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CNN Live Today
Iraqi Defense Minister Issues Najaf Ultimatum; Pentagon to Issue 2 Abu Ghraib Reports; Roger Federer Boosts Arthur Ashe Kids' Day
Aired August 24, 2004 - 10:00 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: Good morning from the CNN headquarters here in Atlanta. I'm Betty Nguyen.
There's another ultimatum today from the interim Iraqi government to rebel fighters holding the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, leave before daybreak tomorrow or Iraqi forces will clear the holy site. Now sporadic, though intense fighting goes on between Muqtada al Sadr's militia and U.S. and Iraqi forces.
As one of the Abu Ghraib guards prepares to enter a guilty plea today, there is a new report about abuses at the Iraqi prison. Citing an Army investigation due out this week, "The Washington Post" says soldiers used police dogs to intimidate detainees as young as 15.
John Kerry is trying to steer the presidential campaign rhetoric away from attacks by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Kerry speaks next hour in New York, site of next week's Republican National Convention. Kerry plans to call on the GOP to stop negative campaigns and debate the issues.
The 9/11 Commission has officially disbanded, but its co-chairs are back on Capitol Hill today, talking to a House committee about diplomatic reforms.
Meanwhile, improving intelligence sharing there is on the agenda of the second House panel.
We begin in the embattled Iraqi city of Najaf, where a third consecutive night of U.S. air strikes has ushered in a day of ferocious street battles. At the center, a sacred shrine, and a group of armed insurgents now facing an ultimatum, surrender or be wiped out.
CNN's Matthew Chance is with U.S. Marines surrounding that shrine and he joins us now by telephone.
Matthew, what do you know?
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Betty, thanks. It's just the latest ultimatum that's been issued by the interim government of Iraq, to try and bring to an end what is for them an immensely damaging crisis with every day this goes on. The challenge to their authority seems to grow; nevertheless, they've issued this declaration. The Iraqi defense minister telling reporters that they have just a few hours, those people holed up inside, the forces of Muqtada al Sadr, the radical cleric, to evacuate the shrine. Or he would order Iraqi forces to storm it and take it by force, even though that would be an immensely controversial move, and dangerous one as well.
Because this Imam Ali Mosque, as we've been reporting, is one of the holiest shrines in Shiia Islam, certainly one of the most sensitive sites in the Muslim world at the moment. The very fact that there may be fighting there, yet alone if there's any damage done, may be enough to inflame the majority Shiia passions in this country against the interim government. That's something obviously they want to avoid. At the same time, Betty, they also want to get this crisis finished as soon as possible.
NGUYEN: Matthew, they want the militants out of the shrine, but what about the other folks inside? Are there women and children inside that shrine as well?
CHANCE: Well, yes there are. Certainly that's the indication that's been given to us by the pictures that have been coming out, the television pictures over the course of the past few days.
What the Iraqi government says that its going to do is order its troops, first of all, in the hours ahead this evening to stand outside that shrine, to cut off all the entrance points to it to prevent the Mehdi army fighters from going inside. And then use loud speakers to call on the people inside to surrender, give them an opportunity to come out before any order is given to go in.
But again, ultimatums like this have been given time and time again. Everybody here is waiting for that final political approval, it seems, by the interim Iraqi government at the top. The prime minister himself to actually go ahead with any military operations that are so sensitive at the moment here.
NGUYEN: And Matthew, not only the ultimatums, but if they do have to go in by force, there is some fear that this shrine may be damaged.
CHANCE: There's a great, great deal of concern about that. The Iraqi interim government has been, you know, kind of trying to find a way, I think. One of the reasons we've held off so long on this, they say, is they've been trying to find a way to try and get into the shrine, to clear it out causing the absolute minimum damage.
Already they say that any force that goes in there will be an Iraqi force. They're very sensitive to the idea that U.S. troops that go in there may be considered sort of desecration of this Muslim shrine. So they're being very careful, they say, to use Iraqi forces to lead any operation in that sacred mosque. But the fact is that if it is stormed, there's a very strong possibility that some damage could be sustained to that mosque. And that's why they're so reluctant to take that step.
