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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Bush Greets Crown Prince; Syria Completes Pull-out from Lebanon; Bolton Nomination Discussed

Aired April 26, 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.

JOHN KING, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, a milestone in the Middle East -- after three decades, Syrian troops are out of Lebanon. But just what are they leaving behind? Stand by for WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING (voice-over): Al-Zarqawi's get-away, how U.S. troops say they almost caught al-Qaeda's ally in Iraq, and what they caught instead.

President Bush brings the embattled House majority leader on his latest Social Security road trip. But will Tom DeLay bring excess baggage?

Anger at the palace -- photographers chased his mother before her fatal car crash. Now, are the paparazzi putting Prince Harry's life at risk?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Tuesday, April 26th, 2005.

KING (on camera): They came close, very close. Pentagon officials say U.S. troops almost got their hands on terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. But they say they ended up with what could be the next best thing, his hard drive. New details today about a still- secret encounter back in February. Let's go live for more to our senior Pentagon correspondent, Jamie McIntyre. Jamie?

JAMIE MCINTYRE: Well, John, it was just a month ago that CNN reported that U.S. military had gotten close to getting Zarqawi, but today we learned a little bit more about how close.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): CNN has learned that these pictures of most wanted terrorist Abu Musab al Zarqawi, first broadcast by CNN last month, came from a computer recovered in February by a U.S. special operations task force that nearly got Zarqawi himself.

GEN. RICHARD MYERS, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN: We were close. And if you go much further into this, then you get into some of the operational methods, which we can't discuss.

MCINTYRE: But officials do tell CNN the U.S. was tipped off that Zarqawi was on his way to a meeting in Ramadi on February 20th. His vehicle was under aerial surveillance from a Predator spy plane, and checkpoints on the ground were set up to capture him. After his truck turned to avoid a checkpoint, U.S. commandos ran it down, only to find that Zarqawi apparently escaped. Two men, Zarqawi's driver and security guard, were seized along with Zarqawi's computer, said to contain a treasure trove of intelligence, including evidence which U.S. officials say reinforces the belief Zarqawi and Osama bin Laden are cooperating on some level.

QUESTION: Communications between the two?

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Well, maybe other things. Maybe people, maybe money, maybe communications. Maybe an oath of allegiance. Who knows?

QUESTIONS: Instructions?

RUMSFELD: Yes. But they're probably not detailed instructions, but broad direction. Yes.

MCINTYRE: Intelligence in Iraq is getting better, Rumsfeld and Myers say, citing as an example, the quick roundup of 10 suspects following the shootdown of a civilian helicopter last week.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE: Now, the Pentagon admits that, judging solely on the number of attacks, the insurgency seems to be as strong as it was a year ago, but General Myers insists that's the wrong measure. He went out on a limb today, saying that the U.S. and Iraqi forces are winning, he said, and have been winning for a long time. John?

KING: Jamie McIntyre at the Pentagon. Thank you, Jamie.

The United Nations has just sent a team to make sure, but after three decades of occupation, the last Syrian troops left Lebanon today. Our bureau chief Brent Sadler has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Two armies on parade for an historic day. Lebanese soldiers, and the last group of departing Syrian soldiers, marking this ceremonial end to 29 years of Syrian entrenchment in Lebanese life. The top brass honored each other with medals, including praise for Syria's outgoing chief of military intelligence. Anti-Syrian Lebanese say he was the much-feared boss of Syrian management over Lebanese affairs.

For weeks the Syrians had been uprooting their troops and tanks, forced to withdraw under intense international and Lebanese pressure. It followed the February assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a massive bomb blast, turning a popular Lebanese tide against Syria's long-time presence here, re-emerging briefly in Beirut when a group of relatives of missing Lebanese scuffled with security forces outside a still pro-Syrian parliament. This salute to Syria seems to end one aspect of an international crisis, but it may lead to another, focusing on Lebanon's Hezbollah, staunch allies of Syria. The militant group, labeled terrorists by the U.S. and Israel, still has weapons. It remains at the forefront of international pressure to disarm.

At the border, some Lebanese danced for joy as the Syrians officially completed their pullout.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Day of freedom. It's the day of sovereignty. It's the day of happiness, simply.

SADLER: A chance, it's hoped, for Lebanon to stand on its own feet and for politicians to eventually manage their own affairs, if the Syrians are well and truly gone.

Brent Sadler, CNN, Beirut.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: We'll have much more on the Syrian troop withdrawal from Lebanon later this hour. I'll speak live with the Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha.

