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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Special Edition: Protecting the Homeland

Aired February 07, 2003 - 17:00   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.


ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS: Protecting the Homeland.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST (voice-over): The nation's terror alert raised to high.

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The U.S. intelligence community has indicated that the al Qaeda terrorist network is still determined to attack innocent Americans.

BLITZER: Is New York again a terrorist target?

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY: Leave the worrying tot he professionals and live your lives.

BLITZER:: Is your community safe? I'll as Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

The showdown with Iraq. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld sends a tough new warning to Saddam Hussein.

War against terror. Possible war with Iraq. We'll have reports from New York, Washington, Italy, Kuwait, London and the Philippines.

And we'll ask this man why he thinks war with Iraq would trigger more terror attacks.

Plus, is the answer to the shuttle disaster in this picture?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: It's Friday, February 7, 2003. I'm Wolf Blitzer at the CNN Center in Atlanta.

A chilling warning from the Bush administration today. The United States is at high risk for a terrorist attack. The national terror alert status has been raise to orange. That's the second highest level.

In just a few minutes, we'll talk with the homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, to find out how the change will affect all of our lives. We'll have also have reports coming up from Washington, New York, the Pentagon and the White House.

Let's start, though, with CNN's Jean Meserve. She's joining us now live from Washington -- Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, for only the second time in its brief history the terror threat level was raised from yellow to orange.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ASHCROFT: This decision for an increased threat condition designation is based on specific intelligence received and analyzed by the full intelligence community. This information has been corroborated by multiple intelligence sources.

MESERVE (voice-over): In recent months, terrorists hit a nightclub in Indonesia, a resort hotel in Kenya, and the attorney general expressed concern about similar soft or unprotected targets in the United States as well as the transportation and energy sectors and symbols of the United States and its power.

He also noted al Qaeda's continuing efforts to obtain, chemical, biological and radiological weapons.

Federal officials reached out to state and local government, the public health community and the private sector, which controls much of the nation's critical infrastructure. But the lack of specificity about the means of attack or possible targets made upgrading security something of a guessing game.

At the border crossing near Buffalo, New York, more people were questioned, more vehicles inspected. At federal buildings, there were more checks of hand carried items and at airports, more parking restrictions, more random examinations of passengers and more air marshals in the sky.

ED FLYNN, MASS PUBLIC SAFETY SECY.: Clearly, airports are essential parts of our transportation grid. Airports have been facilities that have been attacked in the past or used as a basis for attack, .

MESERVE: The response is unlikely to be uniform. In September, the last time the nation went to orange threat status, one-third of cities said they made no changes in security.

The public is also being asked to play a part.

RIDGE: We ask you to remain aware and remain alert. We are not recommending that events be canceled or travel or other plans be changed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: Ridge recommended that Americans prepare themselves and their families for a possible emergency. But the most urgent appeal was for Americans to keep their eyes and ears open and report any suspicious activity to authorities. Officials believe that that is the most likely way that terrorist activities will be detected and disrupted -- Wolf. BLITZER: And amid all of this, Jeanne, as you well know, the Justice Department just releasing, only a few minutes ago, a bulletin and asking for any information involving this individual, Mohammed Sher Mohammad Kahn.

What do we know about him?

MESERVE: They have posted his picture on the FBI Web site. They are asking for the public's assistance in finding this individual, described, as you say, as Mohammed She Mohammad Kahn. But they caution that name could be fictitious and they list seven aliases that he is believed to have used. They list a date of birth as 1966 in Pakistan. Describe him as between 5'3"and 5'7", 132 pounds with black hair and black eyes. They say he is an English speaker and sometimes wears a beard. Also described as an asthmatic.

According to the Web site, the FBI has no specific information that this individual is connected to any potential terrorist activities, but they do want to talk to him. CNN's Kelli Arena has heard from her sources that this name came up in the course of an intelligence investigation overseas. According to the sources, this individual made terrorist threats against the United States and there is very little known about this individual.

Other law enforcement sources saying that this is not the primary reason that the threat level was raised today, but it was a factor -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Let's get some more details. Jeanne Meserve, thanks very much for that report.

The homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, is in charge of protecting all of us. The newly-created Department of Homeland Security, of course, his mandate.

Mr. Secretary, thanks so much for joining us.

Anything else....

RIDGE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BLITZER: ...you can tell us about this individual, Mohammed Sher Mohammad Khan?

RIDGE: I think Jeanne summarized it pretty accurately. His name has come up in the middle of an investigation and we just need to interrogate him and we're just going to leave it at that.

It, I think, speaks to the broader announcement we made today that when we put Americans on alert, we are in a far better position to protect ourselves and if, obviously, they see this individual, they know that the FBI and the Department of Justice and the United States government want to talk to him. So we help ourselves by keeping ourselves alert.

BLITZER: But he was not necessarily the primary reason... RIDGE: Oh, no.

BLITZER: ...for this elevated state that you announced today, was he?

RIDGE: That's correct, Wolf.

The primary reason behind today's announcement was the convergence of several pieces of information that we deemed to be credible, corroborated in several different ways that suggested that there -- an attack on the United States and the United States' interests, both within the United States and outside, is imminent and it's probably the -- if you talked to the intelligence community, in terms of the quantity and quality of information that they've been able to aggregate and analyze, the most significant aggregation of that information since before September 11, 2001.

BLITZER: We're getting flooded with e-mail, Mr. Secretary. They're saying this: be more concerned, we're going to a higher level of a terror threat, but don't necessarily, you're saying, change any of your day-to-day activities; continue traveling as you want; continue going to sporting events or other events as you want.

Americans seem to be confused by that apparent contradiction.

RIDGE: Wolf, one of the ways -- one of the ways we need to deal with that apparent contradiction is first understand that the very fact that we've raised the level of alert and hopefully more Americans are wary of their surroundings really gives us an advantage in the war against terrorists and their possible activity.

But Americans should also know that governors and mayors and the law enforcement community and medical and health authorities in the private sector will make some visible and some nonvisible adjustments to the security measures that they normally take, and so that with an increased awareness within this country and enhanced, protected and prevented measures, we will be substantially safer in this country because we raised the level of alert.

BLITZER: What connection, if any, Mr. Secretary, this heightened state of alert is there to a possible war with Iraq?

RIDGE: Wolf, there's absolutely no connection.

The intelligence community analyzes from multiple sources, from detainees, from documents, from domestic sources, from international sources, not just once a day, but many times a day, the prevailing threat environment. And over the past several days, from across the world, the al Qaeda network and those connected with it have generated this information.

We believe, when we studied al Qaeda, and I certainly have concluded, that their decision to act, their decision to attack is predicated on their belief that they are prepared to do us harm, they are prepared to do us destruction, and this is not in any way tied in with any other possibility and any other eventuality. BLITZER: You remember, of course, around the first anniversary of 9/11, we also went to this orange state from yellow, from the elevated to the high state of alert.

Is there a significant difference between then, a few months ago, on the first anniversary of 9/11 going to orange, and going to orange right now?

RIDGE: I think, Wolf, many of the same characteristics about the information we have received are the same.

Of course, the anniversary was one of the factors that we concluded was important for us to put in the calculation to raise the level of alert. And in this instance, one of the interesting pieces of information that has been corroborated is, unfortunately, some of those sharing the information have suggested that it might occur during the holy period within the Muslim religion, a period of observance of the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the Hajj.

And so, you've got independent sources saying it may happen in and around this time, coupled with other specific pieces of information from credible sources and you conclude it is time for us to raise the country's awareness to engage the country to help us combat terrorism.

BLITZER: And so your bottom line recommendation to all Americans, all of our viewers out there right now, if they see anything at all suspicious, the first line of defense is an alert public, and you want them to immediately contact law enforcement.

RIDGE: Absolutely, Wolf.

The best deterrence -- one of the best means of deterrence we have in this country are a couple of hundred millions eyes and ears and instincts. We're going to leave most of the lifting to the law enforcement community. But clearly, an alert public gives us a great advantage and they should be -- they should understand that there are a lot of things going on now, today, as we speak, as states and governors and cities and mayors ramp up and do -- and make some visible adjustments to their security, that there will be a lot of other things that will be going on that the citizen won't see. But I assure you, it's going on.

BLITZER: Mr. Secretary, thanks very much. Good luck to you.

RIDGE: Thanks, Wolf.

BLITZER: All the people of the Department of Homeland Security, we're counting on you.

RIDGE: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thank you very much.

(INTERRUPTED BY CNN COVERAGE OF BREAKING NEWS) BLITZER: New York took the brunt of the September 11 attacks. Of course, in the wake of today's orange alert warning, New York's mayor and governor trying to offer some sense of reassurance.

CNN's Jason Carroll is standing by live with that -- Jason.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice--over): New Yorkers can expect to see even more visible signs of heightened security, but not at one specific location.