NGUYEN: We'll continue to watch this developing situation. Matthew Chance there in Baghdad.
Well, checking on other developments from Iraq in our "Situation Report." Two separate Baghdad car bombings have killed five people and wounded four others, but missed the two apparent targets. Iraq's education minister and its environment minister were unharmed in the attacks. All of the victims were bodyguards serving the officials.
Now in western Iraq, U.S. warplanes and artillery pounded targets in Fallujah. The hour-long bombardment began just after midnight local time. U.S. air strikes have been launched in Fallujah several times in recent weeks, after Marines reported taking fire from positions in the city.
American journalist Micah Garen says he wants to remain in Iraq despite being held as a hostage for some nine days. Militants released Garen Sunday along with his Iraqi translator, after rebel cleric Muqtada al Sadr intervened on their behalf. This is what he had to say last hour.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICAH GAREN, FREED U.S. JOURNALIST: I'd just like to say that I am very happy to be back. Right now, I'm just focused on getting home to see the people I love. And I thank you for all your concern. I really appreciate the effort that everyone went to help secure my release, and particularly the patience and understanding of my family during this difficult time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Garen says he wants to stay in Iraq and continue work on his documentary about the looting of archaeological sites.
Now to the developing story of prisoner abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison. The Pentagon is preparing to release two reports, one today, one tomorrow. And both are expected to climb the chain of command in assigning blame.
Senior Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr is at her post with the latest on this.
Good morning, Barbara.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty. Well, first up later today will be the so-called Schlessinger Report. Former Defense Secretary James Schlessinger who served back in the 1970s has been conducting an advisory panel; reviewing the entire situation, looking at how it all happened. That report going to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld later today and will be released to reporters this afternoon here in this briefing room.
Now by all accounts, this report will be critical of the so- called command climate, the critical of top commanders in Iraq and here at the Pentagon, saying they simply weren't paying enough attention to the massive prison system that the U.S. military was running in Iraq, detaining thousands of Iraqi prisoners.
Then tomorrow, a report with more legal teeth in it, if you will. That is an Army report looking at the Military Intelligence Brigade that ran the intelligence practices and interrogation practices at Abu Ghraib. By all accounts, that report will name some two-dozen people, soldiers and contractors for possible further legal action. But the bottom line that appears to be emerging is the legal culpability, if you will, for the alleged abuse will stop at relatively low-level soldiers, relatively low-level personnel that were actually at the prison.
Top commanders will be criticized for not paying enough attention, for having confusing practices. But not at this point is there any indication that top command will be held directly, legally responsible for the prison abuse at Abu Ghraib in Iraq -- Betty.
NGUYEN: Barbara, any indication as to which of these top commanders could possibly be named in these reports?
STARR: Well, certainly Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, who was the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq last year and through part of this year, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has -- is going to be discussed; if not by name, certainly by heavy implication in the report. The finding is going to be that the top command he was running, the Joint Task Force in Iraq was so consumed with the insurgency, with other issues in Iraq, trying to fight the battle, that they didn't pay enough attention to this.
That there simply weren't enough personnel, resources and clear command guidance, if you will. That there was just too much confusion in the system and people weren't paying attention. Now, some of that, of course, may be used by defense attorneys for the soldiers facing trials now. But at this point, top commanders not expected to be held directly responsible.
NGUYEN: A lot of interest in those reports. CNN's Barbara Starr, thank you.
Also today, one of the accused American guards says he will enter a guilty plea and make some charges of his own.
CNN's Chris Burns joins us via videophone from Mannheim, Germany where the pre-trial hearing is being held.
Hi, Chris.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Betty. Well, probably some of the most dramatic action happened right outside this courthouse, right behind me just a few moments ago, where Staff Sergeant Ivan Frederick came out with his lawyer. His lawyer actually was involved also in the My Lai Massacre trials back in the '70s. And they said they are ready to plead guilty to a certain number of unspecified charges, that they have reached a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution, also on a sentence as well.
