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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Are There al Qaeda Moles in U.S. Military? Interviews with Christopher Dickey, Steven Bocho, Joe Biden

Aired September 23, 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.


(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST (voice-over): Al Qaeda moles in the military?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't now who they are. We don't know where they are.

BLITZER: An army chaplain and an Air Force enlisted man under investigation.

Allies at odds. President Bush calls for help in Iraq.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And all nations of good will should step forward and provide that support.

BLITZER: But is he back to square one with his pre-war adversary?

JACQUES CHIRAC, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE (through translator): No one can claim the right to use force unilaterally or (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLITZER: Recall ruling. A court changes course. And the man behind the recall makes a startling reversal.

Mother's milk. It's no place for toxic chemicals. We'll tell you about disturbing new research.

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, live from the nation's capital, with correspondent from around the world. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: It's Tuesday, September 23, 2003. Hello from Washington. I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting.

We begin with a worrisome question that's being urgently addressed by the United States military. Has al Qaeda planted agents in the U.S. armed forces? A U.S. army chaplain is under investigation. But in a stunning new twist today, an Air Force enlisted man has been charged with espionage.

Here's CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was here, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that senior airman Ahmad Al Halabi had, what officials say, was unauthorized classified information on his computer. Colleagues had reported the military translator, who worked with al Qaeda detainees, was acting suspiciously, sources tell cnn. When confronted, he could not explain his actions. He was arrested on July 23.

He is now being held here, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where he is facing 30 charges including espionage, aiding the enemy, false statements, bank fraud, and failing to obey orders.

Now investigators urgently want to know if there is a broader espionage conspiracy in the military, or if they are dealing with isolated cases. A key question -- is Al Halabai connected to Army Captain James Yee? The Islamic chaplain was arrested on September 10 carrying unauthorized classified information about Guantanamo Bay when he returned to the United States from his deployment there.

Senator Charles Schumer is pressing the Pentagon to investigate two groups that certify Muslim clerics to become military chaplains.

SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: This fact is incredible -- that a man who ends up as chaplain to potentially the most dangerous terrorists we have in our custody, was trained by groups who might well have a link to terrorism, almost defies the imagination.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

STARR: And Wolf, as this investigation proceeds, sources tell CNN more arrests may be coming -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara, who is really in charge of this investigation?

STARR: Well, at the moment it appears to be somewhat of a joint investigation between the U.S. military and federal law enforcement officials. But it's very interesting to note, Wolf, both of these men are being held in military detention under the military justice system at the moment. Sources tell us they feel that they will be able to prosecute them much more stringently in the military justice system than they could in the civilian courts. At least that's the way it's standing for now.

BLITZER: All right. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thanks very much for that report.

And there's word today of a possible al Qaeda threat against an Israeli airliner in Bangkok. Israel television is reporting that a plot against El-Al passengers was foiled some time ago by Thai police, who arrested a man seen filming the airline's counter. U.S. officials tell CNN national security correspondent David Ensor the U.S., Israel and Thailand do have some information suggesting an al Qaeda threat, but they won't go so far as to say an actual plot was stopped.

There was a sense of deja vu today over at the United Nations. President Bush called on the divided body to move forward on Iraq, toward peace-keeping and rebuilding. This time, not war. But key allies are still not ready to follow his lead.

Here's our senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, they both feel they are right. Two president verbally sparring inside on day one of the General Assembly debate.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE Mr. George W. Bush, president of the United States of America and to invite him to address the assembly.

ROTH (voice-over): In his first appearance at the U.N. since the U.S. invaded Iraq, President Bush, despite a torrent of criticism here, refused to back down.

BUSH: Because a coalition of nations acted to defend the peace and the credibility of the United Nations, Iraq is free. And today we are joined by representatives of a liberated country.

ROTH: But in the audience, the leaders of France and Germany, who denied the U.S. a war resolution on Iraq earlier this year.

Jacques Chirac, who is also not backing down.

CHIRAC (voice-over): The war, which was started without the authorization of the Security Council, has shaken the multilateral system.

ROTH: So they disagreed about the past. What about the future of Iraq?

France wants a faster hand over of control to the Iraqi people, with help from the U.N. But the U.S. refuses to rush.

BUSH: This process must unfold according to the needs of Iraqis, neither hurried nor delayed by the wishes of other parties.

CHIRAC (through translator): In Iraq, the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis, who must have sole responsibility for their destiny, is essential for stability and reconstruction.

ROTH: With President Bush not offering any conciliatory gestures for Iraq, it's not likely many minds were changed.

DAVID MALONE, INTL. PEACE ACADEMY: There's an internal contradiction in the president's position. He wants help, but he doesn't want to change anything in his position in order to obtain it. It's not going to work.

ROTH: Members of the U.S.-appointed Iraq governing council took Baghdad's General Assembly seat, though not yet accredited by the U.N. Though selected by the U.S., some members are shifting to a more public pitch to gain self-rule.

ASNAN PACHACHI, IRAQI GOVERNING COUNCIL: We believe that sovereignty could be restored to Iraq even now with a governing council or a government or an interim government or a provisional government. There is -- we don't find it incompatible.

ROTH: After appeals to the world, presidents Bush and Chirac tried with each other. In a closed-door session, a White House official said President Bush made it clear to the French leader the U.S. could not safely hand over power quickly to the Iraqi governing council. And Chirac said France would not stand in the way of any U.N. resolution that helps the reconstruction of Iraq.

The host on the day, Secretary-General Kofi Annan, toasted with President Bush to the future of the United Nations. But Annan is worried about the future, criticizing implicitly the U.S. in his speech for going it alone against Iraq and what it will lead to.

KOFI ANNAN, U.S. SECRETARY-GENERAL: My concern is that if it were to be adopted, it will set precedents that resulted in the proliferation of the unilateral and lawless use of force with or without justification.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROTH: The secretary-general, later, at his lunch, asking the world leaders to take the goodwill inside the lunch outside so that the countries can work together on Iraq. But clearly, Wolf, differences still remain. A very familiar refrain on this Iraq topic.

Wolf, back to you.

ROTH: It's been the case for about a year. Richard Roth, thanks very much for that.

Is President Bush winning any hearts, changing any minds over in Europe? Can America and its oldest ally patch up their differences.

For the view from Paris, let's turn now to "Newsweek"'s bureau chief there, Christopher Dickey.

Chris, thanks very much for joining us. How is the president's speech at the U.N. playing in France?

CHRISTOPHER DICKEY, "NEWSWEEK": Well, I think it's playing very well. I think he sounded conciliatory. I think people are happy to hear him sound conciliatory about working with the United Nations, even working with the United States to help move things along in Iraq.

But on the other hand, people here think France was right to oppose, or at least oppose the rush to war. And they don't want to see any budging on that position.

There's a kind of smugness here, in fact, where people think, Well, the United States has gotten into this mess, and they're just as happy to see it suffer a little bit for a little while. BLITZER: Do average people on the street in Paris or other cities in France realize, at least among many Americans, the anger towards France, the boycott of French products, French wine, the sense that France is no longer a good ally of the United States?

DICKEY: Yes, and they were surprised initially by that. I think they're starting to get used to it. And they just sort of throw up their hands and say, What can we do?

You know, initially, the problem was that the French people, like most Europeans, like, really, very many of the British people, opposed the war. Chirac rode that bandwagon when he was opposing the war and opposing the rush to war last spring, and everything was directed at President Bush. It was directed at the administration. That was the opposition in Europe. But then the reaction from the American people was, if you oppose President Bush, you must be a cheese-eating surrender monkey and, therefore, all of France was vilified. People don't drink Bordeaux anymore. They say they canceled their reservations for hotels here in Paris. And the French people said, well if this way the American's are going to react, we are not dealing with a rational situation. And that just make them feel even more superior.

BLITZER: And so the fact that they are losing money in terms of reduced number of tourists going to France.

Is that at all an issue in France, the economic ramification of this strain between Washington and Paris?

