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Explosion in Western Baghdad; X-Mas in Iraq
Aired December 24, 2004 - 14:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: A quick look at some of the stories "Now in the News."
A huge explosion in western Baghdad. Iraqi police say a fuel truck filled with either oil or gasoline, possibly containing explosives, exploded in the Al-Mansour district of the city. Officials say the blast appeared to be deliberate. There were early reports of 12 people killed, more than a dozen wounded.
We go straight to our Karl Penhaul live from Baghdad now.
What's the latest, Karl?
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Kyra.
Hospital officials of Baghdad's al-Armouq Hospital (ph) say in the last few moments they've received at least 15 people, including women and children, suffering severe burns from the explosion. They say more casualties are arriving by the moment.
We have heard from police at the scene that there could be as many as 12 people dead. And U.S. military sources have confirmed to us that there are multiple casualties, including loss of life. Although they haven't specified any numbers at this stage.
What the Iraqi police have told us is that they believe that this was a fuel tanker driven by a suicide bomber who detonated the fuel truck in a -- in a street in an upscale residential neighborhood, the Al-Mansour neighborhood here in downtown Baghdad.
That neighborhood is home to the offices and also residences of a number of prominent Iraqi opposition politicians, some of whom will be running in the January 30th elections. It's also home to the Libyan and Sudanese embassies. In general, it is an upscale neighborhood.
We also understand from a CNN staffer who lives in the neighborhood that immediately following the explosion, there was a heavy exchange of gunfire. Unclear as to who that gunfire was directed to.
Although the CNN staffer does say that shortly after the explosion, she spotted the presence of U.S. military humvees on the scene, it's not clear whether those humvees arrived on the scene after the explosion or whether, perhaps, U.S. troops were the target or at least one of the targets of this explosion -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Karl, do we know if any of the dead or wounded are individuals that will be running in that election come January, if indeed the Iraqi elections go forward or any other type of politician or embassy member?
PENHAUL: No, at this stage we don't. What we know from the al- Armouq Hospital officials is that at least two of the wounded were guard members of the Libyan embassy. But at this time of day and particularly on a Friday, those embassies would have been closed.
We have no further specifics on whether any of the politicians who live in that neighborhood or indeed any of the cabinet officials, some cabinet advisers do live in that area as well. But no word as to whether they are among the casualties. The U.S. military says it doesn't know whether any U.S. personnel may be among the casualties -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Karl Penhaul, live from Baghdad, thank you.
Miles?
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: And now the story of a soldier who apparently went to extremes to stay out of that danger we've been telling you about in Iraq.
Army Specialist Marquise Roberts, his wife and her cousin charged with aggravated assault, false reports, and other counts. The three apparently plotted to keep him home and out of harm's way by deliberately putting him in harm's way. Specifically, shooting him in the leg.
Joining us now from Philadelphia is Roberts' attorney, William Cannon.
Mr. Cannon, good to have you with us on this Christmas Eve.
WILLIAM CANNON, ATTY. FOR SPEC. MARQUISE ROBERTS: Thank you, Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right, so as far as the substantive nature of the charges, the fact that there was this plot to keep him from going back to Iraq, you're really not disputing those facts, are you?
CANNON: Well, Army Specialist Roberts, along with the co- defendants, have all given full confessions to the conduct alleged. And I don't think there will be any contest to the charges.
O'BRIEN: All right, you've had a chance to talk to your client. And what is he telling you about why he did this? Was he just fearful?
CANNON: Well, obviously, his discussion about the facts of the case are privileged, but I can tell you that he gave way to the imploring of a wife who was concerned about her husband returning to the Iraq War theater, a husband who had previously served over there, and who was now facing an 18 to 24-month tour. And he had a choice between his obligations for the military and a wife that was very much pressuring him to do something to avoid being lost in this situation.
And all day long, we've heard accounts of casualties. And we can understand why a wife would have this kind of concern.
O'BRIEN: We can certainly understand that and all the pressures, our hearts go out to all of these families for sure. But if you're in the military, don't -- isn't there other recourse besides inflicting injury to yourself?
CANNON: Well, there's no question about the fact that my client made an error in judgment, a monumental error in judgment that he's very sorry for and that he wants to make amends to in any way that he can.
As I represented, I don't think he's going to contest the charges in a military court. And I think he'll be dealt fairly there.
O'BRIEN: All right. And so, what happens is they do face, obviously, civil charges here on the one hand for an assault case. But the military charge in this case sort of supersede that, I think, because the military has more interest in this.
So they -- the military will take -- apprehend him, what in the next day or so, take him down to his base. Would he, if the time comes, he pleads out and whatever the case would be, would he go back to Iraq if need be?
CANNON: No, I think it's quite likely that he's facing a dishonorable discharge. And it's not likely that he'll be retained in the service after his court-martial proceeding has been completed.