Though, one of the charges that he faces they include: assault, maltreatment, indecent acts, dereliction of duty and conspiracy. So he will be pleading guilty to some of those. And it is believed he could turn a witness for the prosecution. The defense also is salivating at this, saying that they hope to get him also to testify that it went up the command, the food chain, all the way up perhaps even to Donald Rumsfeld.
This is where the other defendant who was heard today in the pretrial hearings, Sergeant Javal Davis. His lawyers are arguing that Mr. Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense should be questioned in this case. Saying that he was applying pressure, among others, applying pressure on commanders in Iraq to crack down and toughen up on the prisoners being held there. So that they would talk and provide more information on intelligence so that these attacks on U.S. soldiers could be prevented, and that is what the defense lawyers will argue today. The judge, however, rejected that request to summon Donald Rumsfeld.
Back to you.
NGUYEN: Chris, any indication as to whether the attorneys there are looking forward to these Pentagon reports, and whether they'll use those in these cases?
BURNS: That's quite possible. In fact, the defense lawyers hold some of these. They actually have them in their hands, but they need to get it introduced as actual official evidence. One of those is a memo that is widely quoted. A memo from a military intelligence officer last fall saying, "The gloves are coming off," quote unquote. "And that we need to toughen up on those prisoners to get them to talk to prevent more U.S. soldiers from being killed. That is among the evidence.
Also those reports coming out: the Fay Report today, tomorrow, the other reports that have come out in recent days. Those are definitely being called for by the defense saying I told you so. That's exactly what we've been saying.
NGUYEN: Chris Burns in Mannheim, Germany today. Thank you.
Now we want to take you to the war on terror. Military court proceedings have begun this past hour at Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba, with the first arraignment of a terror suspect held there. The detainee is accused of once serving as a bodyguard and chauffeur to Osama bin Laden. The closed-door proceeding marks the first U.S. trial of an accused enemy combatant since World War II.
The Republican lawmaker who proposed the controversial overhaul of the CIA says he probably would not have made a pitch a year ago. But Senator Pat Roberts, who chairs the Intelligence Committee, says the need and the urgency have been underlined by inquiries into the 9/11 attacks and the intelligence mistakes prior to the war in Iraq. He appeared earlier today on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING," and says his proposed overhaul is merely a place to begin discussions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-KS), CHMN., INTELLIGENCE CMTE.: This is not written in stone. This didn't come down from Mount Intelligence on a tablet. We've got a lot of brick backs, a lot of criticism. There have been 38 attempts to reform the Intelligence Committee ever since 1949. We have a narrow window of opportunity now to achieve reform. (END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Roberts' proposal ignited a firestorm of criticism yesterday, and failed to get an endorsement from President Bush. That makes it unlikely that such a vast restructuring could be enacted in the month before Congress' adjournment.
Now, this just in. We want to head back to Najaf where we understand according to reports, CNN has confirmed that an aide to Muqtada al Sadr says that he is ready and willing to negotiate a cease-fire, and end the crisis in the holy city. Now, as you recall, this comes just after the defense minister Tuesday, threatened a raid on the mosque there. And we will continue to follow this story. So do stay with us for that.
Well, nearly three years after President Bush made a pledge to rebuild New York, he and his party are set to return. Find out if New Yorkers think the promise was kept.
Does Amber Frey know more than she's telling? Scott Peterson's lawyers raise that question. We'll go live to the courthouse for a live update.
But first, tennis super star Roger Federer joins us to talk about what it's like to be on top of the world.
Stick around.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Going for the gold. The quest resumes in Athens today. Top ranked and Karen Walsh of the American women's volley ball team will have their eyes on first prize, as they battle the Brazilian team for the gold medal.
U.S. wrestler Rulon Gardner is hoping might and muscle will earn him a medal. Garner is on the right here in this picture. And he'll try to move toward a second straight gold a little bit later today.
And the Iraqi soccer team kicked some grass hoping for a win against Paraguay today. A victory in today's event would ensure the country only its second Olympic medal ever. Iraq's first and only medal came back in 1944.
