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Rumsfeld Preps for Senate Hearing Tomorrow; More Fighting Around Najaf
Aired May 06, 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.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm calling upon all the Islamic organizations to free him because he's a Muslim, he's his mom's (ph) Muslim, he's got three little kids.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: A family's plea in Colorado after seeing tape of an Iraqi-American apparently held hostage in Iraq.
A bold move by American forces in Iraq, battling forces of a Shiite cleric. CNN's cameras are there as they seize a compound.
Under pressure and trying to stay under the radar, at least for today, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld preparing for tough questions.
And a tough day on the job, six nails into his skull, believe it or not, the construction worker is expected to make a full recovery.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Kyra Phillips. Miles is off today. CNN's LIVE FROM... starts right now.
Up first this hour, defense secretary under siege and at least for a day under wraps. Donald Rumsfeld was scheduled to give a speech last hour at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, only to send his proxy, Paul Wolfowitz, so he could stay close to his desk. Tomorrow, Donald Rumsfeld faces what looks to be a combative Senate over the debasement of some Iraqi prisoners by some American soldier. He's also sure to be quizzed over the administration's new request for $25 billion to keep the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan going. And all this brings us to CNN's Sean Callebs in Washington -- Sean.
SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, a lot cooking. Secretary Rumsfeld has spent the day preparing for the two hours or so that he will spent before members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday. Some lawmakers are saying Rumsfeld could be in for the political fight of his life. A few Democratic leaders are right now calling for Rumsfeld's resignation or asking President Bush to fire him.
Rumsfeld met this morning with four Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and told them, quote, "there is a rational explanation for everything that happened at the Abu Ghraib Prison." Still, some lawmakers are livid that they found out about the abuse from the media and some are calling for Rumfeld's job.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. TOM HARKIN (D), IOWA: It's not enough just for Secretary Rumsfeld to say that some people at the lower ranks are responsible for this. This goes all the way up, because of his actions -- because of Secretary Rumsfeld's actions, his statements and his policies over the last couple of years, directly, I believe, led to these kinds of activity. And for the benefit of the United States, for our country, I believe Mr. Rumsfeld has to resign.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CALLEBS: And much has been said about the Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad. Under Saddam Hussein, it was a notorious site for executions and torture. Well, now there is a proposal on Capitol Hill that the Abu Ghraib prison be razed. And Kyra, that measure is apparently picking up some steam.
PHILLIPS: Sean, politically, this is getting pretty ugly, isn't it?
CALLEBS: Yes, without question, as calls are going up from one side of the aisle, demanding that Rumsfeld be fired, or at least step down, GOP leaders say the Democrats have politics, not the prisoner abuse scandal, in mind.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: They want to win the White House more than they want to win the war, and our enemies know it. I'm not questioning their patriotism. Don't let them play that little game again. I'm questioning their judgment and their fitness to lead.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CALLEBS: Well, some lawmakers say they want more than answers from Rumsfeld. They also want a direct apology, saying the buck stops with the man at the top -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Sean Callebs, LIVE FROM... Washington, thanks, Sean.
Rumsfeld's testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee is due to start at 11:45 a.m. Eastern tomorrow, that's 8:45 a.m. Pacific, and should run about two hours. CNN will bring it to you live.
The Red Cross says it raised red flags at Abu Ghraib long ago. From Geneva, a spokeswoman says the group repeatedly requested U.S. authorities take corrective action over problems she declined to specify. She also says some measures have already been taken.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ANTONELLA NOTARI, CRC CHIEF SPOKESWOMAN: It certainly was preoccupying for us, extremely concerning, and we had to call for very serious corrective action. So I hope that indicates, of course, that we were aware of the situation and that we had acted on it. We also think that a number of measures were taken based -- following our reports and probably based on other inquiries and reports coming from within the military.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: The Red Cross is mandated by the Geneva Conventions to keep tabs on the welfare of terrorist detainees. The group began visiting Abu Ghraib late last summer.
