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CNN Saturday Morning News

A look at Fire Fight that Killed al Qaeda Leader in Saudi Arabia

Aired June 19, 2004 - 07:00   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: Welcome.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It is June 19.

Good morning.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Drew Griffin.

Thanks for being with us.

Here's a look at some of the things we've got scheduled for you this morning.

We're talking to our military analysts covering the fallout from hostage Paul Johnson's killing in Saudi Arabia. And we'll hear more about what's going on with the investigation in Riyadh.

In just 11 days, the U.S. scheduled to hand power over to the Iraqi government. We'll get a status report on the transition there.

And this summer heat may be doing you in, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your gardening. We'll help you keep things green with our own garden expert.

NGUYEN: Saudi security sources say al Qaeda cell leader Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin and three other terror suspects have been killed in a firefight in Riyadh with Saudi forces. That gun battle came hours after the discovery of the beheaded body of American hostage Paul Johnson. Al Muqrin's cell is blamed for that killing.

Two more American soldiers have been killed in Iraq. One died of wounds after insurgents attacked a U.S. base north of Baghdad with small arms. Another was killed in a mortar attack on a coalition base in the Iraqi capital.

Conjoined sisters are facing separation surgery at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C. today. Jade and Erin Buckles were born in Maryland back in February, joined at the chest and abdomen. The girls share a liver. Doctors are hopeful the surgery will be a success.

GRIFFIN: Our top story this morning, new developments in the hunt for the killers of an American beheaded in Saudi Arabia. That happened on Friday. Saudi authorities say they have killed or captured more than a dozen militants now.

CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson joins us by phone from London -- Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Drew, the latest we have from our Saudi security sources here, Al Muqrin confirmed dead. We've been hearing that through the night. Pictures now shown on Saudi TV confirming that.

We're also told that Al Muqrin's number two was captured alive but injured in that shootout. Now, according to Saudi security sources, that they're describing as a big success. The capturing of such an important figure alive, they say, could obviously lead to the development of more intelligence that will perhaps lead them to other cells.

They say as well as those killed along with Al Muqrin, at least 10 militants were also captured. Among those captured were what were described as senior operatives within Al Muqrin's group from different operational units. And along with the capture of these people, the seizing of a vehicle. That vehicle, according to Saudi security sources, used in the shooting of a BBC team that killed the cameraman, Simon Cumbers, and injured the correspondent, Frank Gardner.

So in that massive operation, as it was described, in the capital Riyadh overnight, some big gains, according to Saudi security sources -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Nic, Al Muqrin, of course, the leader of this very dangerous cell. There was talk of possible DNA testing. The Saudis are now saying we don't need it, this, indeed, is the man.

ROBERTSON: Well, the Saudis are saying this is the man. They defined him as the man before this. Saudi security sources had provided information about him. Al Muqrin had, on a Web site, placed information claiming responsibility for attacks, providing information on how other militants could perform kidnappings, perform killings.

Saudi authorities quite closely guard their own intelligence. This is generally the way that they operate. They generally do not keep the bodies around for long, share the information broadly. There's still, of course, concern beyond Saudi borders, concern that people want to make sure who the Saudis say is killed or captured is, in fact, those people.

What has been interesting about the killing of Al Muqrin is that it happened so soon after the body of Paul Johnson was dumped on the streets of Riyadh. How Saudi security forces were able to react so quickly, what information led them to that, a very interesting point -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Nic Robertson live in London.

Thank you for that report, Nic. U.S. officials are condemning the killing of American Paul Johnson, shown here with his wife. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey lashing out at the Saudi government, saying it has shown too much patience with terrorists. Johnson's family remains in seclusion in New Jersey.

And Alina Cho is there -- Alina.

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Drew, the family still has not spoken out publicly about Johnson's death. In fact, no one has seen them since late yesterday afternoon. That is when the family was seen leaving the home of Johnson's niece, just south of here, for an undisclosed location. Among those seen leaving, those shielded, was Johnson's son, Paul Johnson III, and his sister, Donna Mayeux.

They had met for most of the afternoon with an FBI spokesman, who talked to reporters late yesterday on the family's behalf.

JOSEPH BILLY, FBI, SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE: They now hope that the investigation will continue to move forward and that justice will ultimately be served. They asked that I also let everyone know that Paul considered Saudi Arabia his home and he loved

the people and their country. They also know that this act of terrorism was committed by extremists and does not represent the Saudi Arabia that Paul often spoke and wrote about to his family. And they also know that the vast majority of the citizens of Saudi Arabia also grieve with them at this time.

They now ask that their privacy be protected. They want to have their privacy respected under this intense time of sadness.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Here in this community near Johnson's hometown, there is intense anger. In fact, a poem hanging on a mailbox reads, in part, "Last night I wasn't a racist, but today I feel racism toward Islamic beliefs."

Neighbors say they are doing everything they can to console the family in their time of need.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN POMPONIO, NEIGHBOR: I talk to them at nighttime, make sure everything's all right. The daughters are taking it hard. Their mom's taking it hard. It's really hard, it is. It's really, really hard, you know?

CHO: And as a neighbor, you're doing your best?

POMPONIO: I'm doing my best. Whatever, I mean, I can't do that much, but whatever I can do to help them out, I'm always here for them.

(END VIDEO CLIP) CHO: Forty-nine-year-old Paul Johnson had lived in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade. He was married and worked as an Apache helicopter specialist for Lockheed Martin. He was kidnapped a week ago today and brutally murdered by his captors yesterday.

Back here in this community, neighbors in Johnson's -- of Johnson's sister tell us that there has been an incredible outpouring of support here. In fact, the neighbor that you just heard from told us that he had received phone calls from perfect strangers asking how they can send condolences to the family -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina Cho in New Jersey, thank you.

NGUYEN: A clear pattern appears to be developing in Saudi Arabia. Paul Johnson is the third American civilian to be killed by terrorists there in less than two weeks.

Our military intelligence analyst Ken Robinson joins us now from Washington to talk about this.

Good morning to you.

Thanks for being with us.

KEN ROBINSON, CNN MILITARY INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: Hi.

Good morning, Betty and Drew.

NGUYEN: In mention of Paul Johnson, this is the third attack. They're attacking soft targets.

Why this tactic and why now?

ROBINSON: It's very effective, Betty. The -- it's hard to go after a hardened site that's defended, but it's very simple to identify people living in the communities, living on the economy or living, as we've seen in the Khobar attacks, in cordoned areas and then force technocrats to leave the country. That's their objective, is to make as many people as possible stop working in the Saudi oil industry to affect the infrastructure and make it decay, which will erode power of the Saudi royal family.

NGUYEN: So that's the goal, to destabilize the government. But if there's turmoil there, if the country is just up in arms, how does that accomplish anything?

ROBINSON: Well, what it accomplishes is the following. If there's a divestment of infrastructure, the barrels per day in Saudi Arabia won't be affected in the short-term. But in the long-term, the ability to bring on new oil fields and to change Saudi Arabia's position in OPEC will cause an erosion.

Also, there's a schism within the Saudi royal family between moderates and those who are also tied ideologically to the same beliefs that Osama bin Laden holds. There's a division between young princes and old princes on what the way forward is and how to modernize and how to change their society.

So it's a very dangerous time for them.

NGUYEN: So is this royal family on the brink of collapse here?

ROBINSON: There has been discussion for about 18 months that there were dangerous signs showing that there was going to be threats against the House of Saud. And you saw Prince Bandar, the ambassador to the United States from Saudi Arabia, wrote an open letter where he described that change was very important and needed to happen fast.

That's very unusual with him talking to his uncles, the crown prince and Prince Naif, who is the interior minister. And, yes, there is a schism there and this could exacerbate it.

NGUYEN: All right, Ken Robinson, we have so many more questions to ask you.

We'll be talking with you a little bit later on in this show.

Thank you very much.

ROBINSON: You're welcome.

