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Peterson Murder Trial; Prisoner Abuse Scandal; Al-Sadr Stands Down; Najaf Peace?
Aired August 18, 2004 - 13:59 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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And we begin this hour of LIVE FROM with big developments in the Scott Peterson murder trail. A much-anticipated showdown between Amber Frey and the defense is now on hold. Peterson's former mistress is now not expected to return to the stand until next week. Our Rusty Dornin is keeping tabs on all the action in Redwood City, California.
Rusty, what is the latest?
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we're not sure. It's not enough of a bombshell to stop the proceedings completely, but they did spend about an hour behind closed doors, came out. The judge gave a very brief speech to the jury, apologizing, saying there had been a potential development in the case and delaying Amber Frey's cross- examination until Monday. But he said there will be three more witnesses on the stand tomorrow.
He did, like I said, apologize. He said he hopes there won't be any kind of a jury revolt. He had mentioned that he had a dream about the jury in this case revolting. So, we're not sure what is going on, but it certainly does have to do with Amber Frey's testimony. And we'll just have to wait and see -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: When you say three more witnesses tomorrow, three more prosecution witnesses tomorrow?
DORNIN: Three more prosecution witnesses that were already on the list probably to testify sometime after Amber Frey. Now, we do know that when each of the witnesses comes up for one side or the other, there's a lot of haggling that goes on about what can be broached.
Yesterday, it was decided the defense couldn't talk about Amber Frey's old boyfriends before Scott Peterson or the ones after that, only the ones that were mentioned on those tapes. That was some of the ground rules. Possibly something did come up last night that one side or the other is saying, hey, we have to investigate this before she's cross-examined.
WHITFIELD: And so, what is the conventional wisdom as to how this will sit with jurors? They have to wait days now in between other witnesses to hear the cross-examination of Amber Frey.
DORNIN: I think they are annoyed. And as I said, the judge already had that dream about them revolting. And he apologizes to them every single time there is some kind of delay. And there are a lot of them, because they are spending a lot of time behind closed doors in this case. And the jury has to stay outside, can't be brought in the courtroom, is sent home early, that kind of thing, which is just extending the time on this case.
WHITFIELD: Was there any kind of response coming from the prosecution or the defense on this delay, kind of gleaning some information as to whether it's because of one side or the other?
DORNIN: No. They -- in fact, the judge was the only one to speak in court for this. And then they went behind closed doors once again and did not come out and have any comments.
WHITFIELD: Rusty Dornin in Redwood City, California. Thanks for keeping us up to date on that -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well, now, spreading the blame for Abu Ghraib, this time it is falling on U.S. Army intelligence, who military police have sad were calling the shots at the Iraqi prison when numerous inmates were graphically abused. We get the details from CNN Pentagon Barbara Starr, who is also getting word of a deadly melee.
Barbara, what happened?
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, Kyra. First, let's go to today's news at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Reports now that an altercation broke out at the prison earlier today. Two detainees were killed, five were wounded. And before it was all over, more than 200 detainees involved in this altercation before the guards could break it all up. Just another very difficult situation at this Iraqi prison facility that has become so notorious for the allegations of prison abuse by U.S. soldiers.
Now, the latest report, a report on question of an investigation into questionable intelligence practices at Abu Ghraib, that report is now done. We have been told it is expected to be out, possibly as soon as Friday, and there will be plenty of news in that report, Kyra.
Sources are now confirming to CNN that that report will recommend the possibility of disciplinary or criminal action against up to two dozen additional people. This will be members of the Military Intelligence Brigade that was at the prison when the abuse took place, also civilian contractors and employees from other government agencies.
The report will have findings. It will name names, up to dozen two people, and it will recommend specific action possibly be taken against them ranging from administrative action, administrative penalties, all the way up to some of these cases being turned over to Army criminal investigators for further investigation and possible charges, possible criminal prosecution.
What is significant here, Kyra, is until now, the abuse allegations had simply centered around seven military police soldiers, fairly low-ranking enlisted soldiers. Now about another two dozen associated with the Military Intelligence Brigade that ran the intelligence and interrogations operations at the prison.
But still, sources tell us when this report comes out, it will say that there were no higher-ups involved, anybody higher up than the brigade that ordered the abuse as a method of interrogation, if you will. That simply this was lack of good order, lack of good discipline.
The brigade commander will be disciplined for failing to manage his troops properly. But no higher-ups beyond the brigade are likely to face criminal prosecution in this case now -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Barbara Starr, live from the Pentagon. Thanks -- Fred.
