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Huge Crowd Converges on Arafat's West Bank Compound; World Reacts to Death of Yasser Arafat; Another Fierce day of Battles in Falluja

Aired November 11, 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.


DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: A ceremonial sendoff for Yasser Arafat, the man who put the Palestinian struggle for statehood on the world stage. These are live pictures coming from Ramallah right now outside the compound where Arafat will be buried.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Block by block, bullet after bullet, the fight for Falluja rages on. We'll hear from our reporter covering the battle this hour.

GRIFFIN: And a Veterans Day airing of the intense war film "Saving Private Ryan" will not be seen on some ABC stations tonight. Find out why this hour.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Drew Griffin, in for Miles O'Brien.

PHILLIPS: And I'm Kyra Phillips. This hour of CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.

We're not quite sure what's going on. But just moments ago we saw ambulances and a bit of aggression picking up. Right now, as we speak -- and look at these live pictures -- this compound is the scene of a remarkable display of grief, devotion, sheer humanity and a little chaos. CNN's Michael Holmes in the thick of it there in Ramallah.

Michael, what can you tell us?

MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, I can tell you this all started about 15 minutes ago or so. During the day we've seen sporadic demonstrations of support for Yasser Arafat, but numbering perhaps 100 at most. This particular demonstration came marching down the road along the side of the Muqata, the Palestinian Authority headquarters.

Probably about 1,500 people, a very noisy demonstration, chanting their support for Yasser Arafat. And they were chanting, "Abu Amar, you are the cornerstone of our fight." And there were others, the conspiracy theorists, if you like, who were chanting, "Who poisoned the president?" So a fairly -- a mix of anger and emotion, I think is fair to say.

Dozens of Palestinian security came rushing to this gate. This is actually the rear gate of the Palestinian Authority headquarters, but it's the gate through which most of the traffic, the visitors and the like come. And probably 50 or so security officers had to come running over. They're standing on the roof of the entranceway there to the rear end of the Palestinian Authority.

Now, there was pushing and shoving earlier on. Nothing that would venture into what I would call a violent demonstration at all. But a bit of pushing and shoving between those security officers and these demonstrators. Some of them have begun to disperse already, but there is the hard core of probably 500 or so crammed in there in a space of maybe 200 meters around that entranceway -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: As we continue to monitor these live pictures and the demonstrations that you're talking about just outside the compound, we'll keep our eye on these pictures, Michael. And while we watch the demonstration, seeing how they unfold, take us back to Paris -- or to Paris, France, earlier in the day, when we watched Arafat's coffin board the aircraft headed to Cairo.

HOLMES: Yes, it was a moment of reality, really, Kyra, wasn't it, when we saw the coffin containg the body of Yasser Arafat come out from the hospital? It was taken to the helicopter, first of all.

The Palestinian president, having passed away early this morning our time here in the West Bank, he was loaded on board that helicopter for what was a very short flight, in fact, five kilometers or so to a more major airport, where he was then loaded on board a jet. And that jet took off.

It's due in Cairo in about 90 minutes or so from now. Yasser Arafat's widow, Suha, and Nabil Sha'ath, the foreign minister, also Mahmoud Abbas -- as I speak to you now, there's a little bit more fighting going on down there among those demonstrators. But we'll keep an eye on that.

And this -- this plane, obviously, was really the reality that Yasser Arafat is dead. The body on board, headed for Cairo, where we're going to see that funeral held tomorrow. The closest thing Yasser Arafat could come to a state funeral, I suppose -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Michael Holmes, there just outside the compound in Ramallah. As we continue to monitor these demonstrations, Michael Holmes, we'll continue to check in with you as this story continues to develop.

The burial rights are swift by Muslim tradition, but the politicos are moving quickly also. Already, Mahmoud Abbas, the former Palestinian prime minister, has been elected chairman of the PLO, and Rawhi Fattouh, speaker of the Palestinian parliament, has taken the oath of interim Palestinian president. Elections for a permanent president are due to be held in 60 days or less.