GRIFFIN: And speaking of the technocrats leaving, the U.S. State Department is warning Americans now the threat extends throughout the region. The advisory cites information extremists could be targeting Westerners and more oil workers in the Middle East and North Africa. The Mideast area includes the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula.

The Saudi government has scheduled a news conference for later today. CNN will cover it live. It's now scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Pacific. You'll see it right here on CNN.

And given the current situation in the Persian Gulf region, do you think American companies should pull out and would that be giving in to terrorism? E-mail us at wam@cnn.com. We'll be reading your replies throughout the program -- Betty.

NGUYEN: "Stay quiet and you'll be OK," those were the words passengers on American Airlines Flight 11 heard from one of the hijackers believed to be Mohamed Atta. This week, millions of people had a chance to hear these words live on television.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN AZZARELLO, COMMISSION COUNSEL: At 8:34, the Boston Center controller received a third transmission from American 11.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nobody move, please. We are going back to the airport. Don't try to make any stupid moves.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Audiotapes from the hijacked planes were first publicly played this week on Capitol Hill, as part of the hearings of the commission investigating September 11 attacks. The final report contains some chilling conclusions blaming the U.S. military and FAA for being unprepared "in every respect" to stop those hijackings.

Many family members of September 11 victims were present at the hearings. In case you missed it this week, these unprecedented moments in television, we will bring them to you once again this morning, those highlights from the final report of the September 11 Commission. That is today at 9:30 Eastern right here on CNN.

GRIFFIN: A hot day on the East Coast today.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Saudi Arabia shows evidence Paul Johnson's killers have been brought to justice. Now, we'll take you to the region a little bit later this hour for those developments.

GRIFFIN: Plus, with just 11 days to go, is there more violence expected in Iraq?

NGUYEN: And a tearful farewell to a music legend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A song of you, comes as sweet and clear.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Wondering how to protect your favorite flowers from the summer heat? Here is a guy who knows exactly what to do.

Good morning, William.

WILLIAM MOSS, HOST, "RALLY ROUND THE HOUSE": Good morning.

We're live here at the Chicago Botanical Garden.

NGUYEN: All right.

And he's going to have some tips on how to keep those plants alive.

Stay with us for CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Drew Griffin.

Now the countdown to the handover in Iraq. Just 11 days away now. U.S. officials said to expect increasing violence. We got it. This week a devastating car bomb, a crippling attack on Iraq's pipeline and questions over how the peace will be maintained.

Here to discuss all of this, CNN analyst Ken Pollack.

He joins us from Washington -- Ken, we expected it, but it doesn't make it any easier when it comes. And there seems to be an inability to stop it.

KEN POLLACK, CNN ANALYST: Well, that's right, Drew. And I think what we need to focus on is that these artificial deadlines that the United States is setting and then suggesting that somehow the terrorism is a response to that, that probably isn't the case at all.

In fact, the problem that we've got is that we've got a full blown insurgency in Iraq and that insurgency is increasingly large, diverse and better rooted in the Iraqi population.

So this increase in attacks you're seeing, that's mostly a function of the greater public support, the greater capabilities, the greater manpower of the insurgency and not really having anything to do with these deadlines that the United States is setting.

GRIFFIN: Does the rise of the insurgency movement be quelled at all if the transition takes place, if the Iraqis are in control of their own government?

POLLACK: Well, sure. There is a scenario, and this, of course, is what the Bush administration is hoping for. There is a scenario which says the Iraqis get control of their own government. That takes the United States out of the faces of the Iraqis, puts them in control of their own destinies, allows them to distribute resources to where they want it to go as opposed to where we want it to go and over the course of time it helps to quell the insurgency.

I've got to tell you that while that is certainly a possible scenario, there are a lot of potential pitfalls along the way.

GRIFFIN: This week we've seen one example of the struggle. You help the U.S. government, you are going to be a target of a car bomb, in this case. Anybody who helps the U.S. government or the transitional government seems to be a target for attack.

How can you create a government, a stable government, a peaceful government, in those conditions?

POLLACK: This is the $64,000 question, Drew. It's going to be a real tough challenge. And it's why security has to be job one. It is why U.S. forces have got to make a much greater effort to deal with day to day security for Iraqis, not just going off on these nighttime hunts for suspected insurgents, but just patrolling the streets, being the cop on the beat, making sure that the Iraqis have a secure environment in which to revive their political system and their economy.

GRIFFIN: And, Ken, you're saying it's the U.S. soldier who should be the cop on the street? POLLACK: Yes, unfortunately we don't have much of a choice. It's a really bad option right now, to tell you the truth, because at this point in one of these post-conflict transitions, you'd really like to be shifting over and giving that burden more and more to Iraqi forces.

The problem is, as we saw in April, the forces that we created simply aren't ready for the job. We rushed their training. We didn't vet them properly, we didn't equip them properly and now you've got General David Patreas (ph) saying that it is going to take years before we've got Iraqi security forces who can do the job themselves.

GRIFFIN: The other attack this week was on the oil pipeline, a critical attack there. It shut down the oil and shut down the money for Iraq.

I'm just wondering, we stand here in the U.S. looking back and we're wondering why they're crippling their own economic pipeline.

Why does this take place and does anybody think it's going to do any good for any movement?

POLLACK: Well, certainly it's not helping the Iraqi people, as you're suggesting. But for many of these insurgents, what they are looking to do is they are looking to pull down the edifice that the United States is trying to create, this new Iraq. And going after the oil is very important. And what they are -- the message that they're trying to send to the Iraqi people is the Americans can't protect our oil. And that oil is critical to our future. So don't rely on the Americans to give us a better future.

GRIFFIN: Ken Pollack from Washington.

Thank you for the analysis, sir.

POLLACK: Thank you, Drew.

GRIFFIN: CNN will be taking the pulse of the world over the next 11 days as we approach this handover. Throughout the week at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday, we get reaction from the Arab conflict; Thursday, reaction from Europe; Friday, a live town meeting takes the American pulse on handover in Iraq -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Could the wind hold the secret to the structural weakness of the World Trade Center? Well, a new report out this morning outlines the collapse of the Twin Towers. We have those details ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: And good morning Daytona Beach. It looks like a great day for the beach down there. We're going to have your full weather forecast in just a minute.

First, a check on our top stories this morning. NGUYEN: The Saudi government says the leader of an al Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia is among four suspected terrorists killed in a shootout in Riyadh. Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin is blamed for numerous attacks on Westerners there, including the kidnapping and ultimate beheading of American Paul Johnson. World leaders condemned his killing as a senseless, barbaric act.

And, moving on, the Olympic Torch moves from Atlanta to New York today. Celebrities such as Donald, Donald Trump, of course; Whoopi Goldberg; and Sean Combs, that's Puff Daddy or P. Diddy, whoever you want to call him, he will run the famous flame through the five boroughs.

What's the weather going to be like for that?

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Is that today?

NGUYEN:

MARCIANO: I missed the first half of the copy.

NGUYEN: You weren't even listening to me, were you?

GRIFFIN: Tell us about New York.

MARCIANO: Yes, it's going be warm and humid...

GRIFFIN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

MARCIANO: Kind of not the best of running weather. But I think you only run maybe a half a mile, if that.

NGUYEN: Yes, and slow, because they want to savor the moment.

MARCIANO: Yes.

Did you hear, Drew was singing during the break, then he was talking very belovedly of Daytona Beach, embracing that humidity.

NGUYEN: Yes.

MARCIANO: I mean you're really settling in here in the South.

GRIFFIN: Thank you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Just ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, at least four suspected terrorists now are dead in Saudi Arabia. We'll get the latest on the fallout from the beheading of an American hostage there.

NGUYEN: And Ray Charles is remembered. A look at his musical legacy along with his closest friends and family. That's next.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WILLIE NELSON: Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: We want to take a listen now to some tape of the new prime minister in Iraq with Senators Daschle and Biden.

Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN (D-DW), FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE: ... view that in every circumstance we have found in the last 15 years around the world where there's been this kind of transition forward (AUDIO GAP) and lead that country at that moment as any other factor. And I think that having you, Mr. Prime Minister -- I don't want to endorse you because that could hurt you, probably -- but I sincerely mean (AUDIO GAP) and you are willing to go out and make the case (AUDIO GAP) critical piece of this puzzle, in my view.

And you have the credibility. I realize it's going to take a lot to build it in a nation that has been, for over 35 years, where every reasonable moderate voice in this country has learned to keep their head down or been run out of the country. We're asking a lot of the Iraqi people to stand up now. But with your leadership, I think there is a prospect of beginning that whole process.

But most importantly, I think you have a realistic grasp on what needs to be done and are not viewing this through rose-colored glasses. And that, to me, gives me reassurance. And so I am -- I, for one, believe you can continue to count on the support of the international community and with your help maybe it can be broadened.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: ... about what was the right thing to do and what they felt comfortable with. And I just want to say that I admire you for taking this risk, because so many people will benefit from it. I share Senator Daschle and Biden's sense of optimism. It won't be easy, but I think it's possible to take out of this -- the ashes of this dictatorship and build a democracy. People have to sacrifice. And I would call on the international community to do what Senator Biden said, help where you can. If you can send troops, send troops. If you can forgive debt, forgive debt.

But the Iraqi people have suffered mightily. They need all the help they can get. My country will be there, I know, as long as it takes, Mr. Prime Minister, and I hope the international community will help you and if we'll show the bravery you've shown, this will be a great success story.

SEN. THOMAS DASCHLE (D-SD), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: Let me simply say on behalf of the three of us, but also, I think I can speak unequivocally for Republicans and Democrats, members of the House and members of the Senate, we want to say in the most heartfelt way, first, thank you for the job you've done and the way you've done it. Secondly, how proud we are of that job, how much we want to continue to support your efforts in whatever role it may be. And finally, we want to make sure that you all come home as safely as possible. And in that regard, we want to make sure that you have every piece of equipment and all the support financially that may be required for you to do your job.

But let me simply again reiterate, a job well done. And for that, we are most, most grateful.

BIDEN: Can I add a word to that? One of the things that occurred today -- and the troops should know this -- is that this is the first time in a while that I've been in the region, and this is my third time back to the country in the last year or so, that an Iraqi leader started off this meeting by thanking the American troops, by recognizing the sacrifice you've made and the sacrifice your families have made and acknowledging that there's nothing we're here for, there's nothing we want -- we're not here, you're not here for gain, for empire, for oil. You're here because you wanted to be part of and you stood up to the job of liberating the Iraqi people and want to get the job done and go home. And I tell you what, you know, the folks back home will hear from us. We're so proud of you all. I mean you literally are incredible, and especially, you know, they say this new generation, this young generation is not up to what the greatest generation in the history of America has been. That's malarkey. You're as tough, you're as smart, you're as committed, you're as idealistic, you're as noble as any generation of Americans, and all Americans have to do is get a glimpse of seeing you here and they understand it.

And I echo the words of my Democratic leader here, job well done. We're proud as hell of you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: You were just looking at some tape of a surprise visit to Baghdad by Senators Tom Daschle, Joe Biden and Lindsey Graham. They were speaking to troops there in the region, talking about their support for those troops and the reason why American troops are in Iraq. They also spoke of their support for the interim Iraqi government, as we approach 11 days to the handover.

Of course, we will continue to follow all of this right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Meanwhile, Saudi security forces say al Qaeda cell leader Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin and three other terror suspects have been killed in a shootout in Riyadh with Saudi forces. Al Muqrin is blamed for the kidnapping and ultimate beheading of American Paul Johnson. Al Muqrin has been -- or has reclaimed -- or claimed responsibility, that is, for Johnson's kidnapping and the death of another American last Saturday on behalf of a group claiming ties to al Qaeda.

Now, following Johnson's brutal killing, the State Department issued a new warning that extends beyond Saudi Arabia. The Department says it has information extremists may be planning attacks on Westerners and oil workers specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula.

Two American soldiers have been killed in Iraq. One died of wounds after insurgents attacked a U.S. base north of Baghdad with small arms. Another was killed in a mortar attack on a coalition base in the Iraqi capital. Iraqi police also say a Portuguese national and an Iraqi police officer were killed Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded in Basra -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Now, more on the developments in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi security forces say four terror suspects behind the killing of an American hostage are themselves dead after being tracked down and killed in a police shootout.

Cnnarabic.com editor Caroline Faraj is following developments from Dubai.

She joins us by phone -- Caroline.

CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Drew, apparently the Saudi security forces told CNN just recently that Abdel Muqrin, Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin, who is believed to be the al Qaeda link and the al Qaeda leader in the Arab Peninsula, as they call it, with another two of the wanted people to the Saudi government -- and they are two brothers -- Faisal al-Dakheel and Bandar al-Dakheel -- were killed in the attack yesterday and the hunt yesterday.

However, the third person, who is believed to be Rahlan Mosin Mohammed Al-Sihan (ph), who is one of the mastermind people behind the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen a couple of years ago, he was only wounded, injured only, and he is still alive.

And they continued, the Saudi forces, they continued the hunt yesterday all midnight, local time, and they said that they managed to arrest another 10 wanted people whom they believe that they are part of Al Muqrin's cell.

However, Drew, we are still waiting to get a final confirmation from the Saudi government, written confirmation that would basically wrap up the whole attack and the whole hunt that took place yesterday night. We are also expecting that the American ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to have a press conference in the coming hour and a half in Riyadh, also giving us the other perspective -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Caroline, thank you.

And that information could come later today, as the Saudi government has scheduled a news conference. And CNN plans to cover that live, now scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern. That would be 11:00 on the Pacific, right her on CNN.

NGUYEN: On September 11, America fought more than 19 hijackers. In the words of General Richard Myers, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the country "fought many phantoms that day -- confusion, false reports of car bombings and poor coordination." This week on live television, America got to witness one of the most shocking conclusions of the September 11 investigation -- the U.S. military and FAA were unsuited in every respect for what was about to happen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN FARMER, 9/11 COMMISSION STAFF: At 9:46 and again two minutes later, command center updated FAA headquarters that United 93 was now "29 minutes out of Washington, D.C."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do we want to think about scrambling aircraft?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, god, I don't know.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's a decision somebody's going to have to make probably in the next 10 minutes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, everybody just left the room.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: In case you missed this extraordinary moment on television, we will bring you those highlights, including audiotapes from the doomed planes. That is today at 9:30 Eastern.

A new federal report finds that wind forces may have played a major factor in the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. That report says the buildings may have been more vulnerable to wind than designers originally thought. Experts report that a faulty test back in the 1960s may have severely underestimated the effect of wind forces on the Towers, saying wind loads were actually 60 percent higher than those used in the original tests.

GRIFFIN: It was a victory for Kobe Bryant in his sexual assault case. But just how big is that win? That's the question for our legal panel. We'll have that live next hour.

Plus, a riddle that's been around for decades -- why don't men go to the doctor? The answer just in time for Father's Day in this week's House Call, at 8:30 Eastern.

Then at 9:00, high drama at the U.S. Open. It has little to do with Tiger Woods this year. We take you live to the Southampton, New York golf course.

But first, your plants can't get up and come inside, now, can they, to escape the summer heat? Well, they need a little helping hand and we're going to have tips from the co-host of "Rally Round the House" live right here from Chicago on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

Now time to keep up with the news of the week. And we are here to rewind for you.

Perhaps the most dramatic details yet on Thursday, as the 9/11 Commission released a recording of a voice believed to be that of hijacker Mohamed Atta. The voice telling passengers to stay quiet and they would be OK. A staff report also found the U.S. military and the Federal Aviation Administration were unprepared in every respect to stop the hijackings.