WHITFIELD: Well, from Baghdad, an apparent back-down in a long running battle of wills and weapons. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is claiming he'll disband his freelance army based in and around Najaf and go into mainstream politics. That may well avert a final bloody confrontation with U.S. and Iraqi forces, a confrontation threatened just hours earlier by Iraqi leaders. CNN's John Vause filed this report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Word that Muqtada al-Sadr was ready to back down came in the form of a letter delivered to the Iraqi National Conference here in Baghdad. Delegates clapped and cheered when they heard that al-Sadr was ready to accept the conditions laid out by a peace delegation which went to Najaf yesterday.
That delegation demanded that Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mehdi Militia leave the Imam Ali Mosque, that he dissolve the Mehdi Militia, and that he join the mainstream political process. In return, al-Sadr gets safe passage from the mosque and will not be arrested.
It comes after a day of tough talk and ultimatums from the Iraqi government. The defense minister warned that the time for talking was over, that military preparations to liberate the mosque were complete. The Iraqi prime minister said he would not stand with arms folded, that he would restore law and order to Najaf and the rest of the country.
There has been intense military pressure, as well. Two thousand U.S. Marines, more than 1,000 Iraqi forces surrounding the Imam Ali Mosque. A cease-fire, though, was negotiated with al-Sadr in June. That lasted six weeks before the outbreak of the current violence in Najaf.
John Vause, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Well, today it was John Kerry's turn to tell the veterans of foreign war why he should be commander-in-chief two days after President Bush sought to rally the vets behind a drastic draw-down of troops in western Europe and Asia. Kerry called the idea mistimed and nonsensical.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Nobody wants to bring troops home more than those of us who have fought in foreign wars. But it needs to be done at the right time and in a sensible way. This is not that time or that way.
Let's be clear. The president's vaguely-stated plan does not strengthen our hand in the war on terror. It in no way relieves the strain on our overextended military personnel. It doesn't even begin until 2006, and it takes 10 years to achieve. And this hastily- announced plan raises more doubts about our intentions and our commitment than it provides real answers.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: President Bush's campaign bus rolls through the battleground again. He's in Wisconsin this hour, his fifth trip to that state in the past year. In 2000, Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes narrowly went for Al Gore. Speaking in Chippewa Falls a short time ago, the president proposed new education benefits for National Guard troops and reservists, and he touted his economic policies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've been through a lot. Our economy has overcome some mighty obstacles.
We've been through a recession. We've been through corporate scandals. We've been through a war and a terrorist attack. And yet we have overcome those obstacles because the spirit of this country is strong.
Our workers are great. Our farmers are really good. The small business sector is vibrant and alive. And I think one of the reasons we've come through these obstacles is because of well-timed tax cuts.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, if you're tuning out politics this election year, some country music stars are pumping up the volume to get your attention. Ricky Skaggs and other top artists have launched a "get out the vote" campaign. While they call themselves political conservatives, they say all Americans should vote.
At the other end of the political dial, rock star Bruce Springsteen is joining bands like Pearl Jam and R.E.M. for a concert series aimed at defeating Bush in November. They will swing through battleground states in October.
Ohio is considered a bellwether state in the race for the White House. And our Paula Zahn is there to host a town hall meeting tonight in canton. That's at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 p.m. Pacific right here on CNN.
WHITFIELD: And news across America now.
In New Jersey, the political scandal takes another twist. A top fund-raiser for New Jersey Governor James McGreevey is expected to plead guilty in federal court today. Charles Kushner faces accusations of conspiracy in a witness retaliation scheme, as well as tax and campaign finance charges.
In Indiana, a liquid substance that forced authorities to shut down Fort Wayne International Airport is apparently not a threat. Officials say they believe it's a non-toxic material, but say they are keeping the airport closed until they identify it positively.
An unknown chemical spill from a package onboard an American Airlines plane this morning. Six people reported feeling sick as a result.
In Massachusetts, an ATM heist. Police are looking for two men caught on surveillance tape wheeling an ATM machine out of a Boston convenient store. The two men can be seen on tape sliding the machine through the smashed door to the store.
PHILLIPS: They have gone from a war zone to the center of a storm, National Guardsmen on patrol in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. Their story straight ahead.
Show of force in Najaf. Is the strategy going to ultimately pay off? We're going to talk about it.
A new GOP star gets ready to shine at the Republican National Convention. Will their star power help win the White House? We'll talk about it.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Live to Redwood City, California. Gloria Allred -- is representing Amber Frey, the mistress of Scott Peterson -- is at the mikes. Let's listen in and see what she has to say.
