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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

More Than 100 Killed in Car Bomb in Iraq; Lebanese Prime Minister Resigns; Police Chief Upset Over Inaccurate Reports on BTK Suspect

Aired February 28, 2005 - 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.


WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Happening now: monitoring Osama bin Laden. New terror information believed to be intercepted from al Qaeda's top leader and the Iraqi terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. What does this threat mean for Americans right here inside the United States? I'll ask the outgoing undersecretary for homeland security, Asa Hutchinson.
Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Human targets. Insurgents launch a major attack, and Iraq suffers the greatest casualties since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

A country without a government. In Lebanon, mass resignations amid mass opposition protests. Will Syria be the next to leave?

The case against Michael Jackson revealed. Allegations of what's described as strange sexual behavior unfold against the King of Pop.

And secret soldiers forgotten. They flew missions for the CIA 50 years ago. So why are the French honoring these heroes instead of the U.S.?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Monday, February 28, 2005.

BLITZER: It's the deadliest single insurgent attack of the Iraq war. At least 125 people are dead. Dozens more are wounded after a powerful car bomb went off among a group of police recruits. The attack occurred in Hillah, about 55 miles south of Baghdad.

CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson reports on the gruesome aftermath.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Clothes, shoes and blood, a lot of blood. The aftermath of Iraq's deadliest suicide bombing since the fall of Saddam almost two years ago.

According to Iraqi police, the bomber drove a vehicle packed with explosives into a line of police recruits as they waited outside a medical center in Hillah for health checks.

Ama Mosa (ph) was an eyewitness. "People were lining up for medical checks to become policemen," he says. "A car came from that direction and exploded."

The death toll particularly high, officials say, as the blast occurred at 9:30 in the morning, ripping through a crowded adjacent market.

The last day as deadly as this occurred in February 2004, when multiple attacks in Karbala and Baghdad during a Shiite festival of Ashurah claimed at least 141 lives.

In recent weeks and months, Iraqi police recruits have borne the brunt of insurgent attacks, many dozens killed as they've waited at recruitment offices in the center and north of Iraq or been ambushed in convoys. Both Iraqi and U.S. officials insist recruitment has not been impacted so far.

GEN. PETE CHIARELLI, U.S. ARMY: We have had no slowdown in our recruiting efforts, either for the Iraqi police or the Iraqi army. In fact, we have more recruits than we can push through the academies and train at this time.

ROBERTSON: As hospitals in Hillah began to fill with the dead and wounded, the scale of this attack seems likely to prompt tough questioning among Iraqi politicians on how to protect security service personnel.

(on camera) A debate they've had many times before that has touched on infiltration in police and army ranks and about how insurgents appear to have prior knowledge of when best to attack the security forces.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Two weeks after a political assassination began sparking Lebanese protests against Syrian influence, Lebanon's pro- Syrian prime minister and his government resigned today. That's only emboldened protesters, who say the departure of Omar Karami and his government is just the beginning.

CNN Beirut bureau chief Brent Sadler standing by live with more -- Brent.

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, this is the end of a day here on which the outgoing Lebanese government of Omar Karami had banned demonstrations. In the event protesters ignored the restrictions, security forces took a step back, and opposition supporters are now celebrating what they claim is a significant victory over Syria's political allies here in Lebanon.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) SADLER (voice-over): People power on the streets of Beirut, celebrating the resignation of their Syrian-backed government. A key opposition demand after two weeks of peaceful demonstrations.

A drumbeat of much hoped for democratic change here sweeps through the capital. Renewed demands on Syria to break its hold on Lebanon, with crowds chanting anti-Syrian slogans, aimed at Syria's army and intelligence network still embedded here.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think that this is the beginning. I hope it never, ever, I hope it never fades away. Because it should not ever fade away because finally we as Lebanese decide what to do with our country and our people!

SADLER: The opposition's night of triumph followed a day of defiance. Protesters marching under what they call a banner of freedom from Syrian control.

Government attempts failed to stop the rally. Lebanese security forces reluctant, it seems, to enforce a ban. Flower power winning the day.

A possible turning point, say protest leaders, in a crucial test of wills, challenging the influence of Syria in Lebanon.

CAMILLE CHAMOUN, NATIONAL LIBERAL PARTY: The Syrian people are not our enemies. The Syrian government is, because there's no democracy there.

SADLER: The opposition claims to have won this round in their struggle with Syria, but insist protests will not end here. They still have to deal with a staunchly pro-Syrian president, who holds the power to make crucial decisions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SADLER: Protest leaders now say they want to form a new government of national unity, one, they say, that can negotiate ultimately a peaceful and honorable withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Brent Sadler reporting for us from Beirut. Thank you very much.

Let's get some analysis now on today's developments in the Middle East. Our world affairs analyst, William Cohen, standing by. He's a former defense secretary. He's chairman and CEO of the Cohen Group.

Mr. Secretary, welcome back. Thanks very much for joining us.

These are amazing sights. For those of us who have covered the Middle East and have watched Lebanon unfold over these past few decades, what we're seeing today, standing up to Syria, is pretty amazing.

WILLIAM COHEN, FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY: It is a turning point, or some would say a tipping point. This is a remarkable display of courage on the part of the Syrian people to speak out...

BLITZER: The Lebanese people.

COHEN: I'm sorry. The Lebanese people to speak out against the Syrians for freedom.

We just concluded a Leaders' Project conference and we helped that some dozen or more Muslim countries to gather together. And they were unanimous in expressing this desire to be free of fear, to be free of occupation, to be free of intimidation and to be free to carry out their affairs as they see fit.

This is an example of what we're seeing, this burning desire to be free, here in this case of Syrian occupation, but also of Syrian influence and domination of their political system.

BLITZER: A lot of experts believe that the courage of these Lebanese has been sparked in part by the elections in Afghanistan, the elections in Iraq, the elections in the Palestinian territories, stuff that's happening in that part of the world that seems to be moving in the right direction.

COHEN: In that part of the world and also Ukraine. They must take great hope from what they saw take place, with an illegitimate election being overturned by the people taking to the streets.

I think that sort of enthusiasm has really sparked their courage, as well, and determination to see that the Syrian troops are finally removed from their country and that they're able to govern without Syrian influence, either their intelligence apparatus or the military.

BLITZER: These are live pictures we're showing our viewers, what's happening on the streets of Beirut right now. It sort of reminds me to a certain degree of what happened in the late 1980s with -- in central and Eastern Europe when they finally cracked the Berlin Wall and the end of the Soviet Union began to unfold.

COHEN: Indeed. You had Vaclav Havel. You had polls coming out. You had the orange and velvet revolutions. All of this is taking place at a remarkable period in our time.

And the question now becomes, can they sustain the momentum? What will the Syrians do? In fact, how do you defuse this particular crisis, as a matter of fact, because now you have people in the streets. What kind of order will be maintained? How will they provide a provisional government until election can be held?

All of these issues remain to be sorted out, not to mention what Syria's role in Iraq is going to prove to be. And the turning over of Saddam Hussein's half-brother, what does this mean in terms of Syria being able to defuse criticism coming from the United States and from the U.N. and others?

BLITZER: If Bashar Assad, the leader of Syria, capitulates right now in the face of what's called people power in Lebanon, the face of international pressure, as far as Iraq is concerned, is he toast? COHEN: He has to be very careful. I assume he is quite concerned that he not appear to be caving to the demands of the United States or Israel or even the Iraqis without showing weakness on his part.

He's got to find a face-saving way of recognizing what the reality of the situation is but not giving the appearance that he is, in fact, weak and will be willing to capitulate under the force of circumstances. So he's got some tough decisions ahead, and how he manages this is going to be very important to his own survival.

So delicate diplomacy on his part. But he has got to recognize what is taking place within his own country and what his role is going to be in the future of the Middle East.

BLITZER: He's got to be one nervous fellow right now.

COHEN: He is.