An Iraqi-born U.S. citizen is apparently being held by Iraqi insurgents. Today, the Arab TV service, Al-Arabiya, aired a clip that it says it received from a group called the Islamic Anger Brigade. Here's an excerpt.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My name is (AUDIO GAP) of Denver Colorado. I'm a civil engineer, working here in Baghdad. We have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) plans and we are working with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) there are American companies. I was kidnapped and I call upon the Muslim association to interfere kindly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Back in Denver, the man's horrified family is pleading for his release.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm calling upon all the Islamic organization to free him. He's a Muslim, he's his mom's Muslim. He's got three little kids, one younger kid is 1 year old, his youngest, and then he's got a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. And we're waiting -- his wife is crying, his mom is crying. I mean, this is just insane -- to just have him captured like this. I don't know what kind of relation he's got with anything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Elias apparently was captured on Monday.
Now to Najaf, and remarkably scenes from a firefight, it was centered on the compound of the regional governor, a job being filled by a new coalition appointee. CNN's Jane Arraf was right in the thick of it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP) PHILLIPS: Our brave Jane Arraf there. That long expected showdown between U.S. forces and those of a Shiite cleric, Muqtada al- Sadr, appears to be unfolding gradually, though with increasing intensity. Right now, it's dark in Najaf, just after 9 p.m., and so far too dangerous for Jane to put up lights for a live report. She did record this update however just before sunset.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ARRAF: U.S. troops, backed by tanks, came through these gates just a short while ago without meeting any resistance. In fact, the Iraqi security guards who were here welcomed them. Shortly after, gunfire erupted, gunmen from alleyways nearby and from rooftops, according to military officials here.
The U.S. Army, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 2nd Battalion 37th Armored Unit responded with gun-mounted tanks and other weapon. It went on for several hours. And as darkness fall, military officials here believe that the militia is still out there and will continue to keep firing here.
But they say they'll stay to allow the return of a civilian governor and to secure other government buildings as the U.S. and British coalition tries to bring back civilian authority in the city where Muqtada al-Sadr's forces are still very much in control.
Jane Arraf, CNN, recording from Najaf, Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: In Baghdad today, a classic rush hour car bomb, that's one coalition official's description of the mighty explosion that killed seven people, including the bomber, on the edge of the so- called Green Zone, housing coalition headquarters. A U.S. soldier is also among the dead. Claiming responsibility, an obscure group that vows allegiance to suspected terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Now we want to take you live to the World Affairs Council meeting in Philadelphia. Paul Wolfowitz addressing those there..
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
PAUL WOLFOWITZ, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: ... noble work and sacrifice of the many. Today in places across the globe our soldiers are carrying on. In the spirit of the brave men and women who risked all, right here in Philadelphia, to build against all possible odds a great nation, a global symbol of hope, in a free society that offers an example of opportunity for all.
Recently, as he prepared to lead his troops into action in Fallujah, a Marine company commander took time to write his father, a retired Marine. "This battle is going to have far reaching effects on not only the war here," this Marine wrote, "but in the overall war on terrorism."
"We have to be very precise in our application of combat power. We cannot kill a lot of innocent folks. There will be no shock and awe. This battle is the Marine Corps' Bellawood for this war. A lot of terrorist and foreign fighters are holed up in Fallujah. It has been a sanctuary for them.
"The Marine Corps," he said, "will either reaffirm its place in history as one of the greatest fighting organizations in the world or we will die trying. The Marines are fired up, but," he said, "I'm nervous for them, because I know how much is riding on this fight."
"But every time I've been nervous during my career about the outcome of events when young Marines were involved, they have always," he said, "always exceeded my expectations. God bless these great Americans," he concluded to his father, "who are ensuring that we continue to fight an away schedule." And let me join with him in saying God bless all of our Marines and soldiers and sailors and airmen and coast guardsmen.
Our prayers are with him and with all of our people currently serving in Iran (sic) and Afghanistan and other remote locations of the world. They're making America and the world more secure by helping the Iraqi people and Afghan people build free and prosperous democracies in the heart of the Middle East.
Where the members of active duty, reserve or National Guard units, or civilians, these heroes embody the best ideals of our nation, serving so that our people can be safe and so that others may be free. We thank them all for the sacrifices they endure.
Thank you very much.