BLOOMBERG: Been no specific threats against any one installation or building or group or city to the best of our knowledge.

CARROLL: New York City will increase security at gathering places such as transportation hubs and landmarks, but also at places that may not be as obvious, such as hotel lobbies and apartment buildings.

GOV. GEORGE PATAKI (R), NEW YORK: We have activated our emergency command center in Albany. It will be operational 24 hours a day to make sure that the proper coordination exists between local and state officials.

CARROLL: New York's Governor George Pataki also said specialized units of the state police and National Guard have been activated. But city officials point out they started taking added security measures shortly after 9/11.

One thousand of the city's police officers were assigned to counter terrorism activities, but the police department also established elite units called Hercules Teams, heavily-armed officers trained to keep an eye on the city's sensitive locations.

BLOOMBERG: Go about your lives as you normally would and we will do everything in our power to protect you. Leave the worrying to the professionals and live your lives.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: New York City has been under an Orange threat alert ever since 9/11. So New Yorkers are accustomed to security here in the city, but the mayor still says that the city dwellers still need to be vigilant -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Have you had a chance, Jason, to speak to average New Yorkers yet and to get a sense how they're reacting to this development?

CARROLL: Not specifically today, Wolf. But I do need to point out that because of what happened here in the city, it is constantly on the minds of New Yorkers simply because you're constantly reminded of what happened here at the World Trade Center. There are definitely some New Yorkers who, I think, are suffering from security fatigue, but others simply take it in stride. BLITZER: Jason Carroll in New York City. Thank you very much, Jason, for that report.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have been considering an increase in military security levels. Our Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr has the latest on that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Security levels at all 425 military basis across the United States could go up if the Joint Chiefs give the order.

Individual base commanders would decide how to carry it out. More identification checks, more security patrols, tighter scrutiny of military installations.

The plan is to raise security levels from the current force protection condition Alpha to condition Bravo. An action which indicates an increased and predictable threat.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is also planning to increase protection of the skies. More fighter aircraft and air bases on alert for more combat air patrols over U.S. cities.

Deployment of ground-based air defense, surface-to-air missiles mounted on military vehicles. Increased scrutiny of military radar data, a much closer look at what is flying 24/7.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

STARR: And, Wolf, overseas military officials remain very concerned about security protection for the 100,000 troops now based in and around the Persian Gulf. But Pentagon officials remind us, those troops are on a very high state of alert against Iraq and the al Qaeda -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thanks, Barbara, very much.

President Bush, of course, signed off on raising the terror alert and he says the game is over for the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Our White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is joining us now live with that part of the story -- Susan.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, it's very important week for the president. He is going to focus one diplomacy abroad and jobs at home. And as you mentioned before, the president making that critical decision to raise the National Terror Threat to High.

The president, of course, also focusing on Iraq. He called a number of world leaders including France's Jacques Chirac and China's Jiang Zemin. As you know, Chirac the most vocal opponent of using potential military action against Saddam Hussein. The White House strategy here is not only to put pressure Saddam Hussein. They say the game is up, time is over. But now to put pressure on the U.N. Security Council members as well to at the very least acknowledge that Iraq has defied U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 and that now is the time to enforce it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This is a defining moment for the U.N. Security Council. If the Security Council were to allow a dictator to lie and deceive, the Security Council will be weakened.

I'm confident that when the members assess their responsibilities and responsibilities of the U.N. that they will understand that 1441 must be upheld in the fullest.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Now how would that happen? President Busy says he welcomes a second resolution from the U.N. Security Council if it's able to broaden international support. At the very least the language they're talking about perhaps saying again Iraq is in material breach. At the most, authorizing military action -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Thanks very much.

Saddam Hussein, meanwhile, is allowing more of the scientists to speak privately with U.N. weapons inspectors. The move comes as the chief weapons inspector, Dr. Hans Blix, and Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the chief nuclear inspector, are due to arrive in the Iraqi capital tomorrow for more talks with Iraqi officials. Our Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson is standing by in Baghdad with details -- Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, less than 12 hours now until they touchdown here this evening, three more Iraqi scientists having private interviews with U.N. weapons inspectors here.

The first scientist to take one of those introduce about 24 hours ago spoke out this evening. He said during his interview nothing abnormal happened. He said that the questions he had been asked were questions that he'd answered many times in the past before for the previous U.N. inspections missions.

He said he'd been encouraged to come forward by Iraqi officials. In fact he said, he thought he wanted to come forward because Iraq was under so much international pressure. He thought it was his duty to the country.

At the same time, Iraqi officials have been taking journalists out of Baghdad to refute statements Secretary of State Colin Powell made at the U.N. Security Council earlier this week. The first site, al-Raffa, this was a site Colin Powell identified as having a large missile test stand built in it, a new stand. Iraqi officials took us to that site, showed us that test facility today. Now they said that it was only used for short-range missiles. The secretary of state had indicated its size implied that it would be used for much larger, banned ballistic missiles.

Now Iraqi officials here said that the site was big because it was designed for horizontal testing -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Nic, the president of the United States says the game is over, but I get the sense that in Baghdad, top officials there don't necessarily believe the game is over. They still believe there is time.

ROBERTSON: That seems to be the case, Wolf. Of course, these talks Mohamed ElBaradei, Hans Blix will have this weekend, critical and important. One of the key issues had been the interviews with Iraqi scientists. So when they arrive here, that -- perhaps those talks getting off on a more positive foot.

But what Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei are looking for is much greater transparency across all issues and that's not what we've been hearing so far from Iraqi officials. No progress on the U-2 surveillance aircraft, no apparent progress, either, on the passage of legislation banning weapons of mass destruction -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Nic Robertson in Baghdad, thanks very much.

And we'll like to remind our viewers, we will have complete coverage of the Blix-ElBaradei visit to Baghdad this weekend here on CNN including my program "LATE EDITION" Sunday at noon Eastern. Among my guest, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's national security adviser.

And here's your chance to weigh in on the story. "Our Web Question of the Day" is this, do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terror attacks in the United States? You can also choose no impact. We'll have the results later in this broadcast.

Vote at cnn.com/wolf. While you're there I'd love to hear from you. Send me your current comments, I'll try to read them on the air on the program. That's where you can read my daily online column. cnn.com/wolf.

Donald Rumsfeld talks about a possible war with Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: It is not notable if force will be used, but if it is to be used it is not knowable how long that conflict would last.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: We'll go to Italy, Kuwait and Nellis Air Force Base for the latest. Plus, word of Osama bin Laden. Find out what he may be planning if the U.S. attacks Iraq.

Also a massive pile-up. Snow and destruction in Michigan.

And backlash, regret and a potential investigation. The fallout from Michael Jackson's stunning admission.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is now in Germany, where he'll attend a security conference this weekend. He's also trying to drum up support for the hard-line U.S. stance against Iraq. On his way to Munich, Rumsfeld stopped off in Italy with a blunt message for Saddam Hussein. CNN's Alessio Vinci has that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Hello, Wolf. Donald Rumsfeld's day began early this morning in Rome, where the Italian prime minister and the defense minister, Italy of course being one of U.S.'s staunchest allies in the war against terrorism as well as this latest showdown with Iraq. After the meeting, Donald Rumsfeld held a press conference where he told reporters that the debate in Europe on whether the war is the best way to disarm Saddam Hussein is a healthy debate. However, he also said that the international community should remember that Saddam Hussein remains a threat and that he should be disarmed as soon as possible.

After Rome, the secretary of defense flew here to Aviano, the largest U.S. air base here in Italy. He met with several hundred troops deployed here, stationed here in Aviano during a brief town hall. The secretary of defense told the troops that he was satisfied with the level of cooperation that he was getting with the countries in the Gulf region, as well as the fact that there were more and more countries also in Europe who were joining the support coalition of the willing.

Donald Rumsfeld also praised the work of Secretary of State Powell and especially his presentation at the United Nations.

RUMSFELD: Secretary Powell's remarks at the United Nations were, in my view, excellent, persuasive and compelling.

VINCI: From here, from Aviano, the defense secretary flew to Munich, to Germany, where on Saturday he'll address a major security conference. Attending the conference, of course, many defense ministers from Europe and Asia who oppose a swift military action against Iraq. But on the plane from Washington to Rome, the defense secretary said tomorrow in Munich, there won't be any hard sells.

Back to you, Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Thanks very much, Alessio Vinci at the Aviano air base, that's the NATO facility in Italy.

And with the chance of war between the United States and Iraq growing by the day, the Kuwaiti government is taking some extraordinary steps to protect its own people. CNN's Martin Savidge is in Kuwait, and he has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Wolf, with each passing day here in Kuwait, there are new precautions that are being put into place, specifically dealing with security. The latest ones to come into play now talking about backing up data of critical information for the Kuwaiti government. That warning apparently going out to government agencies: Begin putting documents on CD-Rom.

