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CNN Saturday Morning News

Two Soldiers and Civillian Contractors Missing After Attack

Aired April 10, 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.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is April 10th. Good morning everyone, I'm Fredricka Whitfield.
A lot of news coming out of Iraq this morning. Here are some of the latest development. A search is under way for two U.S. Soldiers and an unknown number of civilian contractors missing after an attack on their convoy near Baghdad International Airport. One U.S. Soldier and an Iraqi driver were killed and another dozen people injured.

Protesters are packing the streets of Tokyo demanding the government pull its troops out of Iraq. Insurgents say they'll burn three Japanese hostages alive if Japan doesn't withdraw its troops by tomorrow. At least one U.S. Marine is killed as sporadic fighting continues in Fallujah. The U.S. 1st Marine Division is suspending its offensive after days of fighting. In an effort to get insurgents to lay down their weapons. But an army spokesman says troops will defend themselves if attacked.

CNN Correspondent Jim Clancy is in Baghdad where he and bureau chief Jane Arraf is in the embattled southern city of Kut and a CNN crew is in Fallujah. We'll have reports on the fight in Iraq throughout the morning and analysis from retired General David Grange.

The U.S. are giving militants in Fallujah a chance to lay down their weapons. At a news conference this morning, the coalition extended a cease-fire offer to combatants in the Sunni stronghold.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY SPOKESMAN: Following on yesterday's unilateral suspension of offensive military operations, coalition forces are prepared to implement a cease-fire with enemy elements in Fallujah commencing at noon today.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Another major military operation has been focused in the southern city of Kut, where Ukrainian troops were overrun earlier in the week by a Shiite militia. About 1,000 U.S. soldiers called in to help.

CNN's, Jane Arraf is there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The U.S. Army says it's still fighting to regain complete control of the city of Kut. They say they've taken back 60 to 70 percent of this city of 300,000 people on the banks of the Tigris. And in fighting that lasted until the early morning, they say they've retaken the TV and radio stations, as well as a key bridge that now provides them all access routes to the city.

But they will continue to fight, they say, until the militia loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr and his followers are eradicated from here.

So far, they've killed 17 of the fighters, they say, and captured 55 of them.

Now, the units that are fighting here have come from Baghdad, many of them. Some have come from Kuwait, where they had already been transferred out. This is the 1st Armored Division, which has been here for more than a year in Baghdad and had been due to go home. Instead, they're here in this camp that had been the home of Ukrainian soldiers who pulled back from the camp after the city was overrun by the militia.

The 1st Armored Division has had to bring some of its assets back, including, according to a general from the division, helicopters that had been shrink wrapped at the port. They had been put back into action, as have all these soldiers who will not be going home any time soon.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from Kut, from south-central Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: For a closer look at the military operations in Iraq, let's go to retired Brigadier General David Grange joining us from Illinois. Good to see you again. Let's talk about the troop concentration. We know that the Sunni Triangle seems to be an area particularly volatile right now, and this on a day that is considered a holy holiday. What does this do for morale when we're hearing now that a number of U.S. Marines are finding out that their duty just might be extended by a few months that perhaps coalition turnover to power to the Iraqi coalition just might have to be delayed.

BRIG. GEN. DAVID GRANGE (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, marines And in this case really soldiers from army units. And the issue is, when you have a peak of fighting, in this case the insurrections in different cities throughout Iraq, you have to use resources at hand. So, mission calls and those units have to meet that calling. That's part of being a soldier, being a Marine. It's not good for morale, but they have to adapt and drive on and accomplish their mission. They will. The key thing is, once this is resolved, and it will be, then those troops have priority in getting back home.

WHITFIELD: 130,000 troops spread out in various parts of Iraq. Do you believe that now is a time for the Pentagon to start thinking seriously about reinforcing the troops, adding more? GRANGE: Well, this is the priority effort of the military at least. The United States of America for the focus abroad, overseas. Many missions, 120-something countries, missions are going on as we sit here today. But this is a priority. So if it takes more resources, and in particular more troops, then so be it. It should be done. I would reinforce only for the main reason for psychological effect, to show that the United States or other coalition members can, will reinforce at a time like this because the success of Iraq's transition to a Democratic governance is important to us and that we should resource it for success. So I would do it for that impact that image that would go around the world.

WHITFIELD: Psychologically speaking then since you brought it up, a number of troops over the past few months have felt like they were more in a peacekeeping role. Now with these volatile areas heating up, it looks like it's combat all over again for the troops that psychologically prepared themselves for peacekeeping. So explain the psyche of how a soldier is to kind of make that shift once again.