GLORIA ALLRED, AMBER FREY'S ATTORNEY: ... causes a great deal more inconvenience for her and her family. And it's difficult. But she will return on Monday at 9:00. And once again, she will be ready for the cross.
She understands that this sometimes happens in the judicial system, that often there are delays, that she cannot be told the reason for the delay, but that she just needs to return. And of course, she will do so.
But I have to once again emphasize, she has made so many sacrifices to assist in this criminal investigation. This is one more inconvenience and sacrifice that she will have to make in order to proceed to be a witness in the case, which she has been subpoenaed to be.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Has there been any hint of shenanigans at all, or anything... ALLRED: The question is, has there been any hint of shenanigans? Again, I -- I don't want to speculate as to whether there are shenanigans. And if so, by whom or -- I don't want to go down that road. That would be speculation.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is the delay related to Amber's testimony?
ALLRED: I'm sorry, you have a question?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have they told you how long the cross- examination will last?
ALLRED: No, we don't have any idea of how long or short the cross-examination will be. But she is ready for whatever length it is.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Forty-five minutes, two weeks?
ALLRED: We have no idea. I don't know if Mr. Geragos has an idea at this point.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How is she holding up overall? How is she feeling (INAUDIBLE)?
ALLRED: It's frustrating. She was ready to provide her testimony this morning, and that didn't happen. And that was a surprise. So, she will just have to continue to display the courage and strength she has already displayed.
PHILLIPS: Gloria Allred, the attorney for Amber Frey, the mistress of Scott Peterson. Gloria Allred just commenting that her client just feels a bit inconvenienced about this delay in testimony today, but that she'll be ready Monday, 9:00 a.m. for cross- examination in the Scott Peterson trial.
We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: In Najaf, an Iraqi government threat to wage a major offensive against militants in a Shia holy shrine appear to have been averted. After two weeks of deadly street battles, radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said he is giving up the fight, disbanding his Mehdi Army Militia and entering mainstream politics. But will his promises stand?
Weighing in from Washington is retired Army Lieutenant Colonel James Carafano, who is also a senior research fellow in defense at the Heritage Foundation.
Good to see you, Lieutenant Colonel.
LT. COL. JAMES CARAFANO, U.S. ARMY (RET.): Good to be with you.
WHITFIELD: Well, it's been a few hours since an al-Sadr representative said he agrees to the delegation's demands. Is this a major triumph? Or are you somewhat apprehensive?
CARAFANO: Well, I mean, first of all, we're going to have to see what happens. I mean, we've been down this road before. There have been lots of times there have been cease-fires and there have been promises and they haven't been kept. So, first, we'll have to wait and see if we do that.
I think Sadr, if he does give up, will feel like he's accomplished something, tried to portray himself as an idol, a defender of the Shiite people, and I think he will try to exploit that. So, the government's challenge really is -- is, one, is to establish the security situation, to make sure these people really do disarm and they don't start just flaring back up and having insurgencies whenever they want to.
And the other thing is they have to get out there in the battle place of ideas and they have to push the cause of democracy forward and not let Sadr, in a sense, become a poster child for, you know, kind of Shiite fundamentalism.
WHITFIELD: There were 1,300 delegates. They apparently delivered this peace proposal to Sadr. What is believed to be in that proposal?
CARAFANO: Well, the key things I think that have to be there is it has to require the disarming and the disbanding of the militia. In other words, Sadr can't continue to play politics simply by killing people and holding people hostage and holding religious shrines hostage whenever he thinks it is convenient for them.
So, that's the really important thing. The key thing is to move the political process forward, move towards the elections, get Iraqi security forces pride providing security in the country. So, anything that contributes to those long-term goals, those are good things.
WHITFIELD: Well, another reason why this may be difficult to believe, too, the Mehdi Army is fairly sizable there in Najaf. And then you look at the recent days of pictures where you see quite a few dozen, if not hundreds, of supporters in the streets chanting, et cetera. By al-Sadr agreeing to dismantling this army, is he also betraying all of these supporters in Najaf?
CARAFANO: Well, I don't think -- I think they'll see it -- I think they will portray themselves as a victory, that they defend the shrine. Of course, there is nothing really to defend because there is nobody really attacking it except for the fact that they are there.
But the point is, is they'll try to portray it as a victory. They'll try to take political mileage out of that.
But really, either militarily and politically, Sadr really doesn't have the punch to really be a great factor. If the three major ethnic groups, if the Shiites, the Kurds and the Sunnis continue on the political path towards elections, towards setting up a government that's inclusive of all the people, then Sadr I really think will wind up being a footnote to history, and his attempts here will fail politically as well as militarily, because he just doesn't have the military power really to do a real serious insurgency.