BLITZER: William Cohen, thank you very much. Appreciate it.

And to our viewers, here's your chance to weigh in on this story. Our Web question of the day is this: do you think events in Lebanon indicate democracy is spreading in the Middle East? You can vote right now. Go to CNN.com/Wolf. We'll have the results later in this broadcast.

Israel blames Syria for the suicide attack Friday night in Tel Aviv. Will Israel strike back now? I'll ask the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

Al Qaeda warnings. There's new information that the terror group is trying to target the United States. Outgoing homeland security undersecretary Asa Hutchinson, he's standing by to join us live on this, his last day on the job.

Serial shocker. There are new details about the man authorities say is the notorious BTK Killer. We'll tell you what they say.

Plus this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK LUNSFORD, FATHER OF MISSING GIRL: I love you, Jessica. And pray, baby, just pray.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: An emotional outpouring from the father of a missing 9- year-old girl who's vanished without a trace. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: In our "CNN Security Watch," a report, a warning right now of possible -- repeat possible -- al Qaeda attacks right here in the United States. Joining us with the latest information we're getting, our homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve.

Jeanne, what do we know?

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, the U.S. has some new information regarding possible terrorist threats described by one official as credible but not specific.

According to officials, the information was picked up recently from an intercepted communication, which is believed to have been from Osama bin Laden to Abu Musab al Zarqawi, who is spearheading the insurgency in Iraq.

One government official says the communication indicated a desire for Zarqawi to expand operations outside of Iraq. It did not mention the U.S. specifically, officials say, however that is the inference that analysts are drawing from the intercept.

Officials describe it as a reiteration or reaffirmation of al Qaeda's intent.

One knowledgeable former official says the Zarqawi -- that Zarqawi and bin Laden have communicated before, but he warns that lines of communications can be contaminated or polluted. That is, others may use them.

There is nothing startling in hearing that al Qaeda would like to strike, and striking the U.S. is, as one former official put it, still the brass ring. But officials stress that there is nothing specific in the intelligence to indicate when, where or how any attack might be carried out. One called the information vague and nothing unique.

But the information is serious enough that a classified bulletin went out from the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to state homeland security advisers and law enforcement Friday afternoon.

A department spokesman says, however, there is, based on this information, which again is described as credible but not specific, no plans to raise the nation's threat level -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Jeanne Meserve reporting for us. Thanks very much.

And joining us now with his assessment of this latest al Qaeda warning and other related issues, the outgoing homeland security undersecretary, Asa Hutchinson.

Today is your last day on the job. We'll talk a little bit more about that shortly, Mr. Secretary. But what can you elaborate on this latest threat?

ASA HUTCHINSON, UNDERSECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Well, there's a couple key words that Jeanne used in her story, and that was that it's credible, but also that it's nonspecific.

Whenever we get this kind of intelligence, we regularly share that with our homeland security advisers in every state so they have the same information that we have. But whenever it is nonspecific, that means it's difficult to mount an operational response. And so we share the information; we don't raise the threat level.

But again, it reminds us that al Qaeda is serious about the United States and that, because they're concentrating in other arenas in the world does not mean they've diminished their desire to attack the United States.

BLITZER: When we think of communication between Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al Zarqawi, we think they pick up a cell phone and they communicate. Is that what we're talking about right now?

HUTCHINSON: I would not want to comment on the sources of the intelligence that's provided. Wherever we get intelligence that is credible, as we did in this case, we do pass it along.

BLITZER: The definition of credible, how do you get to that definition? How do you know it's credible?

HUTCHINSON: Well, there's a number of different ways. We have thousands of intelligence analysts, professionals that look at this. But if you have an intercept, obviously there's some credibility that would go with that. But if you have human intelligence, you have to weigh the credibility of that based upon the record of the informant. So these are measuring sticks that you use to determine whether it's credible or not depending upon the source and the history of it.

BLITZER: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian terrorist working in Iraq. What's new here is the suggestion he wants to expand outside Iraq. That's the new element in this; is that right?

HUTCHINSON: Well, that's the new element that was reported by Jeanne Meserve. Again, I don't want to get into the specifics of that, but that, obviously, is supposed to be the communication that was referenced, but we're not going to cover that.

BLITZER: Without breaking any classified information, violating sources, is it just an assumption that they could be in the United States, or is that something specific that you heard?

HUTCHINSON: No, again, if there was something specific on a cell group here, we would certainly be operational in that regard. This was credible in our judgment but not specific.

BLITZER: Here is the problem that a lot of Americans have. And you've heard this criticism many times. We get these reports, credible but nonspecific threats. And Americans, after a while, they say, you know what? We can't take this seriously, because we've heard it so many times before.

HUTCHINSON: Well, again, this is intelligence that we share with our law enforcement professionals. We didn't call a news conference and announce this information. We shared it with our law enforcement colleagues. And at some point it gets to the media and it becomes a story, but we're not designed to shake up America on this. Obviously, we want to make sure we register this as a communication to law enforcement. It should be handled in that way.

BLITZER: You've been privy these last few years to the most sensitive information to terror threats to the U.S. Are you leaving office deeply concerned, moderately concerned, more concerned than you used to be that al Qaeda or some affiliated terror group could launch a major terror attack against the United States that would make 9/11 look like child's play?

HUTCHINSON: Well, first of all, I think we have done a good job in our offensive war against terrorism to diminish that capability, but we all recognize that that threat remains.

I think the intelligence community testified to Congress that there is -- there remains that potential and that desire to attack us. So I leave recognizing that our detection capability has been increased, but the threat remains.

And certainly, whenever you look at our containers, whenever you look at the opportunities to exploit freedom here in the United States, that we cannot immune ourselves from a potential very serious attack.

BLITZER: Asa Hutchinson, I know this is your last day. Once again, thanks very much. Thanks for all your public service. We appreciate it. We hope you'll be a frequent guest on this program down the road.

HUTCHINSON: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thanks very much.

And please stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

Separating fact from fiction surrounding the BTK Killer. The church leader and father now accused of being a serial killer. We'll take you inside the investigation.

Plus a frustrating search in Florida for that young girl who simply has disappeared from her own bedroom. We'll hear from her father.

And a pop star on trial. Opening statements beginning in the Michael Jackson case. Our legal analyst Jeff Toobin, inside the courtroom right now, but he'll be outside shortly. And he'll join us live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: A preliminary hearing will be held tomorrow for suspected BTK killer Dennis Rader. Authorities say he'll likely appear by video. Today the media got a dressing down from police. Let's go straight to our national correspondent Bob Franken. He's joining us now live from Wichita with the latest -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, first of all, Wolf, all of this is a bit unusual, the legal proceeding fitting, of course, for this case. Probably should have happened today. But now we know it's going to happen some time tomorrow.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): While the legal system sorts through the complications of bringing Dennis Rader before his first court appearance and police continue the investigation that has only intensified since the arrest of Rader, they continue to fend off the media frenzy that naturally accompanies such a bizarre brutal case of serial murder.

The result, officials claim, is inaccurate reporting that could sabotage their case.

CHIEF NORMAN WILLIAMS, WICHITA POLICE: One of the things that I'm going to be doing as chief of this organization is I'm going to contact the D.A.'s office, and I'm going to be asking the D.A. what legal recourses do we have in regards to information that is inaccurate and inappropriate being disseminated in the community.

FRANKEN: Particularly upsetting to the chief was an Associated Press report quoted by other news organizations, including CNN, that claimed police now link Rader with three murders more than the 10 they've specified in their charges. That report, he insisted, was false.

WILLIAMS: At this present time, Dennis Rader has been connected with only 10, only 10 homicides that have spanned 31 years.

FRANKEN: While the legal system grinds into gear, a community that was terrorized by the so-called BTK Killer over more than 30 years, is now trying to cope with what could finally be closure.