PHILLIPS: Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz there, at the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia, speaking to the nonprofit, private, nonpartisan educational organization. He actually is a -- has stepped in, rather, for Donald Rumsfeld. Donald Rumsfeld was supposed to give the speech there today. But as you know, Rumsfeld is facing a Senate hearing on the alleged abuses that took place in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and we are told is prepping for that time tomorrow. Therefore, Paul Wolfowitz stepping in.
Well, are the president's efforts to win the hearts minds of Iraqis working? We are going to talk about it with an Iraqi-American businessman trying to get his homeland rebuilt.
PHILLIPS: Homes burn, thousands of acres up in flames, but California firefighters are hoping to catch a break today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have no idea how people could live in that apartment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Two bedrooms, 76 ducks, two boa constrictors, and a number of other critters. Is it an apartment, or is it a zoo? Police find out it's both, later on LIVE FROM... (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Let's go to the White House now for more on the Iraq prisoner abuse scandal and an event in the Rose Garden this afternoon. CNN's Dana Bash joins us with more -- Dana.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra, well, despite growing Democratic calls on Capitol Hill and elsewhere for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign over the Iraqi prisoner abuse issue, the White House is sticking by the defense secretary, despite the fact that we are told by a senior administration official that the defense secretary did get a private rebuke from the president over the way this process did go on. But the White House is sticking by the defense secretary.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: Absolutely not. The president greatly appreciates the leadership of Secretary Rumsfeld and all our men and women in the military who are doing an outstanding job. The president has great confidence in the job Secretary Rumsfeld is doing and he appreciates his service.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BASH: Now the reason we are told the president was upset with his defense secretary was because he did not know -- was not informed about the pictures of the abused prisoners. But we are told by the White House that the defense secretary did inform the president about the abuses quite a while ago, apparently in January.
But there are a lot of questions that still remain unanswered about that. First of all, exactly when was the president told about it? We do not have an exact date from the White House, despite a lot of questions about that. And also what did the president say, what did the president do when he found out about it? Did he ask for actions, for follow-up, as we've been told a number of times over the past couple of days, that he is now asking for after the pictures have been aired.
And also if they can't find any specific reference to when the president was told, are they looking for it? Today the White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, who you just saw there, was asked whether or not there were any notes taken of the meeting with the president and defense secretary when Mr. Bush was first informed, whether there were any kind of records, he simply said no. When asked whether they were looking for it, he also said no. Here at the White House, Kyra, they're trying to look forward, saying time and time again that what the president is focused on is making sure that those responsible for these are taken care of -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Meanwhile the president is to meet with King Abdullah. Let's talk about the objectives there.
BASH: Well, Kyra, this is a problem that the White House is facing in the Arab world on a different issue, and this is, of course, the question about the Mideast peace process. You remember...
(AUDIO GAP)
BASH: ... and at the time, he had a shift in U.S. policy, saying that Israel did not necessarily have to give up all settlements and didn't necessarily have to allow Palestinian refugees back into Israel. This caused an uproar and it caused the Jordanian king to cancel a visit to the White House about two weeks ago.
So today the question is whether or not the two men can mend fences. The president, we're told by U.S. and Arab sources, is expected to give King Abdullah some assurances in writing that no borders will be decided, no final decisions will be decided about the borders between a new Palestinian state and Israel and the refugee issue unless there are negotiations between the two sides that is, an attempt, would be an attempt by the U.S. administration to quell another controversy between the U.S. and the Arab world. We're also looking to see if the king does say anything about these pictures, whether or not he assists the president in any way in the way he is being perceived in the Arab world on that issue -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Dana Bash, live at the White House, thanks do much. We also want to remind you, our viewers, that we will take that live, President Bush and King Abdullah of Jordan meeting in the Rose Garden, we'll take that about 2:05 Eastern time live today.
Taming the flames, cooler temperatures and calmer winds are helping firefighters in Southern California. Several wildfires are burning across 26,000 acres. This fire in Riverside County is expected to be completely contained by tomorrow. Hundreds of evacuated residents are allowed back into their home. Flames have destroyed more than a dozen homes.