WHITFIELD: Also, what was at stake is this symbolism of this Imam Ali Shrine where al-Sadr apparently had taken refuge inside. And if there was an exchange of gunfire, continued exchange of gunfire between the army and the Iraqi troops, or maybe even involving U.S. troops, there would be a lot of blame being placed on the coalition, wouldn't it, no matter what the outcome?
CARAFANO: I think that's absolutely a great point. And the more fundamental point here is it really has to be the Iraqis coming forward and taking control of their own destiny.
The United States can help out with security, but they can't solve, for example, the siege of the shrine, which is really a political issue, not a military issue. So, the Iraqis really have to step forward both on the political level and the security level and really take responsibility for their country, because, really, we are rapidly at the point of becoming bystanders in Washington's process moving forward.
And it's really up to Iraqi leaders. I mean, these people really must step up and be the founding fathers of their country if they're really going to move forward and establish a stable government.
WHITFIELD: Lieutenant Colonel James Carafano, thanks so much for joining us from Washington.
CARAFANO: Thanks for having me.
WHITFIELD: Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Other news around the world now.
Terror hearing in London. Eight mean accused of conspiring to commit murder and mayhem using radioactive materials, toxic gases or explosives appeared in a British court today. A plea hearing has been set for next week.
Hampering the cleanup. Residents digging out from flash floods in Boscastle, England, may have to wait a while. More showers are expected today. Teams from police, Coast Guard, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are all searching for victims.
Surveying the damage. Prince Charles is meeting with residents from the picturesque village today. The flooding set off one of England's largest emergency operations in years.
Heavy rains are causing havoc in Turkey, too. Streets in Istanbul are knee deep in water. Hundreds of homes have been evacuated. More wet weather is expected. Meteorologists say that the rains could be the worst in a decade.
WHITFIELD: A soldier loses his legs in the war in Iraq. Now he's ready to stand for the first time since his amazing story is being revealed on LIVE FROM. And we all know there's no such thing as a free lunch, but now parents are facing a school lunch financial crunch. We're brown bagging it straight ahead on LIVE FROM.
FRED KATAYAMA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Fred Katayama at the New York Stock Exchange. Say bye-bye dial-up. America is going high speed. I'll explain.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Well, forget the latest fashions, name-brand sneakers or trendy backpacks. Parents need to add something else to their child's backpack list: extra money. Schools across the U.S. are raising the prices of their meals. Our Ceci Rodgers crunches some of the numbers.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CECI RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Got milk money? You may need a little more this year. The price of milk and a hot lunch in many school districts across the nation is going up, anywhere from a nickel to a dollar. In Glenview, Illinois, the cost of a lunch is going up 10 cents for the sixth year in a row to $2.30.
BRETT CLARK, GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS SCHOOL DISTRICT: The big reason is that -- is the price we're paying for food and milk, you know, from our vendors, as well as salaries and benefits. I think those are really the four driving forces for why we've had to increase prices.
RODGERS: The price of milk alone has soared 27 percent from a year ago. Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are also up. Just this week, Hurricane Charley destroyed much of Florida's orange crops. School officials say that will likely raise the price of orange juice for school breakfasts.
Transportation costs, driven by higher fuel prices, also continue to raise. And one of the biggest costs facing school districts, employee medical benefits.
PENNY MCCONNELL, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Just like you and I have very high health insurance costs, we as operators of school lunch programs are having to absorb that.
RODGERS: The question is, with the cost of a school lunch at a national average of $1.60 and rising, will parents start packing brown bags? Apparently not.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'd pay for it no matter what because I work. So, for me it's much better to just pay for them to have a lunch. It's much easier.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have no choice. We have to. Otherwise we would have to prepare lunches. And you know, with three children, it would be -- it's easier to pay the price and not worry about it.
RODGERS (on camera): One group that doesn't have to worry about paying higher prices, the 17 million low-income children in the national school lunch program. They get their school lunch for a reduced cost or for free.
(voice-over): But for everyone else it's perhaps an early lesson in the value of a dollar.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's just a dollar. It's not like $50.
RODGERS: Not yet, anyway.
Ceci Rodgers for CNN Financial News, Chicago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: When we get sick of waiting on a dial-up Internet connection and you switched over to high speed, you weren't the only one. That's for sure. We did it. Fred Katayama probably did it, too. He's live from the New York Stock Exchange with that report.