DICKEY: Sure. They don't want to lose money and even on the 4th of July you had lots of French bistros celebrating the 4th of July. Sure, they'd like the tourists to come back. On the other hand, they feel right about Iraq. And they -- if you look at the French press, the way the on going conflict is covered, the French would have every reason to believe when they told the United States, or when Chirac told the United States, don't rush into this situation, don't run -- don't rush into this occupation, they were right.

BLITZER: Christopher Dickey of "Newsweek" magazine. As usually, thanks for staying up late in Paris

DICKEY: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thank you. Influencing the vote.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you vote, if there were two major Republicans, Tom McClintock and Arnold Schwarzenegger, then I advise you to vote no on the recall.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

The man who bank rolled the California recall effort now insists one Republican candidate must go. But is anyone listening?

Plus, a ruling on the vote. We'll have details.

A father's grief. A teenage girl dies of complications after taking the abortion pill RU-486.

And...

STEVEN BOCHO, CREATOR, "NYPD BLUE": I think television is famous for giving you too much of a good thing, don't you think?

BLITZER: "NYPD Blue" creator Steven Bochco battles his competition. More from the 10 time Emmy winner coming up.

That's all coming up.

Over the past year, which reality television show received the highest ratings, "American Idol," "The Bachelorette," "Joe Millionaire", "Survivor: Amazon." The answer coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

The California recall election will, after all, proceed as planned October 7. The full 9th Circuit Court of appeals in California is reversing the decision by a three-judge panel that put the vote on hold. As of now no appeal of today's ruling is planned.

Our national correspondent Bob Franken is over this story.

He's joining us now live from Los Angeles.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: As much as one can be all over it. Wolf, you can assume that one part of the story has been settled.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): The American Civil Liberties Union is giving up its legal fight. No Supreme Court Appeal.

DOROTHY ERLICH, ACLU: At this point it is important that candidates, campaigns and voters know that the election will be held on a date that is certain.

FRANKEN: After all, all 11 Appeals Court judges decided 16 hours after their hearing that the election should go forward as scheduled. Otherwise, the state of California and its citizens will suffer material hardship. Now, the state can return to the mad scramble to get this election in place in two weeks. Now, the Republicans can continue to try and untangle their campaign with conservative Tom McClintock and not so conservative Arnold Schwarzenegger taking vote form each other. The man who financed the campaign, Darrell Issa contends that if the GOP split means the election of Democrat Cruz Bustamante, he will reverse himself and oppose the recall.

REP. DARRELL ISSA (R), CALIFORNIA: Both can do the math and both don't want to be spoilers. One has to make a decision and has to make it in the next two days.

FRANKEN: In fact, Jim Brulte is calling on his Senate colleague McClintock to pull out describing him as a third place candidate. McClintock has been adamant saying he's in the race to stay. Much depending how well the candidates do in Wednesday night's debate. The only one Schwarzenegger, has agreed to attended.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Much depends on whether the trends continue that would show more and more people are starting to oppose the recall. It could mean that the election, which is now on schedule for October 7, might be for naught.

BLITZER: Any indication beyond the debate scheduled there will be another opportunity for the candidates to take questions they won't have in advance?

FRANKEN: Well, shameless promotion here, CNN and the "Los Angeles Times" are schedules a debate and trying to get as many of the candidates as possible in there. And from what I understand, the format absolutely, will not include presubmitted questions.

BLITZER: I never heard of a debate where the debaters know the questions in advance, but that's another story. Bob Franken, thanks very much for that report.

Here's your turn to weigh in on the story. "Our Web Question of the Day" is this, do you agree with the court's decision to allow California's recall election to proceed. We'll have the results later in the broadcast. But you can vote right now. Go to cnn.com/wolf. While you are there. I would love to hear directly from you. Send me your comments. I'll try to read some of them at the end of each day. That's also where you can you read my daily column. Cnn.com/wolf.

A deep divide.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOE BIDEN (D), DELAWARE: I don't think it's moved the ball very far down the field. And doing one thing, getting more money and getting troops into Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: What did Senator Joe Biden want to hear from President Bush today?

Hear for yourself, that's coming up.

And a father's helplessness, his daughter dead after taking a controversial pill. We'll hear from the teen's father.

A deadly stampede. Now charges and pleas for four Chicago nightclub operators. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Let's get to some stories now from our "Justice File."

As their client's trial draws closer, attorneys for sniper suspect John Allen Mohammed are challenging the validity of several witnesses. Another hearing held today in a Virginia court room. Among those testifying was a Maryland chiropractor who said he saw Mohammed and the other sniper suspect, Lee Boyd Malvo, near one of the crime scenes. Mohammed's trial starts October 14.

Police in New Hampshire have arrested a suspect in the so-called "Jack the Snipper" case. But so far, the 17-year-old has not been charged. The case involves a man who entered women's apartments near the University of New Hampshire during the summer, removing or cutting off their clothing as they slept. The hearing is scheduled for late October.

In Georgia, the former operator of a crematory who is facing hundreds of criminal counts was back in court today. Ray Brent Marsh pleaded not guilty to more than 100 counts of burial service fraud and dozens of counts of making false statements. But he withheld pleas on most of the almost 800 counts against him. Marsh is accused of dumping decaying bodies around his family business and passing off dirt and cement dust as cremated remains.

Seven months after a deadly nightclub stampede in Chicago, four men linked to the club have made their first court appearance after they were indicted by a grand jury.

The latest now from our Chicago bureau chief, Jeff Flock. He's joining us live -- Jeff.

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF: Wolf, hello to you.

Indeed, these men had maintained all along that this was just a big accident. Well, today, prosecutors said, No, it wasn't an accident. It was their fault.

We have pictures of the four as they appeared in court today. The four men charged include the club's two owners, the club's manager as well as a man who was promoting a party at the club the night all of this took place. The charge is involuntary manslaughter. They pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, though, says that he has evidence that the club was regularly packed to dangerous overcapacity.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DICK DEVINE, COOK CO. STATE'S ATTORNEY: On February 17, 2003, in the early morning hours, there were over 1,200 individuals gathered at the second floor area, known as the E2 nightclub. That space is made for approximately 240 individuals. Needless to say, the crowd was densely packed. There was very little room to move or maneuver, and, quite simply, it was a disaster waiting to happen. And the disaster did happen. (END VIDEO CLIP)

FLOCK: The disaster was what took the lives of 21 people. It was set off when someone sprayed pepper spray to try and quell a disturbance in the club. You see the pictures there, dramatic pictures of people trying to get out the club, went down a steep staircase and wound of bodies, one on top of the other. People were either crushed to death, Wolf, or asphyxiated. A terrible scene. And now these four men stand charged/

It may also be later that the city of Chicago winds up charged civilly because perhaps they didn't do as much as they should have to inspect the club. But all that more to come.

First, the criminal charges. Their next court appearance will be in November.

That's the latest from here, Wolf. Back to you.

BLITZER: Thanks very much, Jeff Flock. A lot of us remember those pictures. We were all shocked at the time. Still shocked to see them right now.

Still to come, making his pitch. But no apologies offered. Reaction to President Bush's address before the United Nations. We'll directly hear from Senator Joe Biden. That's coming up.

And a disturbing discovery. A new study raises doubts about breastfeeding. We'll take a closer look.

Plus, he created the big TV hit, "NYPD Blue." Now Steven Bochco adds author to his resume. We'll hear directly from him. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: A daughter's secret, and a father who found out too late.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I felt so helpless after thinking back that she was suffering in silence. I never knew.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Coming up, why a teen who tried to move on with her life ended up losing her life.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN.

Making the case for more U.n. involvement in Iraq. Reaction to President Bush's speech.

First, though, the latest headlines.