After enduring a steady trickle of ethical allegations, House Republican Leader Tom DeLay could use a few kind words. He got just that today from President Bush.

CNN's Andrea Koppel is at the White House. Andrea?

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: John, what a difference a couple of weeks makes. Earlier this month, you had the White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, who was actually debating with reporters what the definition of a friend was, when they asked him whether the president considered the majority leader to be a friend, saying there are different levels of friendship.

Well, today, the president did more than just refer to him as a friend. He actually reached out and invited him to participate in an event at the Galveston Social Security reform rally, even though Galveston, technically isn't part of DeLay's 22nd District in Texas. The president also singled out DeLay for praise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tom DeLay in working on important issues that matter to the country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOPPEL: Now, in addition, as is often the case with protocol, when members of Congress are in the same city as the president, Mr. DeLay also got a ride back on Air Force One to Washington with Mr. Bush. But clearly, John, today's invitation was significant, considering those allegations that you alluded to that are facing the majority leader right now, concerning ethical violations, potential ethical violations, John.

KING: Well, Andrea, a clear show of support, a ride on Air Force One. The president publicly making clear he supports Tom DeLay. Any talk privately at the White House that there could be a negative for this public support?

KOPPEL: Well, I think that a lot more tongues would be wagging today if the president had embraced Mr. DeLay as he did the Saudi Crown Prince yesterday with a peck on the cheek and then holding his hand. I think most people recognize that the president has some pretty serious battles looming on Capitol Hill, whether you're talking about Social Security reform or the president's energy bill that he's been trying to get through for the last several years, even judicial reform. So it makes a lot of sense that the president would want to reach out to the most powerful man on the House side.

KING: Andrea Koppel for us on the North Lawn of the White House. Thank you, Andrea.

Presidential protocol. How close is too close for Americans' comfort?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT JORDAN, FMR. U.S. AMB. TO SAUDI ARABIA: He's held my hand, and we've walked through the palace together. When I saw him the last time, he kissed me on my cheek when I said good-bye. We're not going steady.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Is this an overly friendly act, or is the president simply following respected Arab customs?

A commuter's nightmare: Who's responsible for the death of 80 train passengers?

And, chasing Prince Harry -- claims the paparazzi put the young prince in danger. The royal family speaks out.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: President Bush appeared the perfect host yesterday when Saudi Arabia's crown prince came calling in Texas. The Arab World, it seemed, looked on approvingly. But Americans, well, let's just say some didn't quite understand the president's gestures.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING (voice-over): As presidential greetings go, it was without a doubt unusual. A kiss on each cheek for Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. And the hand in hand walk past the bluebonnets at Mr. Bush's Texas ranch. To veterans of Arab culture, however, not all that shocking and perhaps even a smart move for a president whose image in the Arab world is controversial to say the least. ROBERT JORDAN, FMR. U.S. AMB. TO SAUDI ARABIA: I would hope the Arabs would feel that this is a sign that the president gets it, that he understands certain cultural nuances, and that he and the crown prince are very good friends.

KING: On the Arab satellite network Al Jazeera, the anchor says anyone watching will see the obvious intimacy between the two leaders. And the friendly tone of the meeting was a major topic on the Al- Arabiya network as well, but here at home, sarcasm and ridicule. The high price of oil was "The New York Post" take. "Cowboys All Across the Lone Star State Must be Shuddering," the tabloid declared, suggesting the president was cozying up to the Saudis.

JAY LENO, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": God bless him, President Bush says he is doing whatever he has to do to bring down the price of oil. And I'll tell you, he was working it today. Did you see?

KING: The late night comics couldn't resist, either.

Three years ago in Crawford the Bush/Abdullah greeting was friendly, but a bit more, well, Western, but relations were tense then. A year later the two exchanged kisses at a summit in Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt, where Crown Prince Abdullah also held hands with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. And the hand holding and back slapping that is customary in Arab culture and Arab politics was on full display.

JORDAN: It's just a cultural thing. In Japan you might bow to someone. You might present your business card with two hands. We have Eskimos rubbing noses. I don't know what they do in New Guinea, but each part of the world has its own cultures. And I think the president was being alert, and as a good host trying to show his warmth to the crown prince.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Adel Al-Jubeir is the chief Saudi foreign policy adviser, and spokesman for Crown Prince Abdullah. He was at the ranch for those meetings with the president yesterday, and he joins me now live from our Dallas bureau.