GRANGE: Part of that is the commanders, the sergeants, the young officers' duty to explain that, to understand to themselves and explain it to the troops. There is no mission that is only peacekeeping, only humanitarian assistance or constant combat. Soldiers, Marines, you have to bounce back and forth from one or the other every minute, every hour. Maybe do one mission for a week and it changes to something else later. So, what you do as a leader, you train your people for the worst possible conditions, and then you adapt to whatever is dealt to you. What's at hand. What you have to do, peacekeeping or combat. And so I think right now, what's been going on since the Berlin Wall came down, the United States military in particular has been able to adapt, has had the flexibility to bounce from one to another quite well.

WHITFIELD: General Grange, thank you very much. Talk to you again shortly.

Back to Baghdad where we reported explosions have been heard in Baghdad.

Let's check in with Jim Clancy who is following that from the Iraqi capital -- Jim.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The explosions that were heard here were a controlled explosion. That's pretty common here although they can jolt some people. It's the explosion of ordnance that already has been seized by the coalition for one reason or another. They want to get rid of that ordnance, they don't want it lying around and that's what they do. Now, on the serious front here, what we are looking at is the situation in Fallujah in the heart of the Sunni triangle. The situation there, the siege, if you will, by U.S. Marines that has been placed on that city, has raised a lot of concerns among the Iraqis themselves as they say an entire city is suffering collective punishment for the action of a few people that are attacking coalition troops. The coalition sees the issue as something that could drive a wedge between itself and the people in Iraq who want to support change in their country and want to see the coalition succeed in bringing a new Iraq about with one with democracy, one where they are going to have a say in it all. So, in terms of trying to diffuse all of that, the Iraqi Governing Council Members have been working to try to arrange a cease-fire. The U.S. couldn't have laid it more clearly on the line.

Here's Mark Kimmitt.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KIMMITT: Today, what we are seeking is a bilateral cease-fire across the battlefield so that we can allow the discussions earlier referred to.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLANCY: Street battles in the Ahamah (ph) District of Baghdad this Saturday. Most of the shops in Baghdad are closed, observing a three-day strike called by a Sunni cleric in support of the people of Fallujah. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, Jim Clancy, thanks for that report out of Baghdad.

At home now, the Bush Administration is facing mounting pressure to explain its actions pre-9/11. Two days after the 9/11 panel grilled National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, those wanting to know what the president knew and when he knew it, are finding some answers in a classified brief.

White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is live from Crawford, Texas -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning Fredricka. Well, CNN has confirmed the highlights of that top-secret presidential daily brief that was handed to the president one month before the September 11 attacks. Inside of that brief, various scenarios of al Qaeda's intentions to strike inside of the United States. The brief called "bin Laden determined to attack inside the U.S. " The highlights are, it includes an intelligence report received May of 2001 indicating al Qaeda was attempting to send operatives to the U.S. through Canada to carry out an attack using explosives. This information was passed on to intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Second, al Qaeda had been considering ways to hijack American planes to win the release of operatives from 1998 to 1999.

Third, that Osama bin Laden was set on striking the U.S. as early as 1997 through early 2001.

Fourth, some intelligence suggested that suspected al Qaeda operatives were traveling to and from the United States, some U.S. Citizens, and may have had a support network inside of the United States.

And finally, at least seven FBI investigations were under way in 2001 regarding possible al Qaeda cells, terrorist related operatives inside the U.S.

Some of this intelligence is not corroborated. They are also saying none of this actually specifically talks about the September 11th plot. As you may recall, National Security Adviser Condoleezza rice said much of this briefing inside was historical in nature. It did not include the kind of details that allow the administration to foresee the September 11 attacks. We've been told to expect this briefing to be declassified in the next couple of days -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: And then how shortly thereafter would it be in the hands of the 9/11 Commission?

MALVEAUX: Well, what we understand, it's going to be turned over to the 9/11 commission first and then they'll distribute it to the public. They've been going through a rather extensive process to make insure this goes through all of the checks. But they say this should happen in a couple of days.

WHITFIELD: Suzanne Malveaux from Crawford, Texas, thanks very much.

Talk to us. We'd like to know what you think about what's happening in Iraq. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com and we'll share some of your thoughts later on this hour.

Also, coming up, an army wife makes a life or death decision. And is told she'll get no support from her health insurance. Our legal experts will tackle that issue.