MAYOR CARLOS MAYANS, WICHITA, KANSAS: First of all, I think the community is relieved. I think that the relatives of the victims are beginning a new chapter. It's going to be very challenging for them, as they face the trial of this person.

But I think that the community is relieved. I think people are able to sleep much better at night.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Now, after decades where the police say they finally know who is the BTK Killer, now they and the people they live with are going to have to try and understand why -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Bob Franken, reporting for us from Wichita. Bob, thank you very much. In Florida, police have called off the full-scale search for 9- year-old Jessica Lunsford. The third grader vanished from her home Wednesday night. Today her father made an emotional appeal for her return.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LUNSFORD: I'm sure that a lot of you have little girls that are adorable, and they have the most wonderful personality. They can make you smile when you need it the most. And when you're hurting and you hug them, they can make you feel better. And I need my hug.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Lunsford said that he doesn't think Jessica left home voluntarily, although police say they don't have evidence she was abducted. We'll get more information as it becomes available. We'll let you know what's going on on that front.

Israel is blaming Islamic Jihadists in Syria for Friday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Will the government of Israel now retaliate? I'll ask the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

Whom do you believe in the Michael Jackson case? Our senior legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, joins me to discuss how each side plans to present its case.

Plus, superheroes on the edge. Look at this, Batman, Robin and Captain America protesting in America. We'll tell you why.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Israel blames Syria for last Friday's deadly attack in Tel Aviv. Is Israel now planning to strike back? I'll ask the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

First, though, a quick check of some other stories now in the news.

It's white, wet and getting worse here in Washington and other Eastern cities. A winter storm is moving up the coast from Virginia to New England, with no letup expected until the morning. In New York, the snow put on hold plans for the city's first ever count of the homeless.

In Kansas, adventurer Steve Fossett has his sights set on an aviation record. Any time now, he's about to begin an attempt to circle the world nonstop in a single-engine plane. Fossett, you'll recall, was the first person to go around the world solo in a hot air balloon.

And some of the nation's oldest, grandest and best known department stores may soon be under one roof. Federated has agreed to buy May Department Stores for $11 billion. The combined company would have about 1,000 stores, including Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Marshall Field's. It would be the third largest U.S. retailer, behind Wal-Mart and Sears.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left for London today. She's attending an international meeting tomorrow about a new Palestinian state. The conference is expected to set goals for reforming the Palestinian political and security structures and for financial support for the Palestinians. Israel supports the conference, but is not attending.

Israeli sources say a car packed with explosives discovered today in the West Bank was being prepared by the same group that claimed responsibility for Friday's deadly bombing in Tel Aviv. That group, Islamic Jihad, is based in Syria. And Israel blames Syria for Friday's attack, which killed five Israelis. Syria says it had nothing to do with the bombing.

Yesterday, on CNN's "LATE EDITION," I asked Syrian Cabinet Minister Buthaina Shaaban for her reaction to the Israeli allegation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "LATE EDITION")

BUTHAINA SHAABAN, SYRIAN CABINET MINISTER: Syria has reiterated so many times that it has nothing to do with anything that takes place inside Israel or inside the occupied territory.

But, as you know, Wolf, nowadays if a terrorist attack took place in Beirut they accuse Syria.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Buthaina Shaaban speaking with me yesterday.

Today, I talked about this with the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Vice Premier Peres, thanks very much for joining us from Jerusalem.

Let's get right to the Friday night terror attack on that nightclub in Tel Aviv. Who did it?

SHIMON PERES, ISRAELI VICE PREMIER: It was done by the Jihad, and apparently upon orders that came from Syria.

BLITZER: How do you know that?

PERES: We have ways how to know. And we are trying to do our very best to get the proper information.

BLITZER: What are you going to do about it if, in fact, the Syrian government went ahead and organized this terror attack?

PERES: Well, we are trying to impress the Syrians with their dangerous endeavors. And we want to warn them very seriously that they cannot be a source of violence and then attempt to disturb the peace process.

Syria is already connected with a lot of problems. She has to decide on which side of the world is she, terror or fighting terror? She's occupying Syria. She's in connections with the Hezbollah, which is also breaking the backbone of Lebanon. Now they have headquarters of terrorists. It is a little bit too much for a single country.

BLITZER: The Syrian government flatly denies they had any involvement in the terror attack Friday night in Tel Aviv. And they say there's no evidence to back that up whatsoever.

PERES: Well, Wolf, would you expect them to admit it? Clearly, I mean, they will deny it. But we know, a lot of people know that they are still hosting headquarters of terror in Damascus, in spite of all the denials.

BLITZER: So, should they be bracing for some sort of Israeli military response seeking out specific targets for airstrikes in Syria?

PERES: I wouldn't issue such a warning.

BLITZER: But you are going to obviously do something.

PERES: We prefer to see it settled diplomatically before anything else, that Syria will really take to heart all the warnings which are coming from the United States, from its president, even from the French.

I mean, the Syrian occupation in Lebanon have had the French and the United States together, that they have to put an end to it. And I believe they have to listen to this joined call.

BLITZER: Do you believe Syria was responsible for or behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri of Lebanon?

PERES: I don't have a way to know. But people who spoke with the Syrian leaders have heard very bitter comments about Hariri before he was assassinated.

I mean, I don't have any evidence. But, clearly, Hariri, who stood for the end of the Syrian occupation, was a target on the political map of Syria.

BLITZER: Do you suspect that the president of Syria, Bashar al- Assad, is directly involved, knows about these allegations, if in fact Syria was involved in the Friday night terror attack or the assassination of Rafik Hariri, or simply others in Syria doing this without Bashar al-Assad's knowledge?

PERES: I don't have a way to be so specific in my knowledge.

But I would say it is hardly considerable that something like it will take place in Syria without the Syrian government having in one way or another way information about it.

BLITZER: One final question on another subject, namely Iran and its suspected nuclear weapons program.

Israelis are very concerned about this. Do you envisage the day that, if nothing happens on the diplomatic front, the U.S. -- the Israelis might take unilateral military action to deal with this potential threat?

PERES: Iran is the greatest danger in the Middle East, but not only to Israel. Iran is dangerous for everybody around and may really disturb the very weak balance that exists today in the Middle East. We wouldn't like to make it just an Israeli problem and to turn it into an Iranian-Israeli conflict.

I think there are stronger forces than us. There are people who are as concerned as we are. And we're looking to them to take the lead.

BLITZER: Shimon Peres, good luck to you. Thanks very much for joining us.

PERES: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The king of pop just departed only a few moments ago from the Santa Maria courthouse. Now day one of the State of California vs. Michael Jackson is over. Our senior legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, has been inside the courtroom all day. In fact, he's just walked out. He's standing by to join us live next.

Plus, honoring America's unsung heroes. They were secret soldiers for the CIA 50 years ago, why the French, yes, the French government, is now praising these men, instead of the United States government. It's only on CNN. That's coming up.

And later, Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" was a knockout at the Oscars. The night's coming up in our weekend snapshot.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: A California prosecutor was blunt and specific today as opening statements began in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial.

CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is joining us now live from outside the courthouse in Santa Maria, California. He was inside all day today, day one.

What did we learn today? How did it go, Jeff?

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SR. LEGAL ANALYST: Well, to get to the bottom line, Wolf, this was, in a high-profile case, one of the worst opening statements I've ever heard by a prosecutor and one of the best opening statements I've ever heard by a defense lawyer. It was really a striking contrast. BLITZER: Well, what was so bad about what the -- what the prosecutor had to say?

TOOBIN: Well, it was disorganized. It was hard to follow. It was boring. And it didn't really address many of the key issues in the case that were raised immediately and very effectively by Tom Mesereau, the defense attorney.

BLITZER: And so he was very good in his defense, in his opening statement. Based on what you learned today -- and you're a close observer of this kind of legal proceeding -- how strong of a case does the prosecution seem to have?