GRIFFIN: President Bush sending an assistant secretary of state to Arafat's funeral. In a paper statement, Mr. Bush calls Arafat's death a significant moment in Palestinian history. "We express our condolences," he says, "to the Palestinian people. We hope the future will bring peace and fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors."

In his final weeks in office, former President Clinton very nearly brokered a Camp David accord part two with Arafat and former Israeli leader Ehud Barak. Today, Clinton says this: "However others viewed him, the Palestinians saw Arafat as the father of their nation. I regret that in 2000 he miss the opportunity to bring that nation into being, and pray for the day when the dreams of the Palestinian people for a state and a better life will be realized in a just and lasting peace."

PHILLIPS: Let's broaden the scope of reaction to the death of Yasser Arafat. And for that, we turn to CNN's Richard Roth. He's live at U.N. headquarters in New York -- Richard.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, mourning and reflection here at the United Nations. Earlier today, the official United Nations blue flag outside headquarters in New York was lowered to half staff.

Now, the Palestinians never did get their own state here. They have observer status, but those who do die, presidents, leaders of countries, are given this honor, the blue United Nations flag at half staff there on New York's east side.

Chile's ambassador this morning saying it's a time for a moment of reflection and honor to a man -- the man who defended the rights of his people. U.S. Ambassador Danforth in the Security Council earlier said, "It's a significant moment in Palestinian history. The U.S. offering condolences to the Palestinians." The U.S. hoping that this may all lead to some type of opening for peace, likewise for British leader Tony Blair.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: Well, obviously, he was a huge icon for the Palestinian people. There's no doubt about that at all. And whatever differences we had with him, I think it's right to recognize that.

And I think the most important thing is to make sure that we reinvigorate the peace process. Because there is misery for Palestinians, there's misery for Israelis who suffer terrorist activity. And in the meantime, we've got a situation where it's a huge source of discontent and problem in the world. So it's important we deal with it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the signs are good that the Palestinians are sorting out new leadership and dearly would like progress on the Middle East. He also reflected on the legacy of the late Palestinian leader.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL: The best legacy that his people can live for him is to engage constructively and peacefully with the international community and the Israeli government and people to make that dream a dream of two states living side by side in peace and reality. And I would urge that we all get to work and really press for the achievement of that goal.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: The secretary-general not going to the funeral. His special envoy will be heading there.

There will be a moment of silence in the general assembly hall in about 25 minutes, Kyra. That's a famous location in the legacy of Yasser Arafat. That's where he came there almost 30 years ago to the day saying, "Don't let the olive branch fall from my hand." He had a gun holster, many think he had a gun there, but he did not.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: Richard Roth, live from the U.N. Thank you -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Another tense night in Falluja after another day of fierce battles there. Day four in the latest offensive to retake the Sunni Triangle flash point. The operation claiming the lives of 18 U.S. troops and five Iraqi soldiers. We'll turn it over to Gary Tuchman, who is been monitoring the situation there -- Gary.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Drew, thank you.

The latest word from commanders in the field, in addition to the 18 U.S. troops and five Iraqi government soldiers who have been killed, another 69 Americans have been wounded, along with 34 Iraqis. The latest pictures that have been sent to us show fierce fighting in the streets of the Iraqi city.

It is described as a major attack in the southern part of Falluja. The commander of the 1st Marine Division says the operations are ahead of schedule. That's his quote.

Major General Richard Natonski also saying that U.S. and Iraqi forces are going house-to-house, building-to-building, looking for arms caches. An unknown number of insurgents have surrendered, waving white sheets and flags in the direction of the troops. General Natonski also just talked about a visit he made to what has been described as a slaughterhouse in the northern neighborhood of Falluja, where he believes hostages were held and possibly killed by militants.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAJ. GEN. RICHARD NATONSKI, U.S. MARINE CORPS: There were two thin mattresses and straw mats covered in blood. There was a computer and many computer discs found inside the room. There was also a wheelchair which we believed was used to move the prisoners around. We believe they were bound and moved around the complex in the wheelchair.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TUCHMAN: General Natonski saluted the U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as their Iraqi comrades taking part in the battle. The Iraqi national flag has been raised by Iraqi and American troops together as they have taken control of different parts of Falluja. The U.S. military is now estimating 600 insurgents have been kill on the offensive. But add this caveat: that success in Falluja doesn't mean the end of the insurgency -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Gary, thanks for that.

