Return to Transcripts main page
Live From...
Tornado Hits Illinois; Bombings in Iraq, Saudi Arabia; Blueprint for Fallujah?
Aired April 21, 2004 - 12:59 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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Violent storms strike the Midwest.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I heard this big roar coming through, just like they say, you know, freight train.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: The rescue and clean up efforts after the killer storm, we expect to hear from the sheriff in Utica, Illinois live this hour.
Chaos and panic follow a deadly day of suicide bombing in southern Iraq. Dozens of people are killed including 18 school children.
And is it a blueprint for success? I'll talk with man responsible for pieces of Fallujah back together.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: But there are also unknown unknowns.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Some (UNINTELLIGIBLE) say this Donald has his own way with words.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta we've got our own way with words. I'm Kyra Phillips. It's Wednesday, April 21. CNN's LIVE FROM... starts right now.
Up first this hour, the high cost of not being perfect. Authorities in Saudi Arabia say they've gotten word a half dozen bombings were in the works for Riyadh and managed to pre-empt five of them. This is the sixth, a suicide attack outside the five-storey general security building in the middle of a work day. At least nine people are dead. Dozens of people are hurt. We get the details now from CNN's Caroline Faraj. She in the United Arab Emirates.
Caroline, what's the latest?
CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the latest is -- the number is still -- it's not final. Up until now, they are confirming that more than 10 people have been killed. And about 130 are injured. And still they're saying that they're trying to enter all the areas and all the damage, and trying to find bodies, if there's any, all the injured to take them to hospital.
Still, the whole the area, Kyra, is closed and sealed by security forces. And they're trying to basically help as much as possible. We were also told that a lot of damage had also affected some of the buildings nearby, in the neighborhood. I was told about 50 families are now homeless because they were asked to evacuate their buildings. And these people are Arab expatriates living in the neighborhood.
The area is mainly, Kyra, for government buildings. And it is -- it was so crowded at that time because it was 2:00 which is the end of the work day, if you like, and people were preparing for the weekend. This is the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) weekend that starts at sunset (ph) tonight. The area is still sealed, as I said, the ambulances are working all the time. And still they're trying to figure out who was behind it up to now - Kyra.
PHILLIPS: And Caroline, this Saudi general security building I am told is close to the headquarters for the security forces who guard the Saudi royal family. Have you heard if, indeed, that the family could have been a target in this attack?
FARAJ: The family -- it is a bit difficult because there are no palaces nearby. The area is all for the police department, which other departments also include the investigation, as well, department, which some sources told me that it is like in the end of the street. And mainly those attackers are trying to reach this area and attack this area. Apparently, this is the department that handles all the investigation and also captures and arrests all wanted -- the so- called wanted people, for the Saudi government -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Caroline Faraj in the United Arab Emirates, thank you.
More now from Iraq. More bombs, more dead, more security forces, under fire. A series of suicide attacks on police stations and a training site in and around Basra. It's left at least 68 people dead, 10 of them small children on their way to kindergarten. Insurgents in Fallujah meanwhile have not signed off on that agreement we told you about yesterday aimed at a peaceful disarmament. U.S. Marines report three separate attacks sparking battles in which 17 attackers were killed. We get the latest now from CNN's Jim Clancy, he's in Baghdad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Charred passenger cars smoldered outside Iraqi police station in the southern city of Basra Wednesday after a series of coordinated attacks claimed a heavy toll among civilians.
"We were in the house and heard a really loud explosion throughout the city," said this man. "We ran out to try to help people and help the wounded. When we arrived, we found bodies everywhere."
At least 10 of the victims killed are said to be Iraqi preschoolers who were on their way to classrooms, around 7:15 in the morning, local time. The van, used as their school bus, was charred. The seats shredded by the force of the blast, according to eyewitnesses. Ambulances evacuated the wounded while doctors at nearby hospitals tried to treat their wounds and save the lives of others.
Three police stations and a police training facility were the apparent targets of four car bombs. A fifth explosion was also reported by coalition officials in Baghdad. Some Iraqi police were among the victims. But the early morning attacks clearly aimed to exact a heavy toll among civilians in the predominantly Shia Muslim city. Basra is the second largest population center in all of Iraq after Baghdad.
Basra has been spared much of the violence that has racked other regions of the country during the month of April. But the well- coordinated attacks Wednesday shook any notion it was beyond the reach of violence.