(NEWSBREAK)

BLITZER: More now on President Bush's closely watched address before the United Nations General Assembly. In it he acknowledged the sometimes deep differences between the U.S. and its allies, at the same time strongly defending his actions.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: Our actions in Afghanistan and Iraq were supported by many governments, and America is grateful to each one. I also recognize that some of the sovereign nations of this assembly disagreed with our actions. Yet there was and there remains unity among us on the fundamental principles and objectives of the United Nations. We're dedicated to the defense of our collective security and to the advance of human rights. These permanent commitments call us to great work in the world, work we must do together. So let us move forward.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Earlier I talked about the speech with Senator Joe Biden, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Senator Biden, thanks for joining us.

Let's get right to the president's speech. He made the case that he did the right thing in Iraq. Was he persuasive?

SENATOR JOE BIDEN (D), DELAWARE: Well, I don't know whether he was pervasive or not. I think there's a missed opportunity here in -- if the purpose of the speech, which was that I thought it was to generate large amounts of money and significant numbers of troops from the international community to help us secure the peace in Iraq. I think he had some missed opportunities here. I think he could have been more persuasive.

I think he should not back away from being argued that he was justified in going into Iraq. We were justified. But now is the time to put together a coalition that's going to help us bear the incredible burden in terms of lives, dollars, and time to secure Iraq. That's the objective.

BLITZER: Senator Biden, what should he have -- what should he -- what did you want hear him say that he didn't say?

BIDEN: Well, what I wanted to hear him say was what half the administration wants to hear him say, which is, Look, we can work this out with the international community. We are anxious to hand over sovereignty to the Iraqis as quickly as possible. We can work our an agreement whereby that is done, where they give symbolic control now, as some of you are saying, as well as by the end of the year -- within the next 12 months have total control within the hands of the Iraqis. We can work that out. I'm here to tell you that's my objective, to work that out, if that's a stumbling block.

That kind of language doesn't commit the president to anything other than we're already committed to. It makes it clear that we're desperately are interested in seeing to it that the rest of the world joins us without us having to apologize for anything. And -- but it seems as though there was not much emphasis put on that portion of the president's speech.

I agreed with him on his trafficking and slavery. We agreed on the no proliferation pieces. I think that was all positive. So -- but, you know, I don't think it moved the ball very far down the field in doing one thing, getting more money and getting troops into Iraq.

BLITZER: So does that -- all that mean this draft U.N. resolution he would like to see passed is in deep trouble?

BIDEN: Well, I think that it probably is.

But I -- look, let's take a look at the opposite polls here. The French say turn over sovereignty symbolically now and within six to nine months totally. We say we want to have elections within nine to 12 months and we'll turn over sovereignty then. That's the stuff of which you can make an agreement. That's the stuff of which you can actually reach a compromise through diplomacy. But for us to say that we are unwilling to move in terms of the sovereignty issue other than our terms, it may be practically where we are. But it doesn't send a very solid message to give hope -- look, here you have the Pakistani, who were talking about in the past sending the division, now saying they're not going to send anybody.

I mean, we need additional assistance. Otherwise, this supplemental of $87 billion we're voting on this year will be that or more next year. I mean, this is simple, practical need so the American taxpayers don't carry all the burden, shed all the blood, and provide all the troops.

BLITZER: Senator Biden, what did you make of U.N. Secretary- General Kofi Annan effectively lecturing the Bush administration about its policy of pre-emptive strikes?

BIDEN: I'm never comfortable with any U.N. leader lecturing any president.

My problem with the doctrine of pre-emption is the Bush administration has never defined it. Our view of pre-emption that has existed since 1640-something in Europe has been, basically, this -- if a country can establish their immediate self-interest is at stake they can take whatever action is necessary to protect themselves. That's consistent with the U.N. charter. The bush administration -- some in the Bush administration-- seem to articulate a different doctrine that says there need not be an imminent threat. If we think there's going to be a threat, we can use force. That is incredibly destabilizing.

I think that's what Kofi Annan is talking about. But it shouldn't be Kofi Annan lecturing the president of the United States. It should be the United States Senate, the American people saying, Mr. President, let's get it straight. A doctrine of pre-emption based upon an immediate threat to our security interest is totally justified. Your version of a doctrine of pre-emption is saying that if at any time this country may present us with a problem we should act now is dangerous. That is not U.S. policy, should not be U.S. policy.

BLITZER: Senator Biden, thanks for taking a few moments and joining us.

BIDEN: Thanks an awful lot, Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Another day in Iraq, another day of American forces under fire. The latest attack happened just west of Baghdad, near Fallujah, a city that remains a hotbed of Saddam loyalists. U.S. officials say one guerrilla was killed. Iraqi police and villagers say three civilian men were killed and three others wounded.

In southern Iraq, a transfer of power at the site of one of the country's deadliest bomb attacks since President Bush declared the end of major fighting. American Marines transferred authority to a Spanish-led force in the holy city of Najaf. That's where a car bomb explosion at a mosque killed more than 80 people last month.

Iraq's governing council has temporarily banned journalists from two Arab television networks from covering official activities. The U.S. -appointed council said the two-week ban was imposed because the Al Jazeera an Al Arabiyah networks has incited violence and had not disclosed information about pending attacks on U.S. troops. Both said they had received no official notification of the order.

One of Iraq's rarest artifacts looted during the war has been returned to the country's nation museum. The ancient sculpture dates from around 3,100 B.C. and it is believed to be one of the earliest artistic renderings of the human face. It was found by U.S. military and Iraqi police in an orchard near Baghdad last week.

A father's grief.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When I spoke to Lorraine (ph), she opened her eyes and she looked at me, and she was so happy that I was there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: A teenager dies after taking the controversial abortion pill. We'll have details what exactly happened.

And look at this -- toxins in mother's milk. Our medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen looks at a new study. Is there cause for concern?

Plus, the man behind some of the most popular shows ever on television, Steven Bochco, on the new TV season.

But first, let's look a quick look at some other news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Deadly storm. Western Mexico is reeling after being slammed by Tropical Storm Marty. Packing 40-mile an hour winds and heavy rain, the storm killed at least three people and made thousands of others homeless. Power is out in many areas, and highways are flooded.

Water everywhere. Torrential storms have triggered widespread flooding in southern France. Thousands of people have been trapped in train stations. And 600 high school students had to spend the night in various schools while waiting for high water levels to drop.

Honoring Mother Teresa. The Vatican has released a stamp in honor of the Catholic nun who cared for the sick and dying in Calcutta. Next month, the Nobel Peace laureate will be beatified, a key step towards sainthood. Mother Teresa died in 1997.

Cowboy prince. Britain's Prince Harry is in Australia to take on the life of a cowboy or, as they're called Down Under, jackaroo. But first stop was Sydney after his flight from home. Over the next three months, the 19-year-old prince will work on remote cattle ranches.

New home. Eight giant pandas are said to be adjusting just fine to their new home in China. The seven males and one female had to move because their former home at a research center was getting too crowded. Not only are their new digs better, but each panda gets his or her room complete with air conditioning and running water.

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

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: This is a very sad story. A California teenager died this month from complications after taking RU-486, the controversial abortion pill.

CNN's Brian Cabell has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN CABELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Holly Patterson was seven weeks later when she took the abortion drug RU-486. A week later she was hospitalized in critical condition.

MONTY PATTERSON, FATHER: I found out she had taken the abortion pill and this is some of the complications that would result from it. That was the first I knew about it. And I felt so helpless after thinking she was suffering in silence. I never knew. CABELL: The 18-year-old girl had taken the pill at a planned parenthood clinic outside San Francisco. A few days later she developed severe cramps and bleeding and was rushed to a hospital where she was given painkillers and sent home. Three days later she was rushed back.

PATTERSON: They had her on oxygen. When I spoke her name, she opened her eyes and looked at me. And she was so happy that I was there.

CABELL: Holly Patterson died in the hospital. The food and drug administration says there were two other U.S. fatalities with connections to the pill. The FDA approved three years ago. The Danco Laboratories that manufacturers the drug says an estimated 200,000 American women have used it, about 1 million worldwide.

Regarding the Patterson case, Danco says, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and sympathy are with the woman's family and friends. Planned Parenthood is gathering information and we will work with them to understand the circumstances surrounding her death."

