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CNN Live Today

New Iraqi government Vows to Crack Down on Insurgents, First Have to Determine Who They Are

Aired June 29, 2004 - 10:30   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.


BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: With dozens of abductions in Iraq in the last couple of months, it may seem difficult to keep track of the terror groups involved. CNN's Kathleen Koch is at then Pentagon with the latest on that story and she joins us now. Good morning, Kathleen.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty. Their images have become very familiar by now. A kidnapper standing, their faces wrapped in scarfs, brandishing guns or swords over their hostages.

The new Iraqi government has vowed to crack down on such insurgents, but they first have to determine just who they are.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KOCH (voice-over): The kidnappers of a young man in Marine fatigues whose family identifies him as Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun call themselves the Islamic Response.

KEN POLLACK, CNN ANALYST: This is the first time that I've heard of this group. And I think that this is a pattern that we're seeing in Iraq. There are any number of tiny little groups of people who are coming together for particular operations. The only thing that they seem to common is that they hate Americans and they have a desire to harm as many as they possibly can.

KOCH: It's not clear whether or not the group is linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. American Nicholas Berg and South Korean Kim Sun-Il were beheaded in killings blamed on a group led by the Islamic militant leader. Zarqawi's group is not apparently holding three Turks, promising to behead them unless Turkish companies leave Iraq.

Since April, more than 40 people have been abducted in Iraq by insurgents. U.S. officials believe they represent different groups with varying ideologies, some foreign fighters but not all.

The question now: will the turn over of power impact their activities?

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: How it's going to affect the counter-insurgency -- that is to say, the efforts to stop the terrorists from conducting the killing and beheadings and activity they're engaged in.

I personally don't -- can't say they I can answer the question with certainty.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOCH: For the immediate future, though, the expectation is more kidnappings by more shadowy groups all bent on destabling the new Iraqi government and driving foreigners from Iraq -- Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Kathleen Koch at the Pentagon. Thank you.

For the first time in 13 years, there is a U.S. ambassador in Iraq. John Negroponte was accompanied by armed guards as he entered the U.S. embassy in Baghdad today. Negroponte has years of diplomat experience, most recently serving as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. The U.S. broke diplomat relations with Iraq back in 1991 just before the start of the first Gulf War.

The role of the U.S. military in Iraq may not see much difference since the handover, but future challenges could affect the balance between security and sovereignty. Here's CNN's David Ensor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With Paul Bremer's departure, Prime Minister Iyad al Allawi became the most powerful man in Iraq. The new top American, Ambassador John Negroponte, may be a power behind the scenes, though he is playing down his role.

JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ: To offer support and assistance to the Iraqi people and government as Iraq reasserts its full sovereignty.

FRANK RICCIARDONE, AMBASSADOR, U.S.-IRAQ: No U.S. ambassador goes out expecting to run a foreign country, nor -- even if that were in his mind, the Iraqis wouldn't let him.

ENSOR: Workers have been rushing to transform one of Saddam's former palaces into the new U.S. embassy headquarters. From this building, Negroponte will lead the largest embassy in the world, about 1,000 Americans and 700 Iraqis. His deputy says security will be a constant concern.

JAMES JEFFREY, U.S. DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION: We receive incoming rocket and mortar fire in this vicinity quite often. But our goal is to ensure that we are not overrun, that we do not get significant hostile fire. And so far, we've been lucky.

ENSOR: In a powerful symbol of sovereignty, Iraq's new government will soon take over legal custody of Saddam Hussein. But American officials say they will still keep their hands on him.

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: I would expect that legal custody would be handed over shortly, but physical custody would remain in our hands for the foreseeable future.

ENSOR: American troops will still take orders from American commanders. But a major question is: what happens with the next Fallujah, the next major military challenge? It is not clear.

REUEL MARC GERECHT, MIDDLE EAST EXPERT: If you have people attacking the Americans, the Americans may want to respond with a good deal of force. There may be individuals in the government who don't want them to.

ENSOR (on camera): In theory, American commanders can do what they want. But if Prime Minister Allawi or his government object, that could cause commanders to think twice about taking on a fight. Finding the right balance between security and sovereignty for Iraqis may not be easy.

David Ensor, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Baghdad officials are reaffirming their commitment to put down the insurgency in the new Iraq. The national security adviser spoke on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" just a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOWAFF AL-RUBAIE, IRAQI NATL. SECURITY ADVISER: The Iraqi police are going to be in the forefront. And there they're going to be in the forefront of fighting international terrorism and Saddam loyalists.