The other thing being talked about, a plan being put together for the possible evacuation of western expatriates. That means westerners living in Kuwait. And also, they have been saying that there's a plan in place to shut down the Kuwaiti airport if it comes to war.

Already in place since the beginning of the month, added security; 4,000 additional security personnel out in the street. The most visible, Kuwaiti special forces. They are notable by their black and blue, heavy camouflage uniforms that they wear, and also they are very heavily armed. You'll see them with APCs, armored cars, and also Humvees with heavy caliber machine guns. They all carry semiautomatic or fully automatic weapons. They're posted at various intersections along highways and key installations for the Kuwait government.

Police presence on the street has been beefed up. At night now you will find from time to time, spot check points that are quickly arranged. Anyone passing through those checkpoints has to produce I.D., identification, passport, or Kuwaiti identification, and now the government says you must have those with you at all times.

So the situation from the security standpoint now is quite strict, but it will get stricter beginning on the 15th. That's when national guard troops and army troops will also be deployed in metropolitan areas, and it's also the same time that half the country, over half, a huge swath of land, will be designated a military training zone. All the way from the Saudi border, all the way up to the Iraqi border. Supposedly, it is necessary for joint military operations for the combined forces of all the U.S. military troops that are here. It is looking very serious -- Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Martin Savidge in Kuwait City, thanks very much, Marty. The Kuwaitis obviously very much remembering what happened a dozen years ago when the Iraqis invaded Kuwait.

We have some breaking news we are following now from the State Department back in Washington, where officials tell CNN the U.S. government intends to reduce its diplomatic presence in Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The so-called authorized departure will permit what's called non-essential American diplomats and their families, families of all embassy staffers as well, to leave their posts at U.S. taxpayer expense. It's not clear when all of this will take effect, but U.S. officials intend to reduce the U.S. diplomatic presence in those four countries -- Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. We'll continue to follow that, get more details as we can.

And the show of massive force at home and abroad as the U.S. builds up toward war.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Frank Buckley live at the Nevada test and training center where we've been allowed to look in on an Air Force live fire exercise. It's showing some of the capabilities of the Air Force. We've talked to Secretary of the Air Force James Roach about the capabilities and how they might be employed in Iraq. You'll hear his comments coming up.

BLITZER: All right, Frank.

And also, al Qaeda weighs in. Find out what terrorists may have in the works if -- if the U.S. strikes Iraq.

And the Iraq-al Qaeda link. A dossier used by Colin Powell, indeed by the British government, turns out to have been plagiarized from a student's paper. We'll have that story. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

Coming up, hear what Osama bin Laden may be planning if the United States attacks Iraq. Plus, Gary Hart, he'll join me live.

(NEWS BREAK)

BLITZER: The drumbeat of war grows louder for American forces who will probably see action if there's war against Iraq.

CNN national correspondent Frank Buckley is at the Air Force test training range in Nevada for a demonstration of the many uses warplanes would see in Iraq -- Frank.

BUCKLEY: Yes, an incredible display of military might here, Wolf, at the Nevada test and training center earlier today.

They've wrapped up the live-fire demonstration, but we saw everything, from the most sophisticated of aircraft, the B-2 stealth bomber, to the 50-year-old B-52 bomber, which is still in service today. Many of those aircraft and others could be used if there is a conflict in Iraq.

And after the exercise was completed, we talked to Secretary of the Air Force James Roche about those capabilities.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BUCKLEY: How might these assets be used in a conflict in Iraq?

JAMES ROCHE, AIR FORCE SECRETARY: Well, they will be used at different times in the conflict.

Certainly, prior to any ground forces going in, there will be a lot of airpower brought to bear. I think you've seen that we have aircraft that can drop a lot. We have aircraft that can fly very low. In combat, we fly much higher. And given the precision of our weapons and our work with our sergeants on the ground, our combat controllers, we can do close air support from 38,000 feet now.

BUCKLEY: In the Gulf War in 1991, the air war went on for week after week. We are told that this time, expect three or four days. What can you say about that?

ROCHE: Well, that would be up to the plans that General Franks, Tommy Franks, would work out with the secretary of defense and the president.

What we can say in terms of capability in the Air Force is that, in '91, we had to drop a number of bombs to be able to take care of a given target. Given the precision of the weapons we have now and given the targeting systems we have on board our aircraft, you are talking about many fewer bombs per target. Therefore, on any given night, we'll probably do at least twice as much or three times as much as we did in the Gulf War.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BUCKLEY: And we should tell you that today's exercise was not for the purpose of CNN cameras. We asked to come and view this live- fire demonstration.

This was for new one-star generals and admirals. They all go around to the various services and see what the capabilities are of each service. This was a day when they came to see what the Air Force has to offer. And we were allowed to come along and see what they had -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right, Frank Buckley, good work. Thanks very much.

The United States remaining on high alert: a closer look coming up at what terrorists may be planning and what world governments are doing to stop them.

Plus, we'll have a special guest, Gary Hart. He's one of the top experts on terrorism. He may also be making a run for the presidency in 2004. We'll have a special interview when we come back.

And fallout following the Powell presentation -- coming up, some embarrassment for Britain, the best U.S. ally.

You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: As the United States steps up precautions, the war on terrorism continues around the world. We have reports in our terror file from London, Manila and New York. We begin with CNN senior international correspondent Sheila MacVicar in London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHEILA MACVICAR, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we've heard from Colin Powell and we've heard from the Iraqis about that alleged link between Iraq and al Qaeda, but we haven't yet heard from al Qaeda.

But there's word this week that the organization may be preparing to release a new statement from Osama bin Laden on either audio or videotape on the day when war would start. That word comes in the Arabic-language publication "Al Majalla," which has received credible communications from al Qaeda in the past.

According to the magazine, the statement would say that -- quote -- "Al Qaeda supports the Iraqi people in the face of U.S. aggression," without specifying what that support would be, and that bin Laden would once again call on Arabs and Muslims to attack U.S. interests throughout the region, something, of course, he's been saying for years.

Sheila MacVicar, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Maria Ressa in Manila.

This week, acting on a tip from Singapore, the Indonesian police arrested Mas Slamet Kastari, the operations chief of the Singapore cell of the Jemaah Islamiyah, al Qaeda's network in Southeast Asia. This marks a significant shift for the Indonesian police, the first time it's arrested a terror suspect based on evidence from a neighboring country.

Singapore says Mas Slamet Kastari escaped to neighboring Indonesia early last year after a terror crackdown in Singapore. Even while he was in Indonesia, Singapore says Mas Slamet Kastari was planning terror attacks in Singapore. His arrests signals that terror suspects in the region will no longer find safe haven in Indonesia.

This is Maria Ressa in Manila.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE COLBY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Jamie Colby in New York.

After spending six months in jail, a man who sold fake I.D.s to two September 11 hijackers is free. Mohamed el-Atriss, an Egyptian- born U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to selling false identification documents out of his business in Patterson, New Jersey, where some hijackers lived.

El-Atriss denied knowing their intentions and, ultimately, prosecutors agreed. El-Atriss released on $5,000 bail and is expected to receive probation when he's sentenced next month.

Jamie Colby, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: More now on the showdown with Iraq.

My next guest warns the United States possibly could face new terror attacks if it goes to war against Saddam Hussein, attacks he says the country is not necessarily prepared for right now. Former Democratic Senator Gary Hart of Colorado is joining us now live from Los Angeles. He most recently served as the co-chairman of the U.S. Commission of National Security in the 21st century.

Senator Hart, thanks for joining us.

GARY HART, FORMER U.S. SENATOR: It's a great pleasure.

BLITZER: So, let's get to the news immediately of the day, this decision to go to this higher state of alert, from yellow to orange. A good idea?

HART: Well, one can only know if you know what the classified briefings are. And I don't know those.

I assume that, in the -- for example, in the recent case in London, where the rice plot was discovered, they may have gotten some information from some of those people. You never know where the intelligence is coming from.

BLITZER: Do you understand why the government, on the one hand, says, be nervous, get prepared, watch everything that's going on; on the other hand, the government says, don't change any of your day-to- day activities; continue about your normal events? Does it sound like there's a contradiction to you?

HART: Yes and no.

I think we're moving closer -- as we go to war in the Middle East, we're moving closer to what I think you could call a kind of Israeli lifestyle, where people will have to begin to look at others suspiciously in shopping malls and public places. And I think, when we do go to war, it's quite possible we'll see that alert status move up to the red, top zone.

BLITZER: That's the severe level.

Why do you believe there will be a possibility of increased terrorism against the United States if the U.S. goes to war against Iraq?

HART: Well, first of all, because George Tenet, the director of the CIA, has said so, and, second, just common sense.