Visitors allowed back in the most popular part of the Grand Canyon after a prescribed burn jumped a containment line. Entrances to the canyon's South Room were closed for several hours yesterday as was the Mather Point Lookout. The fire was too close for comfort for some tourists.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was that one point when the firefighters were coming through the woods and we were looking, thinking, OK, this is a little bit intimidating. Maybe it's getting too close.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, the burning continues today. And fire crews are keeping a very close eye on it.
Should Americans be allowed to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and other countries? The head of the CVS Drugstore chain says yes. Thomas Ryan told a government task force that folks are already shipping in billions of dollars worth of drug to save money. He says the U.S. can't ignore reality. The move to legalize prescription drug imports is gaining momentum in Congress and the task force is looking at whether it can be done safely.
We could have answers soon, the connection with a sick cow in Texas that may have shown symptoms of mad cow disease. The animal was destroyed before it could be tested, and the Agricultural (sic) Department says it could find out in the next day or so why standard procedure was broken.
It makes your heart race, it makes your stomach flutter. Word now that falling in love affects your hormones too, imagine that. Italian studies show that men lose testosterone when they fall in love, women gain it. Some experts says that this could be the result of increased sexual activity. Regardless, when couples were tested two years later, their testosterone was back to normal.
And now for this, it's the most amazing image of the day, six nails in one man's skull, how did it happen? We'll have the story behind the picture.
And later, an Arab man who says he suffered abuse by American captors, not in Iraq, but in New York in the days after September 11. His story, later on LIVE FROM...
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Across America, six nails in his head and amazingly, he lived. A Los Angeles construction worker made his first public appearance since an on-the-job accident last month. Six nails driven into his face, neck and skull by a high powered nail gun, he fell off a roof, by the way.
And a horrible stench led authorities to an apartment in suburban Milwaukee. Guess what they found, 200 animals, ducks, mice, alligators, scorpions, and meat-eating beetles. Officials say the woman who lived in the apartment kept the creatures alive by feeding them road kill.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIEF PETER HOELL, GERMANTOWN, WISC., POLICE: I have no idea how people could live in that apartment.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We thought maybe it was a body, as bad as it smelled.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Animal carcasses were found in a freezer. Decaying bodies were in a nearby garage. The dead animals included raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels.
(MARKET REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired May 6, 2004 - 12:59 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm calling upon all the Islamic organizations to free him because he's a Muslim, he's his mom's (ph) Muslim, he's got three little kids.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: A family's plea in Colorado after seeing tape of an Iraqi-American apparently held hostage in Iraq.
A bold move by American forces in Iraq, battling forces of a Shiite cleric. CNN's cameras are there as they seize a compound.
Under pressure and trying to stay under the radar, at least for today, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld preparing for tough questions.
And a tough day on the job, six nails into his skull, believe it or not, the construction worker is expected to make a full recovery.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Kyra Phillips. Miles is off today. CNN's LIVE FROM... starts right now.
Up first this hour, defense secretary under siege and at least for a day under wraps. Donald Rumsfeld was scheduled to give a speech last hour at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, only to send his proxy, Paul Wolfowitz, so he could stay close to his desk. Tomorrow, Donald Rumsfeld faces what looks to be a combative Senate over the debasement of some Iraqi prisoners by some American soldier. He's also sure to be quizzed over the administration's new request for $25 billion to keep the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan going. And all this brings us to CNN's Sean Callebs in Washington -- Sean.
SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, a lot cooking. Secretary Rumsfeld has spent the day preparing for the two hours or so that he will spent before members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday. Some lawmakers are saying Rumsfeld could be in for the political fight of his life. A few Democratic leaders are right now calling for Rumsfeld's resignation or asking President Bush to fire him.
Rumsfeld met this morning with four Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and told them, quote, "there is a rational explanation for everything that happened at the Abu Ghraib Prison." Still, some lawmakers are livid that they found out about the abuse from the media and some are calling for Rumfeld's job.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. TOM HARKIN (D), IOWA: It's not enough just for Secretary Rumsfeld to say that some people at the lower ranks are responsible for this. This goes all the way up, because of his actions -- because of Secretary Rumsfeld's actions, his statements and his policies over the last couple of years, directly, I believe, led to these kinds of activity. And for the benefit of the United States, for our country, I believe Mr. Rumsfeld has to resign.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CALLEBS: And much has been said about the Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad. Under Saddam Hussein, it was a notorious site for executions and torture. Well, now there is a proposal on Capitol Hill that the Abu Ghraib prison be razed. And Kyra, that measure is apparently picking up some steam.