O'BRIEN: What -- can you give us a sense of, without violating that attorney/client privilege of the emotions that led up to this? This had to be, obviously, well, there had to be a lot going on in this family.
CANNON: Well, we have a young man who's only 23-years old, who has a substantial family responsibilities with a wife and three children who are dependent upon him, who has seen his comrades die in combat. He's related all of that to his wife.
His wife is obviously fearful of those repercussions for her own husband. She puts the pressure on him. And he gives way to that pressure. An unfortunate choice, but nothing -- and nothing that can be justified, but I hope it is a mitigating fact when it comes time to doling out punishment.
O'BRIEN: All right, William Cannon, who is representing Army Specialist Marquise Roberts. Thanks for your time. I appreciate your patience today.
CANNON: Thank you, thanks.
PHILLIPS: Christmas comes early for some U.S. troops. Ahead on LIVE FROM, the tale of two soldiers. One just about to ship out, the other coming home for the holidays.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now for the piece de resistance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Getting to know the in-laws. "Meet the Fockers" and other movies opening just in time for Christmas weekend. And if you've got any last minute shopping, you poor thing. We've got some help for video game fans, though.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'd like to say merry Christmas to everyone, to my family and everyone back in Maine. And we appreciate their support. And I hope they continue to give us their full support until we are able to return.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Of course, I want to say a very happy holidays and a big I love you to my wife, Kelly, my three kids, Sam, Alexa and Delaney. I miss you guys with all my heart. I want you guys to be safe for the winter. And I'll be safe myself.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: Well, for some in the online gaming community, it really is about how you play the game. As CNN's Daniel Sieberg explains, a growing number of online gamers are drawn to role-playing games, games designed to allow someone to assume a virtual identity in an online community of players.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTY BELL, "EVERQUEST" PLAYER: My name is Christy Bell. I play the Niami (ph) den mother, which is a small halfling shamanist. This version of Niami is shamanist, which means that she's one of the priestly types, she works more with the spiritual nature than the outright clerics and so forth.
DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT: Would you play a game that didn't involve winning or losing? The "Everquest" series is more about developing your character, working as a team and interacting with the online community, and sometimes that interaction goes a little further.
BELL: My character actually officiated at several marriage ceremonies. I and the players involved would sit down and actually write vows and plan out a whole ceremony.
SIEBERG (on camera): Does somebody who doesn't know anything about "Everquest" at all might think that was a little strange. They might think, character's getting married in the game? BELL: It's just a part of the entertainment. I mean, it's fun. And if you have any sort of creative bent, it's a story; it's an interactive story.
SIEBERG (voice-over): Christy started with Dungeons and Dragons years ago, a precursor to many video games, then she stumbled across a similar world on her computer.
BELL: I like stories. I like fantasy. I like role playing. Being able to get in, run around in a fantasy world.
SIEBERG (on camera): This is where Sony Online Entertainment tries to keep about 750,000 people happy across all its different games. If someone has a problem, they can ask a question. One of these folks who are kind of like a demigod or a God, they can show up in the game and help them out. It's all part of keeping a virtual world running smoothly.
What's the most number of people you see online at one time who are playing one of these games?
ADAM JOFFE, CFO, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT: Every night we fill two full football stadiums full of people playing our games, every single night.
SIEBERG: Every single night?
JOFFE: Every single night.
SIEBERG: "Everquest" is based in a mythological world of Morath (ph), while other games, like "The Sims," are based in modern reality. Even the mundane has a role here, like cleaning your house, going to the bathroom or acquiring furniture. Players can often get very attached to their so-called sims.
TIM LETOURNEAU, "THE SIMS 2" PRODUCER: The emotional connection the players have with the sims is a key part of the game play. So in "Sims 2," you have facial expressions. They laugh, they cry, you know, you experience their ups and downs, their joys, their sorrows. The player also projects so much more into that, because they're projecting experiences from their own life. So it magnifies anything you're seeing on the screen.
SIEBERG: Of course, these types of games may not be for everyone.
BELL: Everybody has a different idea of what is fun. In fact, a couple of my family members are perplexed about this game thing that I do. A lot of people don't understand, and that's fine. You know, I don't understand golf.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SIEBERG: And some don't understand why people chase a little white ball around a golf course. But you know, hundreds of thousands of people do enjoy playing online multiplayer games like Everquest. Just one caveat or side bar, as with other forms of entertainment, it's possible to indulge in too much of a good thing. There have been reports of real-life marriages breaking up and at least one alleged suicide because a person was so distraught about the game.
So to end our video game series, if I could just say here, have fun. Just know when to walk away back here into reality with Miles O'Brien.
O'BRIEN: Well, that - and that is a substantive difference between a passion for golf, let's say...