If we kick over the hornet's nest in that region, we can fully expect and ought to expect retaliatory attacks against us. Now, those won't come, necessarily, from Iraq. But they will come from terrorist groups scattered throughout the Arab world who are radical fundamentalists and who want to get even with the United States for invading an Arab country. It just makes common sense.

BLITZER: But they want to do that irrespective if the U.S. goes to war against Iraq, don't they?

HART: Well, of course, but I think al Qaeda documents, as you recall, said that the motivation for the first attack, 9/11, was, in large part, because of the stationing of American military forces in Saudi Arabia, which they considered a holy land. They don't consider Iraq a holy land. And, of course, it's a secular government. But it is an Arab country. And it is a motivating factor for those who are looking for a triggering reason to attack us again.

BLITZER: So, what should President Bush and Secretary Ridge and other top officials be doing right now?

HART: Well, they ought to be preparing this country better than we are prepared for the great possibility of retaliatory attacks.

The Council on Foreign Relations task force that Senator Rudman and I co-chaired last fall showed that, in the year following 9/11, this country wasn't appreciably safer than it was when the first attack occurred. So, it seems to me, before we go to war in the Middle East, we ought to get this country much better prepared than we are today, and particularly at the state and local law enforcement and first-responder levels.

BLITZER: How vulnerable is the U.S. right now? We heard talk today of all these so-called soft targets, shopping malls, movie theaters. It seems that there's plenty of these targets out there.

HART: Well, of course, we are a mass democracy of 285 million people, with thousands of miles of exposed border. And we are going to continue to be vulnerable to some attacks.

I don't think there is going to ever be perfect security. It's relative security. And we're, it seems to me, quite a long ways -- and the task force documented ways, and particularly our seaports and the preparation of our local law enforcement and National Guard units and communications systems and so forth, the critical infrastructure -- we're a lot farther away from protecting those than we should be.

BLITZER: Senator Hart, we're all out of time, but can you tell our viewers whether or not you've made up your mind about running for the presidency in 2004?

HART: Not yet. I think we've got some ominous events coming up in the coming weeks and politics will probably take second place. But I'll make a decision in a timeframe that makes some sense, some time this spring. BLITZER: All right, Senator Gary Hart, former U.S. senator from Colorado, appreciate it very much. Thank you.

HART: Thank you very much.

BLITZER: And, once again, here's your chance to weigh in on the story. Our "Web Question of the Day" is this: Do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terrorist attacks in the United States? You can also choose no impact. We'll have the results later in this broadcast. Vote at CNN.com/Wolf.

A red-faced British government today admitted it copied the work of an American student for a key dossier on Iraq. Secretary of State Colin Powell praised the document during his speech on Iraq before the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday. The incident is adding ammunition to British opponents of a possible war against Iraq.

CNN's Matthew Chance has this report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This British report on Iraq was published just a day before U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell made his address to the U.N. It reads like an up-to-the- minute intelligence-based analysis of the Iraqi threat. Colin Powell even praised it.

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: I would call my colleagues attention to the fine paper that United Kingdom distributed yesterday, which describes in exquisite detail Iraqi deception activities.

CHANCE: Published on the prime minister's Web site and called "Iraq: Its Infrastructure of Concealment, Deception and Intimidation," the paper outlines the scope of Saddam's intelligence apparatus. But similarities to previously published works have been noticed.

GLEN RANGWALA, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY: Many of the words and phrases that it used I recalled from another context. So, I searched around the other articles that I had read on Iraq's organizations, its military and security organizations, and realized that large sections of the British government's dossier were actually copied.

CHANCE: In fact, he says, of the 19 pages in the British document, several appeared to come from this, an article last September in a small journal, "The Middle East Review of International Affairs." Its author, Ibrahim al-Marashi, is a post-graduate student in Monterey, California.

A comparison of the documents reveals large sections do appear in both, this, for example, six paragraphs long on Saddam's special security operations. The exact same words are in the Californian student's paper. There are also identical grammatical errors. This sentence has a comma in the wrong place in the original and again in the British dossier. The suggestion is, some sections were simply cut-and-pasted. Amid accusations of intellectual theft, what's also concerning intelligence analysts is that the original Californian work isn't current, but instead a historical analysis of Iraq's occupation of Kuwait before the last Gulf War. Analysts say the report may cause loss of public faith in what they're being told.

(on camera): The actual contents of this British report may indeed be accurate and the basic case it makes against Iraq unaffected. But as this controversy builds, the government here is facing further questions from an already skeptical British public about how it handles information that could be used to justify a war.

Matthew Chance, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Space shuttle clues over California: newly-released home video of the shuttle disaster. Find out why NASA is taking a closer look when we return.

And Michael Jackson unmasked: An uncanny interview has the pop star very much on the defensive.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Seven thousand people who work at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida attended a memorial there today for the crew of the Columbia. It was held on the landing strip where the shuttle was supposed to touch down on Saturday.

NASA investigators are hoping amateur video and photos will help determine what caused the shuttle to break up. Home video taken as Columbia flew over California shows debris flying from the orbiter. Meanwhile, NASA is examining high-resolution photographs of the shuttle taken minutes before its demise. "Aviation Week & Space Technology" says the photos show serious structural damage to the left wing.

Don't forget, time's running out for your turn to weigh in on our "Web Question of the Day": Do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terror attacks in the United States? You can also choose no impact. Log on to CNN.com/Wolf. That's where you can vote.

First, let's take a look at some other news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): The annual pilgrimage to Mecca begins tomorrow. With tension running high because of the possible war in Iraq, the Saudi government warns it will maintain security with an iron fist.

Asian anger: The situation with Iraq is sparking protests in Southeast Asia. There were anti-American rallies in Jakarta, Manila and Kuala Lumpur. Fighting words: A fight broke out in the Russian Parliament between a Communist deputy and an independent deputy. It started after the independent called the Communist Party's leader a political prostitute.

Payment due? Hundred of Mexicans staged a protest outside the U.S. Embassy, saying the United States owes them money for work they did decades ago. They were temporary guest workers in the U.S. Under an agreement with Mexico, 10 percent of each guest workers' pay was put into a special savings account, but many workers say they never got that money.

Too much, too little: Floods along Australia's northeast coast caused at least one death. But, ironically, much of the rest of the country remains bone-dry. The rains that fell in the northeast didn't move far enough inland to end Australia's long-running drought.

And that's our look "Around the World."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Pop star Michael Jackson says he's devastated by a documentary in which he reveals he sleeps with children and he blames the reporter, Martin Bashir, for the program that Jackson calls -- quote -- "a gross, distortion of the truth." The 44-year-old Jackson was filmed saying he saw no harm in sharing his bed with children at his California ranch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL JACKSON, SINGER: I sleep in the bed with all of them. When Macaulay Culkin were little, Kieran Culkin would sleep on this side. Macaulay Culkin was on this side, his sisters in there. We were all just jammed in the bed.

When you say bed, you are thinking it as sexual. They make that sexual. It's not sexual. We're going to sleep. I tuck them in. I put a little, like, music on and do a little story time, read a book, very sweet. Put the fireplace on. Give them hot milk. We have a little cookies. It's very charming. It's very sweet.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The Jackson tape first aired on British television Monday night, then was replayed last night on ABC's "20/20." Jackson defended his relationship with his own three children and others in a statement released yesterday. It says this: "Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."

Here's how you're weighing in our Web question today. Remember, we've been asking you this question: Do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terror attacks in the United States? You could also choose no impact. Look at this: 82 percent of you so far who have voted say provoke future terror attacks; 13 percent of you say prevent. Only 5 percent of you had -- believe that it will have no impact.

You can find the exact vote tally and continue to vote, by the way, through the weekend on our Web site, CNN.com/Wolf. Remember, of course, this is not -- repeat, not -- a scientific poll.

Let's get to some of your e-mail. You've been writing us a lot about the decision earlier today to increase the threat level.

"The decision," Charles writes, "to raise the terror threat level from yellow to orange is a ploy by the administration to scare the American people into endorsing the government's impending invasion of Iraq."

Cat sends this: "As superbly demonstrated by Secretary Powell this week, the U.S. has specific information about the chemical and biological weapons Iraq possesses. This should be plenty of proof that Saddam needs to be eliminated. We can't wait too much longer."

This from Brian: "President Bush has not yet made the case for war. But preparations are so advanced, there's no turning back now. If we are going to act, we should act now and get it over with, so we can concentrate on building a peaceful post-war world."

And that's all of the time we have today.

Please join me again on Sunday on "LATE EDITION," the last word in Sunday talk. Among my guests this Sunday: President Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice. That's Sunday at noon Eastern.

Until then, thanks very much for watching. I'm Wolf Blitzer at the CNN Center in Atlanta.