Jim Clancy, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Hellfire and Predator, a lethal combination in Afghanistan and beyond. It's said to be just as effective against insurgents in Iraq. Predator is an unmanned, remotely controlled aircraft designed primarily for real-time surveillance. Armed with a Hellfire missile, it has attacked the Taliban in Afghanistan, an al Qaeda kingpin in Yemen, and just last week, insurgents on the outskirts of Baghdad. CENTCOM says it scored direct hits.
More and more U.S. lawmakers say they want to see some straight shooting from the Pentagon. In series of hearings before three separate committee, witnesses are being pressed for specifics on long- term strategy, along with the cost to U.S. taxpayers. Joint Chiefs Chairman Richard Myers acknowledged the spike in violence: "is going to cost the U.S. more money, but he doesn't yet know how much." Meantime, lawmakers complain there's not a penny for Iraq or Afghanistan in the White House budget request for 2005. Even some Republicans suggest that's a deliberate election year omission.
Still no time, date or place for the trial of Saddam Hussein, but there is a budget, $75 million in the current fiscal year and partial tribunal. The governing council tells us seven judges have been named to the panel so far, more expected. It's being headed by the nephew of the governing council member, Ahmed Chalabi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SALEM CHALABI, LEADER OF SADDAM TRIBUNAL: The trial, I think, will take several months. We're not ready for that yet. We're in the process of beginning the investigations. And as such, we appointed seven investigative judges. I would imagine it's going to take several months for us to prepare the indictments and then from that, you know, we'll take some time before we get to trial. Our general investigative strategy is not to start with Saddam Hussein, but to start with some of the other potential defendants.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: A prominent French attorney says he'll be defending Saddam who so far as we know, is being held incommunicado by U.S. forces somewhere in Iraq.
The schedule is set for President Bush's appearance before the 9/11 Commission now. The details from CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux.
What do you know, Suzanne?
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, both are going to be in the hot seat, this is going to be next Thursday, that's April 29. The president and the vice president will meet with the full 9/11 Commission here at the White H. We're told it's going to happen early in the day. They will take all questions, there will not a limit on those questions.
This, as you know, a turnaround from the administration's original position. But the Bush campaign, they say they believe that the president, the vice president, will do a good job, but they want the Americans to focus on the president's actions after September 11. Later in the afternoon, President Bush will be making his case before the Newspapers Association of America, talking about the difficulties, as well as the progress in Iraq.
And today, Kyra, there are new questions about the cost of all this. Pentagon officials now saying it cost $4.7 billion a month to keep those troops there, and perhaps as much as $700 million extra to keep those 20,000 troops who will there be for another three months. But the White House is saying they will give the Pentagon whatever it needs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECY.: We have said previously that we did not expect one this year. However, we always look to the commanders in the theater to make those determinations in terms of what they -- what the troops need to complete their work and do their job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Now, the White House has always said that supplemental will take them up to January 2005. The big question is whether or not they would ask Congress for additional funds, this, in an election year. There are some critics who are suggesting the administration is hesitant on that because they believe it would be an unpopular position for the administration to take in that election season. But the White House insisting today that they will give those troops whatever they need -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, live from the White House. John Kerry's campaign is posting his military record on the Internet in response to critics who question his Purple Heart awards. Meanwhile, Kerry's anti-war campaigning 33 years ago is enraging one critic with a very long memory.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After John Kerry came home from Vietnam decorated with combat medals, he became an outspoken critic of the war.
JOHN KERRY: We came here to undertake one last mission, to search out and to destroy the last vestige of this barbaric war.
BLITZER: Leading Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Kerry testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 33 years ago this week.
KERRY: We rationalized destroying villages in order to save them. We saw America lose her sense of morality.
BLITZER: Kerry accused President Nixon of prolonging the war and fellow soldiers of war crimes. Vietnam veteran John O'Neill was outraged.
JOHN O'NEILL, VIETNAM VETERAN: He was the father of the lie that the Vietnam veteran was a rapist, a baby killer, a drug addict and the like. I don't think there's anybody that did that or created that more than Kerry.
BLITZER: O'Neill challenged Kerry to debate and they did, on "The Dick Cavett Show" and other forums. O'Neill even had encouragement from President Nixon.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
RICHARD M. NIXON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You have to remember to get back and reassure people that those few that come back, like Kerry and the rest, don't speak for all.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BLITZER: The son a navy admiral, O'Neill spent his last 12 months in Vietnam patrolling enemy waters, as the officer in charge of the same swift boat Kerry once led. And like Kerry, O'Neill won medals, two bronze stars.
O'NEILL: So you have a situation of somebody trying to become the commander-in-chief of the United States, whose conduct was terribly destructive to the military forces of the United States in a time of war.