SIEBERG: Right.
O'BRIEN: And what we just saw there, where you actually create this world, a world for whichever way you can control in a different way. And I guess to the extent that that makes it difficult for people to deal with the real world, there's a problem. And...
SIEBERG: If you can't distinguish between reality and the game, that's where you definitely have a problem. And you know, when you're playing golf with your friends, you're golfing as yourself. When you're playing in these games, you can create any type of character that you want, playing as any type of creature that you want.
So you can really open up all of the possibilities. And that could make it kind of tough for people to walk away from, because you can have this escapism in a game, which video games do offer.
O'BRIEN: All right, I guess you didn't know you were going to be a psychologist by the time you're done with this series. Now...
SIEBERG: Yes.
O'BRIEN: ...it has been a great series. And at the end of it, I'd like people to understand that you come to it with a real passion for this. You grew up as a very avid gamer, remain an avid gamer. And you come to it with a real passion for it yourself.
How do you make that balance? How do you avoid taking that passion to the point where it somehow could become destructive in your life?
SIEBERG: It's tough. I mean, I have grown up with games for the past, gosh, I would say 20 years or so, since I started playing on a Commodore Vic-20.
But since that time, games have changed so much. For me personally, I think it's -- it is a matter of balance. It's finding some spare time to play the games.
I do have people chide me saying you know what? Maybe you should spend a little less time on the computer or on the console and come and join us over here in the real world. But it is a matter of making that conscious decision and that choice to walk away, which can be hard for a lot of people if they don't have anything to walk away to. If something in their life is not fulfilling for them, or they are not enthused about what's going on, it's a harder decision to make.
O'BRIEN: Well, and it may be difficult to make things good and fulfilling in their real lives, when they're focusing so much on it. So it becomes self-fulfilling.
SIEBERG: Exactly. A self-fulfilling prophecy.
O'BRIEN: Daniel Sieberg, great job on the series.
SIEBERG: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: We enjoyed it. And keep up the good work.
SIEBERG: All right.
O'BRIEN: We appreciate it. Don't do too much of that gaming.
SIEBERG: All right. All right, going to play right now.
O'BRIEN: All right -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well at this late hour in Iraq, Christmas arrives in less than 90 minutes from now.
Joining us by telephone, chief spokesman for the U.S. command in Baghdad. He's Lieutenant Colonel Steve Boylan.
Colonel, do we have you?
LT. COL. STEVEN BOYLAN, U.S. ARMY: Yes, you do.
PHILLIPS: Well, it's a pleasure. And you and I have been talking quite a bit this week, unfortunately, regarding all the bad news happening out of Mosul and parts of Iraq.
We want to try to focus now on the good news. You actually told me while remembering the fallen, you're also trying to honor the holidays. You sent us a number of pictures.
First of all, why don't you just brag about your group there in the green zone? We have the picture of all of you around the Christmas tree. And tell me about your evening tonight.
BOYLAN: Well, thank you. The group that I expect everybody is seeing right now is members of a combined press information center. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And that's probably about half the group.
They, you know, respond for trying to get all the news, whether it's bad, and also all the good news that is happening out here out to the world. PHILLIPS: Well...
BOYLAN: The tree that you see there was decorated by donations from families and friends from the U.S.
PHILLIPS: What about the gifts? I see a lot of gifts under the tree, as we look at this picture of you and your cohort.
BOYLAN: Yes, in fact, we've received quite a few boxes. And specifically from one school, the Walnut Avenue School out of Cranford, New Jersey. One of my officers, his aunt, is a teacher there. And they sent 11 boxes, starting with the second grade class and moved all the way through the school. We've received all those boxes. And we'll be opening them up tomorrow.
PHILLIPS: Wow, I know your general - Brigadier General Erv Lessel, came by to visit you. We see him now handing out gifts, shaking hands with all of you. What did he say to you tonight? Was it encouraging? Is he trying to tell you to keep the faith through the holidays?
BOYLAN: Yes. General Lessel stopped by earlier this evening just before many of us went to dinner. He had a few gifts that had been donated by an organization that supports the troops while overseas that he received. He presented three of them. Each of the commanders of the units that work in the CPIC pick out a very deserving soldier to receive those gifts, kind of a small token for what they're doing.
And he did explain to everyone that in this time of year, even though it's hard to be away from home, the work that everyone is doing is needed and very much appreciated.
PHILLIPS: Well, colonel, I know you appreciate the hard work by all the chefs right now. You took some pictures for me there in the dining hall as folks are preparing Christmas dinner, holiday dinner for everybody.
I notice in these pictures you have U.S. soldiers. You also have Iraqis. You also have Pakistanis, a number of different folks working together. It's interesting to see the mix. It's good to see the trust and everybody together, you know, after hearing what happened in Mosul, of course.