The company insist the drug is safe, as do most health professionals.

DR. MIMI ZIEMAN, OBSTETRICIAN, GYNECOLOGIST EMORY UNIVERSITY: The drugs are not dangerous. More women die from over the counter cold pills than an abortion pill.

CABELL: However, this death seems to reignite the controversy of RU-486 which has been opposed by anti-abortion groups.

Brian Cabell, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: There's new concern about the possible presence of a toxic chemical in breast milk. A new study says a group of Texas women showed high levels of a commonly used fire retardant. CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is joining us now live from the CNN Center in Atlanta with details.

What's going on -- Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: When you first hear about the story, it sounds so scary. Scientists tell us it's not necessarily as scary as it sounds.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COHEN (voice-over): It's no surprise breast milk contains vitamins and nutrients, but toxic chemicals? A new study of milk from 20 mothers says, yes. Chemicals from flame retardants used in hundreds of products to mattresses, to computer, to furniture.

How do they get there? Scientist say we all breathe in chemicals. Moms pass them along.

Are the levels high?

Well, that depends who you ask. The companies that make flame retardants say the levels are low and studies show they're not dangerous. The environmental group that wrote the study disagree.

SONYA LUNDER, ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GRP.: We're saying these chemicals have been shown to impair learning behavior, memory and attention in laboratory animals. They are also shown to be very similar to PCBs which we know have effects on children's IQ, development, performance in school.

COHEN: Independent scientists we talked to said it is hard to know the truth but point out this. There are many chemicals in breast milk simply because mothers, like everyone else, unavoidably breathe in and eat chemicals every day. One thing everyone can agree on, even the people who wrote the report, don't stop breast feeding. The countless benefits outweigh any risk. And these chemicals may in fact pose practically no risk at all.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COHEN: The environmental group that wrote the study wants flame retardants outlawed. But other people point out they save hundreds of lives each year -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Elizabeth, is there anything mothers can do to keep the toxins out of breast milk?

COHEN: You know, Wolf, there is a very limited amount what mothers can do. Look the report says, look. You can buy a mattress with a flame retardant or buy one that doesn't. But in general, no matter what you do, you live in the modern world. You're going to be breathing in these chemicals. They're in the dust, they're in the air around us. You can't avoid them unless you make yourself live in a bubble.

BLITZER: And you pointed out in your report that 20 women were involved in this study. That seems like a small number to start drawing sweeping conclusions from.

COHEN: Absolutely. This is a small study. It is hard to know what the levels will be for everyone. But I do have to say when we talked to scientists, they say, look, women have chemicals in their breast milk. Again, all us eat, all us breath. The chemicals are going to end up there. The question is, are they in levels that really matter?

Many scientist say absolutely not. These levels just don't matter.

BLITZER: All right. Elizabeth Cohen, as always, a good report. Thanks very much for that.

COHEN: Thanks.

BLITZER: A new TV season and more intrigue on screen and off. I'll talk about the future of reality TV.

A new plot twist on "NYPD Blue" with the creator of that program Steven Bochco. That's just ahead.

And don't look now, another sighting of the gossip column favorite couple. We'll explain what lead Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck into court. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER (voice-over): Earlier we asked, over the past year, which reality television show received the highest ratings? The answer, "Joe Millionaire." According to Nielsen Media Research, the show's season finale averaged 34.5 million viewers.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Producer and author Steven Bochco is out with a new book, "Death by Hollywood." It is described as a suspenseful, shocking and darkly comic crime novel. Bochco is best known, of course, for helping create such hit TV shows as "NYPD Blue," "L.A. Law" and "Hill Street Blues." Earlier, he sat down with me to talk about his new book, "NYPD Blue's" new season and the future of television drama.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Steven Bochco, thanks very much for joining us. Congratulations on the new book. When I say book, I don't mean the TV series, I mean the new book. We'll talk a little bit about that in a moment. But I have to ask you, real acting, which is your specialty on television, versus reality TV, so-called reality TV. What's happened to reality TV? It seems to be falling apart.

BOCHCO: Well, we sort of hope it is, you know. They're crowding out the dramatic hours. And, you know, it's not very enlightening stuff from my point of view. So you know, as with most cycles, I'm sure most of them will burn themselves out fairly quickly. And I think people really respond to the hour drama as a staple of the genre. And I think they will stick with us.

BLITZER: Is it a case of too much of a good thing? Any good thing is too much for the American public?

BOCHCO: Well, I think television is famous for giving you too much of a good thing, don't you think?

BLITZER: I certainly do. Once somebody gets good ratings, everybody wants to do the same thing, and eventually, probably sooner rather than later, the whole thing tends to fall down. Let's talk about a very good thing, "NYPD Blue." What can we expect in the new season?

BOCHCO: Well, we're starting our 11th season Tuesday night. And we left our 10th season with sort of several cliffhangers in terms of Andy Sipowitz about to get married, and we had a big shooting in the squad room. So we're going to be picking up all those story threads. And, you know, running with that for the first three or four episodes of the season. You know, we still feel like we're very fresh and we have wonderful story lines. So I think our loyal audience won't be disappointed.

BLITZER: Now, when does someone like you who has been so creative and so busy find the time to write a novel? You have got a hot new book out now, "Death by Hollywood," a novel. Tell us a little bit how this came about?

BOCHCO: Well, you know, I had this idea. And it was originally an idea for a movie. And I wrote it as a short piece of fiction, just to kind of get a sense of it. And my co-creator on "NYPD Blue," David Milch, read it and said that he thought it would make a great novel. And you know, I thought, well, wow, that's something in my whole career I've never really considered doing. And I liked the idea of doing something that was not on a deadline. I liked the idea of doing something where no one was looking over my shoulder. You know, I didn't have a network breathing down my neck. I didn't have sensors saying, no no, no, no, you can't say that. And so I kind of really embraced that process and wound up having one of the best writing experiences of my life.

BLITZER: Speaking about sensors, it sounds to me like you would probably like to do a TV series for HBO, where they don't have the normal rules of broadcast television.

BOCHCO: Well, you know, there's a certain freedom that comes with that that's really quite terrific, after you spend 30-plus years working in a somewhat restrictive medium. That's correct.

BLITZER: All right, Steven Bochco. Congratulations on the new book. We've enjoyed your work for so many years. All of our viewers have, as well. And we'll enjoy this novel, too. Steven Bochco, the author of a new book, "Death by Hollywood," a novel.

BOCHCO: Thank you, Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And there is new fodder tonight for the gossip columnists, from Hollywood's on-again, off-again couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. The pair popped into a courthouse yesterday in Hinesville, Georgia, but not for a marriage license. That word from the county sheriff, who posed with the couple before sending them down the hall to probate court, where Affleck wanted to apply for a gun permit. He owns a home in the area.

Affleck and Lopez planned, of course, to get married less than two weeks ago, but just days before the big affair, they announced they were postponing it. Since then, there have been lots of rumors of a split.

Our hot Web question of the day is this: Do you agree with the court's decision to allow California's recall election to proceed? Vote right now. CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results for you immediately when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Here's how you're weighing in on our Web question of the day, do you agree with the court's decision to allow California's recall election to proceed? Seventy-four percent say yes, 26 percent say no. Remember, this is not a scientific poll.

Let's get to your e-mail. Terri writes: "I don't see the other countries in the U.N. becoming more involved until Bush makes amends for going against the U.N. in the first place. He's also going to have to agree to let the U.N. be more in charge of the rebuilding of Iraq. Somehow, he needs to bend without losing face."

Rick writes: "We don't need the United Nations for anything. The United Nations was created to bring the world together to solve world problems. Most of the countries in the United Nations can't even run their own countries, never mind solving the problems of others."

A reminder, we're on here weekdays 5:00 p.m. Eastern, as well as noon Eastern. "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






with Christopher Dickey, Steven Bocho, Joe Biden>


Aired September 23, 2003 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN HOST (voice-over): Al Qaeda moles in the military?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We don't now who they are. We don't know where they are.