PHILLIPS: Sean, politically, this is getting pretty ugly, isn't it?
CALLEBS: Yes, without question, as calls are going up from one side of the aisle, demanding that Rumsfeld be fired, or at least step down, GOP leaders say the Democrats have politics, not the prisoner abuse scandal, in mind.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: They want to win the White House more than they want to win the war, and our enemies know it. I'm not questioning their patriotism. Don't let them play that little game again. I'm questioning their judgment and their fitness to lead.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CALLEBS: Well, some lawmakers say they want more than answers from Rumsfeld. They also want a direct apology, saying the buck stops with the man at the top -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Sean Callebs, LIVE FROM... Washington, thanks, Sean.
Rumsfeld's testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee is due to start at 11:45 a.m. Eastern tomorrow, that's 8:45 a.m. Pacific, and should run about two hours. CNN will bring it to you live.
The Red Cross says it raised red flags at Abu Ghraib long ago. From Geneva, a spokeswoman says the group repeatedly requested U.S. authorities take corrective action over problems she declined to specify. She also says some measures have already been taken.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ANTONELLA NOTARI, CRC CHIEF SPOKESWOMAN: It certainly was preoccupying for us, extremely concerning, and we had to call for very serious corrective action. So I hope that indicates, of course, that we were aware of the situation and that we had acted on it. We also think that a number of measures were taken based -- following our reports and probably based on other inquiries and reports coming from within the military.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: The Red Cross is mandated by the Geneva Conventions to keep tabs on the welfare of terrorist detainees. The group began visiting Abu Ghraib late last summer.
An Iraqi-born U.S. citizen is apparently being held by Iraqi insurgents. Today, the Arab TV service, Al-Arabiya, aired a clip that it says it received from a group called the Islamic Anger Brigade. Here's an excerpt.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My name is (AUDIO GAP) of Denver Colorado. I'm a civil engineer, working here in Baghdad. We have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) plans and we are working with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) there are American companies. I was kidnapped and I call upon the Muslim association to interfere kindly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Back in Denver, the man's horrified family is pleading for his release.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm calling upon all the Islamic organization to free him. He's a Muslim, he's his mom's Muslim. He's got three little kids, one younger kid is 1 year old, his youngest, and then he's got a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. And we're waiting -- his wife is crying, his mom is crying. I mean, this is just insane -- to just have him captured like this. I don't know what kind of relation he's got with anything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Elias apparently was captured on Monday.
Now to Najaf, and remarkably scenes from a firefight, it was centered on the compound of the regional governor, a job being filled by a new coalition appointee. CNN's Jane Arraf was right in the thick of it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP) PHILLIPS: Our brave Jane Arraf there. That long expected showdown between U.S. forces and those of a Shiite cleric, Muqtada al- Sadr, appears to be unfolding gradually, though with increasing intensity. Right now, it's dark in Najaf, just after 9 p.m., and so far too dangerous for Jane to put up lights for a live report. She did record this update however just before sunset.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ARRAF: U.S. troops, backed by tanks, came through these gates just a short while ago without meeting any resistance. In fact, the Iraqi security guards who were here welcomed them. Shortly after, gunfire erupted, gunmen from alleyways nearby and from rooftops, according to military officials here.
The U.S. Army, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 2nd Battalion 37th Armored Unit responded with gun-mounted tanks and other weapon. It went on for several hours. And as darkness fall, military officials here believe that the militia is still out there and will continue to keep firing here.
But they say they'll stay to allow the return of a civilian governor and to secure other government buildings as the U.S. and British coalition tries to bring back civilian authority in the city where Muqtada al-Sadr's forces are still very much in control.
Jane Arraf, CNN, recording from Najaf, Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: In Baghdad today, a classic rush hour car bomb, that's one coalition official's description of the mighty explosion that killed seven people, including the bomber, on the edge of the so- called Green Zone, housing coalition headquarters. A U.S. soldier is also among the dead. Claiming responsibility, an obscure group that vows allegiance to suspected terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Now we want to take you live to the World Affairs Council meeting in Philadelphia. Paul Wolfowitz addressing those there..