BOYLAN: Oh, it is. The big dinner for us is going to be on Christmas Day. And the folks that are the -- that are working as the contract dining facilities through KBR, they do an outstanding job for everyone. And that mess -- dining facility will serve probably over 1,000 people tomorrow. And they go all out. And they'll be working actually fairly long through the night and getting things set up for us for tomorrow.
PHILLIPS: Well, colonel, my final question as we go off to break, what are you most thankful for today?
BOYLAN: Well, for the support of the folks back home. It is needed. It is much appreciated. And we hope to get through this holiday season by relying on each other, which is absolutely necessary here. And we send back home to everyone there our best wishes for a very happy holiday, a very safe, and well new year. And I know that everybody wants to come home to their family and friends as soon as possible.
PHILLIPS: Lieutenant Colonel Steve Boylan. Sir, thank you so much for your time. Happy holidays. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am Karen Garza (ph). And I'm from El Paso, Texas. And I want to say hi to my family and especially to my mom and my dad. And I want to tell them that I love them. And Richard, you better behave. And merry Christmas, happy new year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Aw, that has got to be one of the best pictures we've ever seen.
O'BRIEN: So cute.
PHILLIPS: Isn't that awesome? It's a portrait of Christmas babies all born over the past few days...
O'BRIEN: Yes.
PHILLIPS: ...at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
O'BRIEN: Little stocking stuffers are just so cute.
PHILLIPS: Talk about a perfect stocking stuffer.
O'BRIEN: Yes, yes. We should tell you that's not one family, though, right? Did we make that clear? Those are all the...
PHILLIPS: Oh, yeah, that isn't one...
O'BRIEN: Various mothers.
PHILLIPS: ...eight kids, that's right. That would be another news story on its own.
O'BRIEN: And that would be a story on its own, right, wouldn't it?
PHILLIPS: So besides the cute stories, is your family getting on your nerves this holiday?
O'BRIEN: No comment. It's actually staying clear of them.
PHILLIPS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) maybe? O'BRIEN: The best ideas to stay in a different zip code. You could escape the movies...
PHILLIPS: Amen.
O'BRIEN: ...oh, this supposedly is the only funny scene in this movie, by the way.
PHILLIPS: Oh.
O'BRIEN: I got to be very careful now. I'm going to do this very slowly. "Meet the Fockers" and other Hollywood Christmas offerings up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Hi. Would you like to get away from the relatives for a little holiday R&R? A whole new crop of movies has arrived at the theaters, just in time for the holidays.
CNN entertainment correspondent SibilaVargas has the scoop.
SIBILA VARGAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So it's the holiday weekend and you're thinking about taking in a movie? Well, rejoice, whatever your taste, chances are the box office has something just for you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, Howard Hughes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I care very much about aviation. The fastest man on the planet. I love that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Martin Scorcese promises to take you on a journey to the mind of the American icon in a bio epic, "The Aviator."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like a little adventure. (UNINTELLIGIBLE.)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Looking for a little lighter fare? Well, two comedies exploring the bonds of family promise to bring a smile to your face.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If your family circle joins my family circle, they'll form a chain. I can't have a chink in my chain.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman join Ben Stiller and Robert de Niro in the "Meet the Parents" sequel "Meet the Fockers." (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is that your father?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That is my father.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: And Bill Murray brings in the funny as only he can in the critically acclaimed "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And in 10 days, I'm going to set out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What would be the scientific purpose of killing it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Revenge.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Looking to laugh with the entire family? How about a little comic throwback? "Fat Albert" is back but this time it's in 3- D.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who is it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm Fat Albert.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, right.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm looking for Mr. Cosby. Are you his dad?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: If thrillers are more your style, "Darkness" starring Anna Paquin is about a family who moves into a home that, let's just say, has its secrets.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They're watching you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No one can stop the darkness. You must stay in the light.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: So whether it's chills, thrills, laughter, or tears you crave, you'll probably get it at the movies this weekend. Happy holidays.
O'BRIEN: Hi, we're following a developing story, an explosion in Baghdad, a big one. We are live there next.
Plus, a surprise visit from the top man at the Pentagon. He was out of Baghdad at the time of this explosion, we should tell you.
PHILLIPS: And also only on CNN, a tale of two soldiers. One coming home just in time for the holidays, the other saying good-bye. We follow both journeys.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, daddy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, Derek. Hi, buddy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Open it, Derek. Daddy wants to watch you open a present.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's trying to peek.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just like your mom.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Funny dad.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have you guys been sledding yet this year?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Day before Thanksgiving, we had enough snow. We made -- what did we make, Derek?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snowman.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You guys should sing for daddy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Say bye-bye again.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bye-bye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Give him a kiss.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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Aired December 24, 2004 - 14:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: A quick look at some of the stories "Now in the News."
