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CNN Sunday Morning

Arlene Fizzles; Afleet Alex Wins Belmont Stakes

Aired June 12, 2005 - 09:00   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: As you can see, underwater in many ways, but thankfully underwhelmed. It left a super soaked south, but the first tropical storm of the season isn't one to remember, which is good news, especially after last year.
Welcome back. It is Sunday June 12th. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN ANCHOR: And you're not supposed to play in the surf like that when there's a storm coming.

NGUYEN: Or the camera either. (INAUDIBLE) to get away from the water would you.

MARCIANO: I'm Rob Marciano in for Tony Harris. Thanks for joining us today.

In Aruba a judge has ordered that the three youngest people held in the case of Natalie Holloway remain jailed. Publicly there's no new information on what happened to the Alabama teen, who vanished nearly two weeks ago, and there are conflicting reports on whether there's been a confession of some kind.

Five people are held in the case, but no one has been charged.

The U.S. Marines say air strikes have killed about 40 insurgents in western Baghdad. The air offensive was in support of a ground battle with heavily armed insurgents. There are no reports of civilian or U.S. casualties.

And a newly obtained memo reveals British concerns about the Iraq war eight months before the first shot was fired. The Washington Post says aides warned British Prime Minister Tony Blair that the Bush administration had not adequately prepared for a post war occupation.

Keeping you informed, CNN the most trusted name in news.

NGUYEN: Here's what we've got coming up for you this morning. The arrival of Arlene, lots of bluster but very little muscle. On this morning after the breeze you feel may be the collective sigh of relief.

A life changed in the war zone. A Soldier's Story on returning home and the new battle that lies ahead.

And if beauty is skin deep what about those dreaded dimples of cellulite, yuk. A skin expert though promises a smooth transition to swim suit season

MARCIANO: Well, the Gulf Coast still bears the scars of last summer's brutal hurricane season, so it's no surprise that Arlene made people there a little bit nervous.

Things started out OK for the most part. The blustery storm packed heavy rains and 20 food waves as it hit the Gulf Coast. In fact, the debris you see here is from last fall's Hurricane Ivan. The damage from Arlene is described as minimal. The tropical storm failed to muster hurricane strength before rolling ashore. In fact, Susan Candiotti says there have been virtually no reports of flooding or wind damage. Here's her report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Arlene fizzled, and that was just fine with Gulf Coast residence.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It will be a great eye opener for us to wake us up for the season, get prepared and get those medical kits and the first aid equipment in the houses, get that bottled of water stored up.

CANDIOTTI: But when word came that the hurricane seasons first named storm was heading towards Pensacola, Florida an understandable reaction.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go again.

CANDIOTTI: No one thought Arlene would come close to matching last September's Hurricane Ivan. Yet the surf looked menacing pounding beaches and blasting sand. Waves crashed up and over piers along the Gulf Coast.

Along Pensacola Beach a steady flow of residents and tourists spent most of the day watching Arlene blow onto shore. The Waylands brought their daughters.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They were too young when Ivan came through, so we just wanted them to play and have some fun, get out of the house for a little bit.

CANDIOTTI: Arlene made some anxious that hurricane season was officially underway.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Can't handle another Ivan. That was too much to take in one season, and to follow it up with another one next season - this season, they can't do it. We've got too much damage, too much loss and it would really tear Pensacola apart.

CANDIOTTI: But tropical storm Arlene barely made an impact. No more than about three inches of rain, virtually no damage from wind or flooding, and the storm surge that fortunately didn't live up to forecasts.

(on camera): As one area official put it, "Arlene goes to show that even though we were hit by a serious storm, Ivan, last fall it's never too early to be in the path of another serious storm even this early in the hurricane season."

Susan Candiotti, CNN Pensacola, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARCIANO: Boy, it is early only June -- the middle of June barely. And last year we didn't get started until August. So...

NGUYEN: And boy did it come with some power when it did get started.

MARCIANO: It certainly did. Let's see why Bonnie has to say.

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right.

NGUYEN: Good morning, Bonnie. Welcome to the team.

SCHNEIDER: Thank you so much. Thank you. You're right, we're getting an early start to this hurricane season.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Bonnie mentioned the fact that there's been other threats weather wise. Look at this video. Big time damage from Wisconsin, but the threat came not from the sea but the sky. A tornado ripped through this village yesterday in Hammond about 35 miles east of St. Paul, Minnesota, about two dozen homes were hit. Officials say the damage will total about $3.5 million. Luckily though no reports of injuries.

NGUYEN: Now to Aruba. Amid a family's anguish there are few absolutes to end their anxiety. In the search for Natalie Holloway we were first told there was a confession about her disappearance. Well, now that seems unclear. We do know that five men are still being held. For what and why well, that's still a mystery. For more now here's CNN's Karl Penhaul.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): An Aruba judge has ordered three suspects to be detained for eight more days while police investigate their alleged links to the disappearance of Natalie Holloway.

Investigators brought the three in unmarked cars to the courtroom in Aruba's capital Oranjestad. They've been named as 17 year old Joran Van Der Sloot and brothers, 21 year old Deepak and 18 hear old Satish Kalpoe. Witnesses say they saw the three men drive off from a bar with Natalie on the morning of May 30th, the day she disappeared.

A senior police official has told CNN there's been a breakthrough in the investigation amounting to a confession or some sort of confession. But defense attorneys for the three suspects had this to say. DAVID KOCK, KALPOE BROTHERS ATTORNEY: My client states -- keeps on saying that he is not guilty, and he hasn't -- he is not the one that have been reading in the press that have confessed or something. Up to now that I know nobody has.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My client is maintaining that he is innocent.

PENHAUL: Earlier in the day Aruba's prosecution service had this to say about the progress of the investigation.

VIVIAN VAN DER BIEZEN, PROSECUTOR'S SPOKESWOMAN: The prosecution service has -- is aware of some information that are related to the investigation of alleged statements of witnesses, sorry, suspects in this case. But what the prosecution service would like to state is that at this moment we neither confirm or deny any information coming from other sources.

The investigation, at this point, is the following: We have five suspects. They are being interrogated, and we are at a very crucial, very important moment in our investigation.

PENHAUL: Two other men, both security guards, were arrested a week ago. They're still being held. One of those men's defense attorney said his client has an alibi and appeals for him to be freed.

CHRIS LEJUEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: They know now for sure that they don't need him anytime to solve this case and yet they still keep him and this is injustice to an innocent man.

PENHAUL: Amid the cut and thrust of the investigation and legal arguments, one fact is clear, there's still no sign of Natalie or her remains.

Karl Penhaul, CNN Palm Beach, Aruba.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARCIANO: To some he's determined, to others disgruntled, but any way you see it DNC Chairman Howard Dean says he's tired of lying down to Republican attacks and won't take them any more.

Yesterday in Washington Dean told Democrats he'll fight political foes and told members they need to stand up for what they believe in.

In New York flags and flowers, prayers and praise. One of the last firefighters identified as being killed in the 911 attack on the World Trade Center was laid to rest in New York City yesterday. A band playing Amazing Grace serenaded Keith Lloyd Maynard. At 30 years old he followed his father's footsteps into fire fighting. Three hundred forty three New York fire fighters were killed on September 11th.

Mike Tyson is down and he says he's out. After losing a match to underdog Kevin McBride yesterday, Tyson said he doesn't have the stomach for boxing anymore. After head butting his opponent, typical, Tyson quit in the sixth round, and it's his third loss in the last four fights.

And his jockey calls him the best. He's only three years old. In New York yesterday Afleet Alex rolled to a seven length victory in the Belmont Stakes, but it was all in stride. No stumbles as the colt broke the reigning Belmont record. Alex finished in just two minutes and twenty eight seconds.

NGUYEN: Every Sunday we give you a heads up on what's going on for the week ahead. So let's fast forward through some of the stories CNN will be covering in the days to come.

On Tuesday the Senate begins work on a bill aimed at revamping the nation's energy policy. The measure calls for a doubling of ethanol in gasoline which makes it burn clean. It would also increase research into the use of hydrogen as fuel.

The Senate's top Republican, Bill Frist, says he believes the Senate will vote sometime over the next week on the controversial nomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. But Democrats say they think they have enough support to block that nomination.

And Thursday at North Carolina's Pinehurst Resort, Retief Goosen defends his 2004 U.S. Open title, but he'll have to work for it. Going up against the likes of Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson. I didn't see your name in there, Rob.

MARCIANO: No. I doubt they're going to invite me to that one.

NGUYEN: After a little practice maybe one day, right? A lot of practice.

MARCIANO: I still doubt that. Either way U.S. Open is always fun to watch.

NGUYEN: Oh, yes.

MARCIANO: New this morning, terror attacks on the tracks. A bomb explodes just in front of a computer train in Moscow. More on this when we go global, up next.

NGUYEN: Plus if you have it ladies you are not alone. We are talking about cellulite later this morning, but not how to hide it, how to get rid of it forever.

MARCIANO: And good morning, Tampa. The sun is shining there. Arlene is all gone. The Gulf is much more quiet today. We're going to have a complete forecast in just a couple of minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Checking our top stories right now. The British reportedly had doubts about the U.S. preparations for the Iraqi war eight months before the actual invasion.

The "Washington Post" says it's obtained a staff paper prepared for British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Now the memo concluded the U.S. gave little thought to a post war occupation or the possibility of nation building.

Conflicting reports out of Aruba on whether there's been a confession of some kind in the disappearance of Natalie Holloway. The Alabama teen has been missing for nearly two weeks now. Three young men detained earlier this week will be kept for several more days as police do more investigating.

And tropical storm Arlene is now a tropical depression. It blew ashore on the Gulf Coast yesterday carrying 60 mile an hour winds and a lot of rain, but it caused little damage.

MARCIANO: A roadside bomb in Iraq took away her leg, but it didn't take away her will. Coming up a Soldier's Story of survival and recovery.

Right now a check on some of the stories making international news this morning.

NGUYEN: More carnage in Iraq. Twenty bodies are found, and a French hostage and her assistant are released. For those details let's turn it now to Anand Naidoo at the CNN international desk.

Good morning, Anon.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning from me and thanks. First up this morning the third round of the Lebanese parliamentary elections. Nearly half the seats in parliament are up for grabs in this part of the election, and the outcome could well determine the political future of the country.

We are hoping to get a report on that from Beirut. Well, we have Brent Sadler on the line right now.

Brent, we are hearing, as I've just said, that these elections are extremely important or rather this round of the election is extremely important. Could you tell us why?

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Anand, they are crucial indeed this third round of voting in Lebanon because they're trying to -- the political opposition here trying to wrest control of the Lebanese parliament of pro Syrian allies that effectively, for the last 15 years, have been ruling the roost here really enacting Syria's writ over Lebanese internal affairs.

You remember that in April, at the end of April, Syria withdrew its forces from Lebanon enabling what President George W. Bush said should be a free and fair election. Well, guess what? Since then the U.S. is now alleging, backing opposition claims that the Syrians have somehow infiltrated intelligence agents back in Lebanon once again interfering with the political process here and backing up opposition claims that Syria has a hit list to eliminate leading Lebanese politicians, so really casting a shadow of potential violence over this electoral process, an electoral process that follows for the first time the so-called cedar revolution when many Lebanese were hoping that after Syria pulled its troops out the Lebanese would be left to govern themselves -- Anand.

NAIDOO: All right. Thank you. Ben Sadler there in Beirut.

Now to Iraq and a grizzly discovery south of Baghdad. Police have found the bodies of 20 men showing signs of torture. All had been shot and were buried. Some of the bodies were partially decomposed, but it's unclear when they were killed. They were found in a town called Nairowen (ph). It's a mixed neighborhood of Shiites and Sunnis. It's about 16 miles south of Baghdad.

Meanwhile CNN has confirmed that a journalist, a French journalist and her interpreter held in Iraq for five months have been released. French foreign ministry officials say Florence Aubenas is heading back home. She works for "Liberation" -- a Paris daily. Aubenas and her assistant were taken hostage January 5th after leaving a Baghdad hotel.

French President Jacques Chirac says she's healthy, and the French foreign ministers is on his way to Cypress to meet Aubenas and thereafter, they're both expected to fly to Paris after that stop over.

That's all from me for now. Back to Rob and Betty.

MARCIANO: Thanks, Anand.

NGUYEN: Well, she fought on the battlefield and then learned important lessons on how to fight back in life. Coming up one Soldier's Story of a remarkable comeback.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARCIANO: For our next guest it's been the best of times and the worst of times. Army Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell went to Iraq last year. At times her husband was by her side. But after a sudden blast of a roadside bomb Melissa woke up to some sad reality. Her left leg had been amputated. She's recovering now and starting tomorrow she'll start helping other amputees recover.

Melissa is in Minneapolis this morning to tell us more. Good morning, Melissa.

MELISSA STOCKWELL, FMR. LT. US. ARMY: Good morning.

MARCIANO: We're going to get to what your new mission is in life, but I'd like for you to describe for us what exactly happened over in Iraq.

STOCKWELL: I was a transportation officer which basically entails moving a certain number of trucks from point A to point B with supplies and we were on a routine convoy through central Baghdad, and I was in a Humvee behind the driver and it was an unarmored Humvee, it had no doors and we went under a bridge and a roadside bomb went off. And that caused our vehicle to swerve where we hit a guardrail and from there that took off my left leg from the knee down. And from there I was subsequently rushed to the aid station where they did my first amputation.

MARCIANO: Were you aware of what happened right when it happened or did you go into shock and it wasn't until after surgery that you realized you had lost your leg?

STOCKWELL: I was awake the whole time, and I knew something was wrong. I wasn't quite sure how serious it was. In my head I was kind of playing it out to be oh, it's probably not too bad, not that bad. When they put the tourniquet on I knew -- they put a tourniquet on my femur and I knew then that it was probably a little bit more serious than I thought.

When I woke up in Baghdad after the first surgery my husband was there and I said, I think something happened to my leg. And he said, yes it's gone. Your left leg is gone.

MARCIANO: Your husband a soldier as well. Is he still over there right now?

STOCKWELL No. When I got hurt they allowed him to come out of theater and back to the states with me. And he is now out of the Army as well and both of us are here in Minneapolis.

MARCIANO: And how has the support been from him, other members of your family and other amputees?

STOCKWELL: The support is absolutely incredible. It will keep -- that's what keeps you going every day. My family is amazing. I have the greatest husband in the world, and on top of that there's all the other amputees that -- you're a small community, you're a small family, you all go through the same thing and you just lean on each other for support.

MARCIANO: Well, now the story gets to be even more unbelievable, the recovery that you've made. I want to show a couple of pictures. One of you bike riding, I assume with your prosthesis.

STOCKWELL: Yes.

MARCIANO: And how does that go? Do you feel pain when you're riding your back, after the bike, is it more strenuous?

STOCKWELL: It's a little bit more difficult. My right leg definitely takes a toll a little bit more. But -- I mean it's possible. If I want to continue bike riding I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there. It's a lot different but it works, which is exciting.

MARCIANO: Well, you don't stop there. How about skiing? We've got a picture of you skiing her.

STOCKWELL: Yes, yes.

MARCIANO: How did that work out?

STOCKWELL: Oh, it's great. There's a whole bunch of organizations out there, Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled Sports U.S.A. and they bring disabled soldiers to places such as Breckenridge, Colorado, Vail, Colorado for a week of all expenses paid skiing. And you go down the mountain and you feel like you're on top of the world. You're free. You can do anything. It's great.

MARCIANO: OK. That's not enough, a marathon. You're in the New York City Marathon?

STOCKWELL: Yes. I'm on a bike though, so no running or walking that far. But yes, arm powered bike.

MARCIANO: And it sounds like you're not stopping there. Tell us your new mission in life. You're going to be going to school for what?

STOCKWELL: Yes, I'm going back to school for prosthetics. So I'll be making -- I'll be learning how to fit other amputees with artificial limbs whether it's a arm or a leg and I just hope to give back to the amputee community what has been given to me. I've been lucky enough to have prosthesis that have been able to help me walk how I do and do the things that I do. I just want to give back a little of it.

MARCIANO: You're a brave young woman. We appreciate your sacrifice and your service to our country. Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell, good luck to you.

STOCKWELL: Thank you.

MARCIANO: Betty.

NGUYEN: What a great person.

All right. The U.S. military has been on the move to root out Iraqi insurgents, but is time running out. We'll go live to Iraq. That's next. Plus, in luck and out of debt. The world's richest nations agree to forgive some $40 billion owed to the poorest ones, but what does it mean for America's bottom line? We'll talk about that coming up on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Major fighting in one of Iraq's most dangerous areas and only CNN is there. We will go live to Tal Afar Province.

Welcome back too this Sunday. I'm Betty Nguyen.

MARCIANO: And I'm Rob Marciano in for Tony Harris. That story's coming up. First, here's what's happening now in the news:

NGUYEN: The British reportedly were skeptical of the U.S. preparations for war in Iraq long before the war began. The "Washington Post" says it obtained a staff paper prepared for Prime Minister Tony Blair. In that memo, written eight months before the invasion, it said the U.S. had inadequate post-war plans. Arlene is now a tropical depression. The storm brought a lot of wind and rain, knocked some people over and it blue ashore yesterday, just west of Pensacola, but it did a little damage, and there are no reports of injuries.

Day seven of deliberations gets underway tomorrow in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. Sources tell CNN jurors asked to have portions of the accuser's testimony read back to them on Friday.

MARCIANO: Now to Iraq, the city of Tal Afar in northwestern Iraq is shattered after major U.S.-Iraqi offensive, last week. Troops moved into the city going door-to-door to capture or kill insurgents. Our senior Baghdad correspondent, Jane Arraf, has been embedded with U.S. troops in Tal Afar. She joins us with more on the mission.

Hi, Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN SR. BAGHDAD CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Rob. We're going to talk a bit more about that operation with H.R. McMaster, who is head of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Thank you so much for joining us.

CO. H.R. MCMASTER, CMDR., TAL AFAR OPERATION: It's a pleasure to be here.

ARRAF: Now, this is a city considered so dangerous that you don't even use Humvees there, (INAUDIBLE). This operation that has just finished, what effect has that had on the insurgency?

MCMASTER: It's had a tremendous effect on the insurgency. Obviously there's a lot of fighting, there's a lot of work still to be done in Tal Afar. But what we're finding in Tal Afar is the people are crying for help. They're asking for help against these murderers who are terrorizing their children, terrorizing their families.

And increasingly, Iraqis are coming forward to provide us information and to partner with us to bring security to their neighborhoods. The most important thing I'm in command is the Iraqi army. So, the enemy now knows that this isn't just a raid, this isn't just a short operation, that the Iraqi army and our forces to support them as long as it takes, are there to stay to provide security for their families.

So, what we're seeing is increasing isolation of the insurgents, of the terrorists, from the population. And it's very clear to us that the enemy is reacting to a very effective operation that we've been conducting in Tal Afar.

ARRAF: Iraqi officials have said that Iraqi troops could be fully ready in six months. Now, this is still a very much a U.S.-led show. Do you actually see that happening?

MCMASTER: Well, it depends on what you call "fully ready," because it's going to depend, I think, on Iraqi army's ability to develop some sort -- some of the foundations for being able to operate autonomously, and that's senior-level leadership, and we're working with them on that, and their developing sergeants, like this is a strength of our Army, is our noncommissioned officer corps. That's developing in the Iraqi army. Army capabilities at a higher level, communications, command and control, and so forth, are still developing.

Where we are the most effective right now is in combining the operations, because we're completely complimentary. The Iraqi army has an unbelievable ability to connect with the population, to -- and they're treating the people very professionally, with respect, and they're a very effective counterinsurgency force when combined with ours.

It's our job in part and their job to develop a more -- a greater capability for autonomous operations. You've got to remember, it's going to depend on the enemy, as well. We're fighting a ruthless, murderous enemy who uses brainwashed youths from outside the country to conduct suicide attacks. So, we have to -- you know, we have to prepare the Iraqi security forces to fight this kind of enemy, and they're taking on responsibility themselves, and they're getting better every day in these combined operations.

So, I can't put how long that's going to take, a number of months on it because there are just too many factors that bear on their ability to conduct autonomous operations.

ARRAF: Thank you so much, Colonel.

MCMASTER: Thanks.

ARRAF: Rob, that was Colonel McMaster from the 3rd ACR, here in Tal Afar, where U.S. and Iraqi troops have been in ongoing operations against insurgents in that town -- Rob.

MARCIANO: Stay safe, Jane. Jane Arraf, live with us from Iraq -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Finance ministers from the eight richest nations have agreed to write off all debt owed by 18 of the poorest countries to the tune of $40 billion. Fourteen of those 18 countries are in Africa. The governor of Tanzania's Central Bank responded by saying this, quote, "We are receiving the news with a lot of hope for our people. We can expand health and education service this relief. We will also be able to expand our infrastructure."

Well, you might be asking the question what does it mean to you and me? So, let's ask Carol Lancaster, author of "Aid to Africa," she's in our Washington bureau.

I do want to ask you, before we get to that question, though, when it comes to erasing this debt, let's talk specifically what is it doing for people in those countries?

CAROL LANCASTER, AUTHOR, "AID TO AFRICA": Well, this debt which now no longer has to be paid will give the governments of these country, the opportunity to expand education, expand health, expand infrastructure, and hopefully that means that more children will be in schools, people will have access to medical services and transportation will improve. I think that can be a big benefit to all of these very, very poor countries.

NGUYEN: OK, so for Americans watching at home, we're talking $40 billion. What is America's role in this debt relief and what does it mean to the bottom dollar here in America?

LANCASTER: Now, this doesn't have huge implications for the United States of America because the $40 billion includes the repayments of capital and interest that have been canceled, but what that really means, I think, is that the loss of revenues by this cancellation on the part of the World Bank, which will have to be made up will be made up partly by the United States and the estimate is that it will add about $150 million a year to the U.S. foreign aid bill. So it's much less than it seems in terms of the total picture because a lot of other countries are involved, but it is not huge for the United States.

NGUYEN: So, why should Americans be concerned about erasing debt in these poor countries?

LANCASTER: Well, I think it's a good thing to have done. I think it's long overdue especially for those countries who are trying very to manage their economies as well. Americans, or the American government, I think, has been concerned that if you start wiping out debt in one place you've got to wipe out debt everywhere and sooner or later I think that will become an issue. This is not for everybody, just yet. And I think there was a reluctance to -- to just eliminate loans that have been taken in good faith and then worry what kind of incentives does that produce for poor country, but I think this is recognizing the reality that the poor countries are having a very hard time paying this debt and it isn't going to cost us very much, and it's going to do a lot of good.

NGUYEN: Carol, the concerns that you mentioned leads to my next question. I want to put up a quote from Malawi's treasury secretary who says, "A decision to cancel debt would help us reduce poverty, but overall it cannot work if African governments do not adhere to physical (SIC) discipline, a critical phase of the management of a country's resources." So, how do you get the countries where you erase their debt, from turning around and getting right back into debt?

LANCASTER: Well, I think there is a selectivity in the cancellation of this debt. The countries that have performed well in the past are the ones that are going to benefit from this cancellation. It doesn't guarantee good performance in the future, but I think there is already a track record that suggests these governments are on the right track and this is a recognition of that and, I think, helping them in the future, to do the same good works.

NGUYEN: And quickly on the flipside. What kind of message does this send to these countries -- these poor countries that are still trying to pay off their debt, but they're not among the 18 where the debt is going to be erased? What does it say to them? LANCASTER: I think it sends a very important message that says if you try hard to manage your economy well, to reduce corruption, and to use your money effectively, you, too, can be a beneficiary of this debt cancellation and it's a big incentive, so we all hope that it works.

NGUYEN: Carol Lancaster, Georgetown University, and author of "Aid to Africa." Thank you so much for joining us today.

LANCASTER: Thank you very much.

NGUYEN: Rob.

MARCIANO: Ready? Let's take a look at what's happening in the Gulf Coast of Mexico, yesterday churning with tropical storm Arlene. This is a live picture for you from Tampa. The sun is shining, folks getting out to the beach, the gulf getting back to that turquoise beautiful blue, we so know and love. Weather forecast coming up, we'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARCIANO: Flashing music, the Rubik's cube flying around. You know what time it is.

CHRISTINA PARK, CNN.COM: You like that.

MARCIANO: I do like that. It's time to check on the stories that are making our most popular guest online. Mike Tyson is in there?

PARK: Oh yeah, absolutely. So, you've been doing your homework.

MARCIANO: Well, I just know that we read it and it peaked my interest, so...

PARK: Right, as well as our users. For the hottest stories on- line, right now, all you have to do is log on to CNN.com and click on "Most Popular." That's where you'll find the top 10 stories users are clicking on the most. This morning as you just said, Rob, one of our top dogs on the list, once the youngest heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, took a loss sitting down in last night's fight, but in a bizarre turn of events Tyson quit after the sixth round. Earlier he was penalized for head butting his underdog opponent, Kevin McBride. Tyson now says he doesn't have the stomach for fighting anymore and may end his career. The 38-year-old says, quote, you're smart too late and old too too soon, adding that he felt like he was 120 years old. Tyson was paid $5 million for the match, but after paying creditors, the IRS, and his ex-wife there wasn't much left over. Tyson, you see, is trying to fight his way out of nearly $40 million of debt.

Let's turn to another hot story on-line. She's been called President Bush's right hand and one of the world's most influential powerhouses. Today she's being called a virtuoso after a rare and unpublicized performance on the piano. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took to the Kennedy Center concert stage, this weekend, to perform. Rice has been playing piano since the age of 3. She accompanied a 21-year-old singer named Charity Sunshine who's suffering from an often fatal disease. By the way, Condoleezza is a variation of the Italian musical term, con dolcezza which means with sweetness, or sweetly. Now, Rob, she speaks four languages, is an accomplished classical pianist...

MARCIANO: Yeah, one of these people you use to hate in school. Way too talented.

PARK: Exactly. What a woman!

MARCIANO: Well, good stuff.

PARK: She makes the rest us look bad. I am unworthy!

NGUYEN: Yeah.

MARCIANO: No, you're doing just fine. Christina Park, dot com desk. Thank you.

PARK: Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: All right. Million, yes, millions of people have it, but no one ever wants it, we're talking cellulite, the bane of the bathing suit, the killer of your confidence, but fear not, you may be able to break out the bikinis after all. A new book, the "Cellulite Solution" offers tips on getting rid of it. The author, Dr. Howard Murad joins us now from Los Angeles to talk about this.

Let me tell you, there are so many people interested in what you have to say. But first of all, let's break it down. What is cellulite and how do you get it? We've seen it, we all that, but scientifically, what is it and how do you get it?

DR. HOWARD MURAD, AUTHOR, "CELLULITE SOLUTION": You know, frankly, the biggest thing you need to know is it's a skin problem, not a fat problem.

NGUYEN: Oh.

MURAD: It's hereditary, it's genetic, women have it, men don't and really what happens is there's damage to the middle layer of your skin allowing minor fat cells to migrate into that space and give you the cottage cheese look.

NGUYEN: Oh, I see, OK, but can you have cellulite even if you don't see it on the surface? Is it deep in there?

MURAD: Absolutely. There are four stages of cellulite, the worst are really lumpy and they're very painful. The least is barely visible, but 90 percent of women actually have it.

NGUYEN: You know, I didn't want to hear that? I did not want to hear that, but I know what you're talking about. All right, why is it that only women are affected? This just seems so unfair? MURAD: Yes, well there is a difference between men and women, we all know that. So that's the reason. That's all I can tell you. It is genetic, it is hormonal and it does affect certain sites of the body. So it's not all over. It's not like regular fat where you get in the belly and everywhere else, just in the thighs.

NGUYEN: Just in the prime spots that show when you're in a bathing suit.

MURAD: Bathing suit.

NGUYEN: All right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you prevent it or how do you stop it once you already have it?

MURAD: Well you know, what we do is a method of making it better and really the problem is is damage to the collagen bundles in your skin in those areas and the strategy is to improve that. And you to it basically with nutrition and by increasing the circulation locally. Believe it or not, things like cayenne pepper that you put on the thigh area doesn't does encourage circulation in the area.

NGUYEN: You actually put it on -- you rub it on the thigh area.

MURAD: Well, you can put in in a cream, it's not taking....

NGUYEN: OK, because I was about to head home right now.

MURAD: There are various creams that have it.

NGUYEN: All right, well, let's go through the foods, if we can, first of all, and talk about the foods that you can eat that can help you out, we're calling these "cellulite-busting foods." Explain to us why these are so important.

MURAD: Well, the food I like the most is called a goji berries. These are goji berries, here, these are the most nutritionally dense food on the planet. They have all kinds of amino acids, trace mineral, 500 times the vitamin C of an orange. If you eat foods rich in things like that, they make a difference. This is food that you can find it in most Asian markets, you can Google it, there are places that sell them all over the country and it really is, what I call, a "cellulite assassin." It takes care of your cellulite because it has a lot of the nutrition that we need.

NGUYEN: And those are called the goji berry, again, right?.

MURAD: G-O-J-I, goji berries.

NGUYEN: OK, and then also you have something that's called "cellulite stoppers." What is that?

MURAD: Well, one of them is that -- another one, believe it or not is this. It's a pomegranate. Pomegranates have super antioxidants called polyphenol which are really helpful. Other foods that are important are foods that are rich in lecithin. Lecithin comes from soy, from eggs, from spinach. In the book I give various recipes and I tell you why these foods are important as a strategy to really take care of your cellulite and by the way, make you healthier in any way.

NGUYEN: And I have that book right here and as you can see, the pages are marked in it. But, here's the big question. All right, so you do what you say, how long does it stay off? Is it forever or is it something you have to keep up every day.

MURAD: Oh, it's like anything else, any other problem hat you have, you keep doing it. If you have tooth decay, you go to the dentist, they clean it, then you to keep brushing. So this is a strategy that really is a health-giving strategy. It's based on what I call the "water principle." Regardless of what causes disease or aging, the real problem is your cells don't retain the water that you drink.

NGUYEN: OK.

MURAD: So rather -- what you do is repair the cells and allow the water that you drink to go in there. It really makes you healthy all over, but in this particular case with these foods, you really improve cellulite within eight weeks.

NGUYEN: You know, we can talk all day about this, but seeing is believing and I understand that we have pictures that we want to put up on the screen about someone who has gone through this process. Of course, this is the rear area. We can all see that. Tell me how you were able to go from the beginning to the end in just 12 weeks because, wow, I mean, that's really a pretty good comeback when it comes to cellulite.

MURAD: Absolutely, it's a combination. She put on a serum that was rich in this -- the materials that I was telling you about, the goji berries as well as the cayenne pepper. She took supplements that had all of these food, the essential fatty acids which come from lecithin and things like that, in the supplement, plus she changed her diet. She took some of the recipes that I recommended and she did some brushing on her thighs and had vitamin C infusions that were treatments in the spot.

NGUYEN: All right, Dr. Murad, we appreciate your insight. The information, it's all in the book. Thanks for your time.

MURAD: Thank you very much, Betty. It was an honor to be here with you.

NGUYEN: Oh, well thanks -- Rob.

MARCIANO: And no, fellas, Betty is not show you her lack of cellulite.

NGUYEN: And that picture was not me, by the way.

MARCIANO: So, what are your thoughts on two major political parties? We're going to read your e-mails coming up.

NGUYEN: Yeah, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARCIANO: You know that show "On the Story" is there a reason why men aren't allowed on that deal?

NGUYEN: You know what? You've got to take that up with Suzanne Malveaux.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, "ON THE STORY": I'm not going to touch that. I'm not going to tough it.

MARCIANO: Discrimination.

MALVEAUX: All I have to say, it's a good show.

NGUYEN: It's a wonderful show.

MARCIANO: I know that.

NGUYEN: And you're outnumbered.

MARCIANO: What do you have today, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: We'll we're gong to be "ON THE STORY" from here in Washington to Atlanta, to Florida, Aruba and northwestern Iraq. We'll talk to Susan Candiotti about what she heard when Arlene kicked off the hurricane season.

We'll go to Aruba for the latest on the missing girl, Natalee Holloway and Elizabeth Cohen talks about how two sisters made medical history when one agreed to help the other become pregnant. And I'll talk about how President Bush hopes diplomacy will bring rewards in Africa and Korea.

All of that coming up all "On the Story."

MARCIANO: And no men.

NGUYEN: No men allowed for this hour.

MALVEAUX: (INAUDIBLE).

NGUYEN: Sorry. Sorry, Rob?

MARCIANO: Thank you, Suzanne, we'll see you then.

NGUYEN: OK, all morning long we've been asking you for your thoughts on our e-mail question today. How would you characterize republican and democratic parties? Well are getting quite the responses today.

Peter says, "The GOP lost the axiom of separating church and state. The Democratic Party lost the axiom of party of the people. Both parties need to sever -- or they need severe overhauls of power and ideology. They are both failing the majority of the American people."

MARCIANO: Such fancy words. Can someone tell we what axiom means? Here's Don T., "The Republican Party is pull of bullies, blowhards, and authoritarians. The Democratic Party is full of whisperers, cowards, and utopians. Both parties are craven supplicants," is that right?

NGUYEN: Yep.

MARCIANO: OK. "to corporations and take their directions from Wall Street's angle-shoots. I'd like to see a new party that holds the interests of American citizens paramount that honors all those who work over those who simply have money."

NGUYEN: I'll tell you, the vocabulary from the folks who write in.

MARCIANO: I'm learning some words today.

NGUYEN: And we appreciate you sending in your thoughts to CNN. Of course, we'll have more of those questions next weekend, but we do want to thank you for joining us today.

MARCIANO: Tony Harris will be back next weekend. Have a great Sunday.

NGUYEN: You'll be back, too.

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 12, 2005 - 09:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: As you can see, underwater in many ways, but thankfully underwhelmed. It left a super soaked south, but the first tropical storm of the season isn't one to remember, which is good news, especially after last year.
Welcome back. It is Sunday June 12th. This is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN ANCHOR: And you're not supposed to play in the surf like that when there's a storm coming.

NGUYEN: Or the camera either. (INAUDIBLE) to get away from the water would you.

MARCIANO: I'm Rob Marciano in for Tony Harris. Thanks for joining us today.

In Aruba a judge has ordered that the three youngest people held in the case of Natalie Holloway remain jailed. Publicly there's no new information on what happened to the Alabama teen, who vanished nearly two weeks ago, and there are conflicting reports on whether there's been a confession of some kind.

Five people are held in the case, but no one has been charged.

The U.S. Marines say air strikes have killed about 40 insurgents in western Baghdad. The air offensive was in support of a ground battle with heavily armed insurgents. There are no reports of civilian or U.S. casualties.

And a newly obtained memo reveals British concerns about the Iraq war eight months before the first shot was fired. The Washington Post says aides warned British Prime Minister Tony Blair that the Bush administration had not adequately prepared for a post war occupation.

Keeping you informed, CNN the most trusted name in news.

NGUYEN: Here's what we've got coming up for you this morning. The arrival of Arlene, lots of bluster but very little muscle. On this morning after the breeze you feel may be the collective sigh of relief.

A life changed in the war zone. A Soldier's Story on returning home and the new battle that lies ahead.

And if beauty is skin deep what about those dreaded dimples of cellulite, yuk. A skin expert though promises a smooth transition to swim suit season

MARCIANO: Well, the Gulf Coast still bears the scars of last summer's brutal hurricane season, so it's no surprise that Arlene made people there a little bit nervous.

Things started out OK for the most part. The blustery storm packed heavy rains and 20 food waves as it hit the Gulf Coast. In fact, the debris you see here is from last fall's Hurricane Ivan. The damage from Arlene is described as minimal. The tropical storm failed to muster hurricane strength before rolling ashore. In fact, Susan Candiotti says there have been virtually no reports of flooding or wind damage. Here's her report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Arlene fizzled, and that was just fine with Gulf Coast residence.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It will be a great eye opener for us to wake us up for the season, get prepared and get those medical kits and the first aid equipment in the houses, get that bottled of water stored up.

CANDIOTTI: But when word came that the hurricane seasons first named storm was heading towards Pensacola, Florida an understandable reaction.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here we go again.

CANDIOTTI: No one thought Arlene would come close to matching last September's Hurricane Ivan. Yet the surf looked menacing pounding beaches and blasting sand. Waves crashed up and over piers along the Gulf Coast.

Along Pensacola Beach a steady flow of residents and tourists spent most of the day watching Arlene blow onto shore. The Waylands brought their daughters.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They were too young when Ivan came through, so we just wanted them to play and have some fun, get out of the house for a little bit.

CANDIOTTI: Arlene made some anxious that hurricane season was officially underway.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Can't handle another Ivan. That was too much to take in one season, and to follow it up with another one next season - this season, they can't do it. We've got too much damage, too much loss and it would really tear Pensacola apart.

CANDIOTTI: But tropical storm Arlene barely made an impact. No more than about three inches of rain, virtually no damage from wind or flooding, and the storm surge that fortunately didn't live up to forecasts.

(on camera): As one area official put it, "Arlene goes to show that even though we were hit by a serious storm, Ivan, last fall it's never too early to be in the path of another serious storm even this early in the hurricane season."

Susan Candiotti, CNN Pensacola, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARCIANO: Boy, it is early only June -- the middle of June barely. And last year we didn't get started until August. So...

NGUYEN: And boy did it come with some power when it did get started.

MARCIANO: It certainly did. Let's see why Bonnie has to say.

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right.

NGUYEN: Good morning, Bonnie. Welcome to the team.

SCHNEIDER: Thank you so much. Thank you. You're right, we're getting an early start to this hurricane season.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: Bonnie mentioned the fact that there's been other threats weather wise. Look at this video. Big time damage from Wisconsin, but the threat came not from the sea but the sky. A tornado ripped through this village yesterday in Hammond about 35 miles east of St. Paul, Minnesota, about two dozen homes were hit. Officials say the damage will total about $3.5 million. Luckily though no reports of injuries.

NGUYEN: Now to Aruba. Amid a family's anguish there are few absolutes to end their anxiety. In the search for Natalie Holloway we were first told there was a confession about her disappearance. Well, now that seems unclear. We do know that five men are still being held. For what and why well, that's still a mystery. For more now here's CNN's Karl Penhaul.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): An Aruba judge has ordered three suspects to be detained for eight more days while police investigate their alleged links to the disappearance of Natalie Holloway.

Investigators brought the three in unmarked cars to the courtroom in Aruba's capital Oranjestad. They've been named as 17 year old Joran Van Der Sloot and brothers, 21 year old Deepak and 18 hear old Satish Kalpoe. Witnesses say they saw the three men drive off from a bar with Natalie on the morning of May 30th, the day she disappeared.

A senior police official has told CNN there's been a breakthrough in the investigation amounting to a confession or some sort of confession. But defense attorneys for the three suspects had this to say. DAVID KOCK, KALPOE BROTHERS ATTORNEY: My client states -- keeps on saying that he is not guilty, and he hasn't -- he is not the one that have been reading in the press that have confessed or something. Up to now that I know nobody has.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My client is maintaining that he is innocent.

PENHAUL: Earlier in the day Aruba's prosecution service had this to say about the progress of the investigation.

VIVIAN VAN DER BIEZEN, PROSECUTOR'S SPOKESWOMAN: The prosecution service has -- is aware of some information that are related to the investigation of alleged statements of witnesses, sorry, suspects in this case. But what the prosecution service would like to state is that at this moment we neither confirm or deny any information coming from other sources.

The investigation, at this point, is the following: We have five suspects. They are being interrogated, and we are at a very crucial, very important moment in our investigation.

PENHAUL: Two other men, both security guards, were arrested a week ago. They're still being held. One of those men's defense attorney said his client has an alibi and appeals for him to be freed.

CHRIS LEJUEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: They know now for sure that they don't need him anytime to solve this case and yet they still keep him and this is injustice to an innocent man.

PENHAUL: Amid the cut and thrust of the investigation and legal arguments, one fact is clear, there's still no sign of Natalie or her remains.

Karl Penhaul, CNN Palm Beach, Aruba.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARCIANO: To some he's determined, to others disgruntled, but any way you see it DNC Chairman Howard Dean says he's tired of lying down to Republican attacks and won't take them any more.

Yesterday in Washington Dean told Democrats he'll fight political foes and told members they need to stand up for what they believe in.

In New York flags and flowers, prayers and praise. One of the last firefighters identified as being killed in the 911 attack on the World Trade Center was laid to rest in New York City yesterday. A band playing Amazing Grace serenaded Keith Lloyd Maynard. At 30 years old he followed his father's footsteps into fire fighting. Three hundred forty three New York fire fighters were killed on September 11th.

Mike Tyson is down and he says he's out. After losing a match to underdog Kevin McBride yesterday, Tyson said he doesn't have the stomach for boxing anymore. After head butting his opponent, typical, Tyson quit in the sixth round, and it's his third loss in the last four fights.

And his jockey calls him the best. He's only three years old. In New York yesterday Afleet Alex rolled to a seven length victory in the Belmont Stakes, but it was all in stride. No stumbles as the colt broke the reigning Belmont record. Alex finished in just two minutes and twenty eight seconds.

NGUYEN: Every Sunday we give you a heads up on what's going on for the week ahead. So let's fast forward through some of the stories CNN will be covering in the days to come.

On Tuesday the Senate begins work on a bill aimed at revamping the nation's energy policy. The measure calls for a doubling of ethanol in gasoline which makes it burn clean. It would also increase research into the use of hydrogen as fuel.

The Senate's top Republican, Bill Frist, says he believes the Senate will vote sometime over the next week on the controversial nomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. But Democrats say they think they have enough support to block that nomination.

And Thursday at North Carolina's Pinehurst Resort, Retief Goosen defends his 2004 U.S. Open title, but he'll have to work for it. Going up against the likes of Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson. I didn't see your name in there, Rob.

MARCIANO: No. I doubt they're going to invite me to that one.

NGUYEN: After a little practice maybe one day, right? A lot of practice.

MARCIANO: I still doubt that. Either way U.S. Open is always fun to watch.

NGUYEN: Oh, yes.

MARCIANO: New this morning, terror attacks on the tracks. A bomb explodes just in front of a computer train in Moscow. More on this when we go global, up next.

NGUYEN: Plus if you have it ladies you are not alone. We are talking about cellulite later this morning, but not how to hide it, how to get rid of it forever.

MARCIANO: And good morning, Tampa. The sun is shining there. Arlene is all gone. The Gulf is much more quiet today. We're going to have a complete forecast in just a couple of minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Checking our top stories right now. The British reportedly had doubts about the U.S. preparations for the Iraqi war eight months before the actual invasion.

The "Washington Post" says it's obtained a staff paper prepared for British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Now the memo concluded the U.S. gave little thought to a post war occupation or the possibility of nation building.

Conflicting reports out of Aruba on whether there's been a confession of some kind in the disappearance of Natalie Holloway. The Alabama teen has been missing for nearly two weeks now. Three young men detained earlier this week will be kept for several more days as police do more investigating.

And tropical storm Arlene is now a tropical depression. It blew ashore on the Gulf Coast yesterday carrying 60 mile an hour winds and a lot of rain, but it caused little damage.

MARCIANO: A roadside bomb in Iraq took away her leg, but it didn't take away her will. Coming up a Soldier's Story of survival and recovery.

Right now a check on some of the stories making international news this morning.

NGUYEN: More carnage in Iraq. Twenty bodies are found, and a French hostage and her assistant are released. For those details let's turn it now to Anand Naidoo at the CNN international desk.

Good morning, Anon.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning from me and thanks. First up this morning the third round of the Lebanese parliamentary elections. Nearly half the seats in parliament are up for grabs in this part of the election, and the outcome could well determine the political future of the country.

We are hoping to get a report on that from Beirut. Well, we have Brent Sadler on the line right now.

Brent, we are hearing, as I've just said, that these elections are extremely important or rather this round of the election is extremely important. Could you tell us why?

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Anand, they are crucial indeed this third round of voting in Lebanon because they're trying to -- the political opposition here trying to wrest control of the Lebanese parliament of pro Syrian allies that effectively, for the last 15 years, have been ruling the roost here really enacting Syria's writ over Lebanese internal affairs.

You remember that in April, at the end of April, Syria withdrew its forces from Lebanon enabling what President George W. Bush said should be a free and fair election. Well, guess what? Since then the U.S. is now alleging, backing opposition claims that the Syrians have somehow infiltrated intelligence agents back in Lebanon once again interfering with the political process here and backing up opposition claims that Syria has a hit list to eliminate leading Lebanese politicians, so really casting a shadow of potential violence over this electoral process, an electoral process that follows for the first time the so-called cedar revolution when many Lebanese were hoping that after Syria pulled its troops out the Lebanese would be left to govern themselves -- Anand.

NAIDOO: All right. Thank you. Ben Sadler there in Beirut.

Now to Iraq and a grizzly discovery south of Baghdad. Police have found the bodies of 20 men showing signs of torture. All had been shot and were buried. Some of the bodies were partially decomposed, but it's unclear when they were killed. They were found in a town called Nairowen (ph). It's a mixed neighborhood of Shiites and Sunnis. It's about 16 miles south of Baghdad.

Meanwhile CNN has confirmed that a journalist, a French journalist and her interpreter held in Iraq for five months have been released. French foreign ministry officials say Florence Aubenas is heading back home. She works for "Liberation" -- a Paris daily. Aubenas and her assistant were taken hostage January 5th after leaving a Baghdad hotel.

French President Jacques Chirac says she's healthy, and the French foreign ministers is on his way to Cypress to meet Aubenas and thereafter, they're both expected to fly to Paris after that stop over.

That's all from me for now. Back to Rob and Betty.

MARCIANO: Thanks, Anand.

NGUYEN: Well, she fought on the battlefield and then learned important lessons on how to fight back in life. Coming up one Soldier's Story of a remarkable comeback.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARCIANO: For our next guest it's been the best of times and the worst of times. Army Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell went to Iraq last year. At times her husband was by her side. But after a sudden blast of a roadside bomb Melissa woke up to some sad reality. Her left leg had been amputated. She's recovering now and starting tomorrow she'll start helping other amputees recover.

Melissa is in Minneapolis this morning to tell us more. Good morning, Melissa.

MELISSA STOCKWELL, FMR. LT. US. ARMY: Good morning.

MARCIANO: We're going to get to what your new mission is in life, but I'd like for you to describe for us what exactly happened over in Iraq.

STOCKWELL: I was a transportation officer which basically entails moving a certain number of trucks from point A to point B with supplies and we were on a routine convoy through central Baghdad, and I was in a Humvee behind the driver and it was an unarmored Humvee, it had no doors and we went under a bridge and a roadside bomb went off. And that caused our vehicle to swerve where we hit a guardrail and from there that took off my left leg from the knee down. And from there I was subsequently rushed to the aid station where they did my first amputation.

MARCIANO: Were you aware of what happened right when it happened or did you go into shock and it wasn't until after surgery that you realized you had lost your leg?

STOCKWELL: I was awake the whole time, and I knew something was wrong. I wasn't quite sure how serious it was. In my head I was kind of playing it out to be oh, it's probably not too bad, not that bad. When they put the tourniquet on I knew -- they put a tourniquet on my femur and I knew then that it was probably a little bit more serious than I thought.

When I woke up in Baghdad after the first surgery my husband was there and I said, I think something happened to my leg. And he said, yes it's gone. Your left leg is gone.

MARCIANO: Your husband a soldier as well. Is he still over there right now?

STOCKWELL No. When I got hurt they allowed him to come out of theater and back to the states with me. And he is now out of the Army as well and both of us are here in Minneapolis.

MARCIANO: And how has the support been from him, other members of your family and other amputees?

STOCKWELL: The support is absolutely incredible. It will keep -- that's what keeps you going every day. My family is amazing. I have the greatest husband in the world, and on top of that there's all the other amputees that -- you're a small community, you're a small family, you all go through the same thing and you just lean on each other for support.

MARCIANO: Well, now the story gets to be even more unbelievable, the recovery that you've made. I want to show a couple of pictures. One of you bike riding, I assume with your prosthesis.

STOCKWELL: Yes.

MARCIANO: And how does that go? Do you feel pain when you're riding your back, after the bike, is it more strenuous?

STOCKWELL: It's a little bit more difficult. My right leg definitely takes a toll a little bit more. But -- I mean it's possible. If I want to continue bike riding I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there. It's a lot different but it works, which is exciting.

MARCIANO: Well, you don't stop there. How about skiing? We've got a picture of you skiing her.

STOCKWELL: Yes, yes.

MARCIANO: How did that work out?

STOCKWELL: Oh, it's great. There's a whole bunch of organizations out there, Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled Sports U.S.A. and they bring disabled soldiers to places such as Breckenridge, Colorado, Vail, Colorado for a week of all expenses paid skiing. And you go down the mountain and you feel like you're on top of the world. You're free. You can do anything. It's great.

MARCIANO: OK. That's not enough, a marathon. You're in the New York City Marathon?

STOCKWELL: Yes. I'm on a bike though, so no running or walking that far. But yes, arm powered bike.

MARCIANO: And it sounds like you're not stopping there. Tell us your new mission in life. You're going to be going to school for what?

STOCKWELL: Yes, I'm going back to school for prosthetics. So I'll be making -- I'll be learning how to fit other amputees with artificial limbs whether it's a arm or a leg and I just hope to give back to the amputee community what has been given to me. I've been lucky enough to have prosthesis that have been able to help me walk how I do and do the things that I do. I just want to give back a little of it.

MARCIANO: You're a brave young woman. We appreciate your sacrifice and your service to our country. Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell, good luck to you.

STOCKWELL: Thank you.

MARCIANO: Betty.

NGUYEN: What a great person.

All right. The U.S. military has been on the move to root out Iraqi insurgents, but is time running out. We'll go live to Iraq. That's next. Plus, in luck and out of debt. The world's richest nations agree to forgive some $40 billion owed to the poorest ones, but what does it mean for America's bottom line? We'll talk about that coming up on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Major fighting in one of Iraq's most dangerous areas and only CNN is there. We will go live to Tal Afar Province.

Welcome back too this Sunday. I'm Betty Nguyen.

MARCIANO: And I'm Rob Marciano in for Tony Harris. That story's coming up. First, here's what's happening now in the news:

NGUYEN: The British reportedly were skeptical of the U.S. preparations for war in Iraq long before the war began. The "Washington Post" says it obtained a staff paper prepared for Prime Minister Tony Blair. In that memo, written eight months before the invasion, it said the U.S. had inadequate post-war plans. Arlene is now a tropical depression. The storm brought a lot of wind and rain, knocked some people over and it blue ashore yesterday, just west of Pensacola, but it did a little damage, and there are no reports of injuries.

Day seven of deliberations gets underway tomorrow in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. Sources tell CNN jurors asked to have portions of the accuser's testimony read back to them on Friday.

MARCIANO: Now to Iraq, the city of Tal Afar in northwestern Iraq is shattered after major U.S.-Iraqi offensive, last week. Troops moved into the city going door-to-door to capture or kill insurgents. Our senior Baghdad correspondent, Jane Arraf, has been embedded with U.S. troops in Tal Afar. She joins us with more on the mission.

Hi, Jane.

JANE ARRAF, CNN SR. BAGHDAD CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Rob. We're going to talk a bit more about that operation with H.R. McMaster, who is head of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Thank you so much for joining us.

CO. H.R. MCMASTER, CMDR., TAL AFAR OPERATION: It's a pleasure to be here.

ARRAF: Now, this is a city considered so dangerous that you don't even use Humvees there, (INAUDIBLE). This operation that has just finished, what effect has that had on the insurgency?

MCMASTER: It's had a tremendous effect on the insurgency. Obviously there's a lot of fighting, there's a lot of work still to be done in Tal Afar. But what we're finding in Tal Afar is the people are crying for help. They're asking for help against these murderers who are terrorizing their children, terrorizing their families.

And increasingly, Iraqis are coming forward to provide us information and to partner with us to bring security to their neighborhoods. The most important thing I'm in command is the Iraqi army. So, the enemy now knows that this isn't just a raid, this isn't just a short operation, that the Iraqi army and our forces to support them as long as it takes, are there to stay to provide security for their families.

So, what we're seeing is increasing isolation of the insurgents, of the terrorists, from the population. And it's very clear to us that the enemy is reacting to a very effective operation that we've been conducting in Tal Afar.

ARRAF: Iraqi officials have said that Iraqi troops could be fully ready in six months. Now, this is still a very much a U.S.-led show. Do you actually see that happening?

MCMASTER: Well, it depends on what you call "fully ready," because it's going to depend, I think, on Iraqi army's ability to develop some sort -- some of the foundations for being able to operate autonomously, and that's senior-level leadership, and we're working with them on that, and their developing sergeants, like this is a strength of our Army, is our noncommissioned officer corps. That's developing in the Iraqi army. Army capabilities at a higher level, communications, command and control, and so forth, are still developing.

Where we are the most effective right now is in combining the operations, because we're completely complimentary. The Iraqi army has an unbelievable ability to connect with the population, to -- and they're treating the people very professionally, with respect, and they're a very effective counterinsurgency force when combined with ours.

It's our job in part and their job to develop a more -- a greater capability for autonomous operations. You've got to remember, it's going to depend on the enemy, as well. We're fighting a ruthless, murderous enemy who uses brainwashed youths from outside the country to conduct suicide attacks. So, we have to -- you know, we have to prepare the Iraqi security forces to fight this kind of enemy, and they're taking on responsibility themselves, and they're getting better every day in these combined operations.

So, I can't put how long that's going to take, a number of months on it because there are just too many factors that bear on their ability to conduct autonomous operations.

ARRAF: Thank you so much, Colonel.

MCMASTER: Thanks.

ARRAF: Rob, that was Colonel McMaster from the 3rd ACR, here in Tal Afar, where U.S. and Iraqi troops have been in ongoing operations against insurgents in that town -- Rob.

MARCIANO: Stay safe, Jane. Jane Arraf, live with us from Iraq -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Finance ministers from the eight richest nations have agreed to write off all debt owed by 18 of the poorest countries to the tune of $40 billion. Fourteen of those 18 countries are in Africa. The governor of Tanzania's Central Bank responded by saying this, quote, "We are receiving the news with a lot of hope for our people. We can expand health and education service this relief. We will also be able to expand our infrastructure."

Well, you might be asking the question what does it mean to you and me? So, let's ask Carol Lancaster, author of "Aid to Africa," she's in our Washington bureau.

I do want to ask you, before we get to that question, though, when it comes to erasing this debt, let's talk specifically what is it doing for people in those countries?

CAROL LANCASTER, AUTHOR, "AID TO AFRICA": Well, this debt which now no longer has to be paid will give the governments of these country, the opportunity to expand education, expand health, expand infrastructure, and hopefully that means that more children will be in schools, people will have access to medical services and transportation will improve. I think that can be a big benefit to all of these very, very poor countries.

NGUYEN: OK, so for Americans watching at home, we're talking $40 billion. What is America's role in this debt relief and what does it mean to the bottom dollar here in America?

LANCASTER: Now, this doesn't have huge implications for the United States of America because the $40 billion includes the repayments of capital and interest that have been canceled, but what that really means, I think, is that the loss of revenues by this cancellation on the part of the World Bank, which will have to be made up will be made up partly by the United States and the estimate is that it will add about $150 million a year to the U.S. foreign aid bill. So it's much less than it seems in terms of the total picture because a lot of other countries are involved, but it is not huge for the United States.

NGUYEN: So, why should Americans be concerned about erasing debt in these poor countries?

LANCASTER: Well, I think it's a good thing to have done. I think it's long overdue especially for those countries who are trying very to manage their economies as well. Americans, or the American government, I think, has been concerned that if you start wiping out debt in one place you've got to wipe out debt everywhere and sooner or later I think that will become an issue. This is not for everybody, just yet. And I think there was a reluctance to -- to just eliminate loans that have been taken in good faith and then worry what kind of incentives does that produce for poor country, but I think this is recognizing the reality that the poor countries are having a very hard time paying this debt and it isn't going to cost us very much, and it's going to do a lot of good.

NGUYEN: Carol, the concerns that you mentioned leads to my next question. I want to put up a quote from Malawi's treasury secretary who says, "A decision to cancel debt would help us reduce poverty, but overall it cannot work if African governments do not adhere to physical (SIC) discipline, a critical phase of the management of a country's resources." So, how do you get the countries where you erase their debt, from turning around and getting right back into debt?

LANCASTER: Well, I think there is a selectivity in the cancellation of this debt. The countries that have performed well in the past are the ones that are going to benefit from this cancellation. It doesn't guarantee good performance in the future, but I think there is already a track record that suggests these governments are on the right track and this is a recognition of that and, I think, helping them in the future, to do the same good works.

NGUYEN: And quickly on the flipside. What kind of message does this send to these countries -- these poor countries that are still trying to pay off their debt, but they're not among the 18 where the debt is going to be erased? What does it say to them? LANCASTER: I think it sends a very important message that says if you try hard to manage your economy well, to reduce corruption, and to use your money effectively, you, too, can be a beneficiary of this debt cancellation and it's a big incentive, so we all hope that it works.

NGUYEN: Carol Lancaster, Georgetown University, and author of "Aid to Africa." Thank you so much for joining us today.

LANCASTER: Thank you very much.

NGUYEN: Rob.

MARCIANO: Ready? Let's take a look at what's happening in the Gulf Coast of Mexico, yesterday churning with tropical storm Arlene. This is a live picture for you from Tampa. The sun is shining, folks getting out to the beach, the gulf getting back to that turquoise beautiful blue, we so know and love. Weather forecast coming up, we'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARCIANO: Flashing music, the Rubik's cube flying around. You know what time it is.

CHRISTINA PARK, CNN.COM: You like that.

MARCIANO: I do like that. It's time to check on the stories that are making our most popular guest online. Mike Tyson is in there?

PARK: Oh yeah, absolutely. So, you've been doing your homework.

MARCIANO: Well, I just know that we read it and it peaked my interest, so...

PARK: Right, as well as our users. For the hottest stories on- line, right now, all you have to do is log on to CNN.com and click on "Most Popular." That's where you'll find the top 10 stories users are clicking on the most. This morning as you just said, Rob, one of our top dogs on the list, once the youngest heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, took a loss sitting down in last night's fight, but in a bizarre turn of events Tyson quit after the sixth round. Earlier he was penalized for head butting his underdog opponent, Kevin McBride. Tyson now says he doesn't have the stomach for fighting anymore and may end his career. The 38-year-old says, quote, you're smart too late and old too too soon, adding that he felt like he was 120 years old. Tyson was paid $5 million for the match, but after paying creditors, the IRS, and his ex-wife there wasn't much left over. Tyson, you see, is trying to fight his way out of nearly $40 million of debt.

Let's turn to another hot story on-line. She's been called President Bush's right hand and one of the world's most influential powerhouses. Today she's being called a virtuoso after a rare and unpublicized performance on the piano. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice took to the Kennedy Center concert stage, this weekend, to perform. Rice has been playing piano since the age of 3. She accompanied a 21-year-old singer named Charity Sunshine who's suffering from an often fatal disease. By the way, Condoleezza is a variation of the Italian musical term, con dolcezza which means with sweetness, or sweetly. Now, Rob, she speaks four languages, is an accomplished classical pianist...

MARCIANO: Yeah, one of these people you use to hate in school. Way too talented.

PARK: Exactly. What a woman!

MARCIANO: Well, good stuff.

PARK: She makes the rest us look bad. I am unworthy!

NGUYEN: Yeah.

MARCIANO: No, you're doing just fine. Christina Park, dot com desk. Thank you.

PARK: Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: All right. Million, yes, millions of people have it, but no one ever wants it, we're talking cellulite, the bane of the bathing suit, the killer of your confidence, but fear not, you may be able to break out the bikinis after all. A new book, the "Cellulite Solution" offers tips on getting rid of it. The author, Dr. Howard Murad joins us now from Los Angeles to talk about this.

Let me tell you, there are so many people interested in what you have to say. But first of all, let's break it down. What is cellulite and how do you get it? We've seen it, we all that, but scientifically, what is it and how do you get it?

DR. HOWARD MURAD, AUTHOR, "CELLULITE SOLUTION": You know, frankly, the biggest thing you need to know is it's a skin problem, not a fat problem.

NGUYEN: Oh.

MURAD: It's hereditary, it's genetic, women have it, men don't and really what happens is there's damage to the middle layer of your skin allowing minor fat cells to migrate into that space and give you the cottage cheese look.

NGUYEN: Oh, I see, OK, but can you have cellulite even if you don't see it on the surface? Is it deep in there?

MURAD: Absolutely. There are four stages of cellulite, the worst are really lumpy and they're very painful. The least is barely visible, but 90 percent of women actually have it.

NGUYEN: You know, I didn't want to hear that? I did not want to hear that, but I know what you're talking about. All right, why is it that only women are affected? This just seems so unfair? MURAD: Yes, well there is a difference between men and women, we all know that. So that's the reason. That's all I can tell you. It is genetic, it is hormonal and it does affect certain sites of the body. So it's not all over. It's not like regular fat where you get in the belly and everywhere else, just in the thighs.

NGUYEN: Just in the prime spots that show when you're in a bathing suit.

MURAD: Bathing suit.

NGUYEN: All right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How do you prevent it or how do you stop it once you already have it?

MURAD: Well you know, what we do is a method of making it better and really the problem is is damage to the collagen bundles in your skin in those areas and the strategy is to improve that. And you to it basically with nutrition and by increasing the circulation locally. Believe it or not, things like cayenne pepper that you put on the thigh area doesn't does encourage circulation in the area.

NGUYEN: You actually put it on -- you rub it on the thigh area.

MURAD: Well, you can put in in a cream, it's not taking....

NGUYEN: OK, because I was about to head home right now.

MURAD: There are various creams that have it.

NGUYEN: All right, well, let's go through the foods, if we can, first of all, and talk about the foods that you can eat that can help you out, we're calling these "cellulite-busting foods." Explain to us why these are so important.

MURAD: Well, the food I like the most is called a goji berries. These are goji berries, here, these are the most nutritionally dense food on the planet. They have all kinds of amino acids, trace mineral, 500 times the vitamin C of an orange. If you eat foods rich in things like that, they make a difference. This is food that you can find it in most Asian markets, you can Google it, there are places that sell them all over the country and it really is, what I call, a "cellulite assassin." It takes care of your cellulite because it has a lot of the nutrition that we need.

NGUYEN: And those are called the goji berry, again, right?.

MURAD: G-O-J-I, goji berries.

NGUYEN: OK, and then also you have something that's called "cellulite stoppers." What is that?

MURAD: Well, one of them is that -- another one, believe it or not is this. It's a pomegranate. Pomegranates have super antioxidants called polyphenol which are really helpful. Other foods that are important are foods that are rich in lecithin. Lecithin comes from soy, from eggs, from spinach. In the book I give various recipes and I tell you why these foods are important as a strategy to really take care of your cellulite and by the way, make you healthier in any way.

NGUYEN: And I have that book right here and as you can see, the pages are marked in it. But, here's the big question. All right, so you do what you say, how long does it stay off? Is it forever or is it something you have to keep up every day.

MURAD: Oh, it's like anything else, any other problem hat you have, you keep doing it. If you have tooth decay, you go to the dentist, they clean it, then you to keep brushing. So this is a strategy that really is a health-giving strategy. It's based on what I call the "water principle." Regardless of what causes disease or aging, the real problem is your cells don't retain the water that you drink.

NGUYEN: OK.

MURAD: So rather -- what you do is repair the cells and allow the water that you drink to go in there. It really makes you healthy all over, but in this particular case with these foods, you really improve cellulite within eight weeks.

NGUYEN: You know, we can talk all day about this, but seeing is believing and I understand that we have pictures that we want to put up on the screen about someone who has gone through this process. Of course, this is the rear area. We can all see that. Tell me how you were able to go from the beginning to the end in just 12 weeks because, wow, I mean, that's really a pretty good comeback when it comes to cellulite.

MURAD: Absolutely, it's a combination. She put on a serum that was rich in this -- the materials that I was telling you about, the goji berries as well as the cayenne pepper. She took supplements that had all of these food, the essential fatty acids which come from lecithin and things like that, in the supplement, plus she changed her diet. She took some of the recipes that I recommended and she did some brushing on her thighs and had vitamin C infusions that were treatments in the spot.

NGUYEN: All right, Dr. Murad, we appreciate your insight. The information, it's all in the book. Thanks for your time.

MURAD: Thank you very much, Betty. It was an honor to be here with you.

NGUYEN: Oh, well thanks -- Rob.

MARCIANO: And no, fellas, Betty is not show you her lack of cellulite.

NGUYEN: And that picture was not me, by the way.

MARCIANO: So, what are your thoughts on two major political parties? We're going to read your e-mails coming up.

NGUYEN: Yeah, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARCIANO: You know that show "On the Story" is there a reason why men aren't allowed on that deal?

NGUYEN: You know what? You've got to take that up with Suzanne Malveaux.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, "ON THE STORY": I'm not going to touch that. I'm not going to tough it.

MARCIANO: Discrimination.

MALVEAUX: All I have to say, it's a good show.

NGUYEN: It's a wonderful show.

MARCIANO: I know that.

NGUYEN: And you're outnumbered.

MARCIANO: What do you have today, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: We'll we're gong to be "ON THE STORY" from here in Washington to Atlanta, to Florida, Aruba and northwestern Iraq. We'll talk to Susan Candiotti about what she heard when Arlene kicked off the hurricane season.

We'll go to Aruba for the latest on the missing girl, Natalee Holloway and Elizabeth Cohen talks about how two sisters made medical history when one agreed to help the other become pregnant. And I'll talk about how President Bush hopes diplomacy will bring rewards in Africa and Korea.

All of that coming up all "On the Story."

MARCIANO: And no men.

NGUYEN: No men allowed for this hour.

MALVEAUX: (INAUDIBLE).

NGUYEN: Sorry. Sorry, Rob?

MARCIANO: Thank you, Suzanne, we'll see you then.

NGUYEN: OK, all morning long we've been asking you for your thoughts on our e-mail question today. How would you characterize republican and democratic parties? Well are getting quite the responses today.

Peter says, "The GOP lost the axiom of separating church and state. The Democratic Party lost the axiom of party of the people. Both parties need to sever -- or they need severe overhauls of power and ideology. They are both failing the majority of the American people."

MARCIANO: Such fancy words. Can someone tell we what axiom means? Here's Don T., "The Republican Party is pull of bullies, blowhards, and authoritarians. The Democratic Party is full of whisperers, cowards, and utopians. Both parties are craven supplicants," is that right?

NGUYEN: Yep.

MARCIANO: OK. "to corporations and take their directions from Wall Street's angle-shoots. I'd like to see a new party that holds the interests of American citizens paramount that honors all those who work over those who simply have money."

NGUYEN: I'll tell you, the vocabulary from the folks who write in.

MARCIANO: I'm learning some words today.

NGUYEN: And we appreciate you sending in your thoughts to CNN. Of course, we'll have more of those questions next weekend, but we do want to thank you for joining us today.

MARCIANO: Tony Harris will be back next weekend. Have a great Sunday.

NGUYEN: You'll be back, too.

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