Well, you could call my next guest the golden boy of tennis, awards and accolades abound. Currently ranked No. 1 in the world and winner of this year's Wimbledon and Australia Open, Roger Federer joins me for a look at the U.S. Open, which begins on Monday. And he's going to help kick off the tennis tournament by participating in the Arthur Ashe Kids' Day events. Federer is live in New York.
Thanks for joining us.
ROGER FEDERER, TENNIS PLAYER: Hello, Betty. How are you?
NGUYEN: I'm doing great. More importantly, how are you? You're just 23 years old; you are No. 1 in the world. What's the key to your success?
FEDERER: Oh, you know, that is a long road. I've been praying since I'm three years old. And I never thought I'm going to be that good really. And then, you know, some day I started winning some tournaments. And this year has been incredible for me. You know, I won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, like you said.
Unfortunately, you know, the Olympics didn't go the way I wanted to. But you know, I'm already now in New York preparing for the U.S. Open. And like you said, I'm taking part in the Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.
NGUYEN: And let's talk quickly about the Olympics, because you didn't do quite as well as you would have hoped to. You said that you were suffering from something called mental burnout. Because tennis is not just a physical sport, it's a mental sport as well, isn't it?
FEDERER: Yes, it is. I was maybe a little tired. I didn't play the way I was hoping to. There was very high expectations, you know, from the Swiss people, also from myself. And I really was hoping to actually get back a medal to Switzerland because already in Sydney I finished fourth. So I really wanted to do better this year. But you know, unfortunately it's not the case. So I was very disappointed. But you know, once I get back on the tennis court, you know, I hope I can forget the Olympics.
NGUYEN: So, we're looking forward to this next -- we're looking forward to the U.S. Open, which is on Monday. But on Friday, you're participating in a really fun event. Tell us about that.
FEDERER: Yes. The Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, you know, is on Friday. You know, it's a great thing for, you know, for the kids, for the families, you know. A lot of -- a lot of people come to the grounds at Flushing Meadows. And that's the first time I'm taking part of it, so I'm really looking forward to it. Because when I was a little boy I was always dreaming of maybe hitting some balls, you know, with some super stars. And that's what the kids have the chance to do that on Friday. So I'm looking forward to hit some balls with them.
NGUYEN: Because in their eyes, you are a super star. Who was your idol when you were growing up? Just three starting out playing tennis, that's so young.
FEDERER: My first idol was Boris Becker. And then, you know, some friends of mine told me that isn't Stefan Edberg the more classy guy or the better guy to root for? So I started to like Stefan Edberg. And once they both quit, I started to cheer for Pete Sampras. So -- but then once, you know, I started to cheer for Pete Sampras, I had to face him already in Wimbledon in 2001. So, you know, once I was at that point, I really didn't have an idol anymore, just some favorite players.
NGUYEN: And so as these kids look up to you on Friday, any advice you're going to give them?
FEDERER: Well, depends on their form and their backhand, you know?
(LAUGHTER)
FEDERER: I'm just looking forward just to see totally different styles. You know, every time I hit with juniors, I have no clue how old they are. I have no clue how good they are. But the important is to have fun out there, you know. And just to be able to get the chance to actually speak to them a little bit how they feel about the sport. Because I mean it's definitely my absolute favorite sport, tennis. And I hope I can give that a little bit to the kids.
NGUYEN: Well, you've definitely succeeded at tennis. Roger Federer we appreciate your time today. And best of luck at the U.S. Open.
FEDERER: Thank you very much. Bye-bye.
NGUYEN: We'll show you what more than a foot of rain did to one Texas city. CNN LIVE TODAY is back in a flash.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Check this out. Stuck with standing water. A part of Interstate 35 in south Texas is still closed and under water this morning, after a round of heavy rain. Up to 15 inches fell in south Texas, forcing some residents from their homes. Officials say they're not sure when the interstate will reopen. They need some sunshine in that area.
Hey, you may want to duck because the mud is still flying. More independent political ads are on the way from both sides. As the president says, they're bad for the system.