A huge explosion in western Baghdad. Iraqi police say a fuel truck filled with either oil or gasoline, possibly containing explosives, exploded in the Al-Mansour district of the city. Officials say the blast appeared to be deliberate. There were early reports of 12 people killed, more than a dozen wounded.
We go straight to our Karl Penhaul live from Baghdad now.
What's the latest, Karl?
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Kyra.
Hospital officials of Baghdad's al-Armouq Hospital (ph) say in the last few moments they've received at least 15 people, including women and children, suffering severe burns from the explosion. They say more casualties are arriving by the moment.
We have heard from police at the scene that there could be as many as 12 people dead. And U.S. military sources have confirmed to us that there are multiple casualties, including loss of life. Although they haven't specified any numbers at this stage.
What the Iraqi police have told us is that they believe that this was a fuel tanker driven by a suicide bomber who detonated the fuel truck in a -- in a street in an upscale residential neighborhood, the Al-Mansour neighborhood here in downtown Baghdad.
That neighborhood is home to the offices and also residences of a number of prominent Iraqi opposition politicians, some of whom will be running in the January 30th elections. It's also home to the Libyan and Sudanese embassies. In general, it is an upscale neighborhood.
We also understand from a CNN staffer who lives in the neighborhood that immediately following the explosion, there was a heavy exchange of gunfire. Unclear as to who that gunfire was directed to.
Although the CNN staffer does say that shortly after the explosion, she spotted the presence of U.S. military humvees on the scene, it's not clear whether those humvees arrived on the scene after the explosion or whether, perhaps, U.S. troops were the target or at least one of the targets of this explosion -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Karl, do we know if any of the dead or wounded are individuals that will be running in that election come January, if indeed the Iraqi elections go forward or any other type of politician or embassy member?
PENHAUL: No, at this stage we don't. What we know from the al- Armouq Hospital officials is that at least two of the wounded were guard members of the Libyan embassy. But at this time of day and particularly on a Friday, those embassies would have been closed.
We have no further specifics on whether any of the politicians who live in that neighborhood or indeed any of the cabinet officials, some cabinet advisers do live in that area as well. But no word as to whether they are among the casualties. The U.S. military says it doesn't know whether any U.S. personnel may be among the casualties -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Karl Penhaul, live from Baghdad, thank you.
Miles?
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: And now the story of a soldier who apparently went to extremes to stay out of that danger we've been telling you about in Iraq.
Army Specialist Marquise Roberts, his wife and her cousin charged with aggravated assault, false reports, and other counts. The three apparently plotted to keep him home and out of harm's way by deliberately putting him in harm's way. Specifically, shooting him in the leg.
Joining us now from Philadelphia is Roberts' attorney, William Cannon.
Mr. Cannon, good to have you with us on this Christmas Eve.
WILLIAM CANNON, ATTY. FOR SPEC. MARQUISE ROBERTS: Thank you, Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right, so as far as the substantive nature of the charges, the fact that there was this plot to keep him from going back to Iraq, you're really not disputing those facts, are you?
CANNON: Well, Army Specialist Roberts, along with the co- defendants, have all given full confessions to the conduct alleged. And I don't think there will be any contest to the charges.
O'BRIEN: All right, you've had a chance to talk to your client. And what is he telling you about why he did this? Was he just fearful?
CANNON: Well, obviously, his discussion about the facts of the case are privileged, but I can tell you that he gave way to the imploring of a wife who was concerned about her husband returning to the Iraq War theater, a husband who had previously served over there, and who was now facing an 18 to 24-month tour. And he had a choice between his obligations for the military and a wife that was very much pressuring him to do something to avoid being lost in this situation.
And all day long, we've heard accounts of casualties. And we can understand why a wife would have this kind of concern.
O'BRIEN: We can certainly understand that and all the pressures, our hearts go out to all of these families for sure. But if you're in the military, don't -- isn't there other recourse besides inflicting injury to yourself?
CANNON: Well, there's no question about the fact that my client made an error in judgment, a monumental error in judgment that he's very sorry for and that he wants to make amends to in any way that he can.
As I represented, I don't think he's going to contest the charges in a military court. And I think he'll be dealt fairly there.
O'BRIEN: All right. And so, what happens is they do face, obviously, civil charges here on the one hand for an assault case. But the military charge in this case sort of supersede that, I think, because the military has more interest in this.
So they -- the military will take -- apprehend him, what in the next day or so, take him down to his base. Would he, if the time comes, he pleads out and whatever the case would be, would he go back to Iraq if need be?
CANNON: No, I think it's quite likely that he's facing a dishonorable discharge. And it's not likely that he'll be retained in the service after his court-martial proceeding has been completed.