We've got more on this for you, including some of the compelling testimony. That is today at 9:30 Eastern. So you'll want to stay tuned.

An independent contractor working for the CIA was indicted this week on assault charges. David Passaro stands accused of beating an Afghan prisoner who had surrounded voluntarily to U.S. officials. The indictment says the prisoner, Abdul Wali, died in his cell after being interrogated by Passaro. A lawyer for Passaro says the detainee died from a heart attack.

And significant talks in the Middle East Friday as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia in Cairo. The talks focused on Egypt's security role and a planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Now, tomorrow we will fast forward to the week ahead for a look at which stories will grab the spotlight.

GRIFFIN: Massachusetts will soon become the sixth state in the nation to ban smoking in the workplace. Governor Mitt Romney signed the legislation yesterday, mirroring local bans already in place in about 100 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The statewide ban takes effect on July 5.

And California taking a step closer to becoming the first state to take smoking bans even farther. A state senate committee there has passed a measure that would ban smoking in a vehicle if that vehicle is carrying children.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ray called me one day and he said, "I want you to do a song with me." So I said, "OK."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: ... memorial for his good buddy, Ray Charles. The legendary singer still got top billing. Recordings of Ray Charles, "America The Beautiful" and "Over The Rainbow," were played four mourners. Charles died last Thursday of liver disease. He was 73.

NGUYEN: A touching moment there. Ray Charles affected a lot of folks and his music just is still here with us. Well, we are going to move on this morning. With the recent attacks on Westerners in Saudi Arabia, do you think American businesses should pull out of the Persian Gulf region?

GRIFFIN: We asked you that question earlier this morning. E- mail us at wam@cnn.com. If you prefer, we'll be reading your replies ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: Now for our Wows of the Week.

Along the Ohio River, it was just your average two story house floating by. Nobody home, in case you're curious. This house equipped with 55 gallon plastic barrels that kept it afloat.

At Six Flags, St. Louis, half a dozen people have set a new world record for going around in circles, or so they thought. Seventy-two hours spent riding the 180-foot Ferris wheel Colossus. Get this, though, Six Flags says there was no world record for continuously riding a Ferris wheel.

And a disabled California man has some unusual help. Here he is, Craig Cook, grateful to have Minnie around, a Capuchin monkey from Boston-based Helping Hands. I wonder if Minnie, at 18 years old, will go out and be able to buy Craig a beer?

NGUYEN: I don't know if Minnie likes beer. Maybe bananas.

GRIFFIN: Just, Craig likes beer, so, you know, Minnie will get the beers.

NGUYEN: Minnie's there to help. Everyone needs a Minnie, right?

It is getting hot out there. But don't let the weather keep you out of the garden. "Rally Round the House" co-host William Moss knows exactly what to plant these days, right, William?

MOSS: Right. We've got some roses out here. We've got annuals. We've got perennials. We're going to talk about ways to maintain them and keep them looking good through the dark days of summer.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: That's Birmingham, Alabama this morning. And if you're waking up there, you're going to want to put on the shorts. It will be very hot. We'll have the weather in a minute, but first a check on our top stories.

Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Drew Griffin.

Here is our top stories.

Retaliation swift in Saudi Arabia for the beheading of American Paul Johnson. Saudi security forces round up and kill the suspected leader of al Qaeda's cell there. Security sources report three other terror suspects were killed, too.

Reaction to Johnson's death swift. Senator Frank Lautenberg of Johnson's home state of New Jersey is accusing the Saudi government of being too patient with terrorists. And the State Department issuing new warnings -- Americans in the entire Persian Gulf region, they may be targets of terrorist attacks.

NGUYEN: Well, back here in the U.S., you know, summer starts tomorrow. But it sure feels like summer already, Rob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: The dog days of summer don't have to keep you out of the garden.

William Moss, host of "Rally Round the House," joins us this morning with tips on planting during hot sultry weather.

Is it hot there, yet?

MOSS: Well, not here, you know?

NGUYEN: No?

MOSS: I woke up thinking yes, well, you know, summer. We've got to talk about beating the heat. And it's 50 degrees in Chicago.

NGUYEN: Oh, you need to put a jacket on.

Well, let's talk about those...

MOSS: Yes, we're here in a beautiful garden, though.

NGUYEN: Oh, definitely. It is gorgeous out there.

So how do you keep those plants gorgeous in the summer heat?

MOSS: Well, what you've got to do is start out with the right types of plants. We've got a lot of annuals up here, perennials, especially, you know, things that are native and deal with a lot of the hot summer sun. Here we've got some orange meadow blight that we made here at Chicago Botanic Garden, a beautiful plant, a great cultivar. We've got some tropical plants, some elephant ears here, some elephant ears down here. Those tropical plants and those plants that take it out of the sun, like the prairie, you know, those guys are built for the heat. They'll last all summer.

NGUYEN: The plants that aren't built for the heat, they need a lot of watering and you need to take them out of the sun.

How much watering do you need, though, because there is a danger in watering too much?

MOSS: There, yes, there is. So what you have to do about watering is remember this, it's best to water early in the morning and really soak and saturate. Like if it's a container, like this container here, it needs to be really soaked and saturated in the morning and let it drain out.

You may have to water almost daily where it's really hot and you've got a lot of sun. But, you know, for your garden, what you need to do is make sure it gets about one good inch of rain a week. That means if you get a good thunderstorm on Wednesday, you do not need to water that weekend. But if you don't, you need to go out and really soak it and get it good and thorough.

NGUYEN: And you say soak in the morning, not during the heat of the day. But a lot of places, especially during the hot heat of the summer, they have water restrictions.

MOSS: Right.

NGUYEN: So what can you do then?

MOSS: The best thing to do about the water restrictions -- well, there are two things. One is, once again, to water early in the morning. That way you won't lose much water through evaporation. Or, you can also use a mulch. Mulch works great. Go out and get you some shredded bark, pine needles, some leaf compost. Put that around the base of the plants. That way it'll help hold moisture in.

Now, that should get you a lot less water use than without the mulch.

NGUYEN: OK, that's talking about plants outside.

But what about indoor plants?

MOSS: Right.

NGUYEN: I guess the container is pretty key here.

MOSS: Yes. This container, like this huge one here, now, I wouldn't put mulch in this, because it's got so many plants coming out you couldn't see it, it wouldn't do much. But, you know, you really do want to water it. Also using containers that are plastic and not the terra cotta will help conserve a little water, too. Those terra cotta pots really dry out in the wind.

It's a good thing, though. Good pots, if you're going to use them, be sure to water them a lot. Plastic pots, ceramic pots, those guys will last a little bit longer without as much water.

NGUYEN: How do you know how much to water, though? Is there a test for that?

MOSS: There is a test for it and here's one easy test. When the plants start to die, you need to water more.

NGUYEN: You are an expert, by all means. I think I could be an expert with that kind of information. MOSS: But what you can do, though, is take your finger, put it down in the pot about maybe to the first little knuckle here. If it feels moist or somewhat damp, you're good. If it's bone dry and flaky, add a little bit to it.

NGUYEN: All right, William Moss, host of "Rally Round the House" with all this expert advice this morning.

Thank you.

MOSS: Right.

Thanks.

NGUYEN: All right.

MOSS: You guys come out to the Chicago Botanical Garden now.

NGUYEN: All right, we're there.

GRIFFIN: We've been asking for your e-mails on the question: should American companies and American workers get out of Saudi Arabia?

Tyler wrote in saying, "Yes. American companies should pull out because the opposition between the American companies and terrorist groups is only going to increase."

NGUYEN: We also have a viewer from Costa Rica who writes: "The terrorists would like nothing better than to have the Americans and other foreigners pull out, since they actually keep the oil fields operating."

And, of course, we want you to continue sending in your e-mails to wam@cnn.com to answer our e-mail question of the day.

GRIFFIN: The next hour of CNN SATURDAY begins right now.