The war continues to take a grim toll in other parts of the country as well. At least 19 people killed, 15 wounded in a suicide car bomb attack in central Baghdad. Officials say the blast targeted a vehicle carrying Americans and an Iraqi police car. The explosion also destroyed 25 cars and damaged about 20 shops and buildings.

In the northern city of Mosul, insurgents attacked and burned several government facilities, mostly police stations. Authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew and set up checkpoints throughout the city.

PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, a Veterans Day salute may not be seen in your area. Some ABC stations not going to air "Saving Private Ryan." They're afraid of the FCC. We're going to talk about it with former Motion Picture Association president Jack Valenti.

An abduction caught on tape stunned shoppers looking on. We're going to show you what happened later on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Meant to be a Veterans Day tribute. Several ABC affiliates, though, pulling the plug on tonight's prime-time broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan." The stations say they fear they could run afoul of federal regulators at the FCC because of the film's violent battle scenes and graphic language.

Joining us from Washington is Jack Valenti, former CEO of the Motion Picture Association, now a CNN contributor.

And Mr. Valenti, this film is rated R for violence and language. You say, though, gather the kids and watch it.

JACK VALENTI, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: I say it for a couple of reasons. One, I'm a former combat veteran myself. And I believe that what this film shows Americans is how courageous patriotic young boys, mostly between the ages of 18 and 23, gave to generations of Americans yet unborn the most precious gift of all, the gift of freedom.

And it was a gift bought and paid for in blood and in bravery. And I believe that every kid 13, 14, 15 ought to see this movie and understand why the lives that they're living today without any bunkers or barricades to bore their future was bought and paid for by these young boys.

And I would hope that the FCC -- I can't imagine -- my wildest imaginings that the FCC would punish stations for showing this film. And I would hope that if the FCC had such leanings, they would visit the American cemetery at Normandy and see the graves of 9,387 young Americans who lost their lives, gave it to their country in order for us to remain free. What greater gift can Americans receive than that?

GRIFFIN: Mr. Valenti, no one at the FCC has said don't run this movie. This seems to be a preemptive move by various general managers who fear some sort of a backlash or a fine, as we saw that CBS got because of the Super Bowl incident and the airing of an expletive by Bono in an awards show. Could these two possibly be compared to those events?

VALENTI: Well, all I can say I think it was two years ago ABC network ran it. And I think the FCC gave them permission to do it.

And by the way, there's a thing called the off button. If these stations would just air that film and say to the listeners and viewers, at 9:00 or 8:00, or whenever the film comes on, if you have a problem with language and brave young men trying to give you the gift of freedom, then turn the set off. That's all that needs to be done. But I think most American families would want their children to see this, to understand how this country remained free because of the bravery and the courage, and I think the audacity of young men who never turned back.

That opening scene in "Saving Private Ryan," where the old veteran comes back and begins to weep when he sees this 9,000 graves row upon row upon row as far as the eye can see, every veteran that's been in combat who visits that cemetery remembers that, and they do the same thing. I did it when I first say it. I could not contain my weeping.

It's just -- I dare any American to gaze on that hallowed ground and not weep. And I think that should be part of what young people understand. Freedom isn't something that's owed them. Freedom was bought and it was paid for in the lives of these young men of storming Omaha Beach.

GRIFFIN: Mr. Valenti, you're the ultimate Washington and Hollywood insider. Could you possibly foresee the FCC fining any station for a Veterans Day airing of "Saving Private Ryan?"

VALENTI: I think that this planet would collide with Saturn before that happens. I don't see any way that the FCC would do that.

It would be -- it would be a terrible -- it would be a terrible attack, a shameful attack on all these young men who lost their lives. And they couldn't -- a picture that couldn't be shown because of a few words.