And these -- if they need to draw any support from the multi- national forces, then the multi-national forces will be over the horizon, ready to be -- to provide that support for the Iraqi security forces.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: And those on the battle lines against terrorism include women. For the first time women have joined the Iraqi police force.

We have analysis of the early handover of power in Iraq. Plus profiles of the key Iraqi interim leaders at cnn.com.

As we mentioned earlier, we are standing by for presidential hopeful John Kerry to discuss his plan for education for minorities to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition conference in Chicago. And of course, when that happens we will bring it to you live.

Straight ahead, though, it is official. Red Sox Pitcher Curt Schilling is baseball's No. 1 good guy, voted so by a jury of his peers. He's my guest when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Many fans cheer his strong arm, but Curt Schilling is also known for offering a helping hand. "Sporting News" magazine recently crowned the Boston Red Sox pitcher "Good Guy of the Year" for his commitment to fighting ALS, the disease also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. At a time when so many athletes are getting negative press for scandals and trials, Curt Schilling is called a good guy for all of his good deeds. And he and his wife, Shonda, join me now to talk about this new honor and their various charitable works. They're joining us live from New York. Good morning to you. Thank you for being with us.

CURT SCHILLING, RED SOX PITCHER: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Curt, let's start with you. Neither of you two have ALS, or immediate family members. What drew you to this cause?

C. SCHILLING: We met a patient. i met a patient about 12 years ago. And it's just been a cause that we jumped into immediately. And it's a cause that we've tried to make a difference in.

We're in a position to make a difference in people's lives. And the patients and families affected by ALS have been something that we felt drawn to.

NGUYEN: Curt, as we mentioned just a while ago in an atmosphere when we're always hearing about the legal troubles dealing with athletes, it's nice to hear a positive story now and then. How important is it to you to become a role model?

C. SCHILLING: Well, you know, I'm very proud of the recognition for a lot of reasons. And the No. 1 reason, combined No.1 reason is that it represents the people I've surrounded myself in my life with. My wife Shonda, my father who was a huge influence on me as a Christian.

It means that a lot of people have had a positive impact on me. And that my wife and I are making a difference in people's lives. And I think there's a lot more good stories out there when bad when it comes to athletes. It's just unfortunately nowadays in the fast-paced media world we live in, bad sells.

NGUYEN: Well this is definitely a good story.

Shonda, we want to talk to you a little bit because you were instrumental in this drive for ALS. You've raised some $4.5 million, helped in that cause. What kind of changes have you made in people's lives because of this?

SHONDA SCHILLING, WIFE: Well I think more of what changes did they make in our lives. I mean they're living this horrible disease and yet they get up every morning with a smile. And I think it's a reminder of what's important in life.

Over the ten years we've seen the first drug identified to slow down ALS. But we have a lot -- a long way to go. A lot more money has to be put towards ALS research.

NGUYEN: Is the ultimate goal here, Curt, to find a cure?

C. SCHILLING: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. And unfortunately, it's going to take a very, very large amount of money.

But when people like you and shows like this allow us to come on and talk, the awareness goes up by an immeasurable factor. And that's probably the No. 1 thing for us right now.

NGUYEN: And you two do more than just put more than money where your mouth is. Curt, you have a drive that's called Curt's Pitch. You're really using the game to bring awareness to this, aren't you?

C. SCHILLING: Well it's my chance. If I was someone working 9:00 to 5:00, I doubt that my voice would carry the weight that it does carry. But playing Major League Baseball and being on TV, it's a window of opportunity to create awareness and raise money that we won't have much longer.

So we've committed ourselves about a decade ago to doing everything we could do while I was in Major League Baseball to raising money to find a cure for ALS and eventually to helping Shonda's SHADE foundation to help find a cure for melanoma.

NGUYEN: And quickly, getting back to Curt's Pitch, can you tell us what that's all about for the folks who aren't aware of it?

C. SCHILLING: Basically Curt's Pitch is a fan-based program where I donate $100 a strike out and $1,000 a win. And I ask fans to donate any amount of money per strikeout that they want throughout the season. And at the end of even season, we have a dinner and we a chance for fans to meet us and our family and to meet patients and their families.

And we now have Curt's Pitch running in Philadelphia and in Arizona and in Boston. So we have three different get-together with three different sets of people. And all of them are pretty much hometown fans.

