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American Morning
U.S.'s Najaf Strategy; Jackson Trial Update; Olympics Update
Aired August 20, 2004 - 08:00 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.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: A stalemate in Najaf: Iraqi officials issue their demands. Muqtada al-Sadr comes up with one of his own.
A golden moment for an American Olympian: Mary Lou Retton gets company in gymnastics history.
And a push to get New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to step down sooner rather than later. Could a not ready for prime-time player be the man to replace him, on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Bill Hemmer.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.
8:00 here in New York. The second hour here on a Friday edition.
Heidi Collins here along with me.
Have you made your guess yet as to when Soledad is going to make news?
COLLINS: I've got to think about it. I'm thinking about it a little bit harder.
HEMMER: Yes, OK?
COLLINS: I'll give you the date next time.
HEMMER: All right, you have two more hours.
COLLINS: OK.
HEMMER: I've got Sunday, by the way.
COLLINS: OK.
HEMMER: August 22.
COLLINS: That is not far away.
HEMMER: So, we'll -- that's right. Two days and counting.
Back to Iraq. In a moment here, the ongoing stand-off in Najaf. Neither side appears close to resolving the matter. The both have issued their demands. In a moment, we'll hear from a U.S. Army battalion commander on the ground just outside of that city, the city of Najaf in southern Iraq.
COLLINS: And surprise, surprise, we are also going to talk to a man who could be a surprise candidate to replace New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Comedian and former "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" star Joe Piscopo will join us in just a bit. He's going to talk about which party he would run for, and why his wife doesn't even want him in the race.
HEMMER: Also, "Gimmie a Minute" this morning: Senator John Kerry yesterday, strong words against the White House and the president, saying that George Bush is having these other groups do his dirty work. Senator Kerry talking about those controversial ads about Vietnam.
Should the president do something to stop it?
Our panel takes a look at that this morning in "Gimmie a Minute."
COLLINS: Jack Cafferty looking at something else today.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: You know, these commercials are the outgrowth of that campaign finance reform legislation that they put through Congress that limited what the parties themselves could spend and the candidates themselves.
HEMMER: Right.
CAFFERTY: But these special interest groups can run amok and that's what's happening.
Anyway, coming up in "The Cafferty File," we have pictures, perhaps the first time on television, of the hairiest man in the world. He wants to be a rock star.
And a man in Kentucky tells a judge he cannot afford to pay his child support because he spent all his money becoming a woman. He's a real giant of a man.
HEMMER: That's the defense these days, right?
COLLINS: I guess.
CAFFERTY: Actually, not in Kentucky it's not, no.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
Another night of intense fighting again outside of Najaf and in and around that shrine. Radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, his followers still remain defiant at this hour.
Lieutenant Colonel Myles Miyamasu, he's an Army battalion commander, he's based in Najaf.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Colonel, what happened overnight? LT. COL. MYLES MIYAMASU, U.S. ARMY CALVARY DIVISION: Oh, last night we had conducted limited offensive operations against the Mehdi militia located on or around the al-Najaf Imam Ali Shrine complex. This is in support of the 11th MEU's attempt to maintain constant pressure against the militia in hopes of disrupting their operations in the defense of the city.
The operations lasted about 12 hours and concluded some time earlier this morning. We have now started off with a second phase of offensive operations in support of the 11th MEU's objectives.
HEMMER: You mentioned the 11th MEU. That's the Marines. You're with the Army.
How much progress was made between the U.S. and Iraqi forces overnight against the Mehdi Army in Najaf?
MIYAMASU: Right now, the -- we're in the preparation phases of conducting continuous operations against the Mehdi Army. Right now, the Marines and the 1st Calvary Division in support of the Marines are conducting the primary bulk of the operations in shaping future conditions.
We are having -- we do have Iraqi military forces and security forces here and they will be employed shortly upon getting all the conditions for their success.
HEMMER: With the holy shrine being so sensitive to the Shiite population, how does that change your approach and your strategy in this conflict?
MIYAMASU: I think it's been beat into our heads that there are significant cultural and religious sites and traditions here in Iraq that we are very, very sensitive to, to the point where I think in a way it plays on our emotions as we conduct operations against some of the Iraqis or the Mehdi Army near these locations.
Having said that, you know, we're here to defeat the Mehdi militia and we're going to go wherever they go. And we will do everything in our power to limit or ensure that there is no damage to the cultural and religious sites. But our job is to destroy the Mehdi militia.
HEMMER: Colonel, do you know how large that militia is?
MIYAMASU: I really don't. The numbers vacillate widely. I'm sure the 11th MEU could probably give you those numbers. But what I do know is that they are pretty good fighters. But all those that we have faced have all died pretty easily based on our firepower.
So, we have full confidence that we can destroy this force. It's just a function of getting the other conditions in place for us to accomplish that.