And with the beauty of spring comes the torment of allergies. Our "Weekend House Call" may bring you some relief.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The latest now from Iraq includes the hunt for two soldiers and several civilian contractors. They are missing after a fiery attack an a fuel convoy near Baghdad International Airport. One soldier and an Iraqi driver were killed in that attack.

In southern Iraq, the U.S. Army say it has regained control of 50 to 70 percent of the town of Kut from a Shiite militia. The militia had seized control from Ukrainian forces several days ago. In Fallujah, coalition troops are offering insurgents a cease-fire.

A pregnant mother is faced with a life and death decision only to find out her insurance company will not support her choice. And the wife of a former Enron executive decides to take her case to court. Those are the two cases we want to talk about in today's "Legal Briefs." Here to talk about the legal issues involved in each case are Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, and she is a civil liberties attorney who joins us from Washington. Nelda Blair, a former Texas prosecutor in Houston.

Good to see both of you ladies. Let's take first the case of the pregnant woman, pregnant with twins. She wants her insurance to take care of a procedure. One of the twins apparently has not developed all the way. The brain has not developed, and her insurance fights back by saying, we cannot endorse abortion.

Lida, does she have any legal recourse if perhaps she wants to take it?

LIDA RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTIES ATTORNEY: Unfortunately not. This woman is the wife of a soldier serving in Iraq, and under the defense policy, the Defense Department does not cover abortions for women who need them, even in the case such as this, where the life of the remaining baby is at stake. So, what has basically happened here is that the Defense Department, because of the military bar on the use of federal funds for these abortions, will not cover this procedure and the surviving baby was put at risk.

WHITFIELD: Now, Nelda, apparently a New York University Medical Center has decided to step in and try to help out.

NELDA BLAIR, FORMER PROSECUTORS: They have. They decided to pay for it. You know what's so horrible about this is all they are going to do is have to cut the umbilical cord to this baby that's already brain dead. She's actually going to have to carry it to full term. The real problem here is the insurance companies not only now are they making medical decisions for people overruling doctors, but now they are making legal decision on what is and is not an abortion. That is simply unacceptable and that's what needs to change.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: And I agree -- I absolutely agree with Nelda. The problem isn't even the insurance company here. The problem is the government bar on the use of federal funds to perform abortions even in situations where military people absolutely need these procedures.

BLAIR: I love it when you agree with me.

WHITFIELD: I know, we're starting off the morning nicely.

Maybe you can disagree on this. The Lea Fastow case. She withdraws her guilty plea deal that would have given her five months in jail and the same maybe home confinement. Now she's facing trial on six counts.

Why would anyone do this, Lida?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: She's absolutely withdrawing the plea because the judge had refused to accept that she would do five months in, five months out. So now she's put in a position where the judge is saying, I'm not going to accept that. You may have to do 10 to 16 months. She's saying, absolutely not. Basically what's happening here is this is what happens when the government coerces people by -- she's a minor figure. She's only being prosecuted because her husband, they want his cooperation. They want his cooperation so they are prosecuting her.

WHITFIELD: Nelda do you agree this is a prosecution blunder?

BLAIR: Lida, you know the prosecution is not coercing Lea Fastow. This woman -- this is a woman that's admitted to cashing checks in the name of her 4-year-old son from Enron. But what is the point is that she is not the main character here. The prosecution wants her husband Andrew Fastow because they want Jeff Skilling, the CEO and possibly Ken Lay the top dog. The problem here is Judge Hittner (ph) and he rules his courtroom with an iron fist. He won't take what the prosecution suggests. He won't take what the defense suggest. That's the problem and they need to get out of this case.

WHITFIELD: The primary goal, Andy Fastow was trying to spare her life, cut her a break. Now in the end, it could be worse, couldn't it, Nelda?

BLAIR: Absolutely it could be worst. She could face many years in prison, that's the problem. And the prosecution doesn't even want to do this. They don't want to take her down to Brownsville and try her. They want to get on with the big dogs.

WHITFIELD: So Lida, how might this affect the case against Andy Fastow?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, he's not going to be all that happy cooperating, if his wife is prosecuted. This is exactly what happens over and over again when you basicly charge one spouse in order to get the other one to cooperate. Even if he cooperates on the Skilling case, he's not going to help them get the big dogs and why should he?

More importantly, anybody else's indicted has to wonder whether or not this cooperation is going to affect the testimony that Andy is going to give and, in fact, what the prosecution is doing here is they are going to probably have to withdraw the charges against Lea in order to continue with Andy. And as a result, people in the future are going to really wonder whether or not he is telling the truth when he testifies against them.