NGUYEN: OK, and now I have to ask you, though, has that helped your game any since you put it on the line that if you do this the money's going to a good cause?

C. SCHILLING: Oh, there's times when I'm out there, sure. I know from past that a lot of ALS patients and their families look forward to the day I pitch because they know that day is going to make a difference in ALS. And there have been times on the mound when I've actually thought about it quite a bit.

NGUYEN: How proud are you of this award? Both of you. Let's start with you, Shonda.

S. SCHILLING: I think it's -- I always love when there's a positive story about baseball players.

And anytime there's a chance for -- you know, there's only probably three or four years left in the big leagues. If we show people how important and how much more you get back in return when you're involved in charity, hopefully that we can pass that down to younger players and younger players' wives who come into baseball and realize there's a great responsibility. And they can make a big difference.

NGUYEN: Curt, are you truly a No. 1 good guy?

C. SCHILLING: Depends what time of the day you ask. Again, I think it's more of a testament to the people I've surrounded myself with, the fact that I'm a Christian and that I believe in what God's put before us.

NGUYEN: Let's quickly -- I can't let you go without asking you about this game. Are we going to see you on the mound coming up in the next series?

C. SCHILLING: Saturday. I'm missing the Yankees this series. And I don't go until we get down to Atlanta Saturday.

NGUYEN: All right. We thank you both for joining us. Congratulations. Good luck with the cause.

C. SCHILLING: Thank you.

S. SCHILLING: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Curt and Shonda Schilling.

C. SCHILLING: Thanks for having us.

NGUYEN: Well, this guy is also doing some good at Wimbledon. Andy Roddick is the only American man left standing. He advances to the men's quarterfinals after defeating German Alexander Popp yesterday. It's Roddick's second straight Wimbledon (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

Live like the Donald, you mean? Donald Trump, that is. His advice on living like a billionaire. Yes, we all know about that. Well that's coming to a magazine rack near you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: In culture, the Donald has a new venture. Real estate tycoon and star of the reality show "The Apprentice" is relaunching "Trump World." It's a slick vanity magazine for those who aspire to live a lifestyle of the rich and famous like Donald Trump, of course.

(MARKET UPDATE)

NGUYEN: We want to take you live now to Chicago where John Kerry is speaking to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition about his education plan.

(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)

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 June 29, 2004 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: With dozens of abductions in Iraq in the last couple of months, it may seem difficult to keep track of the terror groups involved. CNN's Kathleen Koch is at then Pentagon with the latest on that story and she joins us now. Good morning, Kathleen.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty. Their images have become very familiar by now. A kidnapper standing, their faces wrapped in scarfs, brandishing guns or swords over their hostages.

The new Iraqi government has vowed to crack down on such insurgents, but they first have to determine just who they are.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KOCH (voice-over): The kidnappers of a young man in Marine fatigues whose family identifies him as Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun call themselves the Islamic Response.

KEN POLLACK, CNN ANALYST: This is the first time that I've heard of this group. And I think that this is a pattern that we're seeing in Iraq. There are any number of tiny little groups of people who are coming together for particular operations. The only thing that they seem to common is that they hate Americans and they have a desire to harm as many as they possibly can.

KOCH: It's not clear whether or not the group is linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. American Nicholas Berg and South Korean Kim Sun-Il were beheaded in killings blamed on a group led by the Islamic militant leader. Zarqawi's group is not apparently holding three Turks, promising to behead them unless Turkish companies leave Iraq.

Since April, more than 40 people have been abducted in Iraq by insurgents. U.S. officials believe they represent different groups with varying ideologies, some foreign fighters but not all.

The question now: will the turn over of power impact their activities?

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: How it's going to affect the counter-insurgency -- that is to say, the efforts to stop the terrorists from conducting the killing and beheadings and activity they're engaged in.

I personally don't -- can't say they I can answer the question with certainty.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOCH: For the immediate future, though, the expectation is more kidnappings by more shadowy groups all bent on destabling the new Iraqi government and driving foreigners from Iraq -- Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Kathleen Koch at the Pentagon. Thank you.

For the first time in 13 years, there is a U.S. ambassador in Iraq. John Negroponte was accompanied by armed guards as he entered the U.S. embassy in Baghdad today. Negroponte has years of diplomat experience, most recently serving as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. The U.S. broke diplomat relations with Iraq back in 1991 just before the start of the first Gulf War.