HEMMER: Yesterday it was reported that Muqtada al-Sadr's whereabouts are not known. Do you know where he is, or at least an idea as to his whereabouts?
MIYAMASU: I personally do not know. I'm sure that we are continuing efforts to pinpoint his location and if I was him, I'd probably be running, too.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Again, for the U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel Myles Miyamasu, speaking to us just outside of the town of Najaf in southern Iraq -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Here now to discuss the situation in Najaf, Yanya Mahmassani, the Arab League's ambassador to the United Nations.
Mr. Ambassador, thanks for being here and back on AMERICAN MORNING today.
As you well know, the Arab League is calling for the fighting in Najaf to be resolved immediately and peacefully.
How do you do that?
AMB. YANYA MAHMASSANI, LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES: Well, first of all, I think we should call for an immediate cessation and halt for all military operations. This is the primary, actually, objective.
COLLINS: Both Iraqi and U.S.?
MAHMASSANI: Everybody should cease all military operations in the...
COLLINS: How can you do that?
MAHMASSANI: Well, if there is a good will on both sides, I think all what you have to do now, if you stop the fighting, then you can start the process of negotiation and dialogue. And this has actually been taking place for some times, but interrupted by the attacks by the American forces on the Najaf.
COLLINS: But again, how do you first stop the fighting before the negotiation process can begin?
MAHMASSANI: I think both would have to agree on a mechanism whereby they can start negotiations. And that you could use, for example, the National Conference that has attempted in the last few days or the National Council that emerged from the National Conference. And then, they should get a delegation to go.
But before you can do that, you must stop the fighting. This is a primary objective first. Once you stop the fighting, you can do it. You cannot talk while there is fighting. Stop the fighting and then start talking. You know, this is the only way to start the negotiations. COLLINS: Absolutely. But as you know, the Iraqi delegation that went to speak with Muqtada al-Sadr and his militiamen, al-Sadr didn't show. He snubbed them and didn't talk.
How do you get that negotiation process going if he doesn't speak to the delegation?
MAHMASSANI: Well, first of all, what's important is there should be somebody talking from the other side. That's the Sadr's people. And this happened.
Now, they cited security problems, probably because the fighting was going on. So, let's stop the fighting first and ensure that those holy places are not damaged or hit or attacked.
COLLINS: All right, a lot of dissension about whether or not there was fighting going on. Sadr's militiamen say that the fighting was, as you say, too heavy for him to come out and talk. And the U.S. military is saying we held off during that time. We didn't fire a shot and waited for that truth negotiation to take place.
MAHMASSANI: Well, again, I say if you want to stop the fighting, you both sides should stop by saying that now we are going to stop the fighting at a certain time. Once you do that, then can you start the negotiation by sending a delegation from both sides.
Now, whether Sadr himself comes in or somebody else, I don't think this is relevant. What's relevant is that to come to an agreement to stop the fighting and start the process of negotiating which leads -- which will lead eventually to having this problem, the crisis in Najaf, resolved.
COLLINS: OK, as you know, let's say the negotiation happens and one of the requirements has been that al-Sadr come and join the political process.
Is that reasonable? I mean, what will his input be if that should happen?
MAHMASSANI: Well, I think that's up to him and to his people to decide what his input would be. I cannot predict what they want to say.
But I think what's required here is that, first of all, both sides should agree on a certain agenda whereby they both agree that now we are going to have this whole situation resolved by talking to each other, by coming on terms where each one has his own terms. I cannot tell you what are the terms of both the government or the Sadr people.
But the thing is talking is the only way to resolve it. If you don't talk, then you don't resolve this. Iraq cannot be built on blood. The new Iraq cannot be built on destruction, on killing. We've got to stop the fighting and talk first. Unless you do that, this -- we have only a vicious circle. And it will have very great consequences. COLLINS: Ambassador Yanya Mahmassani, thanks so much for your time this morning.
MAHMASSANI: Thank you.
COLLINS: Good to have you back.
MAHMASSANI: Thank you.
COLLINS: Bill -- over to you.
HEMMER: About nine minutes past the hour now.
To Betty Nguyen at the CNN Center, watching the other news, and Campaign 2004 rolls on -- Betty, good morning.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, it does. Good morning to you, Bill.
The group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth is launching another ad questioning Senator John Kerry's military record. That ad comes a day after the senator sharply criticized President Bush and his backers, saying they lied about his military record. Now, a White House spokesman says the president has never questioned Kerry's military service and calls the complaint false and baseless.
We'll have more on the ads and the campaign race in our next hour.
Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols will not appeal his state conviction. Nichols was sentenced in June to life in prison on 161 counts of murder for the 1995 bombing. Nichols says his decision not to appeal would begin a, quote, "long-awaited healing process." Nichols is already serving another life sentence on federal charges.