BLITZER: An army chaplain and an Air Force enlisted man under investigation.

Allies at odds. President Bush calls for help in Iraq.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And all nations of good will should step forward and provide that support.

BLITZER: But is he back to square one with his pre-war adversary?

JACQUES CHIRAC, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE (through translator): No one can claim the right to use force unilaterally or (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

BLITZER: Recall ruling. A court changes course. And the man behind the recall makes a startling reversal.

Mother's milk. It's no place for toxic chemicals. We'll tell you about disturbing new research.

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, live from the nation's capital, with correspondent from around the world. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: It's Tuesday, September 23, 2003. Hello from Washington. I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting.

We begin with a worrisome question that's being urgently addressed by the United States military. Has al Qaeda planted agents in the U.S. armed forces? A U.S. army chaplain is under investigation. But in a stunning new twist today, an Air Force enlisted man has been charged with espionage.

Here's CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was here, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that senior airman Ahmad Al Halabi had, what officials say, was unauthorized classified information on his computer. Colleagues had reported the military translator, who worked with al Qaeda detainees, was acting suspiciously, sources tell cnn. When confronted, he could not explain his actions. He was arrested on July 23.

He is now being held here, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where he is facing 30 charges including espionage, aiding the enemy, false statements, bank fraud, and failing to obey orders.

Now investigators urgently want to know if there is a broader espionage conspiracy in the military, or if they are dealing with isolated cases. A key question -- is Al Halabai connected to Army Captain James Yee? The Islamic chaplain was arrested on September 10 carrying unauthorized classified information about Guantanamo Bay when he returned to the United States from his deployment there.

Senator Charles Schumer is pressing the Pentagon to investigate two groups that certify Muslim clerics to become military chaplains.

SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: This fact is incredible -- that a man who ends up as chaplain to potentially the most dangerous terrorists we have in our custody, was trained by groups who might well have a link to terrorism, almost defies the imagination.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

STARR: And Wolf, as this investigation proceeds, sources tell CNN more arrests may be coming -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara, who is really in charge of this investigation?

STARR: Well, at the moment it appears to be somewhat of a joint investigation between the U.S. military and federal law enforcement officials. But it's very interesting to note, Wolf, both of these men are being held in military detention under the military justice system at the moment. Sources tell us they feel that they will be able to prosecute them much more stringently in the military justice system than they could in the civilian courts. At least that's the way it's standing for now.

BLITZER: All right. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thanks very much for that report.

And there's word today of a possible al Qaeda threat against an Israeli airliner in Bangkok. Israel television is reporting that a plot against El-Al passengers was foiled some time ago by Thai police, who arrested a man seen filming the airline's counter. U.S. officials tell CNN national security correspondent David Ensor the U.S., Israel and Thailand do have some information suggesting an al Qaeda threat, but they won't go so far as to say an actual plot was stopped.

There was a sense of deja vu today over at the United Nations. President Bush called on the divided body to move forward on Iraq, toward peace-keeping and rebuilding. This time, not war. But key allies are still not ready to follow his lead.

Here's our senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth.

RICHARD ROTH, CNN SR. UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, they both feel they are right. Two president verbally sparring inside on day one of the General Assembly debate.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE Mr. George W. Bush, president of the United States of America and to invite him to address the assembly.

ROTH (voice-over): In his first appearance at the U.N. since the U.S. invaded Iraq, President Bush, despite a torrent of criticism here, refused to back down.

BUSH: Because a coalition of nations acted to defend the peace and the credibility of the United Nations, Iraq is free. And today we are joined by representatives of a liberated country.

ROTH: But in the audience, the leaders of France and Germany, who denied the U.S. a war resolution on Iraq earlier this year.

Jacques Chirac, who is also not backing down.

CHIRAC (voice-over): The war, which was started without the authorization of the Security Council, has shaken the multilateral system.

ROTH: So they disagreed about the past. What about the future of Iraq?

France wants a faster hand over of control to the Iraqi people, with help from the U.N. But the U.S. refuses to rush.

BUSH: This process must unfold according to the needs of Iraqis, neither hurried nor delayed by the wishes of other parties.

CHIRAC (through translator): In Iraq, the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis, who must have sole responsibility for their destiny, is essential for stability and reconstruction.

ROTH: With President Bush not offering any conciliatory gestures for Iraq, it's not likely many minds were changed.

DAVID MALONE, INTL. PEACE ACADEMY: There's an internal contradiction in the president's position. He wants help, but he doesn't want to change anything in his position in order to obtain it. It's not going to work.

ROTH: Members of the U.S.-appointed Iraq governing council took Baghdad's General Assembly seat, though not yet accredited by the U.N. Though selected by the U.S., some members are shifting to a more public pitch to gain self-rule.

ASNAN PACHACHI, IRAQI GOVERNING COUNCIL: We believe that sovereignty could be restored to Iraq even now with a governing council or a government or an interim government or a provisional government. There is -- we don't find it incompatible.

ROTH: After appeals to the world, presidents Bush and Chirac tried with each other. In a closed-door session, a White House official said President Bush made it clear to the French leader the U.S. could not safely hand over power quickly to the Iraqi governing council. And Chirac said France would not stand in the way of any U.N. resolution that helps the reconstruction of Iraq.

The host on the day, Secretary-General Kofi Annan, toasted with President Bush to the future of the United Nations. But Annan is worried about the future, criticizing implicitly the U.S. in his speech for going it alone against Iraq and what it will lead to.

KOFI ANNAN, U.S. SECRETARY-GENERAL: My concern is that if it were to be adopted, it will set precedents that resulted in the proliferation of the unilateral and lawless use of force with or without justification.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROTH: The secretary-general, later, at his lunch, asking the world leaders to take the goodwill inside the lunch outside so that the countries can work together on Iraq. But clearly, Wolf, differences still remain. A very familiar refrain on this Iraq topic.

Wolf, back to you.

ROTH: It's been the case for about a year. Richard Roth, thanks very much for that.

Is President Bush winning any hearts, changing any minds over in Europe? Can America and its oldest ally patch up their differences.

For the view from Paris, let's turn now to "Newsweek"'s bureau chief there, Christopher Dickey.

Chris, thanks very much for joining us. How is the president's speech at the U.N. playing in France?

CHRISTOPHER DICKEY, "NEWSWEEK": Well, I think it's playing very well. I think he sounded conciliatory. I think people are happy to hear him sound conciliatory about working with the United Nations, even working with the United States to help move things along in Iraq.

But on the other hand, people here think France was right to oppose, or at least oppose the rush to war. And they don't want to see any budging on that position.

There's a kind of smugness here, in fact, where people think, Well, the United States has gotten into this mess, and they're just as happy to see it suffer a little bit for a little while. BLITZER: Do average people on the street in Paris or other cities in France realize, at least among many Americans, the anger towards France, the boycott of French products, French wine, the sense that France is no longer a good ally of the United States?

DICKEY: Yes, and they were surprised initially by that. I think they're starting to get used to it. And they just sort of throw up their hands and say, What can we do?

You know, initially, the problem was that the French people, like most Europeans, like, really, very many of the British people, opposed the war. Chirac rode that bandwagon when he was opposing the war and opposing the rush to war last spring, and everything was directed at President Bush. It was directed at the administration. That was the opposition in Europe. But then the reaction from the American people was, if you oppose President Bush, you must be a cheese-eating surrender monkey and, therefore, all of France was vilified. People don't drink Bordeaux anymore. They say they canceled their reservations for hotels here in Paris. And the French people said, well if this way the American's are going to react, we are not dealing with a rational situation. And that just make them feel even more superior.

BLITZER: And so the fact that they are losing money in terms of reduced number of tourists going to France.

Is that at all an issue in France, the economic ramification of this strain between Washington and Paris?