Adel al-Jubeir, let me first start with this dust-up, if you will, in the press here in the United States. Help us understand. I've spent some time in your country, many Americans have not. The president, the holding hands during the walk, the two kisses. Not unusual to you, but some Americans seem taken aback a bit.

ADEL AL-JUBEIR, ADVISER TO SAUDI CROWN PRICE: I believe it's a natural human reaction. The two gentlemen are very close. They have a close relationship with each other. They've known each other for years. They trust each other. They feel comfortable with each other. Holding hands is a sign of affection and friendship. And kissing somebody on the cheeks when you first meet them if they're a friend of yours is a natural part in the Middle East, as well as the Mediterranean cultures. I believe the Italians do it, the Spanish people do it, the Greeks do it. I don't see why people would be so surprised about it. If anything, it reflects the depth and the warmth of the friendship between two people who've know each other for years.

KING: Let me ask you about the crown prince. When those pictures are shown back home, the United States is not terribly popular in parts of your country, and with radical terrorist groups across the Middle East, is the crown prince at risk, if you will, politically when those pictures are shown back home?

AL-JUBEIR: the crown prince is a gentleman. He's a man of honor. He will deal with his friends the way people expect him to deal with his friends. George Bush is a friend of his. That is not a secret to anyone. We have -- the relationship between Saudi Arabia is a very close one. That also is not a secret to anyone. It has been close for 60 years. And it would be natural for the two leaders to show affection and friendship toward each other.

KING: Let's talk a bit about the substance of the meeting, starting with oil prices. You were quite emphatic after the meeting yesterday, saying look, if Saudi Arabia showed up at the borders of the United States today with 2 million barrels of oil, it wouldn't do anything to the prices because we don't have the refining capacity here in the United States. But what can be done in the short term? Anything at all that Saudi Arabia can help with?

AL-JUBEIR: Yes. We have increased our oil production to over 9 1/2 million barrels a day. We have informed customers that we can produce another approximately 1.4 or 1.5 million barrels of oil a day if -- if customers choose to purchase that crude. We have been doing so for the past nine months. We are building refineries in Saudi Arabia. We are also building refineries or in the process of building refineries in India. We're looking to build refineries in other places of the world in order to make sure that we can produce enough product.

KING: But it's down the road a bit. That's down -- that's down the road months if not years.

AL-JUBEIR: Yes. Because John, the thing to keep in mind is there is no shortage of crude oil as we speak. There is -- there is a small amount of spare capacity available that one can tap into. What is driving oil prices to these record levels are factors that really are separate from supply-demand.

It's fear factors. It's speculation. It's lack of infrastructure and refining. It's concern about the future rather than the realities of the present. We believe that the price of oil is way too high from where it should be given the economic fundamentals of supply and demand. And we're hoping that as people recognize this, in particular, the traders and the oil companies, that they'll begin to -- that the pressure upwardly on oil prices will begin to ease and prices will come back to more reasonable levels.

KING: As you know, another issue in the relationship is the president's call and his praise so far for Saudi Arabia in advancing freedom and democracy. The president has been complimentary about recent municipal elections held in your country. When is the next round of elections? How will they expand the rights of democracy, democratic rights in Saudi Arabia, and will specifically women be able to vote in the next round?

AL-JUBEIR: I believe the head of the election commission in Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that he will recommend that women should be allowed to vote in the next round of elections. Keep in mind, John, that the history of Saudi Arabia is a history of change. That is not going to change. We will continue to evolve. We will continue to build our institutions. We will continue to broaden political participation in line with our customs and traditions, and at a speed that our people are comfortable with.

When my father went to school in Saudi Arabia, 95 percent of his contemporaries did not have access to schools. When I went to school in Saudi Arabia, all of my contemporaries had access to schools. When my father was growing up in Saudi Arabia, we didn't have any paved roads. When you go to Saudi Arabia now, it looks like Los Angeles or Dallas.

And so that is changed. And we also changed institutions. We've built government institutions. We have built schools. We have built universities. We have built hospitals. And now we're in the process of setting up civil institutions and gradually broadening political participation by our citizens. There is no turning back. We know that.

KING: Adel Al-Jubeir, thank you very much. Foreign policy adviser to Crown Prince Abdullah, joining us from Dallas. Thank you, Adel.

AL-JUBEIR: My pleasure.

KING: Take care.

In pursuit of Prince Harry. Did tabloid photographers put a royal family member's life in danger again?

Speaking out in support of John Bolton. Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger makes his case live on this program.