WHITFIELD: Interesting. Thank you very much, ladies. Appreciate it. Have a good morning.

Well, Jeffrey Skilling, another former Enron executive, is free today after an odd incident. Yesterday police picked up Skilling, the former CEO of the company, after witnesses report that he stood on a Manhattan street corner and accused passersby of being FBI agents. Officers described Skilling as intoxicated and uncooperative and they took him to a hospital to be evaluated. Skilling's attorney denies that account saying Skilling and his wife shouted for help after two men assaulted them. Skilling was not arrested or charged with anything.

We'll keep you updated with the latest developments out of Iraq this morning.

And still ahead -- we'll share what some of you have written about your thoughts on the war in Iraq when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: You've seen the technology news here on CNN for news gathering in remote place. Now the videophone has become extremely affordable to use in your home. Tomorrow on "CNN SUNDAY MORNING" a close look at some of the products that could let you see who you are talking to. Videophones on a budget tomorrow on "CNN SUNDAY MORNING" at 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

What do you think, Rob, do you want to see while you are talking?

ROB MARCIANO, METEOROLOGIST: No, and I certainly don't want people seeing me when I'm talk on the phone. Technology should only go too far.

WHITFIELD: Well, you don't have to buy it.

MARCIANO: OK, I won't. Good morning again, Fredricka, how are you?

WHITFIELD: I'm going good, and you?

MARCIANO: Doing great.

It's Easter Sunday. For a lot of folks, it feels like spring, for a lot of folks it feels like winter. Denver, Colorado seeing a lot today or it will see some snow, especially in the foothills as you head toward the mountains. In Texas, we'll some thunderstorms fire up, right now they are firing across Oklahoma and Arkansas. And it will be, it looks like, a wet Easter across not only a lot of the south, but stretching up the eastern seaboard as well. So, plan accordingly, if you have Easter egg hunting to do or if you are just heading out early in the morning to go to church.

We have thunderstorms that are going to fire up across this frontal boundary. This will bring wind across Salt Lake City, although most of snow there is done, and fresh dumping of snow, maybe 6 to 10 inches across the Colorado Rockies. Most of the East Coast looks to be dry today, but tomorrow that could be a different story.

Thunderstorms possible across Miami today, highs near 90, 88 degrees expected in Orlando. And across the northeast, 63 degrees in D.C., 59 degrees in New York City, and 63 in Cincinnati. I think St. Louis will see rainfall today. Memphis, rain. Nashville will see some rain. Atlanta should be dry to day. There are the snow is in Denver. We'll watch for the thunderstorms developing across Oklahoma. The Pacific Northwest near record highs today around 80 degrees in Portland, 66 in Los Angeles and Texas, the hot spot for some thunderstorms. But it would be cool, though, and wet in Dallas.

As far as what to expect for Easter Sunday. Cool across the midsection and these showers will extend across the Eastern Seaboard. Not too shabby, though in places like L.A. and San Francisco and Salt Lake.

Washington, D.C., the last weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival. That's where the big daddy hangs out. Good morning, Mr. President, if you are indeed there, and looks to be dry, I think, for most of the day today, Fredricka and then rain arriving in Washington, D.C. later on tonight for Easter Sunday.

WHITFIELD: Well, some of his staff is enjoying the White House this Easter weekend. He, of course, is in Crawford, Texas.

MARCIANO: Is he? I had a feeling he was hanging out in Texas.

WHITFIELD: I know, it's tough to keep up, but it's always nice to see a beautiful shot of the lovely White House.

Thanks a lot, Rob.

MARCIANO: OK.

WHITFIELD: We asked you what your thoughts are on the war in Iraq. We've asked you to e-mail us and you've done so.

Out of Great Neck, New York, this e-mail from ICF, "Let's declare victory and go home since the reason we entered was to ensure elimination of WMD and everybody agrees they do not or no longer exist, Mission accomplished."

And from Armand in Knoxville, Texas, "We have united two factions that have hated each other for thousands of years and we have united them against us."

Thanks for your e-mail and we'll continue to take more at wam@cnn.com.