In Chicago, city officials are threatening to shut down Wrigley Field, citing safety concerns. The city says the Cubs have until noon on Monday to show that the 90-year-old ballpark is safe. Chunks of concrete have fallen from the upper deck in recent months. The inspection order came after a reporter noted during an interview that some repairs to the park appeared, quote, "shoddy."
Now, on to Athens and the Olympic Games, where 16-year-old American gymnast Carly Patterson has made history. An impressive and error-free floor exercise program assured her Olympic gold in the all around competition. No American gymnast has won gold in the women's all around since Mary Lou Retton back in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games.
I know you remember that, Bill. And I have to tell you, a little confession here, I was so excited that Mary Lou won, I wanted to be called Betty Lou. But I've since dropped the Lou, so don't even try it.
HEMMER: Well, are you sure? NGUYEN: I'm sorry, I didn't hear you.
HEMMER: Never too late.
NGUYEN: Oh, no. I'll stick with Betty.
HEMMER: All right.
Thank you, Betty Lou.
NGUYEN: Thanks, Bill.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Doctors restore sight to a blind woman. The key to the operation was found in the patient's tooth. Sanjay has that in a moment here.
COLLINS: Waiting on that one.
Also, a dangerous journey inside the mosque where Iraqi rebels are holed up. We'll have a report from the militant stronghold.
HEMMER: Also, New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey's departure. The question now, who may be the next governor in the Garden State? How about this guy?
Joe Piscopo is our guest in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Police in New York City are getting ready for almost anything during the Republican national convention. A group of people playing the part of chanting demonstrators faced police officers yesterday at a training facility.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says officers are learning to deal with civil disobedience arrests and peaceful marchers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RAYMOND KELLY, NEW YORK CITY POLICE COMMISSIONER: We expect the vast majority of demonstrators who come to New York during the convention to be peaceful and law abiding. Those who break the law will be subject to arrest. But again, we expect that they will constitute a distinct minority and our officers have been trained to respond in a disciplined and effective say.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Kelly says officers will use all of their high tech equipment and the entire police department will be on extended shifts to provide security. The convention runs August 30 through September 2.
HEMMER: Ten short days away. Sixteen minutes past the hour now.
To California and his testimony yesterday in the Michael Jackson matter. From the stepfather on the stand, the stepfather of the boy accusing the pop star of abuse. There are questions today about whether or not his testimony has helped the prosecution or the defense.
Here's Miguel Marquez today in Santa Maria, California.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): John Doe, the stepfather of Michael Jackson's accuser, takes the stand, and questioned by Jackson's lawyer about what he knew about the relationship between private investigator Brad Miller and Jackson's former lawyer, Mark Geragos.
If a relationship can be established, the defense may be able to get potentially crucial evidence tossed out.
STEVE CORBETT, "SANTA MARIA TIMES": And I don't think that they're succeeding the defense in proving that. They're not able to do that as of yet.
MARQUEZ: But John Doe's questioning did reveal his claim that someone from Neverland Ranch called the accuser's mother in the days after the documentary "Living With Michael Jackson" aired, asking that the boy and his family return to Neverland to make a rebuttal video.
Doe said he responded by saying, quote, "What are you offering?" Then, Doe said, the Neverland employee told him that they would offer security, a college education to the boy and his siblings, and a new home for the family.
Doe then said he told the Neverland employee he knew Michael Jackson was going to make millions off the video and that, quote, "his small family was making zero."
CORBETT: There is this insinuation that there is a give-and-take -- you know, we'll give you this in exchange for that.
MARQUEZ: In a setback for the defense, the judge ruled that Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Anderson could release a statement and parts of the attorney general's investigation into whether Michael Jackson was mistreated while in custody.
Jackson made the claims on the CBS program "60 Minutes," but his defense lawyer said Jackson never filed an official complaint, and he was never interviewed for the investigation.
CORBETT: Mesereau stood and made a very strong argument against releasing what he called propaganda by prosecutors.
MARQUEZ (on camera): Jackson's defense also showed video of the search of Neverland Ranch to a judge, trying to prove that the search investigators conducted was broader than the search warrant allowed. Hoping to get more evidence tossed out.
Miguel Marquez, CNN, Santa Maria, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: There was another development in that story yesterday. Jackson released a statement on his Web site approved by the judge in that case. And in part, it reads this: "I personally have suffered through many hurtful lies and references to me as Wacko Jacko, as well as the least untruth about me fathering quadruplets. This is intolerable and must stop. The public depiction of us is not who we are or what we are. We are a loving family."
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, the battle raging in Najaf. We're following the situation and will have the very latest, coming up.
But first, the AMERICAN MORNING Olympic quiz: Gold Olympic medals are made out of what material? The answer and a live report from Athens next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: OK, you've had a minute to think about it now. What are the gold Olympic medals made out of? It's kind of like the question who's buried in Grant's tomb. But believe it or not, the answer gold medals are made mostly of silver. Yes, silver.