Hi, Fred.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired August 18, 2004 - 13:59 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And we begin this hour of LIVE FROM with big developments in the Scott Peterson murder trail. A much-anticipated showdown between Amber Frey and the defense is now on hold. Peterson's former mistress is now not expected to return to the stand until next week. Our Rusty Dornin is keeping tabs on all the action in Redwood City, California.
Rusty, what is the latest?
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we're not sure. It's not enough of a bombshell to stop the proceedings completely, but they did spend about an hour behind closed doors, came out. The judge gave a very brief speech to the jury, apologizing, saying there had been a potential development in the case and delaying Amber Frey's cross- examination until Monday. But he said there will be three more witnesses on the stand tomorrow.
He did, like I said, apologize. He said he hopes there won't be any kind of a jury revolt. He had mentioned that he had a dream about the jury in this case revolting. So, we're not sure what is going on, but it certainly does have to do with Amber Frey's testimony. And we'll just have to wait and see -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: When you say three more witnesses tomorrow, three more prosecution witnesses tomorrow?
DORNIN: Three more prosecution witnesses that were already on the list probably to testify sometime after Amber Frey. Now, we do know that when each of the witnesses comes up for one side or the other, there's a lot of haggling that goes on about what can be broached.
Yesterday, it was decided the defense couldn't talk about Amber Frey's old boyfriends before Scott Peterson or the ones after that, only the ones that were mentioned on those tapes. That was some of the ground rules. Possibly something did come up last night that one side or the other is saying, hey, we have to investigate this before she's cross-examined.
WHITFIELD: And so, what is the conventional wisdom as to how this will sit with jurors? They have to wait days now in between other witnesses to hear the cross-examination of Amber Frey.
DORNIN: I think they are annoyed. And as I said, the judge already had that dream about them revolting. And he apologizes to them every single time there is some kind of delay. And there are a lot of them, because they are spending a lot of time behind closed doors in this case. And the jury has to stay outside, can't be brought in the courtroom, is sent home early, that kind of thing, which is just extending the time on this case.
WHITFIELD: Was there any kind of response coming from the prosecution or the defense on this delay, kind of gleaning some information as to whether it's because of one side or the other?
DORNIN: No. They -- in fact, the judge was the only one to speak in court for this. And then they went behind closed doors once again and did not come out and have any comments.
WHITFIELD: Rusty Dornin in Redwood City, California. Thanks for keeping us up to date on that -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well, now, spreading the blame for Abu Ghraib, this time it is falling on U.S. Army intelligence, who military police have sad were calling the shots at the Iraqi prison when numerous inmates were graphically abused. We get the details from CNN Pentagon Barbara Starr, who is also getting word of a deadly melee.
Barbara, what happened?
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Indeed, Kyra. First, let's go to today's news at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Reports now that an altercation broke out at the prison earlier today. Two detainees were killed, five were wounded. And before it was all over, more than 200 detainees involved in this altercation before the guards could break it all up. Just another very difficult situation at this Iraqi prison facility that has become so notorious for the allegations of prison abuse by U.S. soldiers.
Now, the latest report, a report on question of an investigation into questionable intelligence practices at Abu Ghraib, that report is now done. We have been told it is expected to be out, possibly as soon as Friday, and there will be plenty of news in that report, Kyra.
Sources are now confirming to CNN that that report will recommend the possibility of disciplinary or criminal action against up to two dozen additional people. This will be members of the Military Intelligence Brigade that was at the prison when the abuse took place, also civilian contractors and employees from other government agencies.
The report will have findings. It will name names, up to dozen two people, and it will recommend specific action possibly be taken against them ranging from administrative action, administrative penalties, all the way up to some of these cases being turned over to Army criminal investigators for further investigation and possible charges, possible criminal prosecution.
What is significant here, Kyra, is until now, the abuse allegations had simply centered around seven military police soldiers, fairly low-ranking enlisted soldiers. Now about another two dozen associated with the Military Intelligence Brigade that ran the intelligence and interrogations operations at the prison.
But still, sources tell us when this report comes out, it will say that there were no higher-ups involved, anybody higher up than the brigade that ordered the abuse as a method of interrogation, if you will. That simply this was lack of good order, lack of good discipline.
The brigade commander will be disciplined for failing to manage his troops properly. But no higher-ups beyond the brigade are likely to face criminal prosecution in this case now -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Barbara Starr, live from the Pentagon. Thanks -- Fred.