O'BRIEN: What -- can you give us a sense of, without violating that attorney/client privilege of the emotions that led up to this? This had to be, obviously, well, there had to be a lot going on in this family.
CANNON: Well, we have a young man who's only 23-years old, who has a substantial family responsibilities with a wife and three children who are dependent upon him, who has seen his comrades die in combat. He's related all of that to his wife.
His wife is obviously fearful of those repercussions for her own husband. She puts the pressure on him. And he gives way to that pressure. An unfortunate choice, but nothing -- and nothing that can be justified, but I hope it is a mitigating fact when it comes time to doling out punishment.
O'BRIEN: All right, William Cannon, who is representing Army Specialist Marquise Roberts. Thanks for your time. I appreciate your patience today.
CANNON: Thank you, thanks.
PHILLIPS: Christmas comes early for some U.S. troops. Ahead on LIVE FROM, the tale of two soldiers. One just about to ship out, the other coming home for the holidays.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now for the piece de resistance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Getting to know the in-laws. "Meet the Fockers" and other movies opening just in time for Christmas weekend. And if you've got any last minute shopping, you poor thing. We've got some help for video game fans, though.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'd like to say merry Christmas to everyone, to my family and everyone back in Maine. And we appreciate their support. And I hope they continue to give us their full support until we are able to return.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Of course, I want to say a very happy holidays and a big I love you to my wife, Kelly, my three kids, Sam, Alexa and Delaney. I miss you guys with all my heart. I want you guys to be safe for the winter. And I'll be safe myself.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: Well, for some in the online gaming community, it really is about how you play the game. As CNN's Daniel Sieberg explains, a growing number of online gamers are drawn to role-playing games, games designed to allow someone to assume a virtual identity in an online community of players.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTY BELL, "EVERQUEST" PLAYER: My name is Christy Bell. I play the Niami (ph) den mother, which is a small halfling shamanist. This version of Niami is shamanist, which means that she's one of the priestly types, she works more with the spiritual nature than the outright clerics and so forth.
DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT: Would you play a game that didn't involve winning or losing? The "Everquest" series is more about developing your character, working as a team and interacting with the online community, and sometimes that interaction goes a little further.
BELL: My character actually officiated at several marriage ceremonies. I and the players involved would sit down and actually write vows and plan out a whole ceremony.
SIEBERG (on camera): Does somebody who doesn't know anything about "Everquest" at all might think that was a little strange. They might think, character's getting married in the game? BELL: It's just a part of the entertainment. I mean, it's fun. And if you have any sort of creative bent, it's a story; it's an interactive story.
SIEBERG (voice-over): Christy started with Dungeons and Dragons years ago, a precursor to many video games, then she stumbled across a similar world on her computer.
BELL: I like stories. I like fantasy. I like role playing. Being able to get in, run around in a fantasy world.
SIEBERG (on camera): This is where Sony Online Entertainment tries to keep about 750,000 people happy across all its different games. If someone has a problem, they can ask a question. One of these folks who are kind of like a demigod or a God, they can show up in the game and help them out. It's all part of keeping a virtual world running smoothly.
What's the most number of people you see online at one time who are playing one of these games?
ADAM JOFFE, CFO, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT: Every night we fill two full football stadiums full of people playing our games, every single night.
SIEBERG: Every single night?
JOFFE: Every single night.
SIEBERG: "Everquest" is based in a mythological world of Morath (ph), while other games, like "The Sims," are based in modern reality. Even the mundane has a role here, like cleaning your house, going to the bathroom or acquiring furniture. Players can often get very attached to their so-called sims.
TIM LETOURNEAU, "THE SIMS 2" PRODUCER: The emotional connection the players have with the sims is a key part of the game play. So in "Sims 2," you have facial expressions. They laugh, they cry, you know, you experience their ups and downs, their joys, their sorrows. The player also projects so much more into that, because they're projecting experiences from their own life. So it magnifies anything you're seeing on the screen.
SIEBERG: Of course, these types of games may not be for everyone.
BELL: Everybody has a different idea of what is fun. In fact, a couple of my family members are perplexed about this game thing that I do. A lot of people don't understand, and that's fine. You know, I don't understand golf.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SIEBERG: And some don't understand why people chase a little white ball around a golf course. But you know, hundreds of thousands of people do enjoy playing online multiplayer games like Everquest. Just one caveat or side bar, as with other forms of entertainment, it's possible to indulge in too much of a good thing. There have been reports of real-life marriages breaking up and at least one alleged suicide because a person was so distraught about the game.
So to end our video game series, if I could just say here, have fun. Just know when to walk away back here into reality with Miles O'Brien.
O'BRIEN: Well, that - and that is a substantive difference between a passion for golf, let's say...
SIEBERG: Right.