BLITZER: Kerry now says his use of the word atrocities to describe soldiers' actions was inappropriate, but O'Neill says he will never forgive or forget.
O'NEILL: I don't know George Bush and I don't know Ralph Nader. The guy I do know is John Kerry. I'm going to do everything I can, together with a lot of the other people in our unit, to be sure that the American people learn about this guy.
BLITZER: Wolf Blitzer, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, we're going to go live to Utica, Illinois. These pictures just in of the devastation there, via our affiliate WGN. Rescue workers trying to find survivors from last night's deadly tornado. We will take you there live with the latest.
Also, searching for the truth, Nic Robertson rides along with American forces trying to uncover insurgents in Afghanistan. We'll be back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Now to the heartland, Utica, Illinois, where as many as five people may be buried in the rubble of a century-old tavern. The Milestone Tap was a victim of one of the several tornadoes that spun through northern Illinois and Indiana yesterday, killing at least four people, injuring at least five more.
We just got video in from a home video, here it is right here, via someone shooting home video there as that deadly tornado came through the area. Our Jacqui Jeras, as these pictures continue to come in, she's following the weather conditions there.
What can you tell us, Jacqui?
JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Now in Utica area, in fact, the threat of severe weather is over and done with there for now. We'll be focusing -- areas a little farther off to the east and down to the south of there. And I also just spoke with one of the gentleman out of the National Weather Service in Chicago. And they have meteorologists on site right now, trying to assess the damage and determine just how strong this tornado was.
And we're estimating just by looking at some of the video that this was probably an F-3 or greater tornado, which means it would be a major tornado, with winds up to about 206 miles per hour. They're expecting that report to come out about 4:00 Central time. So we'll bring that along to you once it becomes available.
We want to show you the radar picture out of that area from last night. And you can see, one, two, three, four, five different supercells that out there, all within about a 90-mile radius at the same time. Here's the supercell that moved through Utica. And take a look at this little notch that you see at the very tail end of that. We call that a hook echo, and that is a signature indicative of some rotation. And there that storm moves up to the north and east, touches down through the Utica area around 6:00 local time, stays strong, and then starts to weaken, all of these do, as they move through the Chicago metro area.
A little bit of damage also in Joliet. And weather service meteorologists are out there assessing the damage, and determining whether or not that was a tornado.
Will we see more of this today? It is a possibility. Right now, there is no severe weather across the country. We're looking at showers and thundershowers which have been pushing through the Little Rock area, also up towards Memphis. Nashville seeing a little bit of rain. But this whole area that's getting wet now could be seeing more thunderstorms later on today, which could become severe.
Our primary concern, however, is going to be into eastern parts of Oklahoma and then into Western parts of Arkansas. This is where we have moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes. And what that means to you at home is basically there's about a one-in-ten chance that a tornado could pass within 25 miles of your home some time between about 3:00 this afternoon and midnight for tonight.
Now our weather situation is set up that severe weather will likely return again tomorrow afternoon in many of these same areas, and we're anticipating that threat to linger, at least throughout the rest of the week. So this may be just one of many days of a severe weather outbreak -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right. Jacqui Jeras, thank you so much. And we are waiting for a news conference out of Utica Illinois. We'll take you there live as soon as that happens.
Also straight ahead, amid the violence and death of war, troops are still looking ahead to Iraq's future. Rebuilding Fallujah will be difficult, but it will be done. Rear Admiral Charles Kubic leads the Navy Seabees, he joins me next to talk about rebuilding the Sunni Triangle.
DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT: The military's very interested in this technology. But one day it could also be in everything from your box of cereal to your boxer briefs. Later this hour on CNN LIVE FROM..., we'll tell you what it is and how it works.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MARKET REPORT)
PHILLIPS: Well, every day we're witnessing attacks on the U.S.- led coalition in Iraq, especially in Fallujah. Insurgents terrorizing the innocent, doing everything possible to thwart efforts to stabilize Iraq. Well, it may be hard to believe, but a massive plan for reconstructing Fallujah is under way right now. We are talking about blueprints and boots from the Civil Engineer Corps of the U.S. Navy.
We were the first to tell you about Navy Seabees, when they were turning torture chambers into schools for the Iraqi children. Now the same brave men and women are about to tackle the tremendous task of rebuilding Fallujah. They are part of the Marine Expeditionary Force that is now securing that region. Admiral Charles Kubic leads the Seabees. He just returned from Fallujah. He's headed back Monday. I'm glad you're here safe and sound. I would be lying if I said I were (sic) nervous that you were going back there. I'm wondering what's going through your mind, just looking at how the lives of contractors -- it's just not a peaceful situation right now.