WHITFIELD: Well, from Baghdad, an apparent back-down in a long running battle of wills and weapons. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is claiming he'll disband his freelance army based in and around Najaf and go into mainstream politics. That may well avert a final bloody confrontation with U.S. and Iraqi forces, a confrontation threatened just hours earlier by Iraqi leaders. CNN's John Vause filed this report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Word that Muqtada al-Sadr was ready to back down came in the form of a letter delivered to the Iraqi National Conference here in Baghdad. Delegates clapped and cheered when they heard that al-Sadr was ready to accept the conditions laid out by a peace delegation which went to Najaf yesterday.
That delegation demanded that Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mehdi Militia leave the Imam Ali Mosque, that he dissolve the Mehdi Militia, and that he join the mainstream political process. In return, al-Sadr gets safe passage from the mosque and will not be arrested.
It comes after a day of tough talk and ultimatums from the Iraqi government. The defense minister warned that the time for talking was over, that military preparations to liberate the mosque were complete. The Iraqi prime minister said he would not stand with arms folded, that he would restore law and order to Najaf and the rest of the country.
There has been intense military pressure, as well. Two thousand U.S. Marines, more than 1,000 Iraqi forces surrounding the Imam Ali Mosque. A cease-fire, though, was negotiated with al-Sadr in June. That lasted six weeks before the outbreak of the current violence in Najaf.
John Vause, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Well, today it was John Kerry's turn to tell the veterans of foreign war why he should be commander-in-chief two days after President Bush sought to rally the vets behind a drastic draw-down of troops in western Europe and Asia. Kerry called the idea mistimed and nonsensical.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Nobody wants to bring troops home more than those of us who have fought in foreign wars. But it needs to be done at the right time and in a sensible way. This is not that time or that way.
Let's be clear. The president's vaguely-stated plan does not strengthen our hand in the war on terror. It in no way relieves the strain on our overextended military personnel. It doesn't even begin until 2006, and it takes 10 years to achieve. And this hastily- announced plan raises more doubts about our intentions and our commitment than it provides real answers.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: President Bush's campaign bus rolls through the battleground again. He's in Wisconsin this hour, his fifth trip to that state in the past year. In 2000, Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes narrowly went for Al Gore. Speaking in Chippewa Falls a short time ago, the president proposed new education benefits for National Guard troops and reservists, and he touted his economic policies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've been through a lot. Our economy has overcome some mighty obstacles.
We've been through a recession. We've been through corporate scandals. We've been through a war and a terrorist attack. And yet we have overcome those obstacles because the spirit of this country is strong.
Our workers are great. Our farmers are really good. The small business sector is vibrant and alive. And I think one of the reasons we've come through these obstacles is because of well-timed tax cuts.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, if you're tuning out politics this election year, some country music stars are pumping up the volume to get your attention. Ricky Skaggs and other top artists have launched a "get out the vote" campaign. While they call themselves political conservatives, they say all Americans should vote.
At the other end of the political dial, rock star Bruce Springsteen is joining bands like Pearl Jam and R.E.M. for a concert series aimed at defeating Bush in November. They will swing through battleground states in October.
Ohio is considered a bellwether state in the race for the White House. And our Paula Zahn is there to host a town hall meeting tonight in canton. That's at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 p.m. Pacific right here on CNN.
WHITFIELD: And news across America now.
In New Jersey, the political scandal takes another twist. A top fund-raiser for New Jersey Governor James McGreevey is expected to plead guilty in federal court today. Charles Kushner faces accusations of conspiracy in a witness retaliation scheme, as well as tax and campaign finance charges.
In Indiana, a liquid substance that forced authorities to shut down Fort Wayne International Airport is apparently not a threat. Officials say they believe it's a non-toxic material, but say they are keeping the airport closed until they identify it positively.
An unknown chemical spill from a package onboard an American Airlines plane this morning. Six people reported feeling sick as a result.
In Massachusetts, an ATM heist. Police are looking for two men caught on surveillance tape wheeling an ATM machine out of a Boston convenient store. The two men can be seen on tape sliding the machine through the smashed door to the store.
PHILLIPS: They have gone from a war zone to the center of a storm, National Guardsmen on patrol in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. Their story straight ahead.
Show of force in Najaf. Is the strategy going to ultimately pay off? We're going to talk about it.
A new GOP star gets ready to shine at the Republican National Convention. Will their star power help win the White House? We'll talk about it.
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PHILLIPS: Live to Redwood City, California. Gloria Allred -- is representing Amber Frey, the mistress of Scott Peterson -- is at the mikes. Let's listen in and see what she has to say.