DICKEY: Sure. They don't want to lose money and even on the 4th of July you had lots of French bistros celebrating the 4th of July. Sure, they'd like the tourists to come back. On the other hand, they feel right about Iraq. And they -- if you look at the French press, the way the on going conflict is covered, the French would have every reason to believe when they told the United States, or when Chirac told the United States, don't rush into this situation, don't run -- don't rush into this occupation, they were right.

BLITZER: Christopher Dickey of "Newsweek" magazine. As usually, thanks for staying up late in Paris

DICKEY: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thank you. Influencing the vote.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you vote, if there were two major Republicans, Tom McClintock and Arnold Schwarzenegger, then I advise you to vote no on the recall.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

The man who bank rolled the California recall effort now insists one Republican candidate must go. But is anyone listening?

Plus, a ruling on the vote. We'll have details.

A father's grief. A teenage girl dies of complications after taking the abortion pill RU-486.

And...

STEVEN BOCHO, CREATOR, "NYPD BLUE": I think television is famous for giving you too much of a good thing, don't you think?

BLITZER: "NYPD Blue" creator Steven Bochco battles his competition. More from the 10 time Emmy winner coming up.

That's all coming up.

Over the past year, which reality television show received the highest ratings, "American Idol," "The Bachelorette," "Joe Millionaire", "Survivor: Amazon." The answer coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

The California recall election will, after all, proceed as planned October 7. The full 9th Circuit Court of appeals in California is reversing the decision by a three-judge panel that put the vote on hold. As of now no appeal of today's ruling is planned.

Our national correspondent Bob Franken is over this story.

He's joining us now live from Los Angeles.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: As much as one can be all over it. Wolf, you can assume that one part of the story has been settled.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): The American Civil Liberties Union is giving up its legal fight. No Supreme Court Appeal.

DOROTHY ERLICH, ACLU: At this point it is important that candidates, campaigns and voters know that the election will be held on a date that is certain.

FRANKEN: After all, all 11 Appeals Court judges decided 16 hours after their hearing that the election should go forward as scheduled. Otherwise, the state of California and its citizens will suffer material hardship. Now, the state can return to the mad scramble to get this election in place in two weeks. Now, the Republicans can continue to try and untangle their campaign with conservative Tom McClintock and not so conservative Arnold Schwarzenegger taking vote form each other. The man who financed the campaign, Darrell Issa contends that if the GOP split means the election of Democrat Cruz Bustamante, he will reverse himself and oppose the recall.

REP. DARRELL ISSA (R), CALIFORNIA: Both can do the math and both don't want to be spoilers. One has to make a decision and has to make it in the next two days.

FRANKEN: In fact, Jim Brulte is calling on his Senate colleague McClintock to pull out describing him as a third place candidate. McClintock has been adamant saying he's in the race to stay. Much depending how well the candidates do in Wednesday night's debate. The only one Schwarzenegger, has agreed to attended.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Much depends on whether the trends continue that would show more and more people are starting to oppose the recall. It could mean that the election, which is now on schedule for October 7, might be for naught.

BLITZER: Any indication beyond the debate scheduled there will be another opportunity for the candidates to take questions they won't have in advance?

FRANKEN: Well, shameless promotion here, CNN and the "Los Angeles Times" are schedules a debate and trying to get as many of the candidates as possible in there. And from what I understand, the format absolutely, will not include presubmitted questions.

BLITZER: I never heard of a debate where the debaters know the questions in advance, but that's another story. Bob Franken, thanks very much for that report.

Here's your turn to weigh in on the story. "Our Web Question of the Day" is this, do you agree with the court's decision to allow California's recall election to proceed. We'll have the results later in the broadcast. But you can vote right now. Go to cnn.com/wolf. While you are there. I would love to hear directly from you. Send me your comments. I'll try to read some of them at the end of each day. That's also where you can you read my daily column. Cnn.com/wolf.

A deep divide.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOE BIDEN (D), DELAWARE: I don't think it's moved the ball very far down the field. And doing one thing, getting more money and getting troops into Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: What did Senator Joe Biden want to hear from President Bush today?

Hear for yourself, that's coming up.

And a father's helplessness, his daughter dead after taking a controversial pill. We'll hear from the teen's father.

A deadly stampede. Now charges and pleas for four Chicago nightclub operators. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Let's get to some stories now from our "Justice File."

As their client's trial draws closer, attorneys for sniper suspect John Allen Mohammed are challenging the validity of several witnesses. Another hearing held today in a Virginia court room. Among those testifying was a Maryland chiropractor who said he saw Mohammed and the other sniper suspect, Lee Boyd Malvo, near one of the crime scenes. Mohammed's trial starts October 14.

Police in New Hampshire have arrested a suspect in the so-called "Jack the Snipper" case. But so far, the 17-year-old has not been charged. The case involves a man who entered women's apartments near the University of New Hampshire during the summer, removing or cutting off their clothing as they slept. The hearing is scheduled for late October.

In Georgia, the former operator of a crematory who is facing hundreds of criminal counts was back in court today. Ray Brent Marsh pleaded not guilty to more than 100 counts of burial service fraud and dozens of counts of making false statements. But he withheld pleas on most of the almost 800 counts against him. Marsh is accused of dumping decaying bodies around his family business and passing off dirt and cement dust as cremated remains.

Seven months after a deadly nightclub stampede in Chicago, four men linked to the club have made their first court appearance after they were indicted by a grand jury.

The latest now from our Chicago bureau chief, Jeff Flock. He's joining us live -- Jeff.

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CHICAGO BUREAU CHIEF: Wolf, hello to you.

Indeed, these men had maintained all along that this was just a big accident. Well, today, prosecutors said, No, it wasn't an accident. It was their fault.

We have pictures of the four as they appeared in court today. The four men charged include the club's two owners, the club's manager as well as a man who was promoting a party at the club the night all of this took place. The charge is involuntary manslaughter. They pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, though, says that he has evidence that the club was regularly packed to dangerous overcapacity.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DICK DEVINE, COOK CO. STATE'S ATTORNEY: On February 17, 2003, in the early morning hours, there were over 1,200 individuals gathered at the second floor area, known as the E2 nightclub. That space is made for approximately 240 individuals. Needless to say, the crowd was densely packed. There was very little room to move or maneuver, and, quite simply, it was a disaster waiting to happen. And the disaster did happen. (END VIDEO CLIP)

FLOCK: The disaster was what took the lives of 21 people. It was set off when someone sprayed pepper spray to try and quell a disturbance in the club. You see the pictures there, dramatic pictures of people trying to get out the club, went down a steep staircase and wound of bodies, one on top of the other. People were either crushed to death, Wolf, or asphyxiated. A terrible scene. And now these four men stand charged/

It may also be later that the city of Chicago winds up charged civilly because perhaps they didn't do as much as they should have to inspect the club. But all that more to come.

First, the criminal charges. Their next court appearance will be in November.

That's the latest from here, Wolf. Back to you.

BLITZER: Thanks very much, Jeff Flock. A lot of us remember those pictures. We were all shocked at the time. Still shocked to see them right now.

Still to come, making his pitch. But no apologies offered. Reaction to President Bush's address before the United Nations. We'll directly hear from Senator Joe Biden. That's coming up.

And a disturbing discovery. A new study raises doubts about breastfeeding. We'll take a closer look.

Plus, he created the big TV hit, "NYPD Blue." Now Steven Bochco adds author to his resume. We'll hear directly from him. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: A daughter's secret, and a father who found out too late.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I felt so helpless after thinking back that she was suffering in silence. I never knew.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Coming up, why a teen who tried to move on with her life ended up losing her life.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN.

Making the case for more U.n. involvement in Iraq. Reaction to President Bush's speech.

First, though, the latest headlines.

(NEWSBREAK)

BLITZER: More now on President Bush's closely watched address before the United Nations General Assembly. In it he acknowledged the sometimes deep differences between the U.S. and its allies, at the same time strongly defending his actions.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: Our actions in Afghanistan and Iraq were supported by many governments, and America is grateful to each one. I also recognize that some of the sovereign nations of this assembly disagreed with our actions. Yet there was and there remains unity among us on the fundamental principles and objectives of the United Nations. We're dedicated to the defense of our collective security and to the advance of human rights. These permanent commitments call us to great work in the world, work we must do together. So let us move forward.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Earlier I talked about the speech with Senator Joe Biden, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Senator Biden, thanks for joining us.