ADMIRAL CHARLES KUBIC, U.S. NAVY CIVIL ENG. CORPS: Well, it's good to see you here again, Kyra. Last time we talked, I was talking in from Baghdad. And after a while, you almost get used to going back and forth. But clearly this time, Marines and Navy Seabees returned to Iraq to secure a stable and peaceful environment and to launch this major construction effort, but also to help sustain the transition to democracy.
But we found ourselves under attack, just as you see today, Marines have secured defensive positions while we're allowing the Iraqis to try to find, in the case of Fallujah, a solution themselves. But at some point in time it needs to be settled one way or another so we can get on to more productive things.
PHILLIPS: Here you were, you found yourself under attack, you had to come back, kind of reorganize. Now going back again, not giving up on the mission. You've talk to the mayor of Fallujah, the governor of the province, the Iraqi people. Where do you start? Where do they want you to start?
KUBIC: Well, you're right, there's a large planning effort that's going on with very responsible Iraqi citizens, emerging leaders, and particularly, their engineers. And they understand what needs to be done, and what needs to be done for the people, say, in Fallujah. One of their top priorities are clinics. They're worried about how they can provide walk-in health care on a continuing basis to improve their quality of life.
PHILLIPS: In addition to the clinics, you were telling me about the sewage and the water. Is that going to be in the works soon?
KUBIC: What's interesting, sometimes the most basic needs are the most important. And the engineers from Fallujah, and also the engineers from the provincial government, have said that replacing, repairing, improving the sewage system in Fallujah is something that affects everyone there, needs to be done on a priority basis. And so we're working not only with the local engineers, but with the ministers, and their staffs in Baghdad, to form a coalition that will allow us to get started very quickly on this type of work. You know, a little bit of cleanup, start building clinics, start repairing sewers, and providing better water systems as well.
PHILLIPS: And finally, the schools. They've asked you, hey, these schools are run down, we've got to get you involved in this area too.
KUBIC: Well, it's actually an interesting debate because the prevailing wisdom had been to go in and repair all of these old schools, particularly focusing on the young children. But the governor of al Anbar, who is a progressive, forward-thinking and very heroic leader, has said, wait a minute, let's take a look at this. There are limited resources to invest. The grade schools maybe are good enough. Let's try to build some very modern high schools, focusing on the youth, particularly the young men, get them thinking about what can be possible in the future with some brand-new schools. And so we're working with that, almost in a spirit of democracy, where there's one idea at the local level, one in Baghdad. They're going to work it out and we'll help them build them when they set on the plan.
PHILLIPS: Ah, these are the stories we just don't hear enough about. And you told me, because of that, now you're developing an apprentice program.
KUBIC: Well, we thought about this and we said that the large contracts that can be awarded and the other smaller work are going to help provide new jobs for skilled labor. But there's a large amount of the Iraqi population, particularly the young men who don't have skills. And so we said we would go and have them work side by side with Seabees, maybe two Iraqis working with a Seabee in an apprentice program, and when they can be trained, we could help them find new jobs. And particularly if they're working for their community, earn new respect and so that they can go on and maybe do something more productive. Maybe it's a bit naive at this point, but we believe that if the mothers of Iraq can be proud of their sons and their sons can feel that they're doing something good in the community, that will help us in our transition to democracy.
PHILLIPS: Well, you bring up an interesting point, I mean these are men that have taken pride in terrorism.
KUBIC: Right.
PHILLIPS: And so how do you change that mindset, that, OK, we'd rather you take pride in rebuilding your area versus tearing it down?
KUBIC: I have a lot of confidence in the young Marines and Seabees to serve as role models. And I think if we can get past this period of violence where we have thugs and criminals ruling the streets, and free up the people who have been terrorized for decades, and actually get them working side by side with our young men and women, they'll do the job for us. They understand how to motivate, and they will serve as mentors. And I think over a period of months, and then years, we'll see a major transformation.
PHILLIPS: Well, I've got to tell you, we'll be thinking about you on Monday. I hope you'll keep in touch with me from Fallujah. And you promise to update us on the projects that you're involved with?
KUBIC: Will do. And again, a lot of planning going on right now, we have some violence that needs to subside. And then not only will the Seabees, but I think you'll see a large number of Iraqis getting back to work, rebuilding for the future.
PHILLIPS: All right. I'm going to talk to you and some of those Iraqis, then.
KUBIC: Very good, Kyra, talk to you then.