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 February 7, 2003 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANNOUNCER: This is a special edition of WOLF BLITZER REPORTS: Protecting the Homeland.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST (voice-over): The nation's terror alert raised to high.

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: The U.S. intelligence community has indicated that the al Qaeda terrorist network is still determined to attack innocent Americans.

BLITZER: Is New York again a terrorist target?

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY: Leave the worrying tot he professionals and live your lives.

BLITZER:: Is your community safe? I'll as Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

The showdown with Iraq. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld sends a tough new warning to Saddam Hussein.

War against terror. Possible war with Iraq. We'll have reports from New York, Washington, Italy, Kuwait, London and the Philippines.

And we'll ask this man why he thinks war with Iraq would trigger more terror attacks.

Plus, is the answer to the shuttle disaster in this picture?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: It's Friday, February 7, 2003. I'm Wolf Blitzer at the CNN Center in Atlanta.

A chilling warning from the Bush administration today. The United States is at high risk for a terrorist attack. The national terror alert status has been raise to orange. That's the second highest level.

In just a few minutes, we'll talk with the homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, to find out how the change will affect all of our lives. We'll have also have reports coming up from Washington, New York, the Pentagon and the White House.

Let's start, though, with CNN's Jean Meserve. She's joining us now live from Washington -- Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, for only the second time in its brief history the terror threat level was raised from yellow to orange.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ASHCROFT: This decision for an increased threat condition designation is based on specific intelligence received and analyzed by the full intelligence community. This information has been corroborated by multiple intelligence sources.

MESERVE (voice-over): In recent months, terrorists hit a nightclub in Indonesia, a resort hotel in Kenya, and the attorney general expressed concern about similar soft or unprotected targets in the United States as well as the transportation and energy sectors and symbols of the United States and its power.

He also noted al Qaeda's continuing efforts to obtain, chemical, biological and radiological weapons.

Federal officials reached out to state and local government, the public health community and the private sector, which controls much of the nation's critical infrastructure. But the lack of specificity about the means of attack or possible targets made upgrading security something of a guessing game.

At the border crossing near Buffalo, New York, more people were questioned, more vehicles inspected. At federal buildings, there were more checks of hand carried items and at airports, more parking restrictions, more random examinations of passengers and more air marshals in the sky.

ED FLYNN, MASS PUBLIC SAFETY SECY.: Clearly, airports are essential parts of our transportation grid. Airports have been facilities that have been attacked in the past or used as a basis for attack, .

MESERVE: The response is unlikely to be uniform. In September, the last time the nation went to orange threat status, one-third of cities said they made no changes in security.

The public is also being asked to play a part.

RIDGE: We ask you to remain aware and remain alert. We are not recommending that events be canceled or travel or other plans be changed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: Ridge recommended that Americans prepare themselves and their families for a possible emergency. But the most urgent appeal was for Americans to keep their eyes and ears open and report any suspicious activity to authorities. Officials believe that that is the most likely way that terrorist activities will be detected and disrupted -- Wolf. BLITZER: And amid all of this, Jeanne, as you well know, the Justice Department just releasing, only a few minutes ago, a bulletin and asking for any information involving this individual, Mohammed Sher Mohammad Kahn.

What do we know about him?

MESERVE: They have posted his picture on the FBI Web site. They are asking for the public's assistance in finding this individual, described, as you say, as Mohammed She Mohammad Kahn. But they caution that name could be fictitious and they list seven aliases that he is believed to have used. They list a date of birth as 1966 in Pakistan. Describe him as between 5'3"and 5'7", 132 pounds with black hair and black eyes. They say he is an English speaker and sometimes wears a beard. Also described as an asthmatic.

According to the Web site, the FBI has no specific information that this individual is connected to any potential terrorist activities, but they do want to talk to him. CNN's Kelli Arena has heard from her sources that this name came up in the course of an intelligence investigation overseas. According to the sources, this individual made terrorist threats against the United States and there is very little known about this individual.

Other law enforcement sources saying that this is not the primary reason that the threat level was raised today, but it was a factor -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Let's get some more details. Jeanne Meserve, thanks very much for that report.

The homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, is in charge of protecting all of us. The newly-created Department of Homeland Security, of course, his mandate.

Mr. Secretary, thanks so much for joining us.

Anything else....

RIDGE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

BLITZER: ...you can tell us about this individual, Mohammed Sher Mohammad Khan?

RIDGE: I think Jeanne summarized it pretty accurately. His name has come up in the middle of an investigation and we just need to interrogate him and we're just going to leave it at that.

It, I think, speaks to the broader announcement we made today that when we put Americans on alert, we are in a far better position to protect ourselves and if, obviously, they see this individual, they know that the FBI and the Department of Justice and the United States government want to talk to him. So we help ourselves by keeping ourselves alert.

BLITZER: But he was not necessarily the primary reason... RIDGE: Oh, no.

BLITZER: ...for this elevated state that you announced today, was he?

RIDGE: That's correct, Wolf.

The primary reason behind today's announcement was the convergence of several pieces of information that we deemed to be credible, corroborated in several different ways that suggested that there -- an attack on the United States and the United States' interests, both within the United States and outside, is imminent and it's probably the -- if you talked to the intelligence community, in terms of the quantity and quality of information that they've been able to aggregate and analyze, the most significant aggregation of that information since before September 11, 2001.

BLITZER: We're getting flooded with e-mail, Mr. Secretary. They're saying this: be more concerned, we're going to a higher level of a terror threat, but don't necessarily, you're saying, change any of your day-to-day activities; continue traveling as you want; continue going to sporting events or other events as you want.

Americans seem to be confused by that apparent contradiction.

RIDGE: Wolf, one of the ways -- one of the ways we need to deal with that apparent contradiction is first understand that the very fact that we've raised the level of alert and hopefully more Americans are wary of their surroundings really gives us an advantage in the war against terrorists and their possible activity.

But Americans should also know that governors and mayors and the law enforcement community and medical and health authorities in the private sector will make some visible and some nonvisible adjustments to the security measures that they normally take, and so that with an increased awareness within this country and enhanced, protected and prevented measures, we will be substantially safer in this country because we raised the level of alert.

BLITZER: What connection, if any, Mr. Secretary, this heightened state of alert is there to a possible war with Iraq?

RIDGE: Wolf, there's absolutely no connection.

The intelligence community analyzes from multiple sources, from detainees, from documents, from domestic sources, from international sources, not just once a day, but many times a day, the prevailing threat environment. And over the past several days, from across the world, the al Qaeda network and those connected with it have generated this information.

We believe, when we studied al Qaeda, and I certainly have concluded, that their decision to act, their decision to attack is predicated on their belief that they are prepared to do us harm, they are prepared to do us destruction, and this is not in any way tied in with any other possibility and any other eventuality. BLITZER: You remember, of course, around the first anniversary of 9/11, we also went to this orange state from yellow, from the elevated to the high state of alert.

Is there a significant difference between then, a few months ago, on the first anniversary of 9/11 going to orange, and going to orange right now?

RIDGE: I think, Wolf, many of the same characteristics about the information we have received are the same.

Of course, the anniversary was one of the factors that we concluded was important for us to put in the calculation to raise the level of alert. And in this instance, one of the interesting pieces of information that has been corroborated is, unfortunately, some of those sharing the information have suggested that it might occur during the holy period within the Muslim religion, a period of observance of the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the Hajj.

And so, you've got independent sources saying it may happen in and around this time, coupled with other specific pieces of information from credible sources and you conclude it is time for us to raise the country's awareness to engage the country to help us combat terrorism.

BLITZER: And so your bottom line recommendation to all Americans, all of our viewers out there right now, if they see anything at all suspicious, the first line of defense is an alert public, and you want them to immediately contact law enforcement.

RIDGE: Absolutely, Wolf.

The best deterrence -- one of the best means of deterrence we have in this country are a couple of hundred millions eyes and ears and instincts. We're going to leave most of the lifting to the law enforcement community. But clearly, an alert public gives us a great advantage and they should be -- they should understand that there are a lot of things going on now, today, as we speak, as states and governors and cities and mayors ramp up and do -- and make some visible adjustments to their security, that there will be a lot of other things that will be going on that the citizen won't see. But I assure you, it's going on.

BLITZER: Mr. Secretary, thanks very much. Good luck to you.

RIDGE: Thanks, Wolf.

BLITZER: All the people of the Department of Homeland Security, we're counting on you.

RIDGE: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thank you very much.

(INTERRUPTED BY CNN COVERAGE OF BREAKING NEWS) BLITZER: New York took the brunt of the September 11 attacks. Of course, in the wake of today's orange alert warning, New York's mayor and governor trying to offer some sense of reassurance.

CNN's Jason Carroll is standing by live with that -- Jason.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice--over): New Yorkers can expect to see even more visible signs of heightened security, but not at one specific location.