TOOBIN: Wolf, a lot less strong than I thought this morning. I mean, this case very much hangs and -- rises and falls with the testimony of the accuser and the accuser's family.

And, interestingly, all day long in the courtroom today, the accuser and family were identified by name, which was striking. We, of course, are not using it on the air. But their names were used, so there were no John Does, none of that. It was all by name. And what was the touchstone of the defense case was the attack on the accuser's mother, who is very much the instigator of these charges. And the procession of false statements, false allegations, abuse of Michael Jackson's hospitality was really striking and breathtaking.

BLITZER: So this goes right to the credibility of the accusers, the young boy and his mother? Is that what you're saying?

TOOBIN: Exactly. And there was a bombshell right at the beginning of Tom Mesereau's opening statement, where he previewed one of the key defense witnesses in this case, who will be, of all people, Jay Leno, because what Tom Mesereau said to the jury was that the accuser and his family were scouting. They were essentially grifters. They were latching on to celebrities trying to get money from them.

And Tom Mesereau said that Jay Leno spoke to the accuser in this case, and he got a bad feeling. He had a feeling he was being coached by his mother in the background. He didn't like what he was hearing. And he hung up the phone almost immediately. That I think will be a very dramatic piece of testimony.

And what happened, Mesereau pointed to several celebrities who had been approached, Jay Leno, George Lopez, the comedian. Another comedian, an unfamiliar one to me, gave them $20,000, $3,000 from another comedian. And what he said was, they were looking for a mark, and they finally found one in Michael Jackson.

BLITZER: Is there -- so, what happens now? The opening statements, I guess, are completed. What happens tomorrow?

TOOBIN: Well, not yet. Tom Mesereau has -- he will finish his in the morning. And it appears that the first witness will be Martin Bashir, the former -- the British documentary host and broadcaster who was the anchorman and the interviewer in the infamous or famous documentary that ran in February 2003. Another very interesting fact that came out today was -- you know, the prosecution's theory of the case is that, when this interview ran, it created panic in the Jackson environment, for good reason. That's when the DA began its investigation. The media descended. The children protective services in Los Angeles, they were investigating. What the defense pointed out, which the prosecution tried to sort of get around, was that the abuse in this case was alleged to have taken place after all these investigations started, that the two allegations of abuse only took place after all these people were investigating, which is peculiar, to say the least.

In fairness, a lot will depend on the word of the accuser, and he hasn't -- and we haven't heard from him yet. And if the jury believes him, it's a good case for the prosecution.

BLITZER: Well, that's a good point to wrap it up on, Jeffrey Toobin reporting for us. A very, very bad day, he says, for the prosecution, a good day for the defense. But there are many days still to unfold in this trial.

Jeffrey, thank you very much.

Let's take a closer look at some other stories you may have missed this past weekend.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Despite U.S. objections, Russia signed an agreement to provide nuclear fuel for Iran's first nuclear reactor. Iran is supposed to return the spent fuel to Russia to prove it's not extracting plutonium that could be used to make bombs.

Hammered again. A tornado injured at least five people and did serious damage to 14 homes in Palm Bay, Florida. Some of the homes were hit by last summer's hurricanes and had been repaired only recently.

Slippery pavement. Rain is blamed in part for a chain reaction traffic accident near Jacksonville, Florida. A tour bus and six other vehicles were involved in the pileup on Interstate 95. One man was killed and eight other people were hurt.

Hollywood hoopla. "The Aviator" won the most Oscars at last night's Academy Awards ceremony, but the top Oscars went to other films. "Million Dollar Baby" was the best picture. Its director, Clint Eastwood, was best director. And its female lead, Hilary Swank, was best actress. Jamie Foxx was named best actor for "Ray."

And that's our weekend snapshot.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The forgotten heroes of the Cold War, CIA pilots serving the American government. But you'll find out when we come back why they're now being awarded the highest civilian honor in France. That story when we return.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: There's a development in the case involving suspected terrorist Jose Padilla.

Deborah Feyerick, covering this story, she's joining us now live from New York.

What do we know, Deborah?

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, he was the first person taken into custody as an enemy combatant 2 1/2 years ago, the president calling him a grave threat to national security.

But now, just moments ago, a federal judge in South Carolina has said that the government cannot hold him as an enemy combatant, that they either have to charge him with a crime or let him go within the next 45 days. The lawyers for Jose Padilla say -- quote -- "It shows that the constitution is alive and kicking." As for the Justice Department, they plan to have reaction some time later this evening -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right, we'll stand by for that.

Deborah Feyerick, thank you very much.

A war in Vietnam when many Americans didn't even know about Vietnam or even where it was. A half-century ago, a group of Americans flying secretly for the CIA risked their lives to help French soldiers in their doomed battle in a place called Dien Bien Phu. Now the survivors among those American pilots are being honored.

Our national security correspondent David Ensor reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My friends, we will never praise enough the CAT pilots.

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They're in their 70s and 80s now, these secret soldiers of the Cold War. A grateful French ambassador pinned on the seven survivors his nation's highest civilian honor, the Legion d'Honneur.

JEAN-DAVID LEVITTE, FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO UNITED STATES: So, from the bottom of my heart, in the name of the French Republic, thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

ENSOR: Fifty-one years ago, pilots for an air service secretly owned by the CIA braved heavy anti-aircraft fire for weeks to supply beleaguered French troops in Vietnam in the Valley of Dien Bien Phu.

ALLEN POPE, FORMER CAT PILOT: Remember those valiant members of our organization who could not be with us today. May they rest well in the true knowledge that their efforts in the final analysis of history was never in vain.

ENSOR: Pilot James McGovern, a legendary character, and his co- pilot, Wallace Buford, were shot down. With ammunition and food, much of it flown in by the Americans, the doomed French forces held out for nearly two months before being taken to prison camps, where many more died.

POPE: When Dien Bien Phu fell, they were just about out of ammunition. They were physically pounded for 55 days, and even not wounded were dying at their guns from fatigue.

ENSOR: Pilots Al Pope and Doug Price remember well the courage of the French. They tend to downplay their own.

(on camera): So, how dangerous was this -- this assignment you had?

DOUGLAS PRICE, FORMER CAT PILOT: Well, every day, it got a little bit more dangerous, because they got more guns in action and they got a little bit more accurate.

ENSOR (voice-over): They flew CIA-owned planes with French markings and French cargo handlers known as kickers. Doug Price's plane was hit by .50-caliber antiaircraft fire.

PRICE: And it went right through aft of the flight deck and in the forward cargo compartment and hit one of the French kickers we had.

ENSOR: Killed him?

PRICE: No. He eventually lost a leg.

WILLIAM LEARY, HISTORIAN: Al Pope and Doug Price were two of the best. They were the kind of person that you could count upon to do the most difficult, the most dangerous flying and then to keep their mouths shut about it after they did so.

POPE: Don't need any publicity about anything. In fact, I'm amazed that I am sitting here today. Chased you guys away for more than 50 years.

ENSOR (voice-over): The CIA got exactly what it wanted from Al Pope, total discretion. Yet, the agency takes the view that, since the men worked for a front company, not the CIA, they are not entitled to any compensation or honors from the government.

(on camera): How do you feel about the fact that the French government is honoring these men for their courage, but their own government has not done so?

LEARY: I think their own government is a bit behind the curve in honoring what these people did. These individuals were true heroes for the United States during the Cold War. And they deserve far more than they've ever gotten from the United States government.

ENSOR (voice-over): The awards ceremony took place, as the ambassador noted, under a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, who fought under George Washington, the beribboned old pilots a reminder that two nations who disagree so strongly about Iraq have helped each other mightily in the past and may do so again.

David Ensor, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And when we come back, we'll tell you about a bizarre protest that made today's picture of the day. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Here's our Web question of the day. Remember, though, it's not a scientific poll.

Let's show you our picture of the day, a protest in London on the ledge at the Foreign Office. They're dressed as Batman, Robin and Captain America, campaigning for better child custody rights for divorced fathers.