Let's get right to the president's speech. He made the case that he did the right thing in Iraq. Was he persuasive?

SENATOR JOE BIDEN (D), DELAWARE: Well, I don't know whether he was pervasive or not. I think there's a missed opportunity here in -- if the purpose of the speech, which was that I thought it was to generate large amounts of money and significant numbers of troops from the international community to help us secure the peace in Iraq. I think he had some missed opportunities here. I think he could have been more persuasive.

I think he should not back away from being argued that he was justified in going into Iraq. We were justified. But now is the time to put together a coalition that's going to help us bear the incredible burden in terms of lives, dollars, and time to secure Iraq. That's the objective.

BLITZER: Senator Biden, what should he have -- what should he -- what did you want hear him say that he didn't say?

BIDEN: Well, what I wanted to hear him say was what half the administration wants to hear him say, which is, Look, we can work this out with the international community. We are anxious to hand over sovereignty to the Iraqis as quickly as possible. We can work our an agreement whereby that is done, where they give symbolic control now, as some of you are saying, as well as by the end of the year -- within the next 12 months have total control within the hands of the Iraqis. We can work that out. I'm here to tell you that's my objective, to work that out, if that's a stumbling block.

That kind of language doesn't commit the president to anything other than we're already committed to. It makes it clear that we're desperately are interested in seeing to it that the rest of the world joins us without us having to apologize for anything. And -- but it seems as though there was not much emphasis put on that portion of the president's speech.

I agreed with him on his trafficking and slavery. We agreed on the no proliferation pieces. I think that was all positive. So -- but, you know, I don't think it moved the ball very far down the field in doing one thing, getting more money and getting troops into Iraq.

BLITZER: So does that -- all that mean this draft U.N. resolution he would like to see passed is in deep trouble?

BIDEN: Well, I think that it probably is.

But I -- look, let's take a look at the opposite polls here. The French say turn over sovereignty symbolically now and within six to nine months totally. We say we want to have elections within nine to 12 months and we'll turn over sovereignty then. That's the stuff of which you can make an agreement. That's the stuff of which you can actually reach a compromise through diplomacy. But for us to say that we are unwilling to move in terms of the sovereignty issue other than our terms, it may be practically where we are. But it doesn't send a very solid message to give hope -- look, here you have the Pakistani, who were talking about in the past sending the division, now saying they're not going to send anybody.

I mean, we need additional assistance. Otherwise, this supplemental of $87 billion we're voting on this year will be that or more next year. I mean, this is simple, practical need so the American taxpayers don't carry all the burden, shed all the blood, and provide all the troops.

BLITZER: Senator Biden, what did you make of U.N. Secretary- General Kofi Annan effectively lecturing the Bush administration about its policy of pre-emptive strikes?

BIDEN: I'm never comfortable with any U.N. leader lecturing any president.

My problem with the doctrine of pre-emption is the Bush administration has never defined it. Our view of pre-emption that has existed since 1640-something in Europe has been, basically, this -- if a country can establish their immediate self-interest is at stake they can take whatever action is necessary to protect themselves. That's consistent with the U.N. charter. The bush administration -- some in the Bush administration-- seem to articulate a different doctrine that says there need not be an imminent threat. If we think there's going to be a threat, we can use force. That is incredibly destabilizing.

I think that's what Kofi Annan is talking about. But it shouldn't be Kofi Annan lecturing the president of the United States. It should be the United States Senate, the American people saying, Mr. President, let's get it straight. A doctrine of pre-emption based upon an immediate threat to our security interest is totally justified. Your version of a doctrine of pre-emption is saying that if at any time this country may present us with a problem we should act now is dangerous. That is not U.S. policy, should not be U.S. policy.

BLITZER: Senator Biden, thanks for taking a few moments and joining us.

BIDEN: Thanks an awful lot, Wolf.

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BLITZER: Another day in Iraq, another day of American forces under fire. The latest attack happened just west of Baghdad, near Fallujah, a city that remains a hotbed of Saddam loyalists. U.S. officials say one guerrilla was killed. Iraqi police and villagers say three civilian men were killed and three others wounded.

In southern Iraq, a transfer of power at the site of one of the country's deadliest bomb attacks since President Bush declared the end of major fighting. American Marines transferred authority to a Spanish-led force in the holy city of Najaf. That's where a car bomb explosion at a mosque killed more than 80 people last month.

Iraq's governing council has temporarily banned journalists from two Arab television networks from covering official activities. The U.S. -appointed council said the two-week ban was imposed because the Al Jazeera an Al Arabiyah networks has incited violence and had not disclosed information about pending attacks on U.S. troops. Both said they had received no official notification of the order.

One of Iraq's rarest artifacts looted during the war has been returned to the country's nation museum. The ancient sculpture dates from around 3,100 B.C. and it is believed to be one of the earliest artistic renderings of the human face. It was found by U.S. military and Iraqi police in an orchard near Baghdad last week.

A father's grief.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When I spoke to Lorraine (ph), she opened her eyes and she looked at me, and she was so happy that I was there.

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BLITZER: A teenager dies after taking the controversial abortion pill. We'll have details what exactly happened.

And look at this -- toxins in mother's milk. Our medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen looks at a new study. Is there cause for concern?

Plus, the man behind some of the most popular shows ever on television, Steven Bochco, on the new TV season.

But first, let's look a quick look at some other news making headlines "Around the World."

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BLITZER (voice-over): Deadly storm. Western Mexico is reeling after being slammed by Tropical Storm Marty. Packing 40-mile an hour winds and heavy rain, the storm killed at least three people and made thousands of others homeless. Power is out in many areas, and highways are flooded.

Water everywhere. Torrential storms have triggered widespread flooding in southern France. Thousands of people have been trapped in train stations. And 600 high school students had to spend the night in various schools while waiting for high water levels to drop.

Honoring Mother Teresa. The Vatican has released a stamp in honor of the Catholic nun who cared for the sick and dying in Calcutta. Next month, the Nobel Peace laureate will be beatified, a key step towards sainthood. Mother Teresa died in 1997.

Cowboy prince. Britain's Prince Harry is in Australia to take on the life of a cowboy or, as they're called Down Under, jackaroo. But first stop was Sydney after his flight from home. Over the next three months, the 19-year-old prince will work on remote cattle ranches.

New home. Eight giant pandas are said to be adjusting just fine to their new home in China. The seven males and one female had to move because their former home at a research center was getting too crowded. Not only are their new digs better, but each panda gets his or her room complete with air conditioning and running water.

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

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BLITZER: This is a very sad story. A California teenager died this month from complications after taking RU-486, the controversial abortion pill.

CNN's Brian Cabell has details.

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BRIAN CABELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Holly Patterson was seven weeks later when she took the abortion drug RU-486. A week later she was hospitalized in critical condition.

MONTY PATTERSON, FATHER: I found out she had taken the abortion pill and this is some of the complications that would result from it. That was the first I knew about it. And I felt so helpless after thinking she was suffering in silence. I never knew. CABELL: The 18-year-old girl had taken the pill at a planned parenthood clinic outside San Francisco. A few days later she developed severe cramps and bleeding and was rushed to a hospital where she was given painkillers and sent home. Three days later she was rushed back.

PATTERSON: They had her on oxygen. When I spoke her name, she opened her eyes and looked at me. And she was so happy that I was there.

CABELL: Holly Patterson died in the hospital. The food and drug administration says there were two other U.S. fatalities with connections to the pill. The FDA approved three years ago. The Danco Laboratories that manufacturers the drug says an estimated 200,000 American women have used it, about 1 million worldwide.

Regarding the Patterson case, Danco says, "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and sympathy are with the woman's family and friends. Planned Parenthood is gathering information and we will work with them to understand the circumstances surrounding her death."