Well, in addition to keeping you updated on the latest in Iraq, we have much more news ahead. At 8:30, "Weekend Housecall" has information on how to slog through the allergy season. And at 9:15, we'll talk with a designer of the World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington. And at 9:30, also Pulitzers Prize winner, Rick Atkinson.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired April 10, 2004 - 08:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is April 10th. Good morning everyone, I'm Fredricka Whitfield.
A lot of news coming out of Iraq this morning. Here are some of the latest development. A search is under way for two U.S. Soldiers and an unknown number of civilian contractors missing after an attack on their convoy near Baghdad International Airport. One U.S. Soldier and an Iraqi driver were killed and another dozen people injured.

Protesters are packing the streets of Tokyo demanding the government pull its troops out of Iraq. Insurgents say they'll burn three Japanese hostages alive if Japan doesn't withdraw its troops by tomorrow. At least one U.S. Marine is killed as sporadic fighting continues in Fallujah. The U.S. 1st Marine Division is suspending its offensive after days of fighting. In an effort to get insurgents to lay down their weapons. But an army spokesman says troops will defend themselves if attacked.

CNN Correspondent Jim Clancy is in Baghdad where he and bureau chief Jane Arraf is in the embattled southern city of Kut and a CNN crew is in Fallujah. We'll have reports on the fight in Iraq throughout the morning and analysis from retired General David Grange.

The U.S. are giving militants in Fallujah a chance to lay down their weapons. At a news conference this morning, the coalition extended a cease-fire offer to combatants in the Sunni stronghold.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG GEN. MARK KIMMITT, U.S. ARMY SPOKESMAN: Following on yesterday's unilateral suspension of offensive military operations, coalition forces are prepared to implement a cease-fire with enemy elements in Fallujah commencing at noon today.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Another major military operation has been focused in the southern city of Kut, where Ukrainian troops were overrun earlier in the week by a Shiite militia. About 1,000 U.S. soldiers called in to help.

CNN's, Jane Arraf is there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The U.S. Army says it's still fighting to regain complete control of the city of Kut. They say they've taken back 60 to 70 percent of this city of 300,000 people on the banks of the Tigris. And in fighting that lasted until the early morning, they say they've retaken the TV and radio stations, as well as a key bridge that now provides them all access routes to the city.

But they will continue to fight, they say, until the militia loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr and his followers are eradicated from here.

So far, they've killed 17 of the fighters, they say, and captured 55 of them.

Now, the units that are fighting here have come from Baghdad, many of them. Some have come from Kuwait, where they had already been transferred out. This is the 1st Armored Division, which has been here for more than a year in Baghdad and had been due to go home. Instead, they're here in this camp that had been the home of Ukrainian soldiers who pulled back from the camp after the city was overrun by the militia.

The 1st Armored Division has had to bring some of its assets back, including, according to a general from the division, helicopters that had been shrink wrapped at the port. They had been put back into action, as have all these soldiers who will not be going home any time soon.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from Kut, from south-central Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: For a closer look at the military operations in Iraq, let's go to retired Brigadier General David Grange joining us from Illinois. Good to see you again. Let's talk about the troop concentration. We know that the Sunni Triangle seems to be an area particularly volatile right now, and this on a day that is considered a holy holiday. What does this do for morale when we're hearing now that a number of U.S. Marines are finding out that their duty just might be extended by a few months that perhaps coalition turnover to power to the Iraqi coalition just might have to be delayed.

BRIG. GEN. DAVID GRANGE (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, marines And in this case really soldiers from army units. And the issue is, when you have a peak of fighting, in this case the insurrections in different cities throughout Iraq, you have to use resources at hand. So, mission calls and those units have to meet that calling. That's part of being a soldier, being a Marine. It's not good for morale, but they have to adapt and drive on and accomplish their mission. They will. The key thing is, once this is resolved, and it will be, then those troops have priority in getting back home.

WHITFIELD: 130,000 troops spread out in various parts of Iraq. Do you believe that now is a time for the Pentagon to start thinking seriously about reinforcing the troops, adding more? GRANGE: Well, this is the priority effort of the military at least. The United States of America for the focus abroad, overseas. Many missions, 120-something countries, missions are going on as we sit here today. But this is a priority. So if it takes more resources, and in particular more troops, then so be it. It should be done. I would reinforce only for the main reason for psychological effect, to show that the United States or other coalition members can, will reinforce at a time like this because the success of Iraq's transition to a Democratic governance is important to us and that we should resource it for success. So I would do it for that impact that image that would go around the world.

WHITFIELD: Psychologically speaking then since you brought it up, a number of troops over the past few months have felt like they were more in a peacekeeping role. Now with these volatile areas heating up, it looks like it's combat all over again for the troops that psychologically prepared themselves for peacekeeping. So explain the psyche of how a soldier is to kind of make that shift once again.