That's it for me. "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


Aired February 28, 2005 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Happening now: monitoring Osama bin Laden. New terror information believed to be intercepted from al Qaeda's top leader and the Iraqi terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. What does this threat mean for Americans right here inside the United States? I'll ask the outgoing undersecretary for homeland security, Asa Hutchinson.
Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Human targets. Insurgents launch a major attack, and Iraq suffers the greatest casualties since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

A country without a government. In Lebanon, mass resignations amid mass opposition protests. Will Syria be the next to leave?

The case against Michael Jackson revealed. Allegations of what's described as strange sexual behavior unfold against the King of Pop.

And secret soldiers forgotten. They flew missions for the CIA 50 years ago. So why are the French honoring these heroes instead of the U.S.?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Monday, February 28, 2005.

BLITZER: It's the deadliest single insurgent attack of the Iraq war. At least 125 people are dead. Dozens more are wounded after a powerful car bomb went off among a group of police recruits. The attack occurred in Hillah, about 55 miles south of Baghdad.

CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson reports on the gruesome aftermath.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Clothes, shoes and blood, a lot of blood. The aftermath of Iraq's deadliest suicide bombing since the fall of Saddam almost two years ago.

According to Iraqi police, the bomber drove a vehicle packed with explosives into a line of police recruits as they waited outside a medical center in Hillah for health checks.

Ama Mosa (ph) was an eyewitness. "People were lining up for medical checks to become policemen," he says. "A car came from that direction and exploded."

The death toll particularly high, officials say, as the blast occurred at 9:30 in the morning, ripping through a crowded adjacent market.

The last day as deadly as this occurred in February 2004, when multiple attacks in Karbala and Baghdad during a Shiite festival of Ashurah claimed at least 141 lives.

In recent weeks and months, Iraqi police recruits have borne the brunt of insurgent attacks, many dozens killed as they've waited at recruitment offices in the center and north of Iraq or been ambushed in convoys. Both Iraqi and U.S. officials insist recruitment has not been impacted so far.

GEN. PETE CHIARELLI, U.S. ARMY: We have had no slowdown in our recruiting efforts, either for the Iraqi police or the Iraqi army. In fact, we have more recruits than we can push through the academies and train at this time.

ROBERTSON: As hospitals in Hillah began to fill with the dead and wounded, the scale of this attack seems likely to prompt tough questioning among Iraqi politicians on how to protect security service personnel.

(on camera) A debate they've had many times before that has touched on infiltration in police and army ranks and about how insurgents appear to have prior knowledge of when best to attack the security forces.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Two weeks after a political assassination began sparking Lebanese protests against Syrian influence, Lebanon's pro- Syrian prime minister and his government resigned today. That's only emboldened protesters, who say the departure of Omar Karami and his government is just the beginning.

CNN Beirut bureau chief Brent Sadler standing by live with more -- Brent.

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, this is the end of a day here on which the outgoing Lebanese government of Omar Karami had banned demonstrations. In the event protesters ignored the restrictions, security forces took a step back, and opposition supporters are now celebrating what they claim is a significant victory over Syria's political allies here in Lebanon.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) SADLER (voice-over): People power on the streets of Beirut, celebrating the resignation of their Syrian-backed government. A key opposition demand after two weeks of peaceful demonstrations.

A drumbeat of much hoped for democratic change here sweeps through the capital. Renewed demands on Syria to break its hold on Lebanon, with crowds chanting anti-Syrian slogans, aimed at Syria's army and intelligence network still embedded here.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think that this is the beginning. I hope it never, ever, I hope it never fades away. Because it should not ever fade away because finally we as Lebanese decide what to do with our country and our people!

SADLER: The opposition's night of triumph followed a day of defiance. Protesters marching under what they call a banner of freedom from Syrian control.

Government attempts failed to stop the rally. Lebanese security forces reluctant, it seems, to enforce a ban. Flower power winning the day.

A possible turning point, say protest leaders, in a crucial test of wills, challenging the influence of Syria in Lebanon.

CAMILLE CHAMOUN, NATIONAL LIBERAL PARTY: The Syrian people are not our enemies. The Syrian government is, because there's no democracy there.

SADLER: The opposition claims to have won this round in their struggle with Syria, but insist protests will not end here. They still have to deal with a staunchly pro-Syrian president, who holds the power to make crucial decisions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SADLER: Protest leaders now say they want to form a new government of national unity, one, they say, that can negotiate ultimately a peaceful and honorable withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Brent Sadler reporting for us from Beirut. Thank you very much.

Let's get some analysis now on today's developments in the Middle East. Our world affairs analyst, William Cohen, standing by. He's a former defense secretary. He's chairman and CEO of the Cohen Group.

Mr. Secretary, welcome back. Thanks very much for joining us.

These are amazing sights. For those of us who have covered the Middle East and have watched Lebanon unfold over these past few decades, what we're seeing today, standing up to Syria, is pretty amazing.

WILLIAM COHEN, FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY: It is a turning point, or some would say a tipping point. This is a remarkable display of courage on the part of the Syrian people to speak out...

BLITZER: The Lebanese people.

COHEN: I'm sorry. The Lebanese people to speak out against the Syrians for freedom.

We just concluded a Leaders' Project conference and we helped that some dozen or more Muslim countries to gather together. And they were unanimous in expressing this desire to be free of fear, to be free of occupation, to be free of intimidation and to be free to carry out their affairs as they see fit.

This is an example of what we're seeing, this burning desire to be free, here in this case of Syrian occupation, but also of Syrian influence and domination of their political system.

BLITZER: A lot of experts believe that the courage of these Lebanese has been sparked in part by the elections in Afghanistan, the elections in Iraq, the elections in the Palestinian territories, stuff that's happening in that part of the world that seems to be moving in the right direction.

COHEN: In that part of the world and also Ukraine. They must take great hope from what they saw take place, with an illegitimate election being overturned by the people taking to the streets.

I think that sort of enthusiasm has really sparked their courage, as well, and determination to see that the Syrian troops are finally removed from their country and that they're able to govern without Syrian influence, either their intelligence apparatus or the military.

BLITZER: These are live pictures we're showing our viewers, what's happening on the streets of Beirut right now. It sort of reminds me to a certain degree of what happened in the late 1980s with -- in central and Eastern Europe when they finally cracked the Berlin Wall and the end of the Soviet Union began to unfold.

COHEN: Indeed. You had Vaclav Havel. You had polls coming out. You had the orange and velvet revolutions. All of this is taking place at a remarkable period in our time.

And the question now becomes, can they sustain the momentum? What will the Syrians do? In fact, how do you defuse this particular crisis, as a matter of fact, because now you have people in the streets. What kind of order will be maintained? How will they provide a provisional government until election can be held?

All of these issues remain to be sorted out, not to mention what Syria's role in Iraq is going to prove to be. And the turning over of Saddam Hussein's half-brother, what does this mean in terms of Syria being able to defuse criticism coming from the United States and from the U.N. and others?

BLITZER: If Bashar Assad, the leader of Syria, capitulates right now in the face of what's called people power in Lebanon, the face of international pressure, as far as Iraq is concerned, is he toast? COHEN: He has to be very careful. I assume he is quite concerned that he not appear to be caving to the demands of the United States or Israel or even the Iraqis without showing weakness on his part.

He's got to find a face-saving way of recognizing what the reality of the situation is but not giving the appearance that he is, in fact, weak and will be willing to capitulate under the force of circumstances. So he's got some tough decisions ahead, and how he manages this is going to be very important to his own survival.

So delicate diplomacy on his part. But he has got to recognize what is taking place within his own country and what his role is going to be in the future of the Middle East.

BLITZER: He's got to be one nervous fellow right now.

COHEN: He is.

BLITZER: William Cohen, thank you very much. Appreciate it.