O'BRIEN: And what we just saw there, where you actually create this world, a world for whichever way you can control in a different way. And I guess to the extent that that makes it difficult for people to deal with the real world, there's a problem. And...
SIEBERG: If you can't distinguish between reality and the game, that's where you definitely have a problem. And you know, when you're playing golf with your friends, you're golfing as yourself. When you're playing in these games, you can create any type of character that you want, playing as any type of creature that you want.
So you can really open up all of the possibilities. And that could make it kind of tough for people to walk away from, because you can have this escapism in a game, which video games do offer.
O'BRIEN: All right, I guess you didn't know you were going to be a psychologist by the time you're done with this series. Now...
SIEBERG: Yes.
O'BRIEN: ...it has been a great series. And at the end of it, I'd like people to understand that you come to it with a real passion for this. You grew up as a very avid gamer, remain an avid gamer. And you come to it with a real passion for it yourself.
How do you make that balance? How do you avoid taking that passion to the point where it somehow could become destructive in your life?
SIEBERG: It's tough. I mean, I have grown up with games for the past, gosh, I would say 20 years or so, since I started playing on a Commodore Vic-20.
But since that time, games have changed so much. For me personally, I think it's -- it is a matter of balance. It's finding some spare time to play the games.
I do have people chide me saying you know what? Maybe you should spend a little less time on the computer or on the console and come and join us over here in the real world. But it is a matter of making that conscious decision and that choice to walk away, which can be hard for a lot of people if they don't have anything to walk away to. If something in their life is not fulfilling for them, or they are not enthused about what's going on, it's a harder decision to make.
O'BRIEN: Well, and it may be difficult to make things good and fulfilling in their real lives, when they're focusing so much on it. So it becomes self-fulfilling.
SIEBERG: Exactly. A self-fulfilling prophecy.
O'BRIEN: Daniel Sieberg, great job on the series.
SIEBERG: Thank you.
O'BRIEN: We enjoyed it. And keep up the good work.
SIEBERG: All right.
O'BRIEN: We appreciate it. Don't do too much of that gaming.
SIEBERG: All right. All right, going to play right now.
O'BRIEN: All right -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well at this late hour in Iraq, Christmas arrives in less than 90 minutes from now.
Joining us by telephone, chief spokesman for the U.S. command in Baghdad. He's Lieutenant Colonel Steve Boylan.
Colonel, do we have you?
LT. COL. STEVEN BOYLAN, U.S. ARMY: Yes, you do.
PHILLIPS: Well, it's a pleasure. And you and I have been talking quite a bit this week, unfortunately, regarding all the bad news happening out of Mosul and parts of Iraq.
We want to try to focus now on the good news. You actually told me while remembering the fallen, you're also trying to honor the holidays. You sent us a number of pictures.
First of all, why don't you just brag about your group there in the green zone? We have the picture of all of you around the Christmas tree. And tell me about your evening tonight.
BOYLAN: Well, thank you. The group that I expect everybody is seeing right now is members of a combined press information center. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And that's probably about half the group.
They, you know, respond for trying to get all the news, whether it's bad, and also all the good news that is happening out here out to the world. PHILLIPS: Well...
BOYLAN: The tree that you see there was decorated by donations from families and friends from the U.S.
PHILLIPS: What about the gifts? I see a lot of gifts under the tree, as we look at this picture of you and your cohort.
BOYLAN: Yes, in fact, we've received quite a few boxes. And specifically from one school, the Walnut Avenue School out of Cranford, New Jersey. One of my officers, his aunt, is a teacher there. And they sent 11 boxes, starting with the second grade class and moved all the way through the school. We've received all those boxes. And we'll be opening them up tomorrow.
PHILLIPS: Wow, I know your general - Brigadier General Erv Lessel, came by to visit you. We see him now handing out gifts, shaking hands with all of you. What did he say to you tonight? Was it encouraging? Is he trying to tell you to keep the faith through the holidays?
BOYLAN: Yes. General Lessel stopped by earlier this evening just before many of us went to dinner. He had a few gifts that had been donated by an organization that supports the troops while overseas that he received. He presented three of them. Each of the commanders of the units that work in the CPIC pick out a very deserving soldier to receive those gifts, kind of a small token for what they're doing.
And he did explain to everyone that in this time of year, even though it's hard to be away from home, the work that everyone is doing is needed and very much appreciated.
PHILLIPS: Well, colonel, I know you appreciate the hard work by all the chefs right now. You took some pictures for me there in the dining hall as folks are preparing Christmas dinner, holiday dinner for everybody.
I notice in these pictures you have U.S. soldiers. You also have Iraqis. You also have Pakistanis, a number of different folks working together. It's interesting to see the mix. It's good to see the trust and everybody together, you know, after hearing what happened in Mosul, of course.