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 19, 2004 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It is June 19.

Good morning.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Drew Griffin.

Thanks for being with us.

Here's a look at some of the things we've got scheduled for you this morning.

We're talking to our military analysts covering the fallout from hostage Paul Johnson's killing in Saudi Arabia. And we'll hear more about what's going on with the investigation in Riyadh.

In just 11 days, the U.S. scheduled to hand power over to the Iraqi government. We'll get a status report on the transition there.

And this summer heat may be doing you in, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your gardening. We'll help you keep things green with our own garden expert.

NGUYEN: Saudi security sources say al Qaeda cell leader Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin and three other terror suspects have been killed in a firefight in Riyadh with Saudi forces. That gun battle came hours after the discovery of the beheaded body of American hostage Paul Johnson. Al Muqrin's cell is blamed for that killing.

Two more American soldiers have been killed in Iraq. One died of wounds after insurgents attacked a U.S. base north of Baghdad with small arms. Another was killed in a mortar attack on a coalition base in the Iraqi capital.

Conjoined sisters are facing separation surgery at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C. today. Jade and Erin Buckles were born in Maryland back in February, joined at the chest and abdomen. The girls share a liver. Doctors are hopeful the surgery will be a success.

GRIFFIN: Our top story this morning, new developments in the hunt for the killers of an American beheaded in Saudi Arabia. That happened on Friday. Saudi authorities say they have killed or captured more than a dozen militants now.

CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson joins us by phone from London -- Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Drew, the latest we have from our Saudi security sources here, Al Muqrin confirmed dead. We've been hearing that through the night. Pictures now shown on Saudi TV confirming that.

We're also told that Al Muqrin's number two was captured alive but injured in that shootout. Now, according to Saudi security sources, that they're describing as a big success. The capturing of such an important figure alive, they say, could obviously lead to the development of more intelligence that will perhaps lead them to other cells.

They say as well as those killed along with Al Muqrin, at least 10 militants were also captured. Among those captured were what were described as senior operatives within Al Muqrin's group from different operational units. And along with the capture of these people, the seizing of a vehicle. That vehicle, according to Saudi security sources, used in the shooting of a BBC team that killed the cameraman, Simon Cumbers, and injured the correspondent, Frank Gardner.

So in that massive operation, as it was described, in the capital Riyadh overnight, some big gains, according to Saudi security sources -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Nic, Al Muqrin, of course, the leader of this very dangerous cell. There was talk of possible DNA testing. The Saudis are now saying we don't need it, this, indeed, is the man.

ROBERTSON: Well, the Saudis are saying this is the man. They defined him as the man before this. Saudi security sources had provided information about him. Al Muqrin had, on a Web site, placed information claiming responsibility for attacks, providing information on how other militants could perform kidnappings, perform killings.

Saudi authorities quite closely guard their own intelligence. This is generally the way that they operate. They generally do not keep the bodies around for long, share the information broadly. There's still, of course, concern beyond Saudi borders, concern that people want to make sure who the Saudis say is killed or captured is, in fact, those people.

What has been interesting about the killing of Al Muqrin is that it happened so soon after the body of Paul Johnson was dumped on the streets of Riyadh. How Saudi security forces were able to react so quickly, what information led them to that, a very interesting point -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Nic Robertson live in London.

Thank you for that report, Nic. U.S. officials are condemning the killing of American Paul Johnson, shown here with his wife. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey lashing out at the Saudi government, saying it has shown too much patience with terrorists. Johnson's family remains in seclusion in New Jersey.

And Alina Cho is there -- Alina.

ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Drew, the family still has not spoken out publicly about Johnson's death. In fact, no one has seen them since late yesterday afternoon. That is when the family was seen leaving the home of Johnson's niece, just south of here, for an undisclosed location. Among those seen leaving, those shielded, was Johnson's son, Paul Johnson III, and his sister, Donna Mayeux.

They had met for most of the afternoon with an FBI spokesman, who talked to reporters late yesterday on the family's behalf.

JOSEPH BILLY, FBI, SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE: They now hope that the investigation will continue to move forward and that justice will ultimately be served. They asked that I also let everyone know that Paul considered Saudi Arabia his home and he loved

the people and their country. They also know that this act of terrorism was committed by extremists and does not represent the Saudi Arabia that Paul often spoke and wrote about to his family. And they also know that the vast majority of the citizens of Saudi Arabia also grieve with them at this time.

They now ask that their privacy be protected. They want to have their privacy respected under this intense time of sadness.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Here in this community near Johnson's hometown, there is intense anger. In fact, a poem hanging on a mailbox reads, in part, "Last night I wasn't a racist, but today I feel racism toward Islamic beliefs."

Neighbors say they are doing everything they can to console the family in their time of need.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN POMPONIO, NEIGHBOR: I talk to them at nighttime, make sure everything's all right. The daughters are taking it hard. Their mom's taking it hard. It's really hard, it is. It's really, really hard, you know?

CHO: And as a neighbor, you're doing your best?

POMPONIO: I'm doing my best. Whatever, I mean, I can't do that much, but whatever I can do to help them out, I'm always here for them.

(END VIDEO CLIP) CHO: Forty-nine-year-old Paul Johnson had lived in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade. He was married and worked as an Apache helicopter specialist for Lockheed Martin. He was kidnapped a week ago today and brutally murdered by his captors yesterday.

Back here in this community, neighbors in Johnson's -- of Johnson's sister tell us that there has been an incredible outpouring of support here. In fact, the neighbor that you just heard from told us that he had received phone calls from perfect strangers asking how they can send condolences to the family -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina Cho in New Jersey, thank you.

NGUYEN: A clear pattern appears to be developing in Saudi Arabia. Paul Johnson is the third American civilian to be killed by terrorists there in less than two weeks.

Our military intelligence analyst Ken Robinson joins us now from Washington to talk about this.

Good morning to you.

Thanks for being with us.

KEN ROBINSON, CNN MILITARY INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: Hi.

Good morning, Betty and Drew.

NGUYEN: In mention of Paul Johnson, this is the third attack. They're attacking soft targets.

Why this tactic and why now?

ROBINSON: It's very effective, Betty. The -- it's hard to go after a hardened site that's defended, but it's very simple to identify people living in the communities, living on the economy or living, as we've seen in the Khobar attacks, in cordoned areas and then force technocrats to leave the country. That's their objective, is to make as many people as possible stop working in the Saudi oil industry to affect the infrastructure and make it decay, which will erode power of the Saudi royal family.

NGUYEN: So that's the goal, to destabilize the government. But if there's turmoil there, if the country is just up in arms, how does that accomplish anything?

ROBINSON: Well, what it accomplishes is the following. If there's a divestment of infrastructure, the barrels per day in Saudi Arabia won't be affected in the short-term. But in the long-term, the ability to bring on new oil fields and to change Saudi Arabia's position in OPEC will cause an erosion.

Also, there's a schism within the Saudi royal family between moderates and those who are also tied ideologically to the same beliefs that Osama bin Laden holds. There's a division between young princes and old princes on what the way forward is and how to modernize and how to change their society.

So it's a very dangerous time for them.

NGUYEN: So is this royal family on the brink of collapse here?

ROBINSON: There has been discussion for about 18 months that there were dangerous signs showing that there was going to be threats against the House of Saud. And you saw Prince Bandar, the ambassador to the United States from Saudi Arabia, wrote an open letter where he described that change was very important and needed to happen fast.

That's very unusual with him talking to his uncles, the crown prince and Prince Naif, who is the interior minister. And, yes, there is a schism there and this could exacerbate it.

NGUYEN: All right, Ken Robinson, we have so many more questions to ask you.

We'll be talking with you a little bit later on in this show.

Thank you very much.

ROBINSON: You're welcome.

GRIFFIN: And speaking of the technocrats leaving, the U.S. State Department is warning Americans now the threat extends throughout the region. The advisory cites information extremists could be targeting Westerners and more oil workers in the Middle East and North Africa. The Mideast area includes the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula.