And to our viewers, here's your chance to weigh in on this story. Our Web question of the day is this: do you think events in Lebanon indicate democracy is spreading in the Middle East? You can vote right now. Go to CNN.com/Wolf. We'll have the results later in this broadcast.

Israel blames Syria for the suicide attack Friday night in Tel Aviv. Will Israel strike back now? I'll ask the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

Al Qaeda warnings. There's new information that the terror group is trying to target the United States. Outgoing homeland security undersecretary Asa Hutchinson, he's standing by to join us live on this, his last day on the job.

Serial shocker. There are new details about the man authorities say is the notorious BTK Killer. We'll tell you what they say.

Plus this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK LUNSFORD, FATHER OF MISSING GIRL: I love you, Jessica. And pray, baby, just pray.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: An emotional outpouring from the father of a missing 9- year-old girl who's vanished without a trace. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: In our "CNN Security Watch," a report, a warning right now of possible -- repeat possible -- al Qaeda attacks right here in the United States. Joining us with the latest information we're getting, our homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve.

Jeanne, what do we know?

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, the U.S. has some new information regarding possible terrorist threats described by one official as credible but not specific.

According to officials, the information was picked up recently from an intercepted communication, which is believed to have been from Osama bin Laden to Abu Musab al Zarqawi, who is spearheading the insurgency in Iraq.

One government official says the communication indicated a desire for Zarqawi to expand operations outside of Iraq. It did not mention the U.S. specifically, officials say, however that is the inference that analysts are drawing from the intercept.

Officials describe it as a reiteration or reaffirmation of al Qaeda's intent.

One knowledgeable former official says the Zarqawi -- that Zarqawi and bin Laden have communicated before, but he warns that lines of communications can be contaminated or polluted. That is, others may use them.

There is nothing startling in hearing that al Qaeda would like to strike, and striking the U.S. is, as one former official put it, still the brass ring. But officials stress that there is nothing specific in the intelligence to indicate when, where or how any attack might be carried out. One called the information vague and nothing unique.

But the information is serious enough that a classified bulletin went out from the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to state homeland security advisers and law enforcement Friday afternoon.

A department spokesman says, however, there is, based on this information, which again is described as credible but not specific, no plans to raise the nation's threat level -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Jeanne Meserve reporting for us. Thanks very much.

And joining us now with his assessment of this latest al Qaeda warning and other related issues, the outgoing homeland security undersecretary, Asa Hutchinson.

Today is your last day on the job. We'll talk a little bit more about that shortly, Mr. Secretary. But what can you elaborate on this latest threat?

ASA HUTCHINSON, UNDERSECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Well, there's a couple key words that Jeanne used in her story, and that was that it's credible, but also that it's nonspecific.

Whenever we get this kind of intelligence, we regularly share that with our homeland security advisers in every state so they have the same information that we have. But whenever it is nonspecific, that means it's difficult to mount an operational response. And so we share the information; we don't raise the threat level.

But again, it reminds us that al Qaeda is serious about the United States and that, because they're concentrating in other arenas in the world does not mean they've diminished their desire to attack the United States.

BLITZER: When we think of communication between Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al Zarqawi, we think they pick up a cell phone and they communicate. Is that what we're talking about right now?

HUTCHINSON: I would not want to comment on the sources of the intelligence that's provided. Wherever we get intelligence that is credible, as we did in this case, we do pass it along.

BLITZER: The definition of credible, how do you get to that definition? How do you know it's credible?

HUTCHINSON: Well, there's a number of different ways. We have thousands of intelligence analysts, professionals that look at this. But if you have an intercept, obviously there's some credibility that would go with that. But if you have human intelligence, you have to weigh the credibility of that based upon the record of the informant. So these are measuring sticks that you use to determine whether it's credible or not depending upon the source and the history of it.

BLITZER: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian terrorist working in Iraq. What's new here is the suggestion he wants to expand outside Iraq. That's the new element in this; is that right?

HUTCHINSON: Well, that's the new element that was reported by Jeanne Meserve. Again, I don't want to get into the specifics of that, but that, obviously, is supposed to be the communication that was referenced, but we're not going to cover that.

BLITZER: Without breaking any classified information, violating sources, is it just an assumption that they could be in the United States, or is that something specific that you heard?

HUTCHINSON: No, again, if there was something specific on a cell group here, we would certainly be operational in that regard. This was credible in our judgment but not specific.

BLITZER: Here is the problem that a lot of Americans have. And you've heard this criticism many times. We get these reports, credible but nonspecific threats. And Americans, after a while, they say, you know what? We can't take this seriously, because we've heard it so many times before.

HUTCHINSON: Well, again, this is intelligence that we share with our law enforcement professionals. We didn't call a news conference and announce this information. We shared it with our law enforcement colleagues. And at some point it gets to the media and it becomes a story, but we're not designed to shake up America on this. Obviously, we want to make sure we register this as a communication to law enforcement. It should be handled in that way.

BLITZER: You've been privy these last few years to the most sensitive information to terror threats to the U.S. Are you leaving office deeply concerned, moderately concerned, more concerned than you used to be that al Qaeda or some affiliated terror group could launch a major terror attack against the United States that would make 9/11 look like child's play?

HUTCHINSON: Well, first of all, I think we have done a good job in our offensive war against terrorism to diminish that capability, but we all recognize that that threat remains.

I think the intelligence community testified to Congress that there is -- there remains that potential and that desire to attack us. So I leave recognizing that our detection capability has been increased, but the threat remains.

And certainly, whenever you look at our containers, whenever you look at the opportunities to exploit freedom here in the United States, that we cannot immune ourselves from a potential very serious attack.

BLITZER: Asa Hutchinson, I know this is your last day. Once again, thanks very much. Thanks for all your public service. We appreciate it. We hope you'll be a frequent guest on this program down the road.

HUTCHINSON: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thanks very much.

And please stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

Separating fact from fiction surrounding the BTK Killer. The church leader and father now accused of being a serial killer. We'll take you inside the investigation.

Plus a frustrating search in Florida for that young girl who simply has disappeared from her own bedroom. We'll hear from her father.

And a pop star on trial. Opening statements beginning in the Michael Jackson case. Our legal analyst Jeff Toobin, inside the courtroom right now, but he'll be outside shortly. And he'll join us live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: A preliminary hearing will be held tomorrow for suspected BTK killer Dennis Rader. Authorities say he'll likely appear by video. Today the media got a dressing down from police. Let's go straight to our national correspondent Bob Franken. He's joining us now live from Wichita with the latest -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, first of all, Wolf, all of this is a bit unusual, the legal proceeding fitting, of course, for this case. Probably should have happened today. But now we know it's going to happen some time tomorrow.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): While the legal system sorts through the complications of bringing Dennis Rader before his first court appearance and police continue the investigation that has only intensified since the arrest of Rader, they continue to fend off the media frenzy that naturally accompanies such a bizarre brutal case of serial murder.

The result, officials claim, is inaccurate reporting that could sabotage their case.

CHIEF NORMAN WILLIAMS, WICHITA POLICE: One of the things that I'm going to be doing as chief of this organization is I'm going to contact the D.A.'s office, and I'm going to be asking the D.A. what legal recourses do we have in regards to information that is inaccurate and inappropriate being disseminated in the community.

FRANKEN: Particularly upsetting to the chief was an Associated Press report quoted by other news organizations, including CNN, that claimed police now link Rader with three murders more than the 10 they've specified in their charges. That report, he insisted, was false.

WILLIAMS: At this present time, Dennis Rader has been connected with only 10, only 10 homicides that have spanned 31 years.

FRANKEN: While the legal system grinds into gear, a community that was terrorized by the so-called BTK Killer over more than 30 years, is now trying to cope with what could finally be closure.

MAYOR CARLOS MAYANS, WICHITA, KANSAS: First of all, I think the community is relieved. I think that the relatives of the victims are beginning a new chapter. It's going to be very challenging for them, as they face the trial of this person.