And later, David Crosby and Graham Nash are hot for the new album and here in Atlanta to talk about it.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired August 24, 2004 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning from the CNN headquarters here in Atlanta. I'm Betty Nguyen.
There's another ultimatum today from the interim Iraqi government to rebel fighters holding the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, leave before daybreak tomorrow or Iraqi forces will clear the holy site. Now sporadic, though intense fighting goes on between Muqtada al Sadr's militia and U.S. and Iraqi forces.
As one of the Abu Ghraib guards prepares to enter a guilty plea today, there is a new report about abuses at the Iraqi prison. Citing an Army investigation due out this week, "The Washington Post" says soldiers used police dogs to intimidate detainees as young as 15.
John Kerry is trying to steer the presidential campaign rhetoric away from attacks by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Kerry speaks next hour in New York, site of next week's Republican National Convention. Kerry plans to call on the GOP to stop negative campaigns and debate the issues.
The 9/11 Commission has officially disbanded, but its co-chairs are back on Capitol Hill today, talking to a House committee about diplomatic reforms.
Meanwhile, improving intelligence sharing there is on the agenda of the second House panel.
We begin in the embattled Iraqi city of Najaf, where a third consecutive night of U.S. air strikes has ushered in a day of ferocious street battles. At the center, a sacred shrine, and a group of armed insurgents now facing an ultimatum, surrender or be wiped out.
CNN's Matthew Chance is with U.S. Marines surrounding that shrine and he joins us now by telephone.
Matthew, what do you know?
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Betty, thanks. It's just the latest ultimatum that's been issued by the interim government of Iraq, to try and bring to an end what is for them an immensely damaging crisis with every day this goes on. The challenge to their authority seems to grow; nevertheless, they've issued this declaration. The Iraqi defense minister telling reporters that they have just a few hours, those people holed up inside, the forces of Muqtada al Sadr, the radical cleric, to evacuate the shrine. Or he would order Iraqi forces to storm it and take it by force, even though that would be an immensely controversial move, and dangerous one as well.
Because this Imam Ali Mosque, as we've been reporting, is one of the holiest shrines in Shiia Islam, certainly one of the most sensitive sites in the Muslim world at the moment. The very fact that there may be fighting there, yet alone if there's any damage done, may be enough to inflame the majority Shiia passions in this country against the interim government. That's something obviously they want to avoid. At the same time, Betty, they also want to get this crisis finished as soon as possible.
NGUYEN: Matthew, they want the militants out of the shrine, but what about the other folks inside? Are there women and children inside that shrine as well?
CHANCE: Well, yes there are. Certainly that's the indication that's been given to us by the pictures that have been coming out, the television pictures over the course of the past few days.
What the Iraqi government says that its going to do is order its troops, first of all, in the hours ahead this evening to stand outside that shrine, to cut off all the entrance points to it to prevent the Mehdi army fighters from going inside. And then use loud speakers to call on the people inside to surrender, give them an opportunity to come out before any order is given to go in.
But again, ultimatums like this have been given time and time again. Everybody here is waiting for that final political approval, it seems, by the interim Iraqi government at the top. The prime minister himself to actually go ahead with any military operations that are so sensitive at the moment here.
NGUYEN: And Matthew, not only the ultimatums, but if they do have to go in by force, there is some fear that this shrine may be damaged.
CHANCE: There's a great, great deal of concern about that. The Iraqi interim government has been, you know, kind of trying to find a way, I think. One of the reasons we've held off so long on this, they say, is they've been trying to find a way to try and get into the shrine, to clear it out causing the absolute minimum damage.
Already they say that any force that goes in there will be an Iraqi force. They're very sensitive to the idea that U.S. troops that go in there may be considered sort of desecration of this Muslim shrine. So they're being very careful, they say, to use Iraqi forces to lead any operation in that sacred mosque. But the fact is that if it is stormed, there's a very strong possibility that some damage could be sustained to that mosque. And that's why they're so reluctant to take that step.