As I said, if parents feel like these words shouldn't be heard, turn the set off. But let those families who believe in freedom and justice and patriotism and honor and duty, let them see this. And I believe that the FCC would never, would never punish any station that shows this film. GRIFFIN: Mr. Valenti from Washington, thanks for joining us. At least eight stations have said they will not air "Saving Private Ryan." Thank you, sir.

PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, wounded in the line of fire. Ahead on LIVE FROM, two veterans of the war on Iraq share their new mission to make sure their comrades in arms come home to open arms.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Rhonda Schaffler at the New York Stock Exchange. This holiday season might be a little less cheery at some workplaces. I'll tell you what some of those bosses have planned. That's coming up when LIVE FROM continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, even though the economy seems to be gaining strength, don't expect any extra celebrations at your office this holiday season.

GRIFFIN: Oh. Rhonda Schaffler joins us from the New York Stock Exchange to tell us why -- Rhonda.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Welcome back to the CNN Center in Atlanta. This is LIVE FROM. I'm Drew Griffin.

PHILLIPS: And I'm Kyra Phillips. Here's what's all new this half-hour.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How long are you prepared to wait?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think myself at this moment for as long as it's going to take.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Never give up, one family's philosophy while waiting for their son, a captured soldier, to come home from Iraq. But first, here's what's happening in the news.

GRIFFIN: The body of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat being flown to Cairo, Egypt, at this hour. Leaders from around the world will be gathering there for tomorrow's funeral. Later, Arafat's body will be flown to Ramallah, on the West Bank, where he will be buried at the site of his compound.

These are live pictures right now coming in from the compound where crowds are gathered outside the former headquarters -- Arafat's former headquarters, paying their final respects. Crews preparing to build what they say will be a moveable monument where Arafat could be interred.

Palestinian leaders hope his body might one day be moved to Jerusalem. Israel rejected his request to be buried there.

It's been an explosive day in Falluja. U.S. and Iraqi forces detonating homemade bombs left behind by the insurgents as they continue their assault on the Sunni stronghold. There are also fierce firefights as troops encounter tough pockets of resistance. Eighteen American troops and five Iraqi soldiers have been killed in this operation.

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 November 11, 2004 - 13:59   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: A ceremonial sendoff for Yasser Arafat, the man who put the Palestinian struggle for statehood on the world stage. These are live pictures coming from Ramallah right now outside the compound where Arafat will be buried.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Block by block, bullet after bullet, the fight for Falluja rages on. We'll hear from our reporter covering the battle this hour.

GRIFFIN: And a Veterans Day airing of the intense war film "Saving Private Ryan" will not be seen on some ABC stations tonight. Find out why this hour.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Drew Griffin, in for Miles O'Brien.

PHILLIPS: And I'm Kyra Phillips. This hour of CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.

We're not quite sure what's going on. But just moments ago we saw ambulances and a bit of aggression picking up. Right now, as we speak -- and look at these live pictures -- this compound is the scene of a remarkable display of grief, devotion, sheer humanity and a little chaos. CNN's Michael Holmes in the thick of it there in Ramallah.

Michael, what can you tell us?

MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, I can tell you this all started about 15 minutes ago or so. During the day we've seen sporadic demonstrations of support for Yasser Arafat, but numbering perhaps 100 at most. This particular demonstration came marching down the road along the side of the Muqata, the Palestinian Authority headquarters.

Probably about 1,500 people, a very noisy demonstration, chanting their support for Yasser Arafat. And they were chanting, "Abu Amar, you are the cornerstone of our fight." And there were others, the conspiracy theorists, if you like, who were chanting, "Who poisoned the president?" So a fairly -- a mix of anger and emotion, I think is fair to say.

Dozens of Palestinian security came rushing to this gate. This is actually the rear gate of the Palestinian Authority headquarters, but it's the gate through which most of the traffic, the visitors and the like come. And probably 50 or so security officers had to come running over. They're standing on the roof of the entranceway there to the rear end of the Palestinian Authority.