But I think that the community is relieved. I think people are able to sleep much better at night.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Now, after decades where the police say they finally know who is the BTK Killer, now they and the people they live with are going to have to try and understand why -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Bob Franken, reporting for us from Wichita. Bob, thank you very much. In Florida, police have called off the full-scale search for 9- year-old Jessica Lunsford. The third grader vanished from her home Wednesday night. Today her father made an emotional appeal for her return.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LUNSFORD: I'm sure that a lot of you have little girls that are adorable, and they have the most wonderful personality. They can make you smile when you need it the most. And when you're hurting and you hug them, they can make you feel better. And I need my hug.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Lunsford said that he doesn't think Jessica left home voluntarily, although police say they don't have evidence she was abducted. We'll get more information as it becomes available. We'll let you know what's going on on that front.

Israel is blaming Islamic Jihadists in Syria for Friday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Will the government of Israel now retaliate? I'll ask the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

Whom do you believe in the Michael Jackson case? Our senior legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, joins me to discuss how each side plans to present its case.

Plus, superheroes on the edge. Look at this, Batman, Robin and Captain America protesting in America. We'll tell you why.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Israel blames Syria for last Friday's deadly attack in Tel Aviv. Is Israel now planning to strike back? I'll ask the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

First, though, a quick check of some other stories now in the news.

It's white, wet and getting worse here in Washington and other Eastern cities. A winter storm is moving up the coast from Virginia to New England, with no letup expected until the morning. In New York, the snow put on hold plans for the city's first ever count of the homeless.

In Kansas, adventurer Steve Fossett has his sights set on an aviation record. Any time now, he's about to begin an attempt to circle the world nonstop in a single-engine plane. Fossett, you'll recall, was the first person to go around the world solo in a hot air balloon.

And some of the nation's oldest, grandest and best known department stores may soon be under one roof. Federated has agreed to buy May Department Stores for $11 billion. The combined company would have about 1,000 stores, including Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Marshall Field's. It would be the third largest U.S. retailer, behind Wal-Mart and Sears.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left for London today. She's attending an international meeting tomorrow about a new Palestinian state. The conference is expected to set goals for reforming the Palestinian political and security structures and for financial support for the Palestinians. Israel supports the conference, but is not attending.

Israeli sources say a car packed with explosives discovered today in the West Bank was being prepared by the same group that claimed responsibility for Friday's deadly bombing in Tel Aviv. That group, Islamic Jihad, is based in Syria. And Israel blames Syria for Friday's attack, which killed five Israelis. Syria says it had nothing to do with the bombing.

Yesterday, on CNN's "LATE EDITION," I asked Syrian Cabinet Minister Buthaina Shaaban for her reaction to the Israeli allegation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "LATE EDITION")

BUTHAINA SHAABAN, SYRIAN CABINET MINISTER: Syria has reiterated so many times that it has nothing to do with anything that takes place inside Israel or inside the occupied territory.

But, as you know, Wolf, nowadays if a terrorist attack took place in Beirut they accuse Syria.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Buthaina Shaaban speaking with me yesterday.

Today, I talked about this with the Israeli vice premier, Shimon Peres.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Vice Premier Peres, thanks very much for joining us from Jerusalem.

Let's get right to the Friday night terror attack on that nightclub in Tel Aviv. Who did it?

SHIMON PERES, ISRAELI VICE PREMIER: It was done by the Jihad, and apparently upon orders that came from Syria.

BLITZER: How do you know that?

PERES: We have ways how to know. And we are trying to do our very best to get the proper information.

BLITZER: What are you going to do about it if, in fact, the Syrian government went ahead and organized this terror attack?

PERES: Well, we are trying to impress the Syrians with their dangerous endeavors. And we want to warn them very seriously that they cannot be a source of violence and then attempt to disturb the peace process.

Syria is already connected with a lot of problems. She has to decide on which side of the world is she, terror or fighting terror? She's occupying Syria. She's in connections with the Hezbollah, which is also breaking the backbone of Lebanon. Now they have headquarters of terrorists. It is a little bit too much for a single country.

BLITZER: The Syrian government flatly denies they had any involvement in the terror attack Friday night in Tel Aviv. And they say there's no evidence to back that up whatsoever.

PERES: Well, Wolf, would you expect them to admit it? Clearly, I mean, they will deny it. But we know, a lot of people know that they are still hosting headquarters of terror in Damascus, in spite of all the denials.

BLITZER: So, should they be bracing for some sort of Israeli military response seeking out specific targets for airstrikes in Syria?

PERES: I wouldn't issue such a warning.

BLITZER: But you are going to obviously do something.

PERES: We prefer to see it settled diplomatically before anything else, that Syria will really take to heart all the warnings which are coming from the United States, from its president, even from the French.

I mean, the Syrian occupation in Lebanon have had the French and the United States together, that they have to put an end to it. And I believe they have to listen to this joined call.

BLITZER: Do you believe Syria was responsible for or behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri of Lebanon?

PERES: I don't have a way to know. But people who spoke with the Syrian leaders have heard very bitter comments about Hariri before he was assassinated.

I mean, I don't have any evidence. But, clearly, Hariri, who stood for the end of the Syrian occupation, was a target on the political map of Syria.

BLITZER: Do you suspect that the president of Syria, Bashar al- Assad, is directly involved, knows about these allegations, if in fact Syria was involved in the Friday night terror attack or the assassination of Rafik Hariri, or simply others in Syria doing this without Bashar al-Assad's knowledge?

PERES: I don't have a way to be so specific in my knowledge.

But I would say it is hardly considerable that something like it will take place in Syria without the Syrian government having in one way or another way information about it.

BLITZER: One final question on another subject, namely Iran and its suspected nuclear weapons program.

Israelis are very concerned about this. Do you envisage the day that, if nothing happens on the diplomatic front, the U.S. -- the Israelis might take unilateral military action to deal with this potential threat?

PERES: Iran is the greatest danger in the Middle East, but not only to Israel. Iran is dangerous for everybody around and may really disturb the very weak balance that exists today in the Middle East. We wouldn't like to make it just an Israeli problem and to turn it into an Iranian-Israeli conflict.

I think there are stronger forces than us. There are people who are as concerned as we are. And we're looking to them to take the lead.

BLITZER: Shimon Peres, good luck to you. Thanks very much for joining us.

PERES: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The king of pop just departed only a few moments ago from the Santa Maria courthouse. Now day one of the State of California vs. Michael Jackson is over. Our senior legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, has been inside the courtroom all day. In fact, he's just walked out. He's standing by to join us live next.

Plus, honoring America's unsung heroes. They were secret soldiers for the CIA 50 years ago, why the French, yes, the French government, is now praising these men, instead of the United States government. It's only on CNN. That's coming up.

And later, Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" was a knockout at the Oscars. The night's coming up in our weekend snapshot.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: A California prosecutor was blunt and specific today as opening statements began in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial.

CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is joining us now live from outside the courthouse in Santa Maria, California. He was inside all day today, day one.

What did we learn today? How did it go, Jeff?

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SR. LEGAL ANALYST: Well, to get to the bottom line, Wolf, this was, in a high-profile case, one of the worst opening statements I've ever heard by a prosecutor and one of the best opening statements I've ever heard by a defense lawyer. It was really a striking contrast. BLITZER: Well, what was so bad about what the -- what the prosecutor had to say?

TOOBIN: Well, it was disorganized. It was hard to follow. It was boring. And it didn't really address many of the key issues in the case that were raised immediately and very effectively by Tom Mesereau, the defense attorney.

BLITZER: And so he was very good in his defense, in his opening statement. Based on what you learned today -- and you're a close observer of this kind of legal proceeding -- how strong of a case does the prosecution seem to have?

TOOBIN: Wolf, a lot less strong than I thought this morning. I mean, this case very much hangs and -- rises and falls with the testimony of the accuser and the accuser's family.