NGUYEN: We'll continue to watch this developing situation. Matthew Chance there in Baghdad.
Well, checking on other developments from Iraq in our "Situation Report." Two separate Baghdad car bombings have killed five people and wounded four others, but missed the two apparent targets. Iraq's education minister and its environment minister were unharmed in the attacks. All of the victims were bodyguards serving the officials.
Now in western Iraq, U.S. warplanes and artillery pounded targets in Fallujah. The hour-long bombardment began just after midnight local time. U.S. air strikes have been launched in Fallujah several times in recent weeks, after Marines reported taking fire from positions in the city.
American journalist Micah Garen says he wants to remain in Iraq despite being held as a hostage for some nine days. Militants released Garen Sunday along with his Iraqi translator, after rebel cleric Muqtada al Sadr intervened on their behalf. This is what he had to say last hour.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICAH GAREN, FREED U.S. JOURNALIST: I'd just like to say that I am very happy to be back. Right now, I'm just focused on getting home to see the people I love. And I thank you for all your concern. I really appreciate the effort that everyone went to help secure my release, and particularly the patience and understanding of my family during this difficult time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Garen says he wants to stay in Iraq and continue work on his documentary about the looting of archaeological sites.
Now to the developing story of prisoner abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison. The Pentagon is preparing to release two reports, one today, one tomorrow. And both are expected to climb the chain of command in assigning blame.
Senior Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr is at her post with the latest on this.
Good morning, Barbara.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty. Well, first up later today will be the so-called Schlessinger Report. Former Defense Secretary James Schlessinger who served back in the 1970s has been conducting an advisory panel; reviewing the entire situation, looking at how it all happened. That report going to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld later today and will be released to reporters this afternoon here in this briefing room.
Now by all accounts, this report will be critical of the so- called command climate, the critical of top commanders in Iraq and here at the Pentagon, saying they simply weren't paying enough attention to the massive prison system that the U.S. military was running in Iraq, detaining thousands of Iraqi prisoners.
Then tomorrow, a report with more legal teeth in it, if you will. That is an Army report looking at the Military Intelligence Brigade that ran the intelligence practices and interrogation practices at Abu Ghraib. By all accounts, that report will name some two-dozen people, soldiers and contractors for possible further legal action. But the bottom line that appears to be emerging is the legal culpability, if you will, for the alleged abuse will stop at relatively low-level soldiers, relatively low-level personnel that were actually at the prison.
Top commanders will be criticized for not paying enough attention, for having confusing practices. But not at this point is there any indication that top command will be held directly, legally responsible for the prison abuse at Abu Ghraib in Iraq -- Betty.
NGUYEN: Barbara, any indication as to which of these top commanders could possibly be named in these reports?
STARR: Well, certainly Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, who was the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq last year and through part of this year, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has -- is going to be discussed; if not by name, certainly by heavy implication in the report. The finding is going to be that the top command he was running, the Joint Task Force in Iraq was so consumed with the insurgency, with other issues in Iraq, trying to fight the battle, that they didn't pay enough attention to this.
That there simply weren't enough personnel, resources and clear command guidance, if you will. That there was just too much confusion in the system and people weren't paying attention. Now, some of that, of course, may be used by defense attorneys for the soldiers facing trials now. But at this point, top commanders not expected to be held directly responsible.
NGUYEN: A lot of interest in those reports. CNN's Barbara Starr, thank you.
Also today, one of the accused American guards says he will enter a guilty plea and make some charges of his own.
CNN's Chris Burns joins us via videophone from Mannheim, Germany where the pre-trial hearing is being held.
Hi, Chris.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Betty. Well, probably some of the most dramatic action happened right outside this courthouse, right behind me just a few moments ago, where Staff Sergeant Ivan Frederick came out with his lawyer. His lawyer actually was involved also in the My Lai Massacre trials back in the '70s. And they said they are ready to plead guilty to a certain number of unspecified charges, that they have reached a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution, also on a sentence as well.