BOYLAN: Oh, it is. The big dinner for us is going to be on Christmas Day. And the folks that are the -- that are working as the contract dining facilities through KBR, they do an outstanding job for everyone. And that mess -- dining facility will serve probably over 1,000 people tomorrow. And they go all out. And they'll be working actually fairly long through the night and getting things set up for us for tomorrow.
PHILLIPS: Well, colonel, my final question as we go off to break, what are you most thankful for today?
BOYLAN: Well, for the support of the folks back home. It is needed. It is much appreciated. And we hope to get through this holiday season by relying on each other, which is absolutely necessary here. And we send back home to everyone there our best wishes for a very happy holiday, a very safe, and well new year. And I know that everybody wants to come home to their family and friends as soon as possible.
PHILLIPS: Lieutenant Colonel Steve Boylan. Sir, thank you so much for your time. Happy holidays. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am Karen Garza (ph). And I'm from El Paso, Texas. And I want to say hi to my family and especially to my mom and my dad. And I want to tell them that I love them. And Richard, you better behave. And merry Christmas, happy new year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Aw, that has got to be one of the best pictures we've ever seen.
O'BRIEN: So cute.
PHILLIPS: Isn't that awesome? It's a portrait of Christmas babies all born over the past few days...
O'BRIEN: Yes.
PHILLIPS: ...at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
O'BRIEN: Little stocking stuffers are just so cute.
PHILLIPS: Talk about a perfect stocking stuffer.
O'BRIEN: Yes, yes. We should tell you that's not one family, though, right? Did we make that clear? Those are all the...
PHILLIPS: Oh, yeah, that isn't one...
O'BRIEN: Various mothers.
PHILLIPS: ...eight kids, that's right. That would be another news story on its own.
O'BRIEN: And that would be a story on its own, right, wouldn't it?
PHILLIPS: So besides the cute stories, is your family getting on your nerves this holiday?
O'BRIEN: No comment. It's actually staying clear of them.
PHILLIPS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) maybe? O'BRIEN: The best ideas to stay in a different zip code. You could escape the movies...
PHILLIPS: Amen.
O'BRIEN: ...oh, this supposedly is the only funny scene in this movie, by the way.
PHILLIPS: Oh.
O'BRIEN: I got to be very careful now. I'm going to do this very slowly. "Meet the Fockers" and other Hollywood Christmas offerings up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Hi. Would you like to get away from the relatives for a little holiday R&R? A whole new crop of movies has arrived at the theaters, just in time for the holidays.
CNN entertainment correspondent SibilaVargas has the scoop.
SIBILA VARGAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So it's the holiday weekend and you're thinking about taking in a movie? Well, rejoice, whatever your taste, chances are the box office has something just for you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, Howard Hughes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I care very much about aviation. The fastest man on the planet. I love that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Martin Scorcese promises to take you on a journey to the mind of the American icon in a bio epic, "The Aviator."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like a little adventure. (UNINTELLIGIBLE.)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Looking for a little lighter fare? Well, two comedies exploring the bonds of family promise to bring a smile to your face.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If your family circle joins my family circle, they'll form a chain. I can't have a chink in my chain.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman join Ben Stiller and Robert de Niro in the "Meet the Parents" sequel "Meet the Fockers." (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is that your father?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That is my father.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: And Bill Murray brings in the funny as only he can in the critically acclaimed "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And in 10 days, I'm going to set out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What would be the scientific purpose of killing it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Revenge.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: Looking to laugh with the entire family? How about a little comic throwback? "Fat Albert" is back but this time it's in 3- D.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who is it?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm Fat Albert.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, right.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm looking for Mr. Cosby. Are you his dad?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: If thrillers are more your style, "Darkness" starring Anna Paquin is about a family who moves into a home that, let's just say, has its secrets.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They're watching you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No one can stop the darkness. You must stay in the light.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VARGAS: So whether it's chills, thrills, laughter, or tears you crave, you'll probably get it at the movies this weekend. Happy holidays.
O'BRIEN: Hi, we're following a developing story, an explosion in Baghdad, a big one. We are live there next.
Plus, a surprise visit from the top man at the Pentagon. He was out of Baghdad at the time of this explosion, we should tell you.
PHILLIPS: And also only on CNN, a tale of two soldiers. One coming home just in time for the holidays, the other saying good-bye. We follow both journeys.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, daddy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, Derek. Hi, buddy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Open it, Derek. Daddy wants to watch you open a present.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's trying to peek.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just like your mom.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Funny dad.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have you guys been sledding yet this year?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Day before Thanksgiving, we had enough snow. We made -- what did we make, Derek?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snowman.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You guys should sing for daddy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Say bye-bye again.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bye-bye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Give him a kiss.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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