Until 1912, they were made entirely of gold. But now, regulations state that they be made of 92.5 percent silver, only six grams of gold.
HEMMER: Jack knew that.
COLLINS: I love it so very much.
CAFFERTY: I thought they were made of camembert. I mean what -- who cares?
COLLINS: Camembert?
CAFFERTY: We're not doing this right now.
COLLINS: We're going to do a little bit more Olympics, real quick. Real quick.
Team USA just keeps on adding to its growing pot of Olympic gold -- or, I guess we should say silver now. And this morning, America has a new Olympic sweetheart.
Mark McKay -- it's not Mark, but we do love you -- Mark.
He has an update now live from Athens.
I think that sweetheart is a girl by the name of Carly, huh? MARK MCKAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, she sure is. That's right, Heidi. Day seven of these games done, with the United States atop the overall medal count, responsible for one of the 14 gold medals and 35 overall for Team USA was a spry 16-year-old named Carly Patterson.
Yes, she put on quite a show, one that was simply golden, Thursday night in the all-around competition, up against one of the most talked about athletes here at the Summer Games, 25-year-old Svetlana Khorkina. Patterson said she knew when she was finished with her floor exercise that the gold was hers.
Silver went to the Russian. Patterson is the first U.S. woman to win the all-around crown since Mary Lou Retton back in 1984.
Michael Phelps takes yet another dip in what has become his favorite swimming pool. The American, who won his fourth gold medal here in Athens Thursday in the 200-meter individual medley, is the favored swimmer tonight in the 100-meter butterfly. Now, if Phelps, indeed, stands on the podium as expected, it would be for the seventh time at these games. The all time record for medals won at a single Olympics is eight.
Phelps's U.S. swimmate, Aaron Piersol, overcame controversy to win gold Thursday in the 200-meter back stroke. Piersol faced a protest by two other teams that had contended that he made an illegal turn on the last lap. The American appealed and was successful.
Natalie Coughlin's first Olympics can be called a success. The native of California took the bronze medal Thursday in the 100-meter freestyle. Coughlin has four medals here: two golds, a silver and now a bronze.
Heidi, she might pick up one more -- let's hope it's gold -- in the 4 x 100-meter medley relay. She races with a relay team. That race is coming up tomorrow.
COLLINS: Yes, I love her a lot.
Hey, you know, Mark, a great story with the women's softball team, too.
What's happening there now? Have you got some results?
MCKAY: How about another shutout? Ho-hum. But it's in favor of the United States, Heidi. 3-0 against Taiwan. This team is just wracking up the victories. Seventh straight shutout here at the games. Their 77th straight overall. Next comes Australia in the semifinals this weekend.
COLLINS: Boy, that doesn't ever get dull, does it?
All right, Mark McKay, thanks so much, live from Athens this morning.
HEMMER: Seven games, zero runs.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: I think they should call it now, right?
COLLINS: Right. Yes.
HEMMER: What's happening, Jack?
Good morning.
CAFFERTY: Senator Kennedy tried to get on a plane that he's been riding for 25 years that runs between Boston and Washington and he was stopped at the gate and told he would not be allowed to board. When he tried to get back on the return flight, he was told the same thing. It happened three times.
Apparently, he was singled out for some sort of security reason that was unbeknownst to him or anybody else. It took the Homeland Security Department and Tom Ridge to get involved. They finally got it all sorted out.
So, we thought we'd have some fun on a Friday: Who should be on the government's no-fly list?
"I think the ultimate irony would be to have George Bush on the no-fly list, see him stranded at the airport in his flight suit." That's from Anthony in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Donna writes from Benjamin, California: "Karl Rove, Sanctus Santorum and Hissy Fit Hastert. That would keep the country safe for a few hours."
Michael in Huron, South Dakota: "Let Kennedy fly, but make him pay for two seats." That's cruel.
And number two from Michael: "Donald Trump should not be allowed to fly unless his hair is searched."
And Richard writes from Ontario: "Michael Jackson should be put on the U.S. government's no-fly list." And if you'll notice, "no-fly" is in quotation marks. Then he says: "Need I say more?" No, Richard, you don't have to say any more. We got it.
The scorecard -- the number of days since the 9/11 Commission issued its report recommending ways to protect this country against terrorism, 29. The number of recommendations adopted by your Congress, zero. Congress is on vacation this month.
Originally, they said we can't do that until next year. And everybody screamed loud enough. Now, they're having some kind of hearings, which is not what we need, more hearings. It's time to do something. But nothing's happened so far. We'll keep you posted.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
CAFFERTY: Yes. HEMMER: In a moment here, a week after New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey's bombshell at that news conference. Should he leave office now? We'll check in on that debate. "Gimmie a Minute," our panel on a Friday morning, all lined up and ready to go, after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired August 20, 2004 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: A stalemate in Najaf: Iraqi officials issue their demands. Muqtada al-Sadr comes up with one of his own.