Though, one of the charges that he faces they include: assault, maltreatment, indecent acts, dereliction of duty and conspiracy. So he will be pleading guilty to some of those. And it is believed he could turn a witness for the prosecution. The defense also is salivating at this, saying that they hope to get him also to testify that it went up the command, the food chain, all the way up perhaps even to Donald Rumsfeld.
This is where the other defendant who was heard today in the pretrial hearings, Sergeant Javal Davis. His lawyers are arguing that Mr. Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense should be questioned in this case. Saying that he was applying pressure, among others, applying pressure on commanders in Iraq to crack down and toughen up on the prisoners being held there. So that they would talk and provide more information on intelligence so that these attacks on U.S. soldiers could be prevented, and that is what the defense lawyers will argue today. The judge, however, rejected that request to summon Donald Rumsfeld.
Back to you.
NGUYEN: Chris, any indication as to whether the attorneys there are looking forward to these Pentagon reports, and whether they'll use those in these cases?
BURNS: That's quite possible. In fact, the defense lawyers hold some of these. They actually have them in their hands, but they need to get it introduced as actual official evidence. One of those is a memo that is widely quoted. A memo from a military intelligence officer last fall saying, "The gloves are coming off," quote unquote. "And that we need to toughen up on those prisoners to get them to talk to prevent more U.S. soldiers from being killed. That is among the evidence.
Also those reports coming out: the Fay Report today, tomorrow, the other reports that have come out in recent days. Those are definitely being called for by the defense saying I told you so. That's exactly what we've been saying.
NGUYEN: Chris Burns in Mannheim, Germany today. Thank you.
Now we want to take you to the war on terror. Military court proceedings have begun this past hour at Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba, with the first arraignment of a terror suspect held there. The detainee is accused of once serving as a bodyguard and chauffeur to Osama bin Laden. The closed-door proceeding marks the first U.S. trial of an accused enemy combatant since World War II.
The Republican lawmaker who proposed the controversial overhaul of the CIA says he probably would not have made a pitch a year ago. But Senator Pat Roberts, who chairs the Intelligence Committee, says the need and the urgency have been underlined by inquiries into the 9/11 attacks and the intelligence mistakes prior to the war in Iraq. He appeared earlier today on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING," and says his proposed overhaul is merely a place to begin discussions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-KS), CHMN., INTELLIGENCE CMTE.: This is not written in stone. This didn't come down from Mount Intelligence on a tablet. We've got a lot of brick backs, a lot of criticism. There have been 38 attempts to reform the Intelligence Committee ever since 1949. We have a narrow window of opportunity now to achieve reform. (END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Roberts' proposal ignited a firestorm of criticism yesterday, and failed to get an endorsement from President Bush. That makes it unlikely that such a vast restructuring could be enacted in the month before Congress' adjournment.
Now, this just in. We want to head back to Najaf where we understand according to reports, CNN has confirmed that an aide to Muqtada al Sadr says that he is ready and willing to negotiate a cease-fire, and end the crisis in the holy city. Now, as you recall, this comes just after the defense minister Tuesday, threatened a raid on the mosque there. And we will continue to follow this story. So do stay with us for that.
Well, nearly three years after President Bush made a pledge to rebuild New York, he and his party are set to return. Find out if New Yorkers think the promise was kept.
Does Amber Frey know more than she's telling? Scott Peterson's lawyers raise that question. We'll go live to the courthouse for a live update.
But first, tennis super star Roger Federer joins us to talk about what it's like to be on top of the world.
Stick around.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Going for the gold. The quest resumes in Athens today. Top ranked and Karen Walsh of the American women's volley ball team will have their eyes on first prize, as they battle the Brazilian team for the gold medal.
U.S. wrestler Rulon Gardner is hoping might and muscle will earn him a medal. Garner is on the right here in this picture. And he'll try to move toward a second straight gold a little bit later today.
And the Iraqi soccer team kicked some grass hoping for a win against Paraguay today. A victory in today's event would ensure the country only its second Olympic medal ever. Iraq's first and only medal came back in 1944.