GLORIA ALLRED, AMBER FREY'S ATTORNEY: ... causes a great deal more inconvenience for her and her family. And it's difficult. But she will return on Monday at 9:00. And once again, she will be ready for the cross.
She understands that this sometimes happens in the judicial system, that often there are delays, that she cannot be told the reason for the delay, but that she just needs to return. And of course, she will do so.
But I have to once again emphasize, she has made so many sacrifices to assist in this criminal investigation. This is one more inconvenience and sacrifice that she will have to make in order to proceed to be a witness in the case, which she has been subpoenaed to be.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Has there been any hint of shenanigans at all, or anything... ALLRED: The question is, has there been any hint of shenanigans? Again, I -- I don't want to speculate as to whether there are shenanigans. And if so, by whom or -- I don't want to go down that road. That would be speculation.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is the delay related to Amber's testimony?
ALLRED: I'm sorry, you have a question?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have they told you how long the cross- examination will last?
ALLRED: No, we don't have any idea of how long or short the cross-examination will be. But she is ready for whatever length it is.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Forty-five minutes, two weeks?
ALLRED: We have no idea. I don't know if Mr. Geragos has an idea at this point.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How is she holding up overall? How is she feeling (INAUDIBLE)?
ALLRED: It's frustrating. She was ready to provide her testimony this morning, and that didn't happen. And that was a surprise. So, she will just have to continue to display the courage and strength she has already displayed.
PHILLIPS: Gloria Allred, the attorney for Amber Frey, the mistress of Scott Peterson. Gloria Allred just commenting that her client just feels a bit inconvenienced about this delay in testimony today, but that she'll be ready Monday, 9:00 a.m. for cross- examination in the Scott Peterson trial.
We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.
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WHITFIELD: In Najaf, an Iraqi government threat to wage a major offensive against militants in a Shia holy shrine appear to have been averted. After two weeks of deadly street battles, radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said he is giving up the fight, disbanding his Mehdi Army Militia and entering mainstream politics. But will his promises stand?
Weighing in from Washington is retired Army Lieutenant Colonel James Carafano, who is also a senior research fellow in defense at the Heritage Foundation.
Good to see you, Lieutenant Colonel.
LT. COL. JAMES CARAFANO, U.S. ARMY (RET.): Good to be with you.
WHITFIELD: Well, it's been a few hours since an al-Sadr representative said he agrees to the delegation's demands. Is this a major triumph? Or are you somewhat apprehensive?
CARAFANO: Well, I mean, first of all, we're going to have to see what happens. I mean, we've been down this road before. There have been lots of times there have been cease-fires and there have been promises and they haven't been kept. So, first, we'll have to wait and see if we do that.
I think Sadr, if he does give up, will feel like he's accomplished something, tried to portray himself as an idol, a defender of the Shiite people, and I think he will try to exploit that. So, the government's challenge really is -- is, one, is to establish the security situation, to make sure these people really do disarm and they don't start just flaring back up and having insurgencies whenever they want to.
And the other thing is they have to get out there in the battle place of ideas and they have to push the cause of democracy forward and not let Sadr, in a sense, become a poster child for, you know, kind of Shiite fundamentalism.
WHITFIELD: There were 1,300 delegates. They apparently delivered this peace proposal to Sadr. What is believed to be in that proposal?
CARAFANO: Well, the key things I think that have to be there is it has to require the disarming and the disbanding of the militia. In other words, Sadr can't continue to play politics simply by killing people and holding people hostage and holding religious shrines hostage whenever he thinks it is convenient for them.
So, that's the really important thing. The key thing is to move the political process forward, move towards the elections, get Iraqi security forces pride providing security in the country. So, anything that contributes to those long-term goals, those are good things.
WHITFIELD: Well, another reason why this may be difficult to believe, too, the Mehdi Army is fairly sizable there in Najaf. And then you look at the recent days of pictures where you see quite a few dozen, if not hundreds, of supporters in the streets chanting, et cetera. By al-Sadr agreeing to dismantling this army, is he also betraying all of these supporters in Najaf?
CARAFANO: Well, I don't think -- I think they'll see it -- I think they will portray themselves as a victory, that they defend the shrine. Of course, there is nothing really to defend because there is nobody really attacking it except for the fact that they are there.
But the point is, is they'll try to portray it as a victory. They'll try to take political mileage out of that.
But really, either militarily and politically, Sadr really doesn't have the punch to really be a great factor. If the three major ethnic groups, if the Shiites, the Kurds and the Sunnis continue on the political path towards elections, towards setting up a government that's inclusive of all the people, then Sadr I really think will wind up being a footnote to history, and his attempts here will fail politically as well as militarily, because he just doesn't have the military power really to do a real serious insurgency.