PHILLIPS: Admiral Charles Kubic, thank you very much.
KUBIC: Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired April 21, 2004 - 12:59 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Violent storms strike the Midwest.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I heard this big roar coming through, just like they say, you know, freight train.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: The rescue and clean up efforts after the killer storm, we expect to hear from the sheriff in Utica, Illinois live this hour.
Chaos and panic follow a deadly day of suicide bombing in southern Iraq. Dozens of people are killed including 18 school children.
And is it a blueprint for success? I'll talk with man responsible for pieces of Fallujah back together.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: But there are also unknown unknowns.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Some (UNINTELLIGIBLE) say this Donald has his own way with words.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta we've got our own way with words. I'm Kyra Phillips. It's Wednesday, April 21. CNN's LIVE FROM... starts right now.
Up first this hour, the high cost of not being perfect. Authorities in Saudi Arabia say they've gotten word a half dozen bombings were in the works for Riyadh and managed to pre-empt five of them. This is the sixth, a suicide attack outside the five-storey general security building in the middle of a work day. At least nine people are dead. Dozens of people are hurt. We get the details now from CNN's Caroline Faraj. She in the United Arab Emirates.
Caroline, what's the latest?
CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the latest is -- the number is still -- it's not final. Up until now, they are confirming that more than 10 people have been killed. And about 130 are injured. And still they're saying that they're trying to enter all the areas and all the damage, and trying to find bodies, if there's any, all the injured to take them to hospital.
Still, the whole the area, Kyra, is closed and sealed by security forces. And they're trying to basically help as much as possible. We were also told that a lot of damage had also affected some of the buildings nearby, in the neighborhood. I was told about 50 families are now homeless because they were asked to evacuate their buildings. And these people are Arab expatriates living in the neighborhood.
The area is mainly, Kyra, for government buildings. And it is -- it was so crowded at that time because it was 2:00 which is the end of the work day, if you like, and people were preparing for the weekend. This is the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) weekend that starts at sunset (ph) tonight. The area is still sealed, as I said, the ambulances are working all the time. And still they're trying to figure out who was behind it up to now - Kyra.
PHILLIPS: And Caroline, this Saudi general security building I am told is close to the headquarters for the security forces who guard the Saudi royal family. Have you heard if, indeed, that the family could have been a target in this attack?
FARAJ: The family -- it is a bit difficult because there are no palaces nearby. The area is all for the police department, which other departments also include the investigation, as well, department, which some sources told me that it is like in the end of the street. And mainly those attackers are trying to reach this area and attack this area. Apparently, this is the department that handles all the investigation and also captures and arrests all wanted -- the so- called wanted people, for the Saudi government -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Caroline Faraj in the United Arab Emirates, thank you.
More now from Iraq. More bombs, more dead, more security forces, under fire. A series of suicide attacks on police stations and a training site in and around Basra. It's left at least 68 people dead, 10 of them small children on their way to kindergarten. Insurgents in Fallujah meanwhile have not signed off on that agreement we told you about yesterday aimed at a peaceful disarmament. U.S. Marines report three separate attacks sparking battles in which 17 attackers were killed. We get the latest now from CNN's Jim Clancy, he's in Baghdad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Charred passenger cars smoldered outside Iraqi police station in the southern city of Basra Wednesday after a series of coordinated attacks claimed a heavy toll among civilians.
"We were in the house and heard a really loud explosion throughout the city," said this man. "We ran out to try to help people and help the wounded. When we arrived, we found bodies everywhere."
At least 10 of the victims killed are said to be Iraqi preschoolers who were on their way to classrooms, around 7:15 in the morning, local time. The van, used as their school bus, was charred. The seats shredded by the force of the blast, according to eyewitnesses. Ambulances evacuated the wounded while doctors at nearby hospitals tried to treat their wounds and save the lives of others.
Three police stations and a police training facility were the apparent targets of four car bombs. A fifth explosion was also reported by coalition officials in Baghdad. Some Iraqi police were among the victims. But the early morning attacks clearly aimed to exact a heavy toll among civilians in the predominantly Shia Muslim city. Basra is the second largest population center in all of Iraq after Baghdad.
Basra has been spared much of the violence that has racked other regions of the country during the month of April. But the well- coordinated attacks Wednesday shook any notion it was beyond the reach of violence.
Jim Clancy, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Hellfire and Predator, a lethal combination in Afghanistan and beyond. It's said to be just as effective against insurgents in Iraq. Predator is an unmanned, remotely controlled aircraft designed primarily for real-time surveillance. Armed with a Hellfire missile, it has attacked the Taliban in Afghanistan, an al Qaeda kingpin in Yemen, and just last week, insurgents on the outskirts of Baghdad. CENTCOM says it scored direct hits.
