights to take off as scheduled -- Carol.
LIN: And notice that it's going to happen right before the holidays. At least, that's the deadline. Fifty-four thousand screeners, how is it possible they're going to find that many people who are qualified?
DAVIS: Well, it's advertising. It plans to advertise in city after city. It's got "Help Wanted" signs out right now at four big airports, New York's JFK, Newark, Boston's Logan, Bradley in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Potential screeners have to pass background checks. They have to be qualified, as you said, and they can get qualified with 40 hours of classroom training, 60 hours on the job training, and as things get rolling along, officials say they're going to be hiring 4,000 to 5,000 screeners every week -- Carol.
LIN: So what if they don't get enough screeners and what happens to passengers like us?
DAVIS: Well, that's a good question. They haven't really addressed that. Maybe they may keep those private screeners in place if they can't get enough federal screeners, but actually some officials have said that they are vowing they will find enough screeners. They will meet that deadline. They're not giving up yet, Carol.
LIN: Oh, we have to have faith in our government, but I get the feeling I'm going to be standing in line a little bit longer when this is over.
DAVIS: Hope not.
LIN: I hope not too. Thank you very much, Patty Davis in Washington. Well, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge met with congressional leaders today to deliver President Bush's proposal for a Homeland Security Department.
The detailed bill outlines a cabinet level agency that would coordinate federal anti-terror efforts. It was immediately referred to several committees for study. The administration is hoping for passage by this fall.
Well, while the U.S. looks for ways to protect itself from terrorist attacks, one major terrorist organization is looking for Americans to carry out those attacks. When we come back, find out why al Qaeda recruiters believe their worst enemy could also make their best allies.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: For the latest on the war against terror, including reports from the front lines and the home front, head to cnn.com/war. It's full of maps, galleries, timelines and interactive segments. For AOL users, the keyword is CNN.
LIN: Well someone fired two rockets at an apartment complex near the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Damage was minor and there are no reports of casualties. It's not clear what the intended target actually was or who was behind the attack. Authorities suspect al Qaeda or Taliban holdouts. And CNN has learned that a senior member of al Qaeda is now in custody in Morocco. So, joining us with those details, our Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena has been working on this tonight -- Kelli.
KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Carol, U.S. officials confirm that Abu Zubair al-Haili is in custody in Morocco. Sources tell CNN U.S. investigators had access to the information that he's providing, but have not spoken with him directly.
The one official described Zubair, nicknamed "The Bear" because of his large size, as a senior al Qaeda member with a very close relationship to Abu Zubaydah. As you remember, Abu Zubaydah is considered to be the highest ranking al Qaeda operative in custody.
Now Zubair is said to be well plugged in with a wealth of information. One official says: "He knows quite a bit, including where many al Qaeda terrorist cells are located." Now the official says that information could be very useful in preventing future terrorist attacks.
Now Zubair is also said to have played a pivotal role in recruiting new members and bringing them to Afghanistan for training. The officials that we spoke to did not offer details on how much information if any Zubair is providing; Carol, back to you.
LIN: Kelli, how did they track him down?
ARENA: We're not sure. We do know that he's been in custody for a little more than a week in Morocco, arrested in Morocco, but we don't know how he came to be there. Carol.
LIN: Is there any connection between Zubair and Jose Padilla, the American who was arrested last week?
ARENA: Not that we know of. We do know that Padilla was, supposedly had met with Abu Zubaydah. We know that Zubair had some connection to Zubaydah. Whether the other two are connected is unclear at this time, but it's all al Qaeda. It's all part of the al Qaeda terrorist network.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much, Kelli Arena.
ARENA: You're welcome, Carol.
LIN: We've got more on the war on terror in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: The Pakistani government has deported one American and is holding another. The State Department says the U.S. citizens were picked up as they tried to cross Afghanistan's border into Pakistan. U.S. authorities are doing background checks on both, but sources say the men are not terrorist suspects.
And, the Saudi government has handed the International Police Force, Interpol, a list of 750 people they want arrested. Saudi officials say many of the suspects are involved in money laundering, drug trafficking and terrorist-related activities. About 214 of these names were already registered with Interpol.
And sources say Syrian officials are questioning a man they think recruited Mohammed Atta as a hijacker for the September 11 attacks. Mohammed Haydar Zammar is a German citizen from Syria. Now sources say Syrian officials are keeping the U.S. apprised of what they're finding out.
But what about American citizens who may be al Qaeda members, who recruited them, and are there sleeper cells in the United States? Our State Department correspondent Andrea Koppel has some answers.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Jose Padilla, a.k.a. Abdullah Al-Muhajir, grew up in Chicago. Ihab Mohammed Ali (ph), an Egyptian-American, was a cab driver in Orlando. Wadih El-Hage, a Lebanese-American, lived in Texas. All are U.S. citizens, all suspected al Qaeda terrorists, and experts say that is no accident.
ROBERT BLITZER, FORMER FBI COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL: I think that they clearly recognize that they need to have the ability to move easily between countries, and it seems to me that their prime area of recruiting is in the American Muslim community.
MAGNUS RANSTORP, COUNTERRRORISM ANALYST: This has been a deliberate strategy by the organization, who understands that in order to be able to conduct operations, you have to travel from Point A to Point B.
KOPPEL: And what better way for an al Qaeda operative to travel undetected than with an American passport?
BLITZER: It's a terrific advantage and it is because, just think, you can come and go from the United States pretty darn easily. There are many countries that we have reciprocal agreements with where there are no visas issued.
So, for example, if you wanted to fly to Paris and have a meeting with some other bad guys, you come in with your American passport and say you're there for a holiday, and you're in the country.