WHITFIELD: Also, what was at stake is this symbolism of this Imam Ali Shrine where al-Sadr apparently had taken refuge inside. And if there was an exchange of gunfire, continued exchange of gunfire between the army and the Iraqi troops, or maybe even involving U.S. troops, there would be a lot of blame being placed on the coalition, wouldn't it, no matter what the outcome?
CARAFANO: I think that's absolutely a great point. And the more fundamental point here is it really has to be the Iraqis coming forward and taking control of their own destiny.
The United States can help out with security, but they can't solve, for example, the siege of the shrine, which is really a political issue, not a military issue. So, the Iraqis really have to step forward both on the political level and the security level and really take responsibility for their country, because, really, we are rapidly at the point of becoming bystanders in Washington's process moving forward.
And it's really up to Iraqi leaders. I mean, these people really must step up and be the founding fathers of their country if they're really going to move forward and establish a stable government.
WHITFIELD: Lieutenant Colonel James Carafano, thanks so much for joining us from Washington.
CARAFANO: Thanks for having me.
WHITFIELD: Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Other news around the world now.
Terror hearing in London. Eight mean accused of conspiring to commit murder and mayhem using radioactive materials, toxic gases or explosives appeared in a British court today. A plea hearing has been set for next week.
Hampering the cleanup. Residents digging out from flash floods in Boscastle, England, may have to wait a while. More showers are expected today. Teams from police, Coast Guard, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are all searching for victims.
Surveying the damage. Prince Charles is meeting with residents from the picturesque village today. The flooding set off one of England's largest emergency operations in years.
Heavy rains are causing havoc in Turkey, too. Streets in Istanbul are knee deep in water. Hundreds of homes have been evacuated. More wet weather is expected. Meteorologists say that the rains could be the worst in a decade.
WHITFIELD: A soldier loses his legs in the war in Iraq. Now he's ready to stand for the first time since his amazing story is being revealed on LIVE FROM. And we all know there's no such thing as a free lunch, but now parents are facing a school lunch financial crunch. We're brown bagging it straight ahead on LIVE FROM.
FRED KATAYAMA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Fred Katayama at the New York Stock Exchange. Say bye-bye dial-up. America is going high speed. I'll explain.
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WHITFIELD: Well, forget the latest fashions, name-brand sneakers or trendy backpacks. Parents need to add something else to their child's backpack list: extra money. Schools across the U.S. are raising the prices of their meals. Our Ceci Rodgers crunches some of the numbers.
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CECI RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Got milk money? You may need a little more this year. The price of milk and a hot lunch in many school districts across the nation is going up, anywhere from a nickel to a dollar. In Glenview, Illinois, the cost of a lunch is going up 10 cents for the sixth year in a row to $2.30.
BRETT CLARK, GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS SCHOOL DISTRICT: The big reason is that -- is the price we're paying for food and milk, you know, from our vendors, as well as salaries and benefits. I think those are really the four driving forces for why we've had to increase prices.
RODGERS: The price of milk alone has soared 27 percent from a year ago. Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are also up. Just this week, Hurricane Charley destroyed much of Florida's orange crops. School officials say that will likely raise the price of orange juice for school breakfasts.
Transportation costs, driven by higher fuel prices, also continue to raise. And one of the biggest costs facing school districts, employee medical benefits.
PENNY MCCONNELL, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Just like you and I have very high health insurance costs, we as operators of school lunch programs are having to absorb that.
RODGERS: The question is, with the cost of a school lunch at a national average of $1.60 and rising, will parents start packing brown bags? Apparently not.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'd pay for it no matter what because I work. So, for me it's much better to just pay for them to have a lunch. It's much easier.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have no choice. We have to. Otherwise we would have to prepare lunches. And you know, with three children, it would be -- it's easier to pay the price and not worry about it.
RODGERS (on camera): One group that doesn't have to worry about paying higher prices, the 17 million low-income children in the national school lunch program. They get their school lunch for a reduced cost or for free.
(voice-over): But for everyone else it's perhaps an early lesson in the value of a dollar.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's just a dollar. It's not like $50.
RODGERS: Not yet, anyway.
Ceci Rodgers for CNN Financial News, Chicago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: When we get sick of waiting on a dial-up Internet connection and you switched over to high speed, you weren't the only one. That's for sure. We did it. Fred Katayama probably did it, too. He's live from the New York Stock Exchange with that report.
Hi, Fred.
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
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