The Saudi government has scheduled a news conference for later today. CNN will cover it live. It's now scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Pacific. You'll see it right here on CNN.

And given the current situation in the Persian Gulf region, do you think American companies should pull out and would that be giving in to terrorism? E-mail us at wam@cnn.com. We'll be reading your replies throughout the program -- Betty.

NGUYEN: "Stay quiet and you'll be OK," those were the words passengers on American Airlines Flight 11 heard from one of the hijackers believed to be Mohamed Atta. This week, millions of people had a chance to hear these words live on television.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN AZZARELLO, COMMISSION COUNSEL: At 8:34, the Boston Center controller received a third transmission from American 11.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nobody move, please. We are going back to the airport. Don't try to make any stupid moves.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Audiotapes from the hijacked planes were first publicly played this week on Capitol Hill, as part of the hearings of the commission investigating September 11 attacks. The final report contains some chilling conclusions blaming the U.S. military and FAA for being unprepared "in every respect" to stop those hijackings.

Many family members of September 11 victims were present at the hearings. In case you missed it this week, these unprecedented moments in television, we will bring them to you once again this morning, those highlights from the final report of the September 11 Commission. That is today at 9:30 Eastern right here on CNN.

GRIFFIN: A hot day on the East Coast today.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Saudi Arabia shows evidence Paul Johnson's killers have been brought to justice. Now, we'll take you to the region a little bit later this hour for those developments.

GRIFFIN: Plus, with just 11 days to go, is there more violence expected in Iraq?

NGUYEN: And a tearful farewell to a music legend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A song of you, comes as sweet and clear.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Wondering how to protect your favorite flowers from the summer heat? Here is a guy who knows exactly what to do.

Good morning, William.

WILLIAM MOSS, HOST, "RALLY ROUND THE HOUSE": Good morning.

We're live here at the Chicago Botanical Garden.

NGUYEN: All right.

And he's going to have some tips on how to keep those plants alive.

Stay with us for CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Drew Griffin.

Now the countdown to the handover in Iraq. Just 11 days away now. U.S. officials said to expect increasing violence. We got it. This week a devastating car bomb, a crippling attack on Iraq's pipeline and questions over how the peace will be maintained.

Here to discuss all of this, CNN analyst Ken Pollack.

He joins us from Washington -- Ken, we expected it, but it doesn't make it any easier when it comes. And there seems to be an inability to stop it.

KEN POLLACK, CNN ANALYST: Well, that's right, Drew. And I think what we need to focus on is that these artificial deadlines that the United States is setting and then suggesting that somehow the terrorism is a response to that, that probably isn't the case at all.

In fact, the problem that we've got is that we've got a full blown insurgency in Iraq and that insurgency is increasingly large, diverse and better rooted in the Iraqi population.

So this increase in attacks you're seeing, that's mostly a function of the greater public support, the greater capabilities, the greater manpower of the insurgency and not really having anything to do with these deadlines that the United States is setting.

GRIFFIN: Does the rise of the insurgency movement be quelled at all if the transition takes place, if the Iraqis are in control of their own government?

POLLACK: Well, sure. There is a scenario, and this, of course, is what the Bush administration is hoping for. There is a scenario which says the Iraqis get control of their own government. That takes the United States out of the faces of the Iraqis, puts them in control of their own destinies, allows them to distribute resources to where they want it to go as opposed to where we want it to go and over the course of time it helps to quell the insurgency.

I've got to tell you that while that is certainly a possible scenario, there are a lot of potential pitfalls along the way.

GRIFFIN: This week we've seen one example of the struggle. You help the U.S. government, you are going to be a target of a car bomb, in this case. Anybody who helps the U.S. government or the transitional government seems to be a target for attack.

How can you create a government, a stable government, a peaceful government, in those conditions?

POLLACK: This is the $64,000 question, Drew. It's going to be a real tough challenge. And it's why security has to be job one. It is why U.S. forces have got to make a much greater effort to deal with day to day security for Iraqis, not just going off on these nighttime hunts for suspected insurgents, but just patrolling the streets, being the cop on the beat, making sure that the Iraqis have a secure environment in which to revive their political system and their economy.

GRIFFIN: And, Ken, you're saying it's the U.S. soldier who should be the cop on the street? POLLACK: Yes, unfortunately we don't have much of a choice. It's a really bad option right now, to tell you the truth, because at this point in one of these post-conflict transitions, you'd really like to be shifting over and giving that burden more and more to Iraqi forces.

The problem is, as we saw in April, the forces that we created simply aren't ready for the job. We rushed their training. We didn't vet them properly, we didn't equip them properly and now you've got General David Patreas (ph) saying that it is going to take years before we've got Iraqi security forces who can do the job themselves.

GRIFFIN: The other attack this week was on the oil pipeline, a critical attack there. It shut down the oil and shut down the money for Iraq.

I'm just wondering, we stand here in the U.S. looking back and we're wondering why they're crippling their own economic pipeline.

Why does this take place and does anybody think it's going to do any good for any movement?

POLLACK: Well, certainly it's not helping the Iraqi people, as you're suggesting. But for many of these insurgents, what they are looking to do is they are looking to pull down the edifice that the United States is trying to create, this new Iraq. And going after the oil is very important. And what they are -- the message that they're trying to send to the Iraqi people is the Americans can't protect our oil. And that oil is critical to our future. So don't rely on the Americans to give us a better future.

GRIFFIN: Ken Pollack from Washington.

Thank you for the analysis, sir.

POLLACK: Thank you, Drew.

GRIFFIN: CNN will be taking the pulse of the world over the next 11 days as we approach this handover. Throughout the week at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday, we get reaction from the Arab conflict; Thursday, reaction from Europe; Friday, a live town meeting takes the American pulse on handover in Iraq -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Could the wind hold the secret to the structural weakness of the World Trade Center? Well, a new report out this morning outlines the collapse of the Twin Towers. We have those details ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: And good morning Daytona Beach. It looks like a great day for the beach down there. We're going to have your full weather forecast in just a minute.

First, a check on our top stories this morning. NGUYEN: The Saudi government says the leader of an al Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia is among four suspected terrorists killed in a shootout in Riyadh. Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin is blamed for numerous attacks on Westerners there, including the kidnapping and ultimate beheading of American Paul Johnson. World leaders condemned his killing as a senseless, barbaric act.

And, moving on, the Olympic Torch moves from Atlanta to New York today. Celebrities such as Donald, Donald Trump, of course; Whoopi Goldberg; and Sean Combs, that's Puff Daddy or P. Diddy, whoever you want to call him, he will run the famous flame through the five boroughs.

What's the weather going to be like for that?

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Is that today?

NGUYEN:

MARCIANO: I missed the first half of the copy.

NGUYEN: You weren't even listening to me, were you?

GRIFFIN: Tell us about New York.

MARCIANO: Yes, it's going be warm and humid...

GRIFFIN: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

MARCIANO: Kind of not the best of running weather. But I think you only run maybe a half a mile, if that.

NGUYEN: Yes, and slow, because they want to savor the moment.

MARCIANO: Yes.

Did you hear, Drew was singing during the break, then he was talking very belovedly of Daytona Beach, embracing that humidity.

NGUYEN: Yes.

MARCIANO: I mean you're really settling in here in the South.

GRIFFIN: Thank you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Just ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, at least four suspected terrorists now are dead in Saudi Arabia. We'll get the latest on the fallout from the beheading of an American hostage there.

NGUYEN: And Ray Charles is remembered. A look at his musical legacy along with his closest friends and family. That's next.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WILLIE NELSON: Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: We want to take a listen now to some tape of the new prime minister in Iraq with Senators Daschle and Biden.