Plus, a robbery victim's desperate call to 911 from a very unusual place, the trunk of a moving car.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Britain's royal family is upset with the tabloid press -- again. The issue? Photos of Prince Harry and the way they were made.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

KING: (voice over): The dispute started when two British tabloids, "The Sun" and "The Daily Mail," published photos of Prince Harry taken while on safari in Botswana. A spokesman for Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, quoted by the Reuters news agency, quickly charged that the photographers who took those pictures jeopardized the prince's safety. "There was a pursuit of Prince Harry's jeep along a rutted dirt track that involved dangerous driving, which put the occupants of both Prince Harry's vehicle and the photographers' vehicle at risk of an accident," unquote.

The two newspapers deny that accusation. But for some Britons, the assertion brought back memories of the death of Prince Harry's mother, Princess Diana. She was being chased by photographers when her car crashed in a Paris tunnel.

Despite the royal family's statement about this week's photos, no formal complaint has been filed. But it's no secret that news coverage frequently irks the royal family. One of the newspapers that published the pictures of Prince Harry this week, "The Sun," also printed an embarrassing photo of the prince dressed up as a Nazi for a costume party.

Earlier this month, when Harry's father, Charles, was attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II, he caught flak for shaking the hand of Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe -- accused of numerous human rights abuses.

A few weeks ago, Prince Charles agreed to a photo opportunity during a family ski vacation. The prince appeared to be getting along well with reporters, till the microphone picked up a comment he muttered under his breath.

PRINCE CHARLES: Bloody people (ph).

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Searching for clues. What caused this deadly train derailment in Japan? The latest on the investigation.

Also, the controversial nomination of John Bolton for U.N. ambassador. Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger joins me live to defend the nominee.

And will Syria stay out of Lebanon for good? I'll ask the Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Welcome back. Grief and a lot of unanswered questions in Japan as the country deals with its worst commuter rail accident in four decades. That story coming up. But first, a quick check of other stories now in the news.

On Capitol Hill, House lawmakers have unveiled the so-called Drug Free Sports Act. The measure would require professional athletes be independently tested for possible steroids use. And it calls for steep fines and strong punishment for violators.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld are disputing a report that the investigation into a checkpoint shooting in Iraq is finished. In the incident, an Italian security agent was killed, and a former Italian hostage in Iraq was wounded when they were shot by American troops. The report at issue came out yesterday, when a senior Pentagon official said that investigation was over and U.S. troops would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Opponents have raised allegations of abusive behavior, raising doubts about the confirmation of President Bush's choice to be United Nations ambassador. But John Bolton does have plenty of strong supporters. And former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger is one of them. He joins me now live from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Secretary Eagleburger, let me begin with this question: You know John Bolton well. Have you spoken to him recently during this confirmation process?

LAWRENCE EAGLEBURGER, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: Yes. I talked to him a few days ago just to see how things were going for him, and told him I would be happy to write an article for him, which I then did. And it was not asked of me. I did it on my own.

KING: And has he said anything about his reaction, whether it's personal or a policy perspective, to the things that are being said about him?

EAGLEBURGER: No. In fact, I steered away from asking him anything about that, and he steered away from saying anything about it. So I can't characterize how he feels about it.

KING: One of the criticisms, if you will, is that he's got a hot temper, that he sometimes flies off the handle. You're known as somebody who, in the world of diplomats, was a bit crusty at times -- I say that as a compliment -- making clear your opinions when you thought the policy machine needed to be moved along. What are the pros and cons of that from your perspective?

EAGLEBURGER: Well, look, number one, I valued very much -- when I was in the department, I valued it when subordinates would tell me when they thought I was wrong. There's nothing better than being able to knock an issue around and have people tell you what they think with the bark off. And John would always do that.

At the same time, when I made a decision, he then saluted and went off and did what he had to do. I think John has a good mind, a very good mind. I think he also can be, as you say, crusty. And he's not old enough to be crusty; I am. But anyway, he's tough. Let's put it that way. And I'm sure that on occasion he has ruffled feathers amongst subordinates. He may have even gone further than that. The fundamental question has to be, is he the right man to be ambassador to the U.N.? The fundamental question then is -- can be discussed also in terms of how much he's done to subordinates, but that's not the principal or the most important question.

KING: But, one of the other questions, and some Democrats say this is more significant to them, than whether or not he has a hot temper or not, is that he may have tried to stretch intelligence, that he may have tried to influence analysts to get them to change their perspective, so that