More and more U.S. lawmakers say they want to see some straight shooting from the Pentagon. In series of hearings before three separate committee, witnesses are being pressed for specifics on long- term strategy, along with the cost to U.S. taxpayers. Joint Chiefs Chairman Richard Myers acknowledged the spike in violence: "is going to cost the U.S. more money, but he doesn't yet know how much." Meantime, lawmakers complain there's not a penny for Iraq or Afghanistan in the White House budget request for 2005. Even some Republicans suggest that's a deliberate election year omission.
Still no time, date or place for the trial of Saddam Hussein, but there is a budget, $75 million in the current fiscal year and partial tribunal. The governing council tells us seven judges have been named to the panel so far, more expected. It's being headed by the nephew of the governing council member, Ahmed Chalabi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SALEM CHALABI, LEADER OF SADDAM TRIBUNAL: The trial, I think, will take several months. We're not ready for that yet. We're in the process of beginning the investigations. And as such, we appointed seven investigative judges. I would imagine it's going to take several months for us to prepare the indictments and then from that, you know, we'll take some time before we get to trial. Our general investigative strategy is not to start with Saddam Hussein, but to start with some of the other potential defendants.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: A prominent French attorney says he'll be defending Saddam who so far as we know, is being held incommunicado by U.S. forces somewhere in Iraq.
The schedule is set for President Bush's appearance before the 9/11 Commission now. The details from CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux.
What do you know, Suzanne?
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, both are going to be in the hot seat, this is going to be next Thursday, that's April 29. The president and the vice president will meet with the full 9/11 Commission here at the White H. We're told it's going to happen early in the day. They will take all questions, there will not a limit on those questions.
This, as you know, a turnaround from the administration's original position. But the Bush campaign, they say they believe that the president, the vice president, will do a good job, but they want the Americans to focus on the president's actions after September 11. Later in the afternoon, President Bush will be making his case before the Newspapers Association of America, talking about the difficulties, as well as the progress in Iraq.
And today, Kyra, there are new questions about the cost of all this. Pentagon officials now saying it cost $4.7 billion a month to keep those troops there, and perhaps as much as $700 million extra to keep those 20,000 troops who will there be for another three months. But the White House is saying they will give the Pentagon whatever it needs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECY.: We have said previously that we did not expect one this year. However, we always look to the commanders in the theater to make those determinations in terms of what they -- what the troops need to complete their work and do their job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Now, the White House has always said that supplemental will take them up to January 2005. The big question is whether or not they would ask Congress for additional funds, this, in an election year. There are some critics who are suggesting the administration is hesitant on that because they believe it would be an unpopular position for the administration to take in that election season. But the White House insisting today that they will give those troops whatever they need -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, live from the White House. John Kerry's campaign is posting his military record on the Internet in response to critics who question his Purple Heart awards. Meanwhile, Kerry's anti-war campaigning 33 years ago is enraging one critic with a very long memory.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After John Kerry came home from Vietnam decorated with combat medals, he became an outspoken critic of the war.
JOHN KERRY: We came here to undertake one last mission, to search out and to destroy the last vestige of this barbaric war.
BLITZER: Leading Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Kerry testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 33 years ago this week.
KERRY: We rationalized destroying villages in order to save them. We saw America lose her sense of morality.
BLITZER: Kerry accused President Nixon of prolonging the war and fellow soldiers of war crimes. Vietnam veteran John O'Neill was outraged.
JOHN O'NEILL, VIETNAM VETERAN: He was the father of the lie that the Vietnam veteran was a rapist, a baby killer, a drug addict and the like. I don't think there's anybody that did that or created that more than Kerry.
BLITZER: O'Neill challenged Kerry to debate and they did, on "The Dick Cavett Show" and other forums. O'Neill even had encouragement from President Nixon.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
RICHARD M. NIXON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You have to remember to get back and reassure people that those few that come back, like Kerry and the rest, don't speak for all.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BLITZER: The son a navy admiral, O'Neill spent his last 12 months in Vietnam patrolling enemy waters, as the officer in charge of the same swift boat Kerry once led. And like Kerry, O'Neill won medals, two bronze stars.
O'NEILL: So you have a situation of somebody trying to become the commander-in-chief of the United States, whose conduct was terribly destructive to the military forces of the United States in a time of war.
BLITZER: Kerry now says his use of the word atrocities to describe soldiers' actions was inappropriate, but O'Neill says he will never forgive or forget.