Well, you could call my next guest the golden boy of tennis, awards and accolades abound. Currently ranked No. 1 in the world and winner of this year's Wimbledon and Australia Open, Roger Federer joins me for a look at the U.S. Open, which begins on Monday. And he's going to help kick off the tennis tournament by participating in the Arthur Ashe Kids' Day events. Federer is live in New York.
Thanks for joining us.
ROGER FEDERER, TENNIS PLAYER: Hello, Betty. How are you?
NGUYEN: I'm doing great. More importantly, how are you? You're just 23 years old; you are No. 1 in the world. What's the key to your success?
FEDERER: Oh, you know, that is a long road. I've been praying since I'm three years old. And I never thought I'm going to be that good really. And then, you know, some day I started winning some tournaments. And this year has been incredible for me. You know, I won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, like you said.
Unfortunately, you know, the Olympics didn't go the way I wanted to. But you know, I'm already now in New York preparing for the U.S. Open. And like you said, I'm taking part in the Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.
NGUYEN: And let's talk quickly about the Olympics, because you didn't do quite as well as you would have hoped to. You said that you were suffering from something called mental burnout. Because tennis is not just a physical sport, it's a mental sport as well, isn't it?
FEDERER: Yes, it is. I was maybe a little tired. I didn't play the way I was hoping to. There was very high expectations, you know, from the Swiss people, also from myself. And I really was hoping to actually get back a medal to Switzerland because already in Sydney I finished fourth. So I really wanted to do better this year. But you know, unfortunately it's not the case. So I was very disappointed. But you know, once I get back on the tennis court, you know, I hope I can forget the Olympics.
NGUYEN: So, we're looking forward to this next -- we're looking forward to the U.S. Open, which is on Monday. But on Friday, you're participating in a really fun event. Tell us about that.
FEDERER: Yes. The Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, you know, is on Friday. You know, it's a great thing for, you know, for the kids, for the families, you know. A lot of -- a lot of people come to the grounds at Flushing Meadows. And that's the first time I'm taking part of it, so I'm really looking forward to it. Because when I was a little boy I was always dreaming of maybe hitting some balls, you know, with some super stars. And that's what the kids have the chance to do that on Friday. So I'm looking forward to hit some balls with them.
NGUYEN: Because in their eyes, you are a super star. Who was your idol when you were growing up? Just three starting out playing tennis, that's so young.
FEDERER: My first idol was Boris Becker. And then, you know, some friends of mine told me that isn't Stefan Edberg the more classy guy or the better guy to root for? So I started to like Stefan Edberg. And once they both quit, I started to cheer for Pete Sampras. So -- but then once, you know, I started to cheer for Pete Sampras, I had to face him already in Wimbledon in 2001. So, you know, once I was at that point, I really didn't have an idol anymore, just some favorite players.
NGUYEN: And so as these kids look up to you on Friday, any advice you're going to give them?
FEDERER: Well, depends on their form and their backhand, you know?
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FEDERER: I'm just looking forward just to see totally different styles. You know, every time I hit with juniors, I have no clue how old they are. I have no clue how good they are. But the important is to have fun out there, you know. And just to be able to get the chance to actually speak to them a little bit how they feel about the sport. Because I mean it's definitely my absolute favorite sport, tennis. And I hope I can give that a little bit to the kids.
NGUYEN: Well, you've definitely succeeded at tennis. Roger Federer we appreciate your time today. And best of luck at the U.S. Open.
FEDERER: Thank you very much. Bye-bye.
NGUYEN: We'll show you what more than a foot of rain did to one Texas city. CNN LIVE TODAY is back in a flash.
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NGUYEN: Check this out. Stuck with standing water. A part of Interstate 35 in south Texas is still closed and under water this morning, after a round of heavy rain. Up to 15 inches fell in south Texas, forcing some residents from their homes. Officials say they're not sure when the interstate will reopen. They need some sunshine in that area.
Hey, you may want to duck because the mud is still flying. More independent political ads are on the way from both sides. As the president says, they're bad for the system.
And later, David Crosby and Graham Nash are hot for the new album and here in Atlanta to talk about it.
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