A golden moment for an American Olympian: Mary Lou Retton gets company in gymnastics history.
And a push to get New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to step down sooner rather than later. Could a not ready for prime-time player be the man to replace him, on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien and Bill Hemmer.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.
8:00 here in New York. The second hour here on a Friday edition.
Heidi Collins here along with me.
Have you made your guess yet as to when Soledad is going to make news?
COLLINS: I've got to think about it. I'm thinking about it a little bit harder.
HEMMER: Yes, OK?
COLLINS: I'll give you the date next time.
HEMMER: All right, you have two more hours.
COLLINS: OK.
HEMMER: I've got Sunday, by the way.
COLLINS: OK.
HEMMER: August 22.
COLLINS: That is not far away.
HEMMER: So, we'll -- that's right. Two days and counting.
Back to Iraq. In a moment here, the ongoing stand-off in Najaf. Neither side appears close to resolving the matter. The both have issued their demands. In a moment, we'll hear from a U.S. Army battalion commander on the ground just outside of that city, the city of Najaf in southern Iraq.
COLLINS: And surprise, surprise, we are also going to talk to a man who could be a surprise candidate to replace New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Comedian and former "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" star Joe Piscopo will join us in just a bit. He's going to talk about which party he would run for, and why his wife doesn't even want him in the race.
HEMMER: Also, "Gimmie a Minute" this morning: Senator John Kerry yesterday, strong words against the White House and the president, saying that George Bush is having these other groups do his dirty work. Senator Kerry talking about those controversial ads about Vietnam.
Should the president do something to stop it?
Our panel takes a look at that this morning in "Gimmie a Minute."
COLLINS: Jack Cafferty looking at something else today.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: You know, these commercials are the outgrowth of that campaign finance reform legislation that they put through Congress that limited what the parties themselves could spend and the candidates themselves.
HEMMER: Right.
CAFFERTY: But these special interest groups can run amok and that's what's happening.
Anyway, coming up in "The Cafferty File," we have pictures, perhaps the first time on television, of the hairiest man in the world. He wants to be a rock star.
And a man in Kentucky tells a judge he cannot afford to pay his child support because he spent all his money becoming a woman. He's a real giant of a man.
HEMMER: That's the defense these days, right?
COLLINS: I guess.
CAFFERTY: Actually, not in Kentucky it's not, no.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
Another night of intense fighting again outside of Najaf and in and around that shrine. Radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, his followers still remain defiant at this hour.
Lieutenant Colonel Myles Miyamasu, he's an Army battalion commander, he's based in Najaf.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Colonel, what happened overnight? LT. COL. MYLES MIYAMASU, U.S. ARMY CALVARY DIVISION: Oh, last night we had conducted limited offensive operations against the Mehdi militia located on or around the al-Najaf Imam Ali Shrine complex. This is in support of the 11th MEU's attempt to maintain constant pressure against the militia in hopes of disrupting their operations in the defense of the city.
The operations lasted about 12 hours and concluded some time earlier this morning. We have now started off with a second phase of offensive operations in support of the 11th MEU's objectives.
HEMMER: You mentioned the 11th MEU. That's the Marines. You're with the Army.
How much progress was made between the U.S. and Iraqi forces overnight against the Mehdi Army in Najaf?
MIYAMASU: Right now, the -- we're in the preparation phases of conducting continuous operations against the Mehdi Army. Right now, the Marines and the 1st Calvary Division in support of the Marines are conducting the primary bulk of the operations in shaping future conditions.
We are having -- we do have Iraqi military forces and security forces here and they will be employed shortly upon getting all the conditions for their success.
HEMMER: With the holy shrine being so sensitive to the Shiite population, how does that change your approach and your strategy in this conflict?
MIYAMASU: I think it's been beat into our heads that there are significant cultural and religious sites and traditions here in Iraq that we are very, very sensitive to, to the point where I think in a way it plays on our emotions as we conduct operations against some of the Iraqis or the Mehdi Army near these locations.
Having said that, you know, we're here to defeat the Mehdi militia and we're going to go wherever they go. And we will do everything in our power to limit or ensure that there is no damage to the cultural and religious sites. But our job is to destroy the Mehdi militia.
HEMMER: Colonel, do you know how large that militia is?
MIYAMASU: I really don't. The numbers vacillate widely. I'm sure the 11th MEU could probably give you those numbers. But what I do know is that they are pretty good fighters. But all those that we have faced have all died pretty easily based on our firepower.
So, we have full confidence that we can destroy this force. It's just a function of getting the other conditions in place for us to accomplish that.
HEMMER: Yesterday it was reported that Muqtada al-Sadr's whereabouts are not known. Do you know where he is, or at least an idea as to his whereabouts?