O'NEILL: I don't know George Bush and I don't know Ralph Nader. The guy I do know is John Kerry. I'm going to do everything I can, together with a lot of the other people in our unit, to be sure that the American people learn about this guy.
BLITZER: Wolf Blitzer, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, we're going to go live to Utica, Illinois. These pictures just in of the devastation there, via our affiliate WGN. Rescue workers trying to find survivors from last night's deadly tornado. We will take you there live with the latest.
Also, searching for the truth, Nic Robertson rides along with American forces trying to uncover insurgents in Afghanistan. We'll be back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Now to the heartland, Utica, Illinois, where as many as five people may be buried in the rubble of a century-old tavern. The Milestone Tap was a victim of one of the several tornadoes that spun through northern Illinois and Indiana yesterday, killing at least four people, injuring at least five more.
We just got video in from a home video, here it is right here, via someone shooting home video there as that deadly tornado came through the area. Our Jacqui Jeras, as these pictures continue to come in, she's following the weather conditions there.
What can you tell us, Jacqui?
JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Now in Utica area, in fact, the threat of severe weather is over and done with there for now. We'll be focusing -- areas a little farther off to the east and down to the south of there. And I also just spoke with one of the gentleman out of the National Weather Service in Chicago. And they have meteorologists on site right now, trying to assess the damage and determine just how strong this tornado was.
And we're estimating just by looking at some of the video that this was probably an F-3 or greater tornado, which means it would be a major tornado, with winds up to about 206 miles per hour. They're expecting that report to come out about 4:00 Central time. So we'll bring that along to you once it becomes available.
We want to show you the radar picture out of that area from last night. And you can see, one, two, three, four, five different supercells that out there, all within about a 90-mile radius at the same time. Here's the supercell that moved through Utica. And take a look at this little notch that you see at the very tail end of that. We call that a hook echo, and that is a signature indicative of some rotation. And there that storm moves up to the north and east, touches down through the Utica area around 6:00 local time, stays strong, and then starts to weaken, all of these do, as they move through the Chicago metro area.
A little bit of damage also in Joliet. And weather service meteorologists are out there assessing the damage, and determining whether or not that was a tornado.
Will we see more of this today? It is a possibility. Right now, there is no severe weather across the country. We're looking at showers and thundershowers which have been pushing through the Little Rock area, also up towards Memphis. Nashville seeing a little bit of rain. But this whole area that's getting wet now could be seeing more thunderstorms later on today, which could become severe.
Our primary concern, however, is going to be into eastern parts of Oklahoma and then into Western parts of Arkansas. This is where we have moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes. And what that means to you at home is basically there's about a one-in-ten chance that a tornado could pass within 25 miles of your home some time between about 3:00 this afternoon and midnight for tonight.
Now our weather situation is set up that severe weather will likely return again tomorrow afternoon in many of these same areas, and we're anticipating that threat to linger, at least throughout the rest of the week. So this may be just one of many days of a severe weather outbreak -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right. Jacqui Jeras, thank you so much. And we are waiting for a news conference out of Utica Illinois. We'll take you there live as soon as that happens.
Also straight ahead, amid the violence and death of war, troops are still looking ahead to Iraq's future. Rebuilding Fallujah will be difficult, but it will be done. Rear Admiral Charles Kubic leads the Navy Seabees, he joins me next to talk about rebuilding the Sunni Triangle.
DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT: The military's very interested in this technology. But one day it could also be in everything from your box of cereal to your boxer briefs. Later this hour on CNN LIVE FROM..., we'll tell you what it is and how it works.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MARKET REPORT)
PHILLIPS: Well, every day we're witnessing attacks on the U.S.- led coalition in Iraq, especially in Fallujah. Insurgents terrorizing the innocent, doing everything possible to thwart efforts to stabilize Iraq. Well, it may be hard to believe, but a massive plan for reconstructing Fallujah is under way right now. We are talking about blueprints and boots from the Civil Engineer Corps of the U.S. Navy.
We were the first to tell you about Navy Seabees, when they were turning torture chambers into schools for the Iraqi children. Now the same brave men and women are about to tackle the tremendous task of rebuilding Fallujah. They are part of the Marine Expeditionary Force that is now securing that region. Admiral Charles Kubic leads the Seabees. He just returned from Fallujah. He's headed back Monday. I'm glad you're here safe and sound. I would be lying if I said I were (sic) nervous that you were going back there. I'm wondering what's going through your mind, just looking at how the lives of contractors -- it's just not a peaceful situation right now.