The company insist the drug is safe, as do most health professionals.

DR. MIMI ZIEMAN, OBSTETRICIAN, GYNECOLOGIST EMORY UNIVERSITY: The drugs are not dangerous. More women die from over the counter cold pills than an abortion pill.

CABELL: However, this death seems to reignite the controversy of RU-486 which has been opposed by anti-abortion groups.

Brian Cabell, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: There's new concern about the possible presence of a toxic chemical in breast milk. A new study says a group of Texas women showed high levels of a commonly used fire retardant. CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen is joining us now live from the CNN Center in Atlanta with details.

What's going on -- Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: When you first hear about the story, it sounds so scary. Scientists tell us it's not necessarily as scary as it sounds.

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COHEN (voice-over): It's no surprise breast milk contains vitamins and nutrients, but toxic chemicals? A new study of milk from 20 mothers says, yes. Chemicals from flame retardants used in hundreds of products to mattresses, to computer, to furniture.

How do they get there? Scientist say we all breathe in chemicals. Moms pass them along.

Are the levels high?

Well, that depends who you ask. The companies that make flame retardants say the levels are low and studies show they're not dangerous. The environmental group that wrote the study disagree.

SONYA LUNDER, ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GRP.: We're saying these chemicals have been shown to impair learning behavior, memory and attention in laboratory animals. They are also shown to be very similar to PCBs which we know have effects on children's IQ, development, performance in school.

COHEN: Independent scientists we talked to said it is hard to know the truth but point out this. There are many chemicals in breast milk simply because mothers, like everyone else, unavoidably breathe in and eat chemicals every day. One thing everyone can agree on, even the people who wrote the report, don't stop breast feeding. The countless benefits outweigh any risk. And these chemicals may in fact pose practically no risk at all.

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COHEN: The environmental group that wrote the study wants flame retardants outlawed. But other people point out they save hundreds of lives each year -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Elizabeth, is there anything mothers can do to keep the toxins out of breast milk?

COHEN: You know, Wolf, there is a very limited amount what mothers can do. Look the report says, look. You can buy a mattress with a flame retardant or buy one that doesn't. But in general, no matter what you do, you live in the modern world. You're going to be breathing in these chemicals. They're in the dust, they're in the air around us. You can't avoid them unless you make yourself live in a bubble.

BLITZER: And you pointed out in your report that 20 women were involved in this study. That seems like a small number to start drawing sweeping conclusions from.

COHEN: Absolutely. This is a small study. It is hard to know what the levels will be for everyone. But I do have to say when we talked to scientists, they say, look, women have chemicals in their breast milk. Again, all us eat, all us breath. The chemicals are going to end up there. The question is, are they in levels that really matter?

Many scientist say absolutely not. These levels just don't matter.

BLITZER: All right. Elizabeth Cohen, as always, a good report. Thanks very much for that.

COHEN: Thanks.

BLITZER: A new TV season and more intrigue on screen and off. I'll talk about the future of reality TV.

A new plot twist on "NYPD Blue" with the creator of that program Steven Bochco. That's just ahead.

And don't look now, another sighting of the gossip column favorite couple. We'll explain what lead Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck into court. Stay with us.

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BLITZER (voice-over): Earlier we asked, over the past year, which reality television show received the highest ratings? The answer, "Joe Millionaire." According to Nielsen Media Research, the show's season finale averaged 34.5 million viewers.

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BLITZER: Producer and author Steven Bochco is out with a new book, "Death by Hollywood." It is described as a suspenseful, shocking and darkly comic crime novel. Bochco is best known, of course, for helping create such hit TV shows as "NYPD Blue," "L.A. Law" and "Hill Street Blues." Earlier, he sat down with me to talk about his new book, "NYPD Blue's" new season and the future of television drama.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Steven Bochco, thanks very much for joining us. Congratulations on the new book. When I say book, I don't mean the TV series, I mean the new book. We'll talk a little bit about that in a moment. But I have to ask you, real acting, which is your specialty on television, versus reality TV, so-called reality TV. What's happened to reality TV? It seems to be falling apart.

BOCHCO: Well, we sort of hope it is, you know. They're crowding out the dramatic hours. And, you know, it's not very enlightening stuff from my point of view. So you know, as with most cycles, I'm sure most of them will burn themselves out fairly quickly. And I think people really respond to the hour drama as a staple of the genre. And I think they will stick with us.

BLITZER: Is it a case of too much of a good thing? Any good thing is too much for the American public?

BOCHCO: Well, I think television is famous for giving you too much of a good thing, don't you think?

BLITZER: I certainly do. Once somebody gets good ratings, everybody wants to do the same thing, and eventually, probably sooner rather than later, the whole thing tends to fall down. Let's talk about a very good thing, "NYPD Blue." What can we expect in the new season?

BOCHCO: Well, we're starting our 11th season Tuesday night. And we left our 10th season with sort of several cliffhangers in terms of Andy Sipowitz about to get married, and we had a big shooting in the squad room. So we're going to be picking up all those story threads. And, you know, running with that for the first three or four episodes of the season. You know, we still feel like we're very fresh and we have wonderful story lines. So I think our loyal audience won't be disappointed.

BLITZER: Now, when does someone like you who has been so creative and so busy find the time to write a novel? You have got a hot new book out now, "Death by Hollywood," a novel. Tell us a little bit how this came about?

BOCHCO: Well, you know, I had this idea. And it was originally an idea for a movie. And I wrote it as a short piece of fiction, just to kind of get a sense of it. And my co-creator on "NYPD Blue," David Milch, read it and said that he thought it would make a great novel. And you know, I thought, well, wow, that's something in my whole career I've never really considered doing. And I liked the idea of doing something that was not on a deadline. I liked the idea of doing something where no one was looking over my shoulder. You know, I didn't have a network breathing down my neck. I didn't have sensors saying, no no, no, no, you can't say that. And so I kind of really embraced that process and wound up having one of the best writing experiences of my life.

BLITZER: Speaking about sensors, it sounds to me like you would probably like to do a TV series for HBO, where they don't have the normal rules of broadcast television.

BOCHCO: Well, you know, there's a certain freedom that comes with that that's really quite terrific, after you spend 30-plus years working in a somewhat restrictive medium. That's correct.

BLITZER: All right, Steven Bochco. Congratulations on the new book. We've enjoyed your work for so many years. All of our viewers have, as well. And we'll enjoy this novel, too. Steven Bochco, the author of a new book, "Death by Hollywood," a novel.

BOCHCO: Thank you, Wolf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And there is new fodder tonight for the gossip columnists, from Hollywood's on-again, off-again couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. The pair popped into a courthouse yesterday in Hinesville, Georgia, but not for a marriage license. That word from the county sheriff, who posed with the couple before sending them down the hall to probate court, where Affleck wanted to apply for a gun permit. He owns a home in the area.

Affleck and Lopez planned, of course, to get married less than two weeks ago, but just days before the big affair, they announced they were postponing it. Since then, there have been lots of rumors of a split.

Our hot Web question of the day is this: Do you agree with the court's decision to allow California's recall election to proceed? Vote right now. CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results for you immediately when we come back.

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BLITZER: Here's how you're weighing in on our Web question of the day, do you agree with the court's decision to allow California's recall election to proceed? Seventy-four percent say yes, 26 percent say no. Remember, this is not a scientific poll.

Let's get to your e-mail. Terri writes: "I don't see the other countries in the U.N. becoming more involved until Bush makes amends for going against the U.N. in the first place. He's also going to have to agree to let the U.N. be more in charge of the rebuilding of Iraq. Somehow, he needs to bend without losing face."

Rick writes: "We don't need the United Nations for anything. The United Nations was created to bring the world together to solve world problems. Most of the countries in the United Nations can't even run their own countries, never mind solving the problems of others."

A reminder, we're on here weekdays 5:00 p.m. Eastern, as well as noon Eastern. "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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with Christopher Dickey, Steven Bocho, Joe Biden>