Now, there was pushing and shoving earlier on. Nothing that would venture into what I would call a violent demonstration at all. But a bit of pushing and shoving between those security officers and these demonstrators. Some of them have begun to disperse already, but there is the hard core of probably 500 or so crammed in there in a space of maybe 200 meters around that entranceway -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: As we continue to monitor these live pictures and the demonstrations that you're talking about just outside the compound, we'll keep our eye on these pictures, Michael. And while we watch the demonstration, seeing how they unfold, take us back to Paris -- or to Paris, France, earlier in the day, when we watched Arafat's coffin board the aircraft headed to Cairo.

HOLMES: Yes, it was a moment of reality, really, Kyra, wasn't it, when we saw the coffin containg the body of Yasser Arafat come out from the hospital? It was taken to the helicopter, first of all.

The Palestinian president, having passed away early this morning our time here in the West Bank, he was loaded on board that helicopter for what was a very short flight, in fact, five kilometers or so to a more major airport, where he was then loaded on board a jet. And that jet took off.

It's due in Cairo in about 90 minutes or so from now. Yasser Arafat's widow, Suha, and Nabil Sha'ath, the foreign minister, also Mahmoud Abbas -- as I speak to you now, there's a little bit more fighting going on down there among those demonstrators. But we'll keep an eye on that.

And this -- this plane, obviously, was really the reality that Yasser Arafat is dead. The body on board, headed for Cairo, where we're going to see that funeral held tomorrow. The closest thing Yasser Arafat could come to a state funeral, I suppose -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Michael Holmes, there just outside the compound in Ramallah. As we continue to monitor these demonstrations, Michael Holmes, we'll continue to check in with you as this story continues to develop.

The burial rights are swift by Muslim tradition, but the politicos are moving quickly also. Already, Mahmoud Abbas, the former Palestinian prime minister, has been elected chairman of the PLO, and Rawhi Fattouh, speaker of the Palestinian parliament, has taken the oath of interim Palestinian president. Elections for a permanent president are due to be held in 60 days or less.

GRIFFIN: President Bush sending an assistant secretary of state to Arafat's funeral. In a paper statement, Mr. Bush calls Arafat's death a significant moment in Palestinian history. "We express our condolences," he says, "to the Palestinian people. We hope the future will bring peace and fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors."

In his final weeks in office, former President Clinton very nearly brokered a Camp David accord part two with Arafat and former Israeli leader Ehud Barak. Today, Clinton says this: "However others viewed him, the Palestinians saw Arafat as the father of their nation. I regret that in 2000 he miss the opportunity to bring that nation into being, and pray for the day when the dreams of the Palestinian people for a state and a better life will be realized in a just and lasting peace."

PHILLIPS: Let's broaden the scope of reaction to the death of Yasser Arafat. And for that, we turn to CNN's Richard Roth. He's live at U.N. headquarters in New York -- Richard.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, mourning and reflection here at the United Nations. Earlier today, the official United Nations blue flag outside headquarters in New York was lowered to half staff.

Now, the Palestinians never did get their own state here. They have observer status, but those who do die, presidents, leaders of countries, are given this honor, the blue United Nations flag at half staff there on New York's east side.

Chile's ambassador this morning saying it's a time for a moment of reflection and honor to a man -- the man who defended the rights of his people. U.S. Ambassador Danforth in the Security Council earlier said, "It's a significant moment in Palestinian history. The U.S. offering condolences to the Palestinians." The U.S. hoping that this may all lead to some type of opening for peace, likewise for British leader Tony Blair.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: Well, obviously, he was a huge icon for the Palestinian people. There's no doubt about that at all. And whatever differences we had with him, I think it's right to recognize that.

And I think the most important thing is to make sure that we reinvigorate the peace process. Because there is misery for Palestinians, there's misery for Israelis who suffer terrorist activity. And in the meantime, we've got a situation where it's a huge source of discontent and problem in the world. So it's important we deal with it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the signs are good that the Palestinians are sorting out new leadership and dearly would like progress on the Middle East. He also reflected on the legacy of the late Palestinian leader.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL: The best legacy that his people can live for him is to engage constructively and peacefully with the international community and the Israeli government and people to make that dream a dream of two states living side by side in peace and reality. And I would urge that we all get to work and really press for the achievement of that goal.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: The secretary-general not going to the funeral. His special envoy will be heading there.