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
PAUL WOLFOWITZ, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: ... noble work and sacrifice of the many. Today in places across the globe our soldiers are carrying on. In the spirit of the brave men and women who risked all, right here in Philadelphia, to build against all possible odds a great nation, a global symbol of hope, in a free society that offers an example of opportunity for all.
Recently, as he prepared to lead his troops into action in Fallujah, a Marine company commander took time to write his father, a retired Marine. "This battle is going to have far reaching effects on not only the war here," this Marine wrote, "but in the overall war on terrorism."
"We have to be very precise in our application of combat power. We cannot kill a lot of innocent folks. There will be no shock and awe. This battle is the Marine Corps' Bellawood for this war. A lot of terrorist and foreign fighters are holed up in Fallujah. It has been a sanctuary for them.
"The Marine Corps," he said, "will either reaffirm its place in history as one of the greatest fighting organizations in the world or we will die trying. The Marines are fired up, but," he said, "I'm nervous for them, because I know how much is riding on this fight."
"But every time I've been nervous during my career about the outcome of events when young Marines were involved, they have always," he said, "always exceeded my expectations. God bless these great Americans," he concluded to his father, "who are ensuring that we continue to fight an away schedule." And let me join with him in saying God bless all of our Marines and soldiers and sailors and airmen and coast guardsmen.
Our prayers are with him and with all of our people currently serving in Iran (sic) and Afghanistan and other remote locations of the world. They're making America and the world more secure by helping the Iraqi people and Afghan people build free and prosperous democracies in the heart of the Middle East.
Where the members of active duty, reserve or National Guard units, or civilians, these heroes embody the best ideals of our nation, serving so that our people can be safe and so that others may be free. We thank them all for the sacrifices they endure.
Thank you very much.
PHILLIPS: Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz there, at the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia, speaking to the nonprofit, private, nonpartisan educational organization. He actually is a -- has stepped in, rather, for Donald Rumsfeld. Donald Rumsfeld was supposed to give the speech there today. But as you know, Rumsfeld is facing a Senate hearing on the alleged abuses that took place in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and we are told is prepping for that time tomorrow. Therefore, Paul Wolfowitz stepping in.
Well, are the president's efforts to win the hearts minds of Iraqis working? We are going to talk about it with an Iraqi-American businessman trying to get his homeland rebuilt.
PHILLIPS: Homes burn, thousands of acres up in flames, but California firefighters are hoping to catch a break today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have no idea how people could live in that apartment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Two bedrooms, 76 ducks, two boa constrictors, and a number of other critters. Is it an apartment, or is it a zoo? Police find out it's both, later on LIVE FROM... (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Let's go to the White House now for more on the Iraq prisoner abuse scandal and an event in the Rose Garden this afternoon. CNN's Dana Bash joins us with more -- Dana.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra, well, despite growing Democratic calls on Capitol Hill and elsewhere for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign over the Iraqi prisoner abuse issue, the White House is sticking by the defense secretary, despite the fact that we are told by a senior administration official that the defense secretary did get a private rebuke from the president over the way this process did go on. But the White House is sticking by the defense secretary.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: Absolutely not. The president greatly appreciates the leadership of Secretary Rumsfeld and all our men and women in the military who are doing an outstanding job. The president has great confidence in the job Secretary Rumsfeld is doing and he appreciates his service.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BASH: Now the reason we are told the president was upset with his defense secretary was because he did not know -- was not informed about the pictures of the abused prisoners. But we are told by the White House that the defense secretary did inform the president about the abuses quite a while ago, apparently in January.
But there are a lot of questions that still remain unanswered about that. First of all, exactly when was the president told about it? We do not have an exact date from the White House, despite a lot of questions about that. And also what did the president say, what did the president do when he found out about it? Did he ask for actions, for follow-up, as we've been told a number of times over the past couple of days, that he is now asking for after the pictures have been aired.