ADMIRAL CHARLES KUBIC, U.S. NAVY CIVIL ENG. CORPS: Well, it's good to see you here again, Kyra. Last time we talked, I was talking in from Baghdad. And after a while, you almost get used to going back and forth. But clearly this time, Marines and Navy Seabees returned to Iraq to secure a stable and peaceful environment and to launch this major construction effort, but also to help sustain the transition to democracy.
But we found ourselves under attack, just as you see today, Marines have secured defensive positions while we're allowing the Iraqis to try to find, in the case of Fallujah, a solution themselves. But at some point in time it needs to be settled one way or another so we can get on to more productive things.
PHILLIPS: Here you were, you found yourself under attack, you had to come back, kind of reorganize. Now going back again, not giving up on the mission. You've talk to the mayor of Fallujah, the governor of the province, the Iraqi people. Where do you start? Where do they want you to start?
KUBIC: Well, you're right, there's a large planning effort that's going on with very responsible Iraqi citizens, emerging leaders, and particularly, their engineers. And they understand what needs to be done, and what needs to be done for the people, say, in Fallujah. One of their top priorities are clinics. They're worried about how they can provide walk-in health care on a continuing basis to improve their quality of life.
PHILLIPS: In addition to the clinics, you were telling me about the sewage and the water. Is that going to be in the works soon?
KUBIC: What's interesting, sometimes the most basic needs are the most important. And the engineers from Fallujah, and also the engineers from the provincial government, have said that replacing, repairing, improving the sewage system in Fallujah is something that affects everyone there, needs to be done on a priority basis. And so we're working not only with the local engineers, but with the ministers, and their staffs in Baghdad, to form a coalition that will allow us to get started very quickly on this type of work. You know, a little bit of cleanup, start building clinics, start repairing sewers, and providing better water systems as well.
PHILLIPS: And finally, the schools. They've asked you, hey, these schools are run down, we've got to get you involved in this area too.
KUBIC: Well, it's actually an interesting debate because the prevailing wisdom had been to go in and repair all of these old schools, particularly focusing on the young children. But the governor of al Anbar, who is a progressive, forward-thinking and very heroic leader, has said, wait a minute, let's take a look at this. There are limited resources to invest. The grade schools maybe are good enough. Let's try to build some very modern high schools, focusing on the youth, particularly the young men, get them thinking about what can be possible in the future with some brand-new schools. And so we're working with that, almost in a spirit of democracy, where there's one idea at the local level, one in Baghdad. They're going to work it out and we'll help them build them when they set on the plan.
PHILLIPS: Ah, these are the stories we just don't hear enough about. And you told me, because of that, now you're developing an apprentice program.
KUBIC: Well, we thought about this and we said that the large contracts that can be awarded and the other smaller work are going to help provide new jobs for skilled labor. But there's a large amount of the Iraqi population, particularly the young men who don't have skills. And so we said we would go and have them work side by side with Seabees, maybe two Iraqis working with a Seabee in an apprentice program, and when they can be trained, we could help them find new jobs. And particularly if they're working for their community, earn new respect and so that they can go on and maybe do something more productive. Maybe it's a bit naive at this point, but we believe that if the mothers of Iraq can be proud of their sons and their sons can feel that they're doing something good in the community, that will help us in our transition to democracy.
PHILLIPS: Well, you bring up an interesting point, I mean these are men that have taken pride in terrorism.
KUBIC: Right.
PHILLIPS: And so how do you change that mindset, that, OK, we'd rather you take pride in rebuilding your area versus tearing it down?
KUBIC: I have a lot of confidence in the young Marines and Seabees to serve as role models. And I think if we can get past this period of violence where we have thugs and criminals ruling the streets, and free up the people who have been terrorized for decades, and actually get them working side by side with our young men and women, they'll do the job for us. They understand how to motivate, and they will serve as mentors. And I think over a period of months, and then years, we'll see a major transformation.
PHILLIPS: Well, I've got to tell you, we'll be thinking about you on Monday. I hope you'll keep in touch with me from Fallujah. And you promise to update us on the projects that you're involved with?
KUBIC: Will do. And again, a lot of planning going on right now, we have some violence that needs to subside. And then not only will the Seabees, but I think you'll see a large number of Iraqis getting back to work, rebuilding for the future.
PHILLIPS: All right. I'm going to talk to you and some of those Iraqis, then.
KUBIC: Very good, Kyra, talk to you then.
PHILLIPS: Admiral Charles Kubic, thank you very much.
KUBIC: Thank you.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