There will be a moment of silence in the general assembly hall in about 25 minutes, Kyra. That's a famous location in the legacy of Yasser Arafat. That's where he came there almost 30 years ago to the day saying, "Don't let the olive branch fall from my hand." He had a gun holster, many think he had a gun there, but he did not.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: Richard Roth, live from the U.N. Thank you -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Another tense night in Falluja after another day of fierce battles there. Day four in the latest offensive to retake the Sunni Triangle flash point. The operation claiming the lives of 18 U.S. troops and five Iraqi soldiers. We'll turn it over to Gary Tuchman, who is been monitoring the situation there -- Gary.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Drew, thank you.

The latest word from commanders in the field, in addition to the 18 U.S. troops and five Iraqi government soldiers who have been killed, another 69 Americans have been wounded, along with 34 Iraqis. The latest pictures that have been sent to us show fierce fighting in the streets of the Iraqi city.

It is described as a major attack in the southern part of Falluja. The commander of the 1st Marine Division says the operations are ahead of schedule. That's his quote.

Major General Richard Natonski also saying that U.S. and Iraqi forces are going house-to-house, building-to-building, looking for arms caches. An unknown number of insurgents have surrendered, waving white sheets and flags in the direction of the troops. General Natonski also just talked about a visit he made to what has been described as a slaughterhouse in the northern neighborhood of Falluja, where he believes hostages were held and possibly killed by militants.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAJ. GEN. RICHARD NATONSKI, U.S. MARINE CORPS: There were two thin mattresses and straw mats covered in blood. There was a computer and many computer discs found inside the room. There was also a wheelchair which we believed was used to move the prisoners around. We believe they were bound and moved around the complex in the wheelchair.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TUCHMAN: General Natonski saluted the U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as their Iraqi comrades taking part in the battle. The Iraqi national flag has been raised by Iraqi and American troops together as they have taken control of different parts of Falluja. The U.S. military is now estimating 600 insurgents have been kill on the offensive. But add this caveat: that success in Falluja doesn't mean the end of the insurgency -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Gary, thanks for that.

The war continues to take a grim toll in other parts of the country as well. At least 19 people killed, 15 wounded in a suicide car bomb attack in central Baghdad. Officials say the blast targeted a vehicle carrying Americans and an Iraqi police car. The explosion also destroyed 25 cars and damaged about 20 shops and buildings.

In the northern city of Mosul, insurgents attacked and burned several government facilities, mostly police stations. Authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew and set up checkpoints throughout the city.

PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, a Veterans Day salute may not be seen in your area. Some ABC stations not going to air "Saving Private Ryan." They're afraid of the FCC. We're going to talk about it with former Motion Picture Association president Jack Valenti.

An abduction caught on tape stunned shoppers looking on. We're going to show you what happened later on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Meant to be a Veterans Day tribute. Several ABC affiliates, though, pulling the plug on tonight's prime-time broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan." The stations say they fear they could run afoul of federal regulators at the FCC because of the film's violent battle scenes and graphic language.

Joining us from Washington is Jack Valenti, former CEO of the Motion Picture Association, now a CNN contributor.

And Mr. Valenti, this film is rated R for violence and language. You say, though, gather the kids and watch it.

JACK VALENTI, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: I say it for a couple of reasons. One, I'm a former combat veteran myself. And I believe that what this film shows Americans is how courageous patriotic young boys, mostly between the ages of 18 and 23, gave to generations of Americans yet unborn the most precious gift of all, the gift of freedom.

And it was a gift bought and paid for in blood and in bravery. And I believe that every kid 13, 14, 15 ought to see this movie and understand why the lives that they're living today without any bunkers or barricades to bore their future was bought and paid for by these young boys.

And I would hope that the FCC -- I can't imagine -- my wildest imaginings that the FCC would punish stations for showing this film. And I would hope that if the FCC had such leanings, they would visit the American cemetery at Normandy and see the graves of 9,387 young Americans who lost their lives, gave it to their country in order for us to remain free. What greater gift can Americans receive than that?