And also if they can't find any specific reference to when the president was told, are they looking for it? Today the White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, who you just saw there, was asked whether or not there were any notes taken of the meeting with the president and defense secretary when Mr. Bush was first informed, whether there were any kind of records, he simply said no. When asked whether they were looking for it, he also said no. Here at the White House, Kyra, they're trying to look forward, saying time and time again that what the president is focused on is making sure that those responsible for these are taken care of -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Meanwhile the president is to meet with King Abdullah. Let's talk about the objectives there.
BASH: Well, Kyra, this is a problem that the White House is facing in the Arab world on a different issue, and this is, of course, the question about the Mideast peace process. You remember...
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BASH: ... and at the time, he had a shift in U.S. policy, saying that Israel did not necessarily have to give up all settlements and didn't necessarily have to allow Palestinian refugees back into Israel. This caused an uproar and it caused the Jordanian king to cancel a visit to the White House about two weeks ago.
So today the question is whether or not the two men can mend fences. The president, we're told by U.S. and Arab sources, is expected to give King Abdullah some assurances in writing that no borders will be decided, no final decisions will be decided about the borders between a new Palestinian state and Israel and the refugee issue unless there are negotiations between the two sides that is, an attempt, would be an attempt by the U.S. administration to quell another controversy between the U.S. and the Arab world. We're also looking to see if the king does say anything about these pictures, whether or not he assists the president in any way in the way he is being perceived in the Arab world on that issue -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Dana Bash, live at the White House, thanks do much. We also want to remind you, our viewers, that we will take that live, President Bush and King Abdullah of Jordan meeting in the Rose Garden, we'll take that about 2:05 Eastern time live today.
Taming the flames, cooler temperatures and calmer winds are helping firefighters in Southern California. Several wildfires are burning across 26,000 acres. This fire in Riverside County is expected to be completely contained by tomorrow. Hundreds of evacuated residents are allowed back into their home. Flames have destroyed more than a dozen homes.
Visitors allowed back in the most popular part of the Grand Canyon after a prescribed burn jumped a containment line. Entrances to the canyon's South Room were closed for several hours yesterday as was the Mather Point Lookout. The fire was too close for comfort for some tourists.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was that one point when the firefighters were coming through the woods and we were looking, thinking, OK, this is a little bit intimidating. Maybe it's getting too close.
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PHILLIPS: Well, the burning continues today. And fire crews are keeping a very close eye on it.
Should Americans be allowed to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and other countries? The head of the CVS Drugstore chain says yes. Thomas Ryan told a government task force that folks are already shipping in billions of dollars worth of drug to save money. He says the U.S. can't ignore reality. The move to legalize prescription drug imports is gaining momentum in Congress and the task force is looking at whether it can be done safely.
We could have answers soon, the connection with a sick cow in Texas that may have shown symptoms of mad cow disease. The animal was destroyed before it could be tested, and the Agricultural (sic) Department says it could find out in the next day or so why standard procedure was broken.
It makes your heart race, it makes your stomach flutter. Word now that falling in love affects your hormones too, imagine that. Italian studies show that men lose testosterone when they fall in love, women gain it. Some experts says that this could be the result of increased sexual activity. Regardless, when couples were tested two years later, their testosterone was back to normal.
And now for this, it's the most amazing image of the day, six nails in one man's skull, how did it happen? We'll have the story behind the picture.
And later, an Arab man who says he suffered abuse by American captors, not in Iraq, but in New York in the days after September 11. His story, later on LIVE FROM...
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PHILLIPS: Across America, six nails in his head and amazingly, he lived. A Los Angeles construction worker made his first public appearance since an on-the-job accident last month. Six nails driven into his face, neck and skull by a high powered nail gun, he fell off a roof, by the way.
And a horrible stench led authorities to an apartment in suburban Milwaukee. Guess what they found, 200 animals, ducks, mice, alligators, scorpions, and meat-eating beetles. Officials say the woman who lived in the apartment kept the creatures alive by feeding them road kill.
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CHIEF PETER HOELL, GERMANTOWN, WISC., POLICE: I have no idea how people could live in that apartment.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We thought maybe it was a body, as bad as it smelled.
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PHILLIPS: Animal carcasses were found in a freezer. Decaying bodies were in a nearby garage. The dead animals included raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels.
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