And, interestingly, all day long in the courtroom today, the accuser and family were identified by name, which was striking. We, of course, are not using it on the air. But their names were used, so there were no John Does, none of that. It was all by name. And what was the touchstone of the defense case was the attack on the accuser's mother, who is very much the instigator of these charges. And the procession of false statements, false allegations, abuse of Michael Jackson's hospitality was really striking and breathtaking.

BLITZER: So this goes right to the credibility of the accusers, the young boy and his mother? Is that what you're saying?

TOOBIN: Exactly. And there was a bombshell right at the beginning of Tom Mesereau's opening statement, where he previewed one of the key defense witnesses in this case, who will be, of all people, Jay Leno, because what Tom Mesereau said to the jury was that the accuser and his family were scouting. They were essentially grifters. They were latching on to celebrities trying to get money from them.

And Tom Mesereau said that Jay Leno spoke to the accuser in this case, and he got a bad feeling. He had a feeling he was being coached by his mother in the background. He didn't like what he was hearing. And he hung up the phone almost immediately. That I think will be a very dramatic piece of testimony.

And what happened, Mesereau pointed to several celebrities who had been approached, Jay Leno, George Lopez, the comedian. Another comedian, an unfamiliar one to me, gave them $20,000, $3,000 from another comedian. And what he said was, they were looking for a mark, and they finally found one in Michael Jackson.

BLITZER: Is there -- so, what happens now? The opening statements, I guess, are completed. What happens tomorrow?

TOOBIN: Well, not yet. Tom Mesereau has -- he will finish his in the morning. And it appears that the first witness will be Martin Bashir, the former -- the British documentary host and broadcaster who was the anchorman and the interviewer in the infamous or famous documentary that ran in February 2003. Another very interesting fact that came out today was -- you know, the prosecution's theory of the case is that, when this interview ran, it created panic in the Jackson environment, for good reason. That's when the DA began its investigation. The media descended. The children protective services in Los Angeles, they were investigating. What the defense pointed out, which the prosecution tried to sort of get around, was that the abuse in this case was alleged to have taken place after all these investigations started, that the two allegations of abuse only took place after all these people were investigating, which is peculiar, to say the least.

In fairness, a lot will depend on the word of the accuser, and he hasn't -- and we haven't heard from him yet. And if the jury believes him, it's a good case for the prosecution.

BLITZER: Well, that's a good point to wrap it up on, Jeffrey Toobin reporting for us. A very, very bad day, he says, for the prosecution, a good day for the defense. But there are many days still to unfold in this trial.

Jeffrey, thank you very much.

Let's take a closer look at some other stories you may have missed this past weekend.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Despite U.S. objections, Russia signed an agreement to provide nuclear fuel for Iran's first nuclear reactor. Iran is supposed to return the spent fuel to Russia to prove it's not extracting plutonium that could be used to make bombs.

Hammered again. A tornado injured at least five people and did serious damage to 14 homes in Palm Bay, Florida. Some of the homes were hit by last summer's hurricanes and had been repaired only recently.

Slippery pavement. Rain is blamed in part for a chain reaction traffic accident near Jacksonville, Florida. A tour bus and six other vehicles were involved in the pileup on Interstate 95. One man was killed and eight other people were hurt.

Hollywood hoopla. "The Aviator" won the most Oscars at last night's Academy Awards ceremony, but the top Oscars went to other films. "Million Dollar Baby" was the best picture. Its director, Clint Eastwood, was best director. And its female lead, Hilary Swank, was best actress. Jamie Foxx was named best actor for "Ray."

And that's our weekend snapshot.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The forgotten heroes of the Cold War, CIA pilots serving the American government. But you'll find out when we come back why they're now being awarded the highest civilian honor in France. That story when we return.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: There's a development in the case involving suspected terrorist Jose Padilla.

Deborah Feyerick, covering this story, she's joining us now live from New York.

What do we know, Deborah?

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, he was the first person taken into custody as an enemy combatant 2 1/2 years ago, the president calling him a grave threat to national security.

But now, just moments ago, a federal judge in South Carolina has said that the government cannot hold him as an enemy combatant, that they either have to charge him with a crime or let him go within the next 45 days. The lawyers for Jose Padilla say -- quote -- "It shows that the constitution is alive and kicking." As for the Justice Department, they plan to have reaction some time later this evening -- Wolf.

BLITZER: All right, we'll stand by for that.

Deborah Feyerick, thank you very much.

A war in Vietnam when many Americans didn't even know about Vietnam or even where it was. A half-century ago, a group of Americans flying secretly for the CIA risked their lives to help French soldiers in their doomed battle in a place called Dien Bien Phu. Now the survivors among those American pilots are being honored.

Our national security correspondent David Ensor reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My friends, we will never praise enough the CAT pilots.

DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They're in their 70s and 80s now, these secret soldiers of the Cold War. A grateful French ambassador pinned on the seven survivors his nation's highest civilian honor, the Legion d'Honneur.

JEAN-DAVID LEVITTE, FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO UNITED STATES: So, from the bottom of my heart, in the name of the French Republic, thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

ENSOR: Fifty-one years ago, pilots for an air service secretly owned by the CIA braved heavy anti-aircraft fire for weeks to supply beleaguered French troops in Vietnam in the Valley of Dien Bien Phu.

ALLEN POPE, FORMER CAT PILOT: Remember those valiant members of our organization who could not be with us today. May they rest well in the true knowledge that their efforts in the final analysis of history was never in vain.

ENSOR: Pilot James McGovern, a legendary character, and his co- pilot, Wallace Buford, were shot down. With ammunition and food, much of it flown in by the Americans, the doomed French forces held out for nearly two months before being taken to prison camps, where many more died.

POPE: When Dien Bien Phu fell, they were just about out of ammunition. They were physically pounded for 55 days, and even not wounded were dying at their guns from fatigue.

ENSOR: Pilots Al Pope and Doug Price remember well the courage of the French. They tend to downplay their own.

(on camera): So, how dangerous was this -- this assignment you had?

DOUGLAS PRICE, FORMER CAT PILOT: Well, every day, it got a little bit more dangerous, because they got more guns in action and they got a little bit more accurate.

ENSOR (voice-over): They flew CIA-owned planes with French markings and French cargo handlers known as kickers. Doug Price's plane was hit by .50-caliber antiaircraft fire.

PRICE: And it went right through aft of the flight deck and in the forward cargo compartment and hit one of the French kickers we had.

ENSOR: Killed him?

PRICE: No. He eventually lost a leg.

WILLIAM LEARY, HISTORIAN: Al Pope and Doug Price were two of the best. They were the kind of person that you could count upon to do the most difficult, the most dangerous flying and then to keep their mouths shut about it after they did so.

POPE: Don't need any publicity about anything. In fact, I'm amazed that I am sitting here today. Chased you guys away for more than 50 years.

ENSOR (voice-over): The CIA got exactly what it wanted from Al Pope, total discretion. Yet, the agency takes the view that, since the men worked for a front company, not the CIA, they are not entitled to any compensation or honors from the government.

(on camera): How do you feel about the fact that the French government is honoring these men for their courage, but their own government has not done so?

LEARY: I think their own government is a bit behind the curve in honoring what these people did. These individuals were true heroes for the United States during the Cold War. And they deserve far more than they've ever gotten from the United States government.

ENSOR (voice-over): The awards ceremony took place, as the ambassador noted, under a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette, who fought under George Washington, the beribboned old pilots a reminder that two nations who disagree so strongly about Iraq have helped each other mightily in the past and may do so again.

David Ensor, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And when we come back, we'll tell you about a bizarre protest that made today's picture of the day. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Here's our Web question of the day. Remember, though, it's not a scientific poll.

Let's show you our picture of the day, a protest in London on the ledge at the Foreign Office. They're dressed as Batman, Robin and Captain America, campaigning for better child custody rights for divorced fathers.

That's it for me. "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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