BLOOMBERG: Been no specific threats against any one installation or building or group or city to the best of our knowledge.

CARROLL: New York City will increase security at gathering places such as transportation hubs and landmarks, but also at places that may not be as obvious, such as hotel lobbies and apartment buildings.

GOV. GEORGE PATAKI (R), NEW YORK: We have activated our emergency command center in Albany. It will be operational 24 hours a day to make sure that the proper coordination exists between local and state officials.

CARROLL: New York's Governor George Pataki also said specialized units of the state police and National Guard have been activated. But city officials point out they started taking added security measures shortly after 9/11.

One thousand of the city's police officers were assigned to counter terrorism activities, but the police department also established elite units called Hercules Teams, heavily-armed officers trained to keep an eye on the city's sensitive locations.

BLOOMBERG: Go about your lives as you normally would and we will do everything in our power to protect you. Leave the worrying to the professionals and live your lives.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL: New York City has been under an Orange threat alert ever since 9/11. So New Yorkers are accustomed to security here in the city, but the mayor still says that the city dwellers still need to be vigilant -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Have you had a chance, Jason, to speak to average New Yorkers yet and to get a sense how they're reacting to this development?

CARROLL: Not specifically today, Wolf. But I do need to point out that because of what happened here in the city, it is constantly on the minds of New Yorkers simply because you're constantly reminded of what happened here at the World Trade Center. There are definitely some New Yorkers who, I think, are suffering from security fatigue, but others simply take it in stride. BLITZER: Jason Carroll in New York City. Thank you very much, Jason, for that report.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have been considering an increase in military security levels. Our Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr has the latest on that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Security levels at all 425 military basis across the United States could go up if the Joint Chiefs give the order.

Individual base commanders would decide how to carry it out. More identification checks, more security patrols, tighter scrutiny of military installations.

The plan is to raise security levels from the current force protection condition Alpha to condition Bravo. An action which indicates an increased and predictable threat.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is also planning to increase protection of the skies. More fighter aircraft and air bases on alert for more combat air patrols over U.S. cities.

Deployment of ground-based air defense, surface-to-air missiles mounted on military vehicles. Increased scrutiny of military radar data, a much closer look at what is flying 24/7.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

STARR: And, Wolf, overseas military officials remain very concerned about security protection for the 100,000 troops now based in and around the Persian Gulf. But Pentagon officials remind us, those troops are on a very high state of alert against Iraq and the al Qaeda -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thanks, Barbara, very much.

President Bush, of course, signed off on raising the terror alert and he says the game is over for the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Our White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is joining us now live with that part of the story -- Susan.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, it's very important week for the president. He is going to focus one diplomacy abroad and jobs at home. And as you mentioned before, the president making that critical decision to raise the National Terror Threat to High.

The president, of course, also focusing on Iraq. He called a number of world leaders including France's Jacques Chirac and China's Jiang Zemin. As you know, Chirac the most vocal opponent of using potential military action against Saddam Hussein. The White House strategy here is not only to put pressure Saddam Hussein. They say the game is up, time is over. But now to put pressure on the U.N. Security Council members as well to at the very least acknowledge that Iraq has defied U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 and that now is the time to enforce it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This is a defining moment for the U.N. Security Council. If the Security Council were to allow a dictator to lie and deceive, the Security Council will be weakened.

I'm confident that when the members assess their responsibilities and responsibilities of the U.N. that they will understand that 1441 must be upheld in the fullest.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Now how would that happen? President Busy says he welcomes a second resolution from the U.N. Security Council if it's able to broaden international support. At the very least the language they're talking about perhaps saying again Iraq is in material breach. At the most, authorizing military action -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Thanks very much.

Saddam Hussein, meanwhile, is allowing more of the scientists to speak privately with U.N. weapons inspectors. The move comes as the chief weapons inspector, Dr. Hans Blix, and Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the chief nuclear inspector, are due to arrive in the Iraqi capital tomorrow for more talks with Iraqi officials. Our Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson is standing by in Baghdad with details -- Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, less than 12 hours now until they touchdown here this evening, three more Iraqi scientists having private interviews with U.N. weapons inspectors here.

The first scientist to take one of those introduce about 24 hours ago spoke out this evening. He said during his interview nothing abnormal happened. He said that the questions he had been asked were questions that he'd answered many times in the past before for the previous U.N. inspections missions.

He said he'd been encouraged to come forward by Iraqi officials. In fact he said, he thought he wanted to come forward because Iraq was under so much international pressure. He thought it was his duty to the country.

At the same time, Iraqi officials have been taking journalists out of Baghdad to refute statements Secretary of State Colin Powell made at the U.N. Security Council earlier this week. The first site, al-Raffa, this was a site Colin Powell identified as having a large missile test stand built in it, a new stand. Iraqi officials took us to that site, showed us that test facility today. Now they said that it was only used for short-range missiles. The secretary of state had indicated its size implied that it would be used for much larger, banned ballistic missiles.

Now Iraqi officials here said that the site was big because it was designed for horizontal testing -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Nic, the president of the United States says the game is over, but I get the sense that in Baghdad, top officials there don't necessarily believe the game is over. They still believe there is time.

ROBERTSON: That seems to be the case, Wolf. Of course, these talks Mohamed ElBaradei, Hans Blix will have this weekend, critical and important. One of the key issues had been the interviews with Iraqi scientists. So when they arrive here, that -- perhaps those talks getting off on a more positive foot.

But what Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei are looking for is much greater transparency across all issues and that's not what we've been hearing so far from Iraqi officials. No progress on the U-2 surveillance aircraft, no apparent progress, either, on the passage of legislation banning weapons of mass destruction -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Nic Robertson in Baghdad, thanks very much.

And we'll like to remind our viewers, we will have complete coverage of the Blix-ElBaradei visit to Baghdad this weekend here on CNN including my program "LATE EDITION" Sunday at noon Eastern. Among my guest, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's national security adviser.

And here's your chance to weigh in on the story. "Our Web Question of the Day" is this, do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terror attacks in the United States? You can also choose no impact. We'll have the results later in this broadcast.

Vote at cnn.com/wolf. While you're there I'd love to hear from you. Send me your current comments, I'll try to read them on the air on the program. That's where you can read my daily online column. cnn.com/wolf.

Donald Rumsfeld talks about a possible war with Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: It is not notable if force will be used, but if it is to be used it is not knowable how long that conflict would last.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: We'll go to Italy, Kuwait and Nellis Air Force Base for the latest. Plus, word of Osama bin Laden. Find out what he may be planning if the U.S. attacks Iraq.

Also a massive pile-up. Snow and destruction in Michigan.

And backlash, regret and a potential investigation. The fallout from Michael Jackson's stunning admission.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is now in Germany, where he'll attend a security conference this weekend. He's also trying to drum up support for the hard-line U.S. stance against Iraq. On his way to Munich, Rumsfeld stopped off in Italy with a blunt message for Saddam Hussein. CNN's Alessio Vinci has that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Hello, Wolf. Donald Rumsfeld's day began early this morning in Rome, where the Italian prime minister and the defense minister, Italy of course being one of U.S.'s staunchest allies in the war against terrorism as well as this latest showdown with Iraq. After the meeting, Donald Rumsfeld held a press conference where he told reporters that the debate in Europe on whether the war is the best way to disarm Saddam Hussein is a healthy debate. However, he also said that the international community should remember that Saddam Hussein remains a threat and that he should be disarmed as soon as possible.

After Rome, the secretary of defense flew here to Aviano, the largest U.S. air base here in Italy. He met with several hundred troops deployed here, stationed here in Aviano during a brief town hall. The secretary of defense told the troops that he was satisfied with the level of cooperation that he was getting with the countries in the Gulf region, as well as the fact that there were more and more countries also in Europe who were joining the support coalition of the willing.

Donald Rumsfeld also praised the work of Secretary of State Powell and especially his presentation at the United Nations.

RUMSFELD: Secretary Powell's remarks at the United Nations were, in my view, excellent, persuasive and compelling.

VINCI: From here, from Aviano, the defense secretary flew to Munich, to Germany, where on Saturday he'll address a major security conference. Attending the conference, of course, many defense ministers from Europe and Asia who oppose a swift military action against Iraq. But on the plane from Washington to Rome, the defense secretary said tomorrow in Munich, there won't be any hard sells.

Back to you, Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Thanks very much, Alessio Vinci at the Aviano air base, that's the NATO facility in Italy.

And with the chance of war between the United States and Iraq growing by the day, the Kuwaiti government is taking some extraordinary steps to protect its own people. CNN's Martin Savidge is in Kuwait, and he has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Wolf, with each passing day here in Kuwait, there are new precautions that are being put into place, specifically dealing with security. The latest ones to come into play now talking about backing up data of critical information for the Kuwaiti government. That warning apparently going out to government agencies: Begin putting documents on CD-Rom.