GRIFFIN: Mr. Valenti, no one at the FCC has said don't run this movie. This seems to be a preemptive move by various general managers who fear some sort of a backlash or a fine, as we saw that CBS got because of the Super Bowl incident and the airing of an expletive by Bono in an awards show. Could these two possibly be compared to those events?

VALENTI: Well, all I can say I think it was two years ago ABC network ran it. And I think the FCC gave them permission to do it.

And by the way, there's a thing called the off button. If these stations would just air that film and say to the listeners and viewers, at 9:00 or 8:00, or whenever the film comes on, if you have a problem with language and brave young men trying to give you the gift of freedom, then turn the set off. That's all that needs to be done. But I think most American families would want their children to see this, to understand how this country remained free because of the bravery and the courage, and I think the audacity of young men who never turned back.

That opening scene in "Saving Private Ryan," where the old veteran comes back and begins to weep when he sees this 9,000 graves row upon row upon row as far as the eye can see, every veteran that's been in combat who visits that cemetery remembers that, and they do the same thing. I did it when I first say it. I could not contain my weeping.

It's just -- I dare any American to gaze on that hallowed ground and not weep. And I think that should be part of what young people understand. Freedom isn't something that's owed them. Freedom was bought and it was paid for in the lives of these young men of storming Omaha Beach.

GRIFFIN: Mr. Valenti, you're the ultimate Washington and Hollywood insider. Could you possibly foresee the FCC fining any station for a Veterans Day airing of "Saving Private Ryan?"

VALENTI: I think that this planet would collide with Saturn before that happens. I don't see any way that the FCC would do that.

It would be -- it would be a terrible -- it would be a terrible attack, a shameful attack on all these young men who lost their lives. And they couldn't -- a picture that couldn't be shown because of a few words.

As I said, if parents feel like these words shouldn't be heard, turn the set off. But let those families who believe in freedom and justice and patriotism and honor and duty, let them see this. And I believe that the FCC would never, would never punish any station that shows this film. GRIFFIN: Mr. Valenti from Washington, thanks for joining us. At least eight stations have said they will not air "Saving Private Ryan." Thank you, sir.

PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, wounded in the line of fire. Ahead on LIVE FROM, two veterans of the war on Iraq share their new mission to make sure their comrades in arms come home to open arms.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Rhonda Schaffler at the New York Stock Exchange. This holiday season might be a little less cheery at some workplaces. I'll tell you what some of those bosses have planned. That's coming up when LIVE FROM continues.

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PHILLIPS: Well, even though the economy seems to be gaining strength, don't expect any extra celebrations at your office this holiday season.

GRIFFIN: Oh. Rhonda Schaffler joins us from the New York Stock Exchange to tell us why -- Rhonda.

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GRIFFIN: Welcome back to the CNN Center in Atlanta. This is LIVE FROM. I'm Drew Griffin.

PHILLIPS: And I'm Kyra Phillips. Here's what's all new this half-hour.

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How long are you prepared to wait?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think myself at this moment for as long as it's going to take.

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PHILLIPS: Never give up, one family's philosophy while waiting for their son, a captured soldier, to come home from Iraq. But first, here's what's happening in the news.

GRIFFIN: The body of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat being flown to Cairo, Egypt, at this hour. Leaders from around the world will be gathering there for tomorrow's funeral. Later, Arafat's body will be flown to Ramallah, on the West Bank, where he will be buried at the site of his compound.

These are live pictures right now coming in from the compound where crowds are gathered outside the former headquarters -- Arafat's former headquarters, paying their final respects. Crews preparing to build what they say will be a moveable monument where Arafat could be interred.

Palestinian leaders hope his body might one day be moved to Jerusalem. Israel rejected his request to be buried there.

It's been an explosive day in Falluja. U.S. and Iraqi forces detonating homemade bombs left behind by the insurgents as they continue their assault on the Sunni stronghold. There are also fierce firefights as troops encounter tough pockets of resistance. Eighteen American troops and five Iraqi soldiers have been killed in this operation.

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