Let's listen in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN (D-DW), FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE: ... view that in every circumstance we have found in the last 15 years around the world where there's been this kind of transition forward (AUDIO GAP) and lead that country at that moment as any other factor. And I think that having you, Mr. Prime Minister -- I don't want to endorse you because that could hurt you, probably -- but I sincerely mean (AUDIO GAP) and you are willing to go out and make the case (AUDIO GAP) critical piece of this puzzle, in my view.

And you have the credibility. I realize it's going to take a lot to build it in a nation that has been, for over 35 years, where every reasonable moderate voice in this country has learned to keep their head down or been run out of the country. We're asking a lot of the Iraqi people to stand up now. But with your leadership, I think there is a prospect of beginning that whole process.

But most importantly, I think you have a realistic grasp on what needs to be done and are not viewing this through rose-colored glasses. And that, to me, gives me reassurance. And so I am -- I, for one, believe you can continue to count on the support of the international community and with your help maybe it can be broadened.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: ... about what was the right thing to do and what they felt comfortable with. And I just want to say that I admire you for taking this risk, because so many people will benefit from it. I share Senator Daschle and Biden's sense of optimism. It won't be easy, but I think it's possible to take out of this -- the ashes of this dictatorship and build a democracy. People have to sacrifice. And I would call on the international community to do what Senator Biden said, help where you can. If you can send troops, send troops. If you can forgive debt, forgive debt.

But the Iraqi people have suffered mightily. They need all the help they can get. My country will be there, I know, as long as it takes, Mr. Prime Minister, and I hope the international community will help you and if we'll show the bravery you've shown, this will be a great success story.

SEN. THOMAS DASCHLE (D-SD), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: Let me simply say on behalf of the three of us, but also, I think I can speak unequivocally for Republicans and Democrats, members of the House and members of the Senate, we want to say in the most heartfelt way, first, thank you for the job you've done and the way you've done it. Secondly, how proud we are of that job, how much we want to continue to support your efforts in whatever role it may be. And finally, we want to make sure that you all come home as safely as possible. And in that regard, we want to make sure that you have every piece of equipment and all the support financially that may be required for you to do your job.

But let me simply again reiterate, a job well done. And for that, we are most, most grateful.

BIDEN: Can I add a word to that? One of the things that occurred today -- and the troops should know this -- is that this is the first time in a while that I've been in the region, and this is my third time back to the country in the last year or so, that an Iraqi leader started off this meeting by thanking the American troops, by recognizing the sacrifice you've made and the sacrifice your families have made and acknowledging that there's nothing we're here for, there's nothing we want -- we're not here, you're not here for gain, for empire, for oil. You're here because you wanted to be part of and you stood up to the job of liberating the Iraqi people and want to get the job done and go home. And I tell you what, you know, the folks back home will hear from us. We're so proud of you all. I mean you literally are incredible, and especially, you know, they say this new generation, this young generation is not up to what the greatest generation in the history of America has been. That's malarkey. You're as tough, you're as smart, you're as committed, you're as idealistic, you're as noble as any generation of Americans, and all Americans have to do is get a glimpse of seeing you here and they understand it.

And I echo the words of my Democratic leader here, job well done. We're proud as hell of you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: You were just looking at some tape of a surprise visit to Baghdad by Senators Tom Daschle, Joe Biden and Lindsey Graham. They were speaking to troops there in the region, talking about their support for those troops and the reason why American troops are in Iraq. They also spoke of their support for the interim Iraqi government, as we approach 11 days to the handover.

Of course, we will continue to follow all of this right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Meanwhile, Saudi security forces say al Qaeda cell leader Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin and three other terror suspects have been killed in a shootout in Riyadh with Saudi forces. Al Muqrin is blamed for the kidnapping and ultimate beheading of American Paul Johnson. Al Muqrin has been -- or has reclaimed -- or claimed responsibility, that is, for Johnson's kidnapping and the death of another American last Saturday on behalf of a group claiming ties to al Qaeda.

Now, following Johnson's brutal killing, the State Department issued a new warning that extends beyond Saudi Arabia. The Department says it has information extremists may be planning attacks on Westerners and oil workers specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula.

Two American soldiers have been killed in Iraq. One died of wounds after insurgents attacked a U.S. base north of Baghdad with small arms. Another was killed in a mortar attack on a coalition base in the Iraqi capital. Iraqi police also say a Portuguese national and an Iraqi police officer were killed Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded in Basra -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Now, more on the developments in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi security forces say four terror suspects behind the killing of an American hostage are themselves dead after being tracked down and killed in a police shootout.

Cnnarabic.com editor Caroline Faraj is following developments from Dubai.

She joins us by phone -- Caroline.

CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Drew, apparently the Saudi security forces told CNN just recently that Abdel Muqrin, Abdel Aziz Al Muqrin, who is believed to be the al Qaeda link and the al Qaeda leader in the Arab Peninsula, as they call it, with another two of the wanted people to the Saudi government -- and they are two brothers -- Faisal al-Dakheel and Bandar al-Dakheel -- were killed in the attack yesterday and the hunt yesterday.

However, the third person, who is believed to be Rahlan Mosin Mohammed Al-Sihan (ph), who is one of the mastermind people behind the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen a couple of years ago, he was only wounded, injured only, and he is still alive.

And they continued, the Saudi forces, they continued the hunt yesterday all midnight, local time, and they said that they managed to arrest another 10 wanted people whom they believe that they are part of Al Muqrin's cell.

However, Drew, we are still waiting to get a final confirmation from the Saudi government, written confirmation that would basically wrap up the whole attack and the whole hunt that took place yesterday night. We are also expecting that the American ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to have a press conference in the coming hour and a half in Riyadh, also giving us the other perspective -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Caroline, thank you.

And that information could come later today, as the Saudi government has scheduled a news conference. And CNN plans to cover that live, now scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern. That would be 11:00 on the Pacific, right her on CNN.

NGUYEN: On September 11, America fought more than 19 hijackers. In the words of General Richard Myers, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the country "fought many phantoms that day -- confusion, false reports of car bombings and poor coordination." This week on live television, America got to witness one of the most shocking conclusions of the September 11 investigation -- the U.S. military and FAA were unsuited in every respect for what was about to happen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN FARMER, 9/11 COMMISSION STAFF: At 9:46 and again two minutes later, command center updated FAA headquarters that United 93 was now "29 minutes out of Washington, D.C."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do we want to think about scrambling aircraft?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, god, I don't know.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's a decision somebody's going to have to make probably in the next 10 minutes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, everybody just left the room.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: In case you missed this extraordinary moment on television, we will bring you those highlights, including audiotapes from the doomed planes. That is today at 9:30 Eastern.

A new federal report finds that wind forces may have played a major factor in the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. That report says the buildings may have been more vulnerable to wind than designers originally thought. Experts report that a faulty test back in the 1960s may have severely underestimated the effect of wind forces on the Towers, saying wind loads were actually 60 percent higher than those used in the original tests.

GRIFFIN: It was a victory for Kobe Bryant in his sexual assault case. But just how big is that win? That's the question for our legal panel. We'll have that live next hour.

Plus, a riddle that's been around for decades -- why don't men go to the doctor? The answer just in time for Father's Day in this week's House Call, at 8:30 Eastern.

Then at 9:00, high drama at the U.S. Open. It has little to do with Tiger Woods this year. We take you live to the Southampton, New York golf course.

But first, your plants can't get up and come inside, now, can they, to escape the summer heat? Well, they need a little helping hand and we're going to have tips from the co-host of "Rally Round the House" live right here from Chicago on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

NGUYEN: Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

Now time to keep up with the news of the week. And we are here to rewind for you.

Perhaps the most dramatic details yet on Thursday, as the 9/11 Commission released a recording of a voice believed to be that of hijacker Mohamed Atta. The voice telling passengers to stay quiet and they would be OK. A staff report also found the U.S. military and the Federal Aviation Administration were unprepared in every respect to stop the hijackings.