The other thing being talked about, a plan being put together for the possible evacuation of western expatriates. That means westerners living in Kuwait. And also, they have been saying that there's a plan in place to shut down the Kuwaiti airport if it comes to war.

Already in place since the beginning of the month, added security; 4,000 additional security personnel out in the street. The most visible, Kuwaiti special forces. They are notable by their black and blue, heavy camouflage uniforms that they wear, and also they are very heavily armed. You'll see them with APCs, armored cars, and also Humvees with heavy caliber machine guns. They all carry semiautomatic or fully automatic weapons. They're posted at various intersections along highways and key installations for the Kuwait government.

Police presence on the street has been beefed up. At night now you will find from time to time, spot check points that are quickly arranged. Anyone passing through those checkpoints has to produce I.D., identification, passport, or Kuwaiti identification, and now the government says you must have those with you at all times.

So the situation from the security standpoint now is quite strict, but it will get stricter beginning on the 15th. That's when national guard troops and army troops will also be deployed in metropolitan areas, and it's also the same time that half the country, over half, a huge swath of land, will be designated a military training zone. All the way from the Saudi border, all the way up to the Iraqi border. Supposedly, it is necessary for joint military operations for the combined forces of all the U.S. military troops that are here. It is looking very serious -- Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Martin Savidge in Kuwait City, thanks very much, Marty. The Kuwaitis obviously very much remembering what happened a dozen years ago when the Iraqis invaded Kuwait.

We have some breaking news we are following now from the State Department back in Washington, where officials tell CNN the U.S. government intends to reduce its diplomatic presence in Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The so-called authorized departure will permit what's called non-essential American diplomats and their families, families of all embassy staffers as well, to leave their posts at U.S. taxpayer expense. It's not clear when all of this will take effect, but U.S. officials intend to reduce the U.S. diplomatic presence in those four countries -- Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. We'll continue to follow that, get more details as we can.

And the show of massive force at home and abroad as the U.S. builds up toward war.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Frank Buckley live at the Nevada test and training center where we've been allowed to look in on an Air Force live fire exercise. It's showing some of the capabilities of the Air Force. We've talked to Secretary of the Air Force James Roach about the capabilities and how they might be employed in Iraq. You'll hear his comments coming up.

BLITZER: All right, Frank.

And also, al Qaeda weighs in. Find out what terrorists may have in the works if -- if the U.S. strikes Iraq.

And the Iraq-al Qaeda link. A dossier used by Colin Powell, indeed by the British government, turns out to have been plagiarized from a student's paper. We'll have that story. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

Coming up, hear what Osama bin Laden may be planning if the United States attacks Iraq. Plus, Gary Hart, he'll join me live.

(NEWS BREAK)

BLITZER: The drumbeat of war grows louder for American forces who will probably see action if there's war against Iraq.

CNN national correspondent Frank Buckley is at the Air Force test training range in Nevada for a demonstration of the many uses warplanes would see in Iraq -- Frank.

BUCKLEY: Yes, an incredible display of military might here, Wolf, at the Nevada test and training center earlier today.

They've wrapped up the live-fire demonstration, but we saw everything, from the most sophisticated of aircraft, the B-2 stealth bomber, to the 50-year-old B-52 bomber, which is still in service today. Many of those aircraft and others could be used if there is a conflict in Iraq.

And after the exercise was completed, we talked to Secretary of the Air Force James Roche about those capabilities.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BUCKLEY: How might these assets be used in a conflict in Iraq?

JAMES ROCHE, AIR FORCE SECRETARY: Well, they will be used at different times in the conflict.

Certainly, prior to any ground forces going in, there will be a lot of airpower brought to bear. I think you've seen that we have aircraft that can drop a lot. We have aircraft that can fly very low. In combat, we fly much higher. And given the precision of our weapons and our work with our sergeants on the ground, our combat controllers, we can do close air support from 38,000 feet now.

BUCKLEY: In the Gulf War in 1991, the air war went on for week after week. We are told that this time, expect three or four days. What can you say about that?

ROCHE: Well, that would be up to the plans that General Franks, Tommy Franks, would work out with the secretary of defense and the president.

What we can say in terms of capability in the Air Force is that, in '91, we had to drop a number of bombs to be able to take care of a given target. Given the precision of the weapons we have now and given the targeting systems we have on board our aircraft, you are talking about many fewer bombs per target. Therefore, on any given night, we'll probably do at least twice as much or three times as much as we did in the Gulf War.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BUCKLEY: And we should tell you that today's exercise was not for the purpose of CNN cameras. We asked to come and view this live- fire demonstration.

This was for new one-star generals and admirals. They all go around to the various services and see what the capabilities are of each service. This was a day when they came to see what the Air Force has to offer. And we were allowed to come along and see what they had -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right, Frank Buckley, good work. Thanks very much.

The United States remaining on high alert: a closer look coming up at what terrorists may be planning and what world governments are doing to stop them.

Plus, we'll have a special guest, Gary Hart. He's one of the top experts on terrorism. He may also be making a run for the presidency in 2004. We'll have a special interview when we come back.

And fallout following the Powell presentation -- coming up, some embarrassment for Britain, the best U.S. ally.

You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: As the United States steps up precautions, the war on terrorism continues around the world. We have reports in our terror file from London, Manila and New York. We begin with CNN senior international correspondent Sheila MacVicar in London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHEILA MACVICAR, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we've heard from Colin Powell and we've heard from the Iraqis about that alleged link between Iraq and al Qaeda, but we haven't yet heard from al Qaeda.

But there's word this week that the organization may be preparing to release a new statement from Osama bin Laden on either audio or videotape on the day when war would start. That word comes in the Arabic-language publication "Al Majalla," which has received credible communications from al Qaeda in the past.

According to the magazine, the statement would say that -- quote -- "Al Qaeda supports the Iraqi people in the face of U.S. aggression," without specifying what that support would be, and that bin Laden would once again call on Arabs and Muslims to attack U.S. interests throughout the region, something, of course, he's been saying for years.

Sheila MacVicar, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Maria Ressa in Manila.

This week, acting on a tip from Singapore, the Indonesian police arrested Mas Slamet Kastari, the operations chief of the Singapore cell of the Jemaah Islamiyah, al Qaeda's network in Southeast Asia. This marks a significant shift for the Indonesian police, the first time it's arrested a terror suspect based on evidence from a neighboring country.

Singapore says Mas Slamet Kastari escaped to neighboring Indonesia early last year after a terror crackdown in Singapore. Even while he was in Indonesia, Singapore says Mas Slamet Kastari was planning terror attacks in Singapore. His arrests signals that terror suspects in the region will no longer find safe haven in Indonesia.

This is Maria Ressa in Manila.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE COLBY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Jamie Colby in New York.

After spending six months in jail, a man who sold fake I.D.s to two September 11 hijackers is free. Mohamed el-Atriss, an Egyptian- born U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to selling false identification documents out of his business in Patterson, New Jersey, where some hijackers lived.

El-Atriss denied knowing their intentions and, ultimately, prosecutors agreed. El-Atriss released on $5,000 bail and is expected to receive probation when he's sentenced next month.

Jamie Colby, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: More now on the showdown with Iraq.

My next guest warns the United States possibly could face new terror attacks if it goes to war against Saddam Hussein, attacks he says the country is not necessarily prepared for right now. Former Democratic Senator Gary Hart of Colorado is joining us now live from Los Angeles. He most recently served as the co-chairman of the U.S. Commission of National Security in the 21st century.

Senator Hart, thanks for joining us.

GARY HART, FORMER U.S. SENATOR: It's a great pleasure.

BLITZER: So, let's get to the news immediately of the day, this decision to go to this higher state of alert, from yellow to orange. A good idea?

HART: Well, one can only know if you know what the classified briefings are. And I don't know those.

I assume that, in the -- for example, in the recent case in London, where the rice plot was discovered, they may have gotten some information from some of those people. You never know where the intelligence is coming from.

BLITZER: Do you understand why the government, on the one hand, says, be nervous, get prepared, watch everything that's going on; on the other hand, the government says, don't change any of your day-to- day activities; continue about your normal events? Does it sound like there's a contradiction to you?

HART: Yes and no.

I think we're moving closer -- as we go to war in the Middle East, we're moving closer to what I think you could call a kind of Israeli lifestyle, where people will have to begin to look at others suspiciously in shopping malls and public places. And I think, when we do go to war, it's quite possible we'll see that alert status move up to the red, top zone.

BLITZER: That's the severe level.

Why do you believe there will be a possibility of increased terrorism against the United States if the U.S. goes to war against Iraq?

HART: Well, first of all, because George Tenet, the director of the CIA, has said so, and, second, just common sense.