MIYAMASU: I personally do not know. I'm sure that we are continuing efforts to pinpoint his location and if I was him, I'd probably be running, too.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Again, for the U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel Myles Miyamasu, speaking to us just outside of the town of Najaf in southern Iraq -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Here now to discuss the situation in Najaf, Yanya Mahmassani, the Arab League's ambassador to the United Nations.
Mr. Ambassador, thanks for being here and back on AMERICAN MORNING today.
As you well know, the Arab League is calling for the fighting in Najaf to be resolved immediately and peacefully.
How do you do that?
AMB. YANYA MAHMASSANI, LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES: Well, first of all, I think we should call for an immediate cessation and halt for all military operations. This is the primary, actually, objective.
COLLINS: Both Iraqi and U.S.?
MAHMASSANI: Everybody should cease all military operations in the...
COLLINS: How can you do that?
MAHMASSANI: Well, if there is a good will on both sides, I think all what you have to do now, if you stop the fighting, then you can start the process of negotiation and dialogue. And this has actually been taking place for some times, but interrupted by the attacks by the American forces on the Najaf.
COLLINS: But again, how do you first stop the fighting before the negotiation process can begin?
MAHMASSANI: I think both would have to agree on a mechanism whereby they can start negotiations. And that you could use, for example, the National Conference that has attempted in the last few days or the National Council that emerged from the National Conference. And then, they should get a delegation to go.
But before you can do that, you must stop the fighting. This is a primary objective first. Once you stop the fighting, you can do it. You cannot talk while there is fighting. Stop the fighting and then start talking. You know, this is the only way to start the negotiations. COLLINS: Absolutely. But as you know, the Iraqi delegation that went to speak with Muqtada al-Sadr and his militiamen, al-Sadr didn't show. He snubbed them and didn't talk.
How do you get that negotiation process going if he doesn't speak to the delegation?
MAHMASSANI: Well, first of all, what's important is there should be somebody talking from the other side. That's the Sadr's people. And this happened.
Now, they cited security problems, probably because the fighting was going on. So, let's stop the fighting first and ensure that those holy places are not damaged or hit or attacked.
COLLINS: All right, a lot of dissension about whether or not there was fighting going on. Sadr's militiamen say that the fighting was, as you say, too heavy for him to come out and talk. And the U.S. military is saying we held off during that time. We didn't fire a shot and waited for that truth negotiation to take place.
MAHMASSANI: Well, again, I say if you want to stop the fighting, you both sides should stop by saying that now we are going to stop the fighting at a certain time. Once you do that, then can you start the negotiation by sending a delegation from both sides.
Now, whether Sadr himself comes in or somebody else, I don't think this is relevant. What's relevant is that to come to an agreement to stop the fighting and start the process of negotiating which leads -- which will lead eventually to having this problem, the crisis in Najaf, resolved.
COLLINS: OK, as you know, let's say the negotiation happens and one of the requirements has been that al-Sadr come and join the political process.
Is that reasonable? I mean, what will his input be if that should happen?
MAHMASSANI: Well, I think that's up to him and to his people to decide what his input would be. I cannot predict what they want to say.
But I think what's required here is that, first of all, both sides should agree on a certain agenda whereby they both agree that now we are going to have this whole situation resolved by talking to each other, by coming on terms where each one has his own terms. I cannot tell you what are the terms of both the government or the Sadr people.
But the thing is talking is the only way to resolve it. If you don't talk, then you don't resolve this. Iraq cannot be built on blood. The new Iraq cannot be built on destruction, on killing. We've got to stop the fighting and talk first. Unless you do that, this -- we have only a vicious circle. And it will have very great consequences. COLLINS: Ambassador Yanya Mahmassani, thanks so much for your time this morning.
MAHMASSANI: Thank you.
COLLINS: Good to have you back.
MAHMASSANI: Thank you.
COLLINS: Bill -- over to you.
HEMMER: About nine minutes past the hour now.
To Betty Nguyen at the CNN Center, watching the other news, and Campaign 2004 rolls on -- Betty, good morning.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, it does. Good morning to you, Bill.
The group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth is launching another ad questioning Senator John Kerry's military record. That ad comes a day after the senator sharply criticized President Bush and his backers, saying they lied about his military record. Now, a White House spokesman says the president has never questioned Kerry's military service and calls the complaint false and baseless.
We'll have more on the ads and the campaign race in our next hour.
Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols will not appeal his state conviction. Nichols was sentenced in June to life in prison on 161 counts of murder for the 1995 bombing. Nichols says his decision not to appeal would begin a, quote, "long-awaited healing process." Nichols is already serving another life sentence on federal charges.
In Chicago, city officials are threatening to shut down Wrigley Field, citing safety concerns. The city says the Cubs have until noon on Monday to show that the 90-year-old ballpark is safe. Chunks of concrete have fallen from the upper deck in recent months. The inspection order came after a reporter noted during an interview that some repairs to the park appeared, quote, "shoddy."
Now, on to Athens and the Olympic Games, where 16-year-old American gymnast Carly Patterson has made history. An impressive and error-free floor exercise program assured her Olympic gold in the all around competition. No American gymnast has won gold in the women's all around since Mary Lou Retton back in 1984 at the Los Angeles Games.
I know you remember that, Bill. And I have to tell you, a little confession here, I was so excited that Mary Lou won, I wanted to be called Betty Lou. But I've since dropped the Lou, so don't even try it.
HEMMER: Well, are you sure? NGUYEN: I'm sorry, I didn't hear you.
HEMMER: Never too late.
NGUYEN: Oh, no. I'll stick with Betty.
HEMMER: All right.
Thank you, Betty Lou.
NGUYEN: Thanks, Bill.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Doctors restore sight to a blind woman. The key to the operation was found in the patient's tooth. Sanjay has that in a moment here.
COLLINS: Waiting on that one.
Also, a dangerous journey inside the mosque where Iraqi rebels are holed up. We'll have a report from the militant stronghold.
HEMMER: Also, New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey's departure. The question now, who may be the next governor in the Garden State? How about this guy?
Joe Piscopo is our guest in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Police in New York City are getting ready for almost anything during the Republican national convention. A group of people playing the part of chanting demonstrators faced police officers yesterday at a training facility.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says officers are learning to deal with civil disobedience arrests and peaceful marchers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RAYMOND KELLY, NEW YORK CITY POLICE COMMISSIONER: We expect the vast majority of demonstrators who come to New York during the convention to be peaceful and law abiding. Those who break the law will be subject to arrest. But again, we expect that they will constitute a distinct minority and our officers have been trained to respond in a disciplined and effective say.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COLLINS: Kelly says officers will use all of their high tech equipment and the entire police department will be on extended shifts to provide security. The convention runs August 30 through September 2.
HEMMER: Ten short days away. Sixteen minutes past the hour now.
To California and his testimony yesterday in the Michael Jackson matter. From the stepfather on the stand, the stepfather of the boy accusing the pop star of abuse. There are questions today about whether or not his testimony has helped the prosecution or the defense.
Here's Miguel Marquez today in Santa Maria, California.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): John Doe, the stepfather of Michael Jackson's accuser, takes the stand, and questioned by Jackson's lawyer about what he knew about the relationship between private investigator Brad Miller and Jackson's former lawyer, Mark Geragos.
If a relationship can be established, the defense may be able to get potentially crucial evidence tossed out.
STEVE CORBETT, "SANTA MARIA TIMES": And I don't think that they're succeeding the defense in proving that. They're not able to do that as of yet.
MARQUEZ: But John Doe's questioning did reveal his claim that someone from Neverland Ranch called the accuser's mother in the days after the documentary "Living With Michael Jackson" aired, asking that the boy and his family return to Neverland to make a rebuttal video.
Doe said he responded by saying, quote, "What are you offering?" Then, Doe said, the Neverland employee told him that they would offer security, a college education to the boy and his siblings, and a new home for the family.
Doe then said he told the Neverland employee he knew Michael Jackson was going to make millions off the video and that, quote, "his small family was making zero."
CORBETT: There is this insinuation that there is a give-and-take -- you know, we'll give you this in exchange for that.
MARQUEZ: In a setback for the defense, the judge ruled that Santa Barbara County Sheriff Jim Anderson could release a statement and parts of the attorney general's investigation into whether Michael Jackson was mistreated while in custody.
Jackson made the claims on the CBS program "60 Minutes," but his defense lawyer said Jackson never filed an official complaint, and he was never interviewed for the investigation.
CORBETT: Mesereau stood and made a very strong argument against releasing what he called propaganda by prosecutors.
MARQUEZ (on camera): Jackson's defense also showed video of the search of Neverland Ranch to a judge, trying to prove that the search investigators conducted was broader than the search warrant allowed. Hoping to get more evidence tossed out.
Miguel Marquez, CNN, Santa Maria, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: There was another development in that story yesterday. Jackson released a statement on his Web site approved by the judge in that case. And in part, it reads this: "I personally have suffered through many hurtful lies and references to me as Wacko Jacko, as well as the least untruth about me fathering quadruplets. This is intolerable and must stop. The public depiction of us is not who we are or what we are. We are a loving family."
COLLINS: Still to come this morning, the battle raging in Najaf. We're following the situation and will have the very latest, coming up.
But first, the AMERICAN MORNING Olympic quiz: Gold Olympic medals are made out of what material? The answer and a live report from Athens next on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: OK, you've had a minute to think about it now. What are the gold Olympic medals made out of? It's kind of like the question who's buried in Grant's tomb. But believe it or not, the answer gold medals are made mostly of silver. Yes, silver.
Until 1912, they were made entirely of gold. But now, regulations state that they be made of 92.5 percent silver, only six grams of gold.
HEMMER: Jack knew that.
COLLINS: I love it so very much.
CAFFERTY: I thought they were made of camembert. I mean what -- who cares?
COLLINS: Camembert?
CAFFERTY: We're not doing this right now.
COLLINS: We're going to do a little bit more Olympics, real quick. Real quick.
Team USA just keeps on adding to its growing pot of Olympic gold -- or, I guess we should say silver now. And this morning, America has a new Olympic sweetheart.
Mark McKay -- it's not Mark, but we do love you -- Mark.
He has an update now live from Athens.
I think that sweetheart is a girl by the name of Carly, huh? MARK MCKAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, she sure is. That's right, Heidi. Day seven of these games done, with the United States atop the overall medal count, responsible for one of the 14 gold medals and 35 overall for Team USA was a spry 16-year-old named Carly Patterson.
Yes, she put on quite a show, one that was simply golden, Thursday night in the all-around competition, up against one of the most talked about athletes here at the Summer Games, 25-year-old Svetlana Khorkina. Patterson said she knew when she was finished with her floor exercise that the gold was hers.
Silver went to the Russian. Patterson is the first U.S. woman to win the all-around crown since Mary Lou Retton back in 1984.
Michael Phelps takes yet another dip in what has become his favorite swimming pool. The American, who won his fourth gold medal here in Athens Thursday in the 200-meter individual medley, is the favored swimmer tonight in the 100-meter butterfly. Now, if Phelps, indeed, stands on the podium as expected, it would be for the seventh time at these games. The all time record for medals won at a single Olympics is eight.
Phelps's U.S. swimmate, Aaron Piersol, overcame controversy to win gold Thursday in the 200-meter back stroke. Piersol faced a protest by two other teams that had contended that he made an illegal turn on the last lap. The American appealed and was successful.
Natalie Coughlin's first Olympics can be called a success. The native of California took the bronze medal Thursday in the 100-meter freestyle. Coughlin has four medals here: two golds, a silver and now a bronze.
Heidi, she might pick up one more -- let's hope it's gold -- in the 4 x 100-meter medley relay. She races with a relay team. That race is coming up tomorrow.
COLLINS: Yes, I love her a lot.
Hey, you know, Mark, a great story with the women's softball team, too.
What's happening there now? Have you got some results?
MCKAY: How about another shutout? Ho-hum. But it's in favor of the United States, Heidi. 3-0 against Taiwan. This team is just wracking up the victories. Seventh straight shutout here at the games. Their 77th straight overall. Next comes Australia in the semifinals this weekend.
COLLINS: Boy, that doesn't ever get dull, does it?
All right, Mark McKay, thanks so much, live from Athens this morning.
HEMMER: Seven games, zero runs.
COLLINS: Yes.
HEMMER: I think they should call it now, right?
COLLINS: Right. Yes.
HEMMER: What's happening, Jack?
Good morning.
CAFFERTY: Senator Kennedy tried to get on a plane that he's been riding for 25 years that runs between Boston and Washington and he was stopped at the gate and told he would not be allowed to board. When he tried to get back on the return flight, he was told the same thing. It happened three times.
Apparently, he was singled out for some sort of security reason that was unbeknownst to him or anybody else. It took the Homeland Security Department and Tom Ridge to get involved. They finally got it all sorted out.
So, we thought we'd have some fun on a Friday: Who should be on the government's no-fly list?
"I think the ultimate irony would be to have George Bush on the no-fly list, see him stranded at the airport in his flight suit." That's from Anthony in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Donna writes from Benjamin, California: "Karl Rove, Sanctus Santorum and Hissy Fit Hastert. That would keep the country safe for a few hours."
Michael in Huron, South Dakota: "Let Kennedy fly, but make him pay for two seats." That's cruel.
And number two from Michael: "Donald Trump should not be allowed to fly unless his hair is searched."
And Richard writes from Ontario: "Michael Jackson should be put on the U.S. government's no-fly list." And if you'll notice, "no-fly" is in quotation marks. Then he says: "Need I say more?" No, Richard, you don't have to say any more. We got it.
The scorecard -- the number of days since the 9/11 Commission issued its report recommending ways to protect this country against terrorism, 29. The number of recommendations adopted by your Congress, zero. Congress is on vacation this month.
Originally, they said we can't do that until next year. And everybody screamed loud enough. Now, they're having some kind of hearings, which is not what we need, more hearings. It's time to do something. But nothing's happened so far. We'll keep you posted.
HEMMER: Thank you, Jack.
CAFFERTY: Yes. HEMMER: In a moment here, a week after New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey's bombshell at that news conference. Should he leave office now? We'll check in on that debate. "Gimmie a Minute," our panel on a Friday morning, all lined up and ready to go, after the break.
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