We've got more on this for you, including some of the compelling testimony. That is today at 9:30 Eastern. So you'll want to stay tuned.

An independent contractor working for the CIA was indicted this week on assault charges. David Passaro stands accused of beating an Afghan prisoner who had surrounded voluntarily to U.S. officials. The indictment says the prisoner, Abdul Wali, died in his cell after being interrogated by Passaro. A lawyer for Passaro says the detainee died from a heart attack.

And significant talks in the Middle East Friday as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia in Cairo. The talks focused on Egypt's security role and a planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Now, tomorrow we will fast forward to the week ahead for a look at which stories will grab the spotlight.

GRIFFIN: Massachusetts will soon become the sixth state in the nation to ban smoking in the workplace. Governor Mitt Romney signed the legislation yesterday, mirroring local bans already in place in about 100 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The statewide ban takes effect on July 5.

And California taking a step closer to becoming the first state to take smoking bans even farther. A state senate committee there has passed a measure that would ban smoking in a vehicle if that vehicle is carrying children.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ray called me one day and he said, "I want you to do a song with me." So I said, "OK."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: ... memorial for his good buddy, Ray Charles. The legendary singer still got top billing. Recordings of Ray Charles, "America The Beautiful" and "Over The Rainbow," were played four mourners. Charles died last Thursday of liver disease. He was 73.

NGUYEN: A touching moment there. Ray Charles affected a lot of folks and his music just is still here with us. Well, we are going to move on this morning. With the recent attacks on Westerners in Saudi Arabia, do you think American businesses should pull out of the Persian Gulf region?

GRIFFIN: We asked you that question earlier this morning. E- mail us at wam@cnn.com. If you prefer, we'll be reading your replies ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: Now for our Wows of the Week.

Along the Ohio River, it was just your average two story house floating by. Nobody home, in case you're curious. This house equipped with 55 gallon plastic barrels that kept it afloat.

At Six Flags, St. Louis, half a dozen people have set a new world record for going around in circles, or so they thought. Seventy-two hours spent riding the 180-foot Ferris wheel Colossus. Get this, though, Six Flags says there was no world record for continuously riding a Ferris wheel.

And a disabled California man has some unusual help. Here he is, Craig Cook, grateful to have Minnie around, a Capuchin monkey from Boston-based Helping Hands. I wonder if Minnie, at 18 years old, will go out and be able to buy Craig a beer?

NGUYEN: I don't know if Minnie likes beer. Maybe bananas.

GRIFFIN: Just, Craig likes beer, so, you know, Minnie will get the beers.

NGUYEN: Minnie's there to help. Everyone needs a Minnie, right?

It is getting hot out there. But don't let the weather keep you out of the garden. "Rally Round the House" co-host William Moss knows exactly what to plant these days, right, William?

MOSS: Right. We've got some roses out here. We've got annuals. We've got perennials. We're going to talk about ways to maintain them and keep them looking good through the dark days of summer.

COMMERCIAL

GRIFFIN: That's Birmingham, Alabama this morning. And if you're waking up there, you're going to want to put on the shorts. It will be very hot. We'll have the weather in a minute, but first a check on our top stories.

Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

I'm Drew Griffin.

Here is our top stories.

Retaliation swift in Saudi Arabia for the beheading of American Paul Johnson. Saudi security forces round up and kill the suspected leader of al Qaeda's cell there. Security sources report three other terror suspects were killed, too.

Reaction to Johnson's death swift. Senator Frank Lautenberg of Johnson's home state of New Jersey is accusing the Saudi government of being too patient with terrorists. And the State Department issuing new warnings -- Americans in the entire Persian Gulf region, they may be targets of terrorist attacks.

NGUYEN: Well, back here in the U.S., you know, summer starts tomorrow. But it sure feels like summer already, Rob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: The dog days of summer don't have to keep you out of the garden.

William Moss, host of "Rally Round the House," joins us this morning with tips on planting during hot sultry weather.

Is it hot there, yet?

MOSS: Well, not here, you know?

NGUYEN: No?

MOSS: I woke up thinking yes, well, you know, summer. We've got to talk about beating the heat. And it's 50 degrees in Chicago.

NGUYEN: Oh, you need to put a jacket on.

Well, let's talk about those...

MOSS: Yes, we're here in a beautiful garden, though.

NGUYEN: Oh, definitely. It is gorgeous out there.

So how do you keep those plants gorgeous in the summer heat?

MOSS: Well, what you've got to do is start out with the right types of plants. We've got a lot of annuals up here, perennials, especially, you know, things that are native and deal with a lot of the hot summer sun. Here we've got some orange meadow blight that we made here at Chicago Botanic Garden, a beautiful plant, a great cultivar. We've got some tropical plants, some elephant ears here, some elephant ears down here. Those tropical plants and those plants that take it out of the sun, like the prairie, you know, those guys are built for the heat. They'll last all summer.

NGUYEN: The plants that aren't built for the heat, they need a lot of watering and you need to take them out of the sun.

How much watering do you need, though, because there is a danger in watering too much?

MOSS: There, yes, there is. So what you have to do about watering is remember this, it's best to water early in the morning and really soak and saturate. Like if it's a container, like this container here, it needs to be really soaked and saturated in the morning and let it drain out.

You may have to water almost daily where it's really hot and you've got a lot of sun. But, you know, for your garden, what you need to do is make sure it gets about one good inch of rain a week. That means if you get a good thunderstorm on Wednesday, you do not need to water that weekend. But if you don't, you need to go out and really soak it and get it good and thorough.

NGUYEN: And you say soak in the morning, not during the heat of the day. But a lot of places, especially during the hot heat of the summer, they have water restrictions.

MOSS: Right.

NGUYEN: So what can you do then?

MOSS: The best thing to do about the water restrictions -- well, there are two things. One is, once again, to water early in the morning. That way you won't lose much water through evaporation. Or, you can also use a mulch. Mulch works great. Go out and get you some shredded bark, pine needles, some leaf compost. Put that around the base of the plants. That way it'll help hold moisture in.

Now, that should get you a lot less water use than without the mulch.

NGUYEN: OK, that's talking about plants outside.

But what about indoor plants?

MOSS: Right.

NGUYEN: I guess the container is pretty key here.

MOSS: Yes. This container, like this huge one here, now, I wouldn't put mulch in this, because it's got so many plants coming out you couldn't see it, it wouldn't do much. But, you know, you really do want to water it. Also using containers that are plastic and not the terra cotta will help conserve a little water, too. Those terra cotta pots really dry out in the wind.

It's a good thing, though. Good pots, if you're going to use them, be sure to water them a lot. Plastic pots, ceramic pots, those guys will last a little bit longer without as much water.

NGUYEN: How do you know how much to water, though? Is there a test for that?

MOSS: There is a test for it and here's one easy test. When the plants start to die, you need to water more.

NGUYEN: You are an expert, by all means. I think I could be an expert with that kind of information. MOSS: But what you can do, though, is take your finger, put it down in the pot about maybe to the first little knuckle here. If it feels moist or somewhat damp, you're good. If it's bone dry and flaky, add a little bit to it.

NGUYEN: All right, William Moss, host of "Rally Round the House" with all this expert advice this morning.

Thank you.

MOSS: Right.

Thanks.

NGUYEN: All right.

MOSS: You guys come out to the Chicago Botanical Garden now.

NGUYEN: All right, we're there.

GRIFFIN: We've been asking for your e-mails on the question: should American companies and American workers get out of Saudi Arabia?

Tyler wrote in saying, "Yes. American companies should pull out because the opposition between the American companies and terrorist groups is only going to increase."

NGUYEN: We also have a viewer from Costa Rica who writes: "The terrorists would like nothing better than to have the Americans and other foreigners pull out, since they actually keep the oil fields operating."

And, of course, we want you to continue sending in your e-mails to wam@cnn.com to answer our e-mail question of the day.

GRIFFIN: The next hour of CNN SATURDAY begins right now.

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