If we kick over the hornet's nest in that region, we can fully expect and ought to expect retaliatory attacks against us. Now, those won't come, necessarily, from Iraq. But they will come from terrorist groups scattered throughout the Arab world who are radical fundamentalists and who want to get even with the United States for invading an Arab country. It just makes common sense.

BLITZER: But they want to do that irrespective if the U.S. goes to war against Iraq, don't they?

HART: Well, of course, but I think al Qaeda documents, as you recall, said that the motivation for the first attack, 9/11, was, in large part, because of the stationing of American military forces in Saudi Arabia, which they considered a holy land. They don't consider Iraq a holy land. And, of course, it's a secular government. But it is an Arab country. And it is a motivating factor for those who are looking for a triggering reason to attack us again.

BLITZER: So, what should President Bush and Secretary Ridge and other top officials be doing right now?

HART: Well, they ought to be preparing this country better than we are prepared for the great possibility of retaliatory attacks.

The Council on Foreign Relations task force that Senator Rudman and I co-chaired last fall showed that, in the year following 9/11, this country wasn't appreciably safer than it was when the first attack occurred. So, it seems to me, before we go to war in the Middle East, we ought to get this country much better prepared than we are today, and particularly at the state and local law enforcement and first-responder levels.

BLITZER: How vulnerable is the U.S. right now? We heard talk today of all these so-called soft targets, shopping malls, movie theaters. It seems that there's plenty of these targets out there.

HART: Well, of course, we are a mass democracy of 285 million people, with thousands of miles of exposed border. And we are going to continue to be vulnerable to some attacks.

I don't think there is going to ever be perfect security. It's relative security. And we're, it seems to me, quite a long ways -- and the task force documented ways, and particularly our seaports and the preparation of our local law enforcement and National Guard units and communications systems and so forth, the critical infrastructure -- we're a lot farther away from protecting those than we should be.

BLITZER: Senator Hart, we're all out of time, but can you tell our viewers whether or not you've made up your mind about running for the presidency in 2004?

HART: Not yet. I think we've got some ominous events coming up in the coming weeks and politics will probably take second place. But I'll make a decision in a timeframe that makes some sense, some time this spring. BLITZER: All right, Senator Gary Hart, former U.S. senator from Colorado, appreciate it very much. Thank you.

HART: Thank you very much.

BLITZER: And, once again, here's your chance to weigh in on the story. Our "Web Question of the Day" is this: Do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terrorist attacks in the United States? You can also choose no impact. We'll have the results later in this broadcast. Vote at CNN.com/Wolf.

A red-faced British government today admitted it copied the work of an American student for a key dossier on Iraq. Secretary of State Colin Powell praised the document during his speech on Iraq before the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday. The incident is adding ammunition to British opponents of a possible war against Iraq.

CNN's Matthew Chance has this report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This British report on Iraq was published just a day before U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell made his address to the U.N. It reads like an up-to-the- minute intelligence-based analysis of the Iraqi threat. Colin Powell even praised it.

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: I would call my colleagues attention to the fine paper that United Kingdom distributed yesterday, which describes in exquisite detail Iraqi deception activities.

CHANCE: Published on the prime minister's Web site and called "Iraq: Its Infrastructure of Concealment, Deception and Intimidation," the paper outlines the scope of Saddam's intelligence apparatus. But similarities to previously published works have been noticed.

GLEN RANGWALA, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY: Many of the words and phrases that it used I recalled from another context. So, I searched around the other articles that I had read on Iraq's organizations, its military and security organizations, and realized that large sections of the British government's dossier were actually copied.

CHANCE: In fact, he says, of the 19 pages in the British document, several appeared to come from this, an article last September in a small journal, "The Middle East Review of International Affairs." Its author, Ibrahim al-Marashi, is a post-graduate student in Monterey, California.

A comparison of the documents reveals large sections do appear in both, this, for example, six paragraphs long on Saddam's special security operations. The exact same words are in the Californian student's paper. There are also identical grammatical errors. This sentence has a comma in the wrong place in the original and again in the British dossier. The suggestion is, some sections were simply cut-and-pasted. Amid accusations of intellectual theft, what's also concerning intelligence analysts is that the original Californian work isn't current, but instead a historical analysis of Iraq's occupation of Kuwait before the last Gulf War. Analysts say the report may cause loss of public faith in what they're being told.

(on camera): The actual contents of this British report may indeed be accurate and the basic case it makes against Iraq unaffected. But as this controversy builds, the government here is facing further questions from an already skeptical British public about how it handles information that could be used to justify a war.

Matthew Chance, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Space shuttle clues over California: newly-released home video of the shuttle disaster. Find out why NASA is taking a closer look when we return.

And Michael Jackson unmasked: An uncanny interview has the pop star very much on the defensive.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Seven thousand people who work at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida attended a memorial there today for the crew of the Columbia. It was held on the landing strip where the shuttle was supposed to touch down on Saturday.

NASA investigators are hoping amateur video and photos will help determine what caused the shuttle to break up. Home video taken as Columbia flew over California shows debris flying from the orbiter. Meanwhile, NASA is examining high-resolution photographs of the shuttle taken minutes before its demise. "Aviation Week & Space Technology" says the photos show serious structural damage to the left wing.

Don't forget, time's running out for your turn to weigh in on our "Web Question of the Day": Do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terror attacks in the United States? You can also choose no impact. Log on to CNN.com/Wolf. That's where you can vote.

First, let's take a look at some other news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): The annual pilgrimage to Mecca begins tomorrow. With tension running high because of the possible war in Iraq, the Saudi government warns it will maintain security with an iron fist.

Asian anger: The situation with Iraq is sparking protests in Southeast Asia. There were anti-American rallies in Jakarta, Manila and Kuala Lumpur. Fighting words: A fight broke out in the Russian Parliament between a Communist deputy and an independent deputy. It started after the independent called the Communist Party's leader a political prostitute.

Payment due? Hundred of Mexicans staged a protest outside the U.S. Embassy, saying the United States owes them money for work they did decades ago. They were temporary guest workers in the U.S. Under an agreement with Mexico, 10 percent of each guest workers' pay was put into a special savings account, but many workers say they never got that money.

Too much, too little: Floods along Australia's northeast coast caused at least one death. But, ironically, much of the rest of the country remains bone-dry. The rains that fell in the northeast didn't move far enough inland to end Australia's long-running drought.

And that's our look "Around the World."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Pop star Michael Jackson says he's devastated by a documentary in which he reveals he sleeps with children and he blames the reporter, Martin Bashir, for the program that Jackson calls -- quote -- "a gross, distortion of the truth." The 44-year-old Jackson was filmed saying he saw no harm in sharing his bed with children at his California ranch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL JACKSON, SINGER: I sleep in the bed with all of them. When Macaulay Culkin were little, Kieran Culkin would sleep on this side. Macaulay Culkin was on this side, his sisters in there. We were all just jammed in the bed.

When you say bed, you are thinking it as sexual. They make that sexual. It's not sexual. We're going to sleep. I tuck them in. I put a little, like, music on and do a little story time, read a book, very sweet. Put the fireplace on. Give them hot milk. We have a little cookies. It's very charming. It's very sweet.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The Jackson tape first aired on British television Monday night, then was replayed last night on ABC's "20/20." Jackson defended his relationship with his own three children and others in a statement released yesterday. It says this: "Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."

Here's how you're weighing in our Web question today. Remember, we've been asking you this question: Do you feel a war with Iraq would most likely provoke or prevent future terror attacks in the United States? You could also choose no impact. Look at this: 82 percent of you so far who have voted say provoke future terror attacks; 13 percent of you say prevent. Only 5 percent of you had -- believe that it will have no impact.

You can find the exact vote tally and continue to vote, by the way, through the weekend on our Web site, CNN.com/Wolf. Remember, of course, this is not -- repeat, not -- a scientific poll.

Let's get to some of your e-mail. You've been writing us a lot about the decision earlier today to increase the threat level.

"The decision," Charles writes, "to raise the terror threat level from yellow to orange is a ploy by the administration to scare the American people into endorsing the government's impending invasion of Iraq."

Cat sends this: "As superbly demonstrated by Secretary Powell this week, the U.S. has specific information about the chemical and biological weapons Iraq possesses. This should be plenty of proof that Saddam needs to be eliminated. We can't wait too much longer."

This from Brian: "President Bush has not yet made the case for war. But preparations are so advanced, there's no turning back now. If we are going to act, we should act now and get it over with, so we can concentrate on building a peaceful post-war world."

And that's all of the time we have today.

Please join me again on Sunday on "LATE EDITION," the last word in Sunday talk. Among my guests this Sunday: President Bush's national security adviser, Condoleezza Rice. That's Sunday at noon Eastern.

Until then, thanks very much for watching. I'm Wolf Blitzer at the CNN Center in Atlanta.

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