KOPPEL: Cases in point, Lebanese-American Wadih El-Hage, personal secretary to Osama bin Laden, traveled the world on his American passport before he was arrested and convicted for his role in the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in East Africa.
And Wahid Hejazi (ph), a Jordanian-American, now on death row in Amman for his role in the millennium plots, an unsuccessful attempt to bomb tourist sites in Jordan and across the United States. Assimilating into American society was critical to their missions.
RANSTORP: We've seen that from the manuals on how to blend in effectively so that you don't raise suspicions, of almost being like an ordinary neighbor who doesn't raise any eyebrows, who do not behave suspiciously, who can withstand questioning.
KOPPEL: Which raises yet another question, are there other American-al Qaeda living quietly among us.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think, I think there is a fairly good chance that if there are sleeper cells here and I think there probably are, that some of these people may be supporting them at least and helping them, because again, they become a support base potentially that just blends in. It's just not noticed at all.
KOPPEL (on camera): And given the increased scrutiny of foreigners since September 11, U.S. officials worry al Qaeda is actively recruiting naturalized citizens with American passports. For the intelligence and law enforcement community, finding these terrorists before they strike is a tremendous challenge. Andrea Koppel, CNN, at the State Department.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: And on a completely different note, Jesse Ventura body slams the media with a shocker. Imagine that. Up next, Bruce Morton reminds us what makes "The Body" just about impossible to forget. Also, health experts make a whopper of an announcement and it just might come as a super-size shock to fast food lovers everywhere. Get the skinny on your favorite high calorie meal when LIVE FROM continues.
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LIN: Jesse Ventura is leaving the political ring, at least for the time being. The former pro wrestler says he won't run for reelection as governor of Minnesota. CNN National Correspondent Bruce Morton reports that in politics as well as wrestling, Ventura had a style all his own.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Minnesota's independence and independent-minded Governor Jesse Ventura won't seek a second term.
JESSE VENTURA, GOVERNOR, MINNESOTA: I'm going to announce on your show right now that I am not seeking reelection again. I will not run again.
MORTON: "You've got to have your heart and soul into these types of jobs," Ventura said, adding that his decision was partly tied to the news reports his son had used the governor's mansion for parties. He's had a lot of careers, professional wrestler.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The referee has counted Rocky Johnson (ph) out of the ring, and awards this contest to Jesse "The Body" Ventura.
He was a Navy SEAL and author. The book's title comes from a line he had in an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. Had dolls made in his image. But he got elected governor because he figured out a basic political fact, at least in Minnesota in 1998.
VENTURA: The Democrat and Republican parties are minorities. It's that simple. When you look, you've got maybe 20 percent on the left, 20 percent on the right. The majority, the 60 percent in the middle, do not align with either party.
MORTON: He won four years ago with 37 percent of the vote, Republican Norm Coleman second with 34. As governor, Ventura has had some successes -- tax cut, a sales tax rebate, though smaller than he wanted.
VENTURA: If there's one liberating thing that has come from being a third party governor, it is that my cabinet can ask new questions that have nothing to do with politics.
MORTON: He got elected, actually, as a Reform Party candidate, went independent after falling out with Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan. Voters liked him, though he was criticized for refereeing a wrestling match and working as a football commentator.
Now, he says, it's time to go back to the private sector. He once tried to make reporters at the State House wear badges labeled "Official Jackal," but they'll probably miss him, wouldn't you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you for your time, Mr. Ventura.
VENTURA: The pleasure was yours!
MORTON (on camera): His departure leaves the field for now with Democrat Farmer Labor Party candidate Roger Moe, and Republican Tim Polihay (ph), but who knows. Bruce Morton, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: And while you chew on that, do you want fries with that as well? That's a regular question for customers at fast food restaurants, but some experts say you should think long and hard before you answer. As CNN's Elaine Quijano reports, super-sized meals can lead to super-sized waistlines.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Americans eat up the idea that more food for your dollar is better.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was looking at their 20-piece chicken McNuggets.
QUIJANO: And fast food chains offer plenty of meal deals.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's great. I got five kids, so it works for me, a lot cheaper.
QUIJANO: But by saving money now, you could wind up paying more in health costs in the long run says the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity. In a new report, the coalition of 225 health groups warns Americans are getting a lot more than they bargained for in unwanted calories and fat, leading to obesity and a host of related health problems that they say can be avoided.
MARGO WOOTAN, CENTER FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: We're talking about preventing early death, reducing healthcare costs and reducing very serious disabilities that result from stroke, from heart disease, from diabetes.
QUIJANO: For example, one of the many fast food chains offering meal deals is McDonald's. The report says going from a small size fries, small drink and a quarter pounder with cheese to a large quarter pounder extra value meal there costs eight cents less but adds almost 500 extra calories. Another example, for desert, going from Cinnabon's minibon (ph) to the regular classic size costs 48 cents more and adds 370 calories.
QUIJANO (on camera): Researchers also found examples in convenience stores, like these candy bars, the big one here costing an extra 33 cents more and adding some 230 extra calories.
QUIJANO (voice-over): Cinnabon officials suggest sticking with a minibon (ph) if calories are a concern, advice researchers second. They say don't be so quick to gobble down a good deal. Order smaller or half sizes or share with someone else. We've contacted McDonald's and as of yet have not received any official comment. Elaine Quijano, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: Before we leave another look at our top story this hour. Israeli government officials say the Israeli military will take control of portions of Palestinian Authority territory and hold that land until terror attacks stop.
That decision came just hours after a deadly suicide attack in Jerusalem. A suicide bomber killed 19 people and himself when he set off a bomb on a crowded bus. We'll have a live report from Jerusalem, one hour from now, on "NEWSNIGHT" with Aaron Brown. And that's our report tonight. I'm Carol Lin. "LARRY KING LIVE" is up next.
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