The role of the U.S. military in Iraq may not see much difference since the handover, but future challenges could affect the balance between security and sovereignty. Here's CNN's David Ensor.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With Paul Bremer's departure, Prime Minister Iyad al Allawi became the most powerful man in Iraq. The new top American, Ambassador John Negroponte, may be a power behind the scenes, though he is playing down his role.

JOHN NEGROPONTE, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ: To offer support and assistance to the Iraqi people and government as Iraq reasserts its full sovereignty.

FRANK RICCIARDONE, AMBASSADOR, U.S.-IRAQ: No U.S. ambassador goes out expecting to run a foreign country, nor -- even if that were in his mind, the Iraqis wouldn't let him.

ENSOR: Workers have been rushing to transform one of Saddam's former palaces into the new U.S. embassy headquarters. From this building, Negroponte will lead the largest embassy in the world, about 1,000 Americans and 700 Iraqis. His deputy says security will be a constant concern.

JAMES JEFFREY, U.S. DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION: We receive incoming rocket and mortar fire in this vicinity quite often. But our goal is to ensure that we are not overrun, that we do not get significant hostile fire. And so far, we've been lucky.

ENSOR: In a powerful symbol of sovereignty, Iraq's new government will soon take over legal custody of Saddam Hussein. But American officials say they will still keep their hands on him.

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: I would expect that legal custody would be handed over shortly, but physical custody would remain in our hands for the foreseeable future.

ENSOR: American troops will still take orders from American commanders. But a major question is: what happens with the next Fallujah, the next major military challenge? It is not clear.

REUEL MARC GERECHT, MIDDLE EAST EXPERT: If you have people attacking the Americans, the Americans may want to respond with a good deal of force. There may be individuals in the government who don't want them to.

ENSOR (on camera): In theory, American commanders can do what they want. But if Prime Minister Allawi or his government object, that could cause commanders to think twice about taking on a fight. Finding the right balance between security and sovereignty for Iraqis may not be easy.

David Ensor, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Baghdad officials are reaffirming their commitment to put down the insurgency in the new Iraq. The national security adviser spoke on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" just a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOWAFF AL-RUBAIE, IRAQI NATL. SECURITY ADVISER: The Iraqi police are going to be in the forefront. And there they're going to be in the forefront of fighting international terrorism and Saddam loyalists.

And these -- if they need to draw any support from the multi- national forces, then the multi-national forces will be over the horizon, ready to be -- to provide that support for the Iraqi security forces.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: And those on the battle lines against terrorism include women. For the first time women have joined the Iraqi police force.

We have analysis of the early handover of power in Iraq. Plus profiles of the key Iraqi interim leaders at cnn.com.

As we mentioned earlier, we are standing by for presidential hopeful John Kerry to discuss his plan for education for minorities to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition conference in Chicago. And of course, when that happens we will bring it to you live.

Straight ahead, though, it is official. Red Sox Pitcher Curt Schilling is baseball's No. 1 good guy, voted so by a jury of his peers. He's my guest when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Many fans cheer his strong arm, but Curt Schilling is also known for offering a helping hand. "Sporting News" magazine recently crowned the Boston Red Sox pitcher "Good Guy of the Year" for his commitment to fighting ALS, the disease also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. At a time when so many athletes are getting negative press for scandals and trials, Curt Schilling is called a good guy for all of his good deeds. And he and his wife, Shonda, join me now to talk about this new honor and their various charitable works. They're joining us live from New York. Good morning to you. Thank you for being with us.

CURT SCHILLING, RED SOX PITCHER: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Curt, let's start with you. Neither of you two have ALS, or immediate family members. What drew you to this cause?

C. SCHILLING: We met a patient. i met a patient about 12 years ago. And it's just been a cause that we jumped into immediately. And it's a cause that we've tried to make a difference in.

We're in a position to make a difference in people's lives. And the patients and families affected by ALS have been something that we felt drawn to.

NGUYEN: Curt, as we mentioned just a while ago in an atmosphere when we're always hearing about the legal troubles dealing with athletes, it's nice to hear a positive story now and then. How important is it to you to become a role model?

C. SCHILLING: Well, you know, I'm very proud of the recognition for a lot of reasons. And the No. 1 reason, combined No.1 reason is that it represents the people I've surrounded myself in my life with. My wife Shonda, my father who was a huge influence on me as a Christian.

It means that a lot of people have had a positive impact on me. And that my wife and I are making a difference in people's lives. And I think there's a lot more good stories out there when bad when it comes to athletes. It's just unfortunately nowadays in the fast-paced media world we live in, bad sells.

NGUYEN: Well this is definitely a good story.

Shonda, we want to talk to you a little bit because you were instrumental in this drive for ALS. You've raised some $4.5 million, helped in that cause. What kind of changes have you made in people's lives because of this?

SHONDA SCHILLING, WIFE: Well I think more of what changes did they make in our lives. I mean they're living this horrible disease and yet they get up every morning with a smile. And I think it's a reminder of what's important in life.

Over the ten years we've seen the first drug identified to slow down ALS. But we have a lot -- a long way to go. A lot more money has to be put towards ALS research.

NGUYEN: Is the ultimate goal here, Curt, to find a cure?

C. SCHILLING: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. And unfortunately, it's going to take a very, very large amount of money.

But when people like you and shows like this allow us to come on and talk, the awareness goes up by an immeasurable factor. And that's probably the No. 1 thing for us right now.

NGUYEN: And you two do more than just put more than money where your mouth is. Curt, you have a drive that's called Curt's Pitch. You're really using the game to bring awareness to this, aren't you?

C. SCHILLING: Well it's my chance. If I was someone working 9:00 to 5:00, I doubt that my voice would carry the weight that it does carry. But playing Major League Baseball and being on TV, it's a window of opportunity to create awareness and raise money that we won't have much longer.

So we've committed ourselves about a decade ago to doing everything we could do while I was in Major League Baseball to raising money to find a cure for ALS and eventually to helping Shonda's SHADE foundation to help find a cure for melanoma.

NGUYEN: And quickly, getting back to Curt's Pitch, can you tell us what that's all about for the folks who aren't aware of it?

C. SCHILLING: Basically Curt's Pitch is a fan-based program where I donate $100 a strike out and $1,000 a win. And I ask fans to donate any amount of money per strikeout that they want throughout the season. And at the end of even season, we have a dinner and we a chance for fans to meet us and our family and to meet patients and their families.

And we now have Curt's Pitch running in Philadelphia and in Arizona and in Boston. So we have three different get-together with three different sets of people. And all of them are pretty much hometown fans.

NGUYEN: OK, and now I have to ask you, though, has that helped your game any since you put it on the line that if you do this the money's going to a good cause?

C. SCHILLING: Oh, there's times when I'm out there, sure. I know from past that a lot of ALS patients and their families look forward to the day I pitch because they know that day is going to make a difference in ALS. And there have been times on the mound when I've actually thought about it quite a bit.

NGUYEN: How proud are you of this award? Both of you. Let's start with you, Shonda.

S. SCHILLING: I think it's -- I always love when there's a positive story about baseball players.

And anytime there's a chance for -- you know, there's only probably three or four years left in the big leagues. If we show people how important and how much more you get back in return when you're involved in charity, hopefully that we can pass that down to younger players and younger players' wives who come into baseball and realize there's a great responsibility. And they can make a big difference.

NGUYEN: Curt, are you truly a No. 1 good guy?

C. SCHILLING: Depends what time of the day you ask. Again, I think it's more of a testament to the people I've surrounded myself with, the fact that I'm a Christian and that I believe in what God's put before us.

NGUYEN: Let's quickly -- I can't let you go without asking you about this game. Are we going to see you on the mound coming up in the next series?

C. SCHILLING: Saturday. I'm missing the Yankees this series. And I don't go until we get down to Atlanta Saturday.

NGUYEN: All right. We thank you both for joining us. Congratulations. Good luck with the cause.

C. SCHILLING: Thank you.

S. SCHILLING: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Curt and Shonda Schilling.

C. SCHILLING: Thanks for having us.

NGUYEN: Well, this guy is also doing some good at Wimbledon. Andy Roddick is the only American man left standing. He advances to the men's quarterfinals after defeating German Alexander Popp yesterday. It's Roddick's second straight Wimbledon (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

Live like the Donald, you mean? Donald Trump, that is. His advice on living like a billionaire. Yes, we all know about that. Well that's coming to a magazine rack near you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: In culture, the Donald has a new venture. Real estate tycoon and star of the reality show "The Apprentice" is relaunching "Trump World." It's a slick vanity magazine for those who aspire to live a lifestyle of the rich and famous like Donald Trump, of course.

(MARKET UPDATE)

NGUYEN: We want to take you live now to Chicago where John Kerry is speaking to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition about his education plan.

(INTERRUPTED BY LIVE EVENT)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com