GRANGE: Part of that is the commanders, the sergeants, the young officers' duty to explain that, to understand to themselves and explain it to the troops. There is no mission that is only peacekeeping, only humanitarian assistance or constant combat. Soldiers, Marines, you have to bounce back and forth from one or the other every minute, every hour. Maybe do one mission for a week and it changes to something else later. So, what you do as a leader, you train your people for the worst possible conditions, and then you adapt to whatever is dealt to you. What's at hand. What you have to do, peacekeeping or combat. And so I think right now, what's been going on since the Berlin Wall came down, the United States military in particular has been able to adapt, has had the flexibility to bounce from one to another quite well.

WHITFIELD: General Grange, thank you very much. Talk to you again shortly.

Back to Baghdad where we reported explosions have been heard in Baghdad.

Let's check in with Jim Clancy who is following that from the Iraqi capital -- Jim.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The explosions that were heard here were a controlled explosion. That's pretty common here although they can jolt some people. It's the explosion of ordnance that already has been seized by the coalition for one reason or another. They want to get rid of that ordnance, they don't want it lying around and that's what they do. Now, on the serious front here, what we are looking at is the situation in Fallujah in the heart of the Sunni triangle. The situation there, the siege, if you will, by U.S. Marines that has been placed on that city, has raised a lot of concerns among the Iraqis themselves as they say an entire city is suffering collective punishment for the action of a few people that are attacking coalition troops. The coalition sees the issue as something that could drive a wedge between itself and the people in Iraq who want to support change in their country and want to see the coalition succeed in bringing a new Iraq about with one with democracy, one where they are going to have a say in it all. So, in terms of trying to diffuse all of that, the Iraqi Governing Council Members have been working to try to arrange a cease-fire. The U.S. couldn't have laid it more clearly on the line.

Here's Mark Kimmitt.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KIMMITT: Today, what we are seeking is a bilateral cease-fire across the battlefield so that we can allow the discussions earlier referred to.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CLANCY: Street battles in the Ahamah (ph) District of Baghdad this Saturday. Most of the shops in Baghdad are closed, observing a three-day strike called by a Sunni cleric in support of the people of Fallujah. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: All right, Jim Clancy, thanks for that report out of Baghdad.

At home now, the Bush Administration is facing mounting pressure to explain its actions pre-9/11. Two days after the 9/11 panel grilled National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, those wanting to know what the president knew and when he knew it, are finding some answers in a classified brief.

White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is live from Crawford, Texas -- Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning Fredricka. Well, CNN has confirmed the highlights of that top-secret presidential daily brief that was handed to the president one month before the September 11 attacks. Inside of that brief, various scenarios of al Qaeda's intentions to strike inside of the United States. The brief called "bin Laden determined to attack inside the U.S. " The highlights are, it includes an intelligence report received May of 2001 indicating al Qaeda was attempting to send operatives to the U.S. through Canada to carry out an attack using explosives. This information was passed on to intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Second, al Qaeda had been considering ways to hijack American planes to win the release of operatives from 1998 to 1999.

Third, that Osama bin Laden was set on striking the U.S. as early as 1997 through early 2001.

Fourth, some intelligence suggested that suspected al Qaeda operatives were traveling to and from the United States, some U.S. Citizens, and may have had a support network inside of the United States.

And finally, at least seven FBI investigations were under way in 2001 regarding possible al Qaeda cells, terrorist related operatives inside the U.S.

Some of this intelligence is not corroborated. They are also saying none of this actually specifically talks about the September 11th plot. As you may recall, National Security Adviser Condoleezza rice said much of this briefing inside was historical in nature. It did not include the kind of details that allow the administration to foresee the September 11 attacks. We've been told to expect this briefing to be declassified in the next couple of days -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: And then how shortly thereafter would it be in the hands of the 9/11 Commission?

MALVEAUX: Well, what we understand, it's going to be turned over to the 9/11 commission first and then they'll distribute it to the public. They've been going through a rather extensive process to make insure this goes through all of the checks. But they say this should happen in a couple of days.

WHITFIELD: Suzanne Malveaux from Crawford, Texas, thanks very much.

Talk to us. We'd like to know what you think about what's happening in Iraq. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com and we'll share some of your thoughts later on this hour.

Also, coming up, an army wife makes a life or death decision. And is told she'll get no support from her health insurance. Our legal experts will tackle that issue.

And with the beauty of spring comes the torment of allergies. Our "Weekend House Call" may bring you some relief.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The latest now from Iraq includes the hunt for two soldiers and several civilian contractors. They are missing after a fiery attack an a fuel convoy near Baghdad International Airport. One soldier and an Iraqi driver were killed in that attack.

In southern Iraq, the U.S. Army say it has regained control of 50 to 70 percent of the town of Kut from a Shiite militia. The militia had seized control from Ukrainian forces several days ago. In Fallujah, coalition troops are offering insurgents a cease-fire.

A pregnant mother is faced with a life and death decision only to find out her insurance company will not support her choice. And the wife of a former Enron executive decides to take her case to court. Those are the two cases we want to talk about in today's "Legal Briefs." Here to talk about the legal issues involved in each case are Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, and she is a civil liberties attorney who joins us from Washington. Nelda Blair, a former Texas prosecutor in Houston.

Good to see both of you ladies. Let's take first the case of the pregnant woman, pregnant with twins. She wants her insurance to take care of a procedure. One of the twins apparently has not developed all the way. The brain has not developed, and her insurance fights back by saying, we cannot endorse abortion.

Lida, does she have any legal recourse if perhaps she wants to take it?

LIDA RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTIES ATTORNEY: Unfortunately not. This woman is the wife of a soldier serving in Iraq, and under the defense policy, the Defense Department does not cover abortions for women who need them, even in the case such as this, where the life of the remaining baby is at stake. So, what has basically happened here is that the Defense Department, because of the military bar on the use of federal funds for these abortions, will not cover this procedure and the surviving baby was put at risk.

WHITFIELD: Now, Nelda, apparently a New York University Medical Center has decided to step in and try to help out.

NELDA BLAIR, FORMER PROSECUTORS: They have. They decided to pay for it. You know what's so horrible about this is all they are going to do is have to cut the umbilical cord to this baby that's already brain dead. She's actually going to have to carry it to full term. The real problem here is the insurance companies not only now are they making medical decisions for people overruling doctors, but now they are making legal decision on what is and is not an abortion. That is simply unacceptable and that's what needs to change.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: And I agree -- I absolutely agree with Nelda. The problem isn't even the insurance company here. The problem is the government bar on the use of federal funds to perform abortions even in situations where military people absolutely need these procedures.

BLAIR: I love it when you agree with me.

WHITFIELD: I know, we're starting off the morning nicely.

Maybe you can disagree on this. The Lea Fastow case. She withdraws her guilty plea deal that would have given her five months in jail and the same maybe home confinement. Now she's facing trial on six counts.

Why would anyone do this, Lida?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: She's absolutely withdrawing the plea because the judge had refused to accept that she would do five months in, five months out. So now she's put in a position where the judge is saying, I'm not going to accept that. You may have to do 10 to 16 months. She's saying, absolutely not. Basically what's happening here is this is what happens when the government coerces people by -- she's a minor figure. She's only being prosecuted because her husband, they want his cooperation. They want his cooperation so they are prosecuting her.

WHITFIELD: Nelda do you agree this is a prosecution blunder?

BLAIR: Lida, you know the prosecution is not coercing Lea Fastow. This woman -- this is a woman that's admitted to cashing checks in the name of her 4-year-old son from Enron. But what is the point is that she is not the main character here. The prosecution wants her husband Andrew Fastow because they want Jeff Skilling, the CEO and possibly Ken Lay the top dog. The problem here is Judge Hittner (ph) and he rules his courtroom with an iron fist. He won't take what the prosecution suggests. He won't take what the defense suggest. That's the problem and they need to get out of this case.

WHITFIELD: The primary goal, Andy Fastow was trying to spare her life, cut her a break. Now in the end, it could be worse, couldn't it, Nelda?

BLAIR: Absolutely it could be worst. She could face many years in prison, that's the problem. And the prosecution doesn't even want to do this. They don't want to take her down to Brownsville and try her. They want to get on with the big dogs.

WHITFIELD: So Lida, how might this affect the case against Andy Fastow?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, he's not going to be all that happy cooperating, if his wife is prosecuted. This is exactly what happens over and over again when you basicly charge one spouse in order to get the other one to cooperate. Even if he cooperates on the Skilling case, he's not going to help them get the big dogs and why should he?

More importantly, anybody else's indicted has to wonder whether or not this cooperation is going to affect the testimony that Andy is going to give and, in fact, what the prosecution is doing here is they are going to probably have to withdraw the charges against Lea in order to continue with Andy. And as a result, people in the future are going to really wonder whether or not he is telling the truth when he testifies against them.

WHITFIELD: Interesting. Thank you very much, ladies. Appreciate it. Have a good morning.

Well, Jeffrey Skilling, another former Enron executive, is free today after an odd incident. Yesterday police picked up Skilling, the former CEO of the company, after witnesses report that he stood on a Manhattan street corner and accused passersby of being FBI agents. Officers described Skilling as intoxicated and uncooperative and they took him to a hospital to be evaluated. Skilling's attorney denies that account saying Skilling and his wife shouted for help after two men assaulted them. Skilling was not arrested or charged with anything.

We'll keep you updated with the latest developments out of Iraq this morning.

And still ahead -- we'll share what some of you have written about your thoughts on the war in Iraq when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: You've seen the technology news here on CNN for news gathering in remote place. Now the videophone has become extremely affordable to use in your home. Tomorrow on "CNN SUNDAY MORNING" a close look at some of the products that could let you see who you are talking to. Videophones on a budget tomorrow on "CNN SUNDAY MORNING" at 8:00 a.m. Eastern.

What do you think, Rob, do you want to see while you are talking?

ROB MARCIANO, METEOROLOGIST: No, and I certainly don't want people seeing me when I'm talk on the phone. Technology should only go too far.

WHITFIELD: Well, you don't have to buy it.

MARCIANO: OK, I won't. Good morning again, Fredricka, how are you?

WHITFIELD: I'm going good, and you?

MARCIANO: Doing great.

It's Easter Sunday. For a lot of folks, it feels like spring, for a lot of folks it feels like winter. Denver, Colorado seeing a lot today or it will see some snow, especially in the foothills as you head toward the mountains. In Texas, we'll some thunderstorms fire up, right now they are firing across Oklahoma and Arkansas. And it will be, it looks like, a wet Easter across not only a lot of the south, but stretching up the eastern seaboard as well. So, plan accordingly, if you have Easter egg hunting to do or if you are just heading out early in the morning to go to church.

We have thunderstorms that are going to fire up across this frontal boundary. This will bring wind across Salt Lake City, although most of snow there is done, and fresh dumping of snow, maybe 6 to 10 inches across the Colorado Rockies. Most of the East Coast looks to be dry today, but tomorrow that could be a different story.

Thunderstorms possible across Miami today, highs near 90, 88 degrees expected in Orlando. And across the northeast, 63 degrees in D.C., 59 degrees in New York City, and 63 in Cincinnati. I think St. Louis will see rainfall today. Memphis, rain. Nashville will see some rain. Atlanta should be dry to day. There are the snow is in Denver. We'll watch for the thunderstorms developing across Oklahoma. The Pacific Northwest near record highs today around 80 degrees in Portland, 66 in Los Angeles and Texas, the hot spot for some thunderstorms. But it would be cool, though, and wet in Dallas.

As far as what to expect for Easter Sunday. Cool across the midsection and these showers will extend across the Eastern Seaboard. Not too shabby, though in places like L.A. and San Francisco and Salt Lake.

Washington, D.C., the last weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival. That's where the big daddy hangs out. Good morning, Mr. President, if you are indeed there, and looks to be dry, I think, for most of the day today, Fredricka and then rain arriving in Washington, D.C. later on tonight for Easter Sunday.

WHITFIELD: Well, some of his staff is enjoying the White House this Easter weekend. He, of course, is in Crawford, Texas.

MARCIANO: Is he? I had a feeling he was hanging out in Texas.

WHITFIELD: I know, it's tough to keep up, but it's always nice to see a beautiful shot of the lovely White House.

Thanks a lot, Rob.

MARCIANO: OK.

WHITFIELD: We asked you what your thoughts are on the war in Iraq. We've asked you to e-mail us and you've done so.

Out of Great Neck, New York, this e-mail from ICF, "Let's declare victory and go home since the reason we entered was to ensure elimination of WMD and everybody agrees they do not or no longer exist, Mission accomplished."

And from Armand in Knoxville, Texas, "We have united two factions that have hated each other for thousands of years and we have united them against us."

Thanks for your e-mail and we'll continue to take more at wam@cnn.com.

Well, in addition to keeping you updated on the latest in Iraq, we have much more news ahead. At 8:30, "Weekend Housecall" has information on how to slog through the allergy season. And at 9:15, we'll talk with a designer of the World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington. And at 9:30, also Pulitzers Prize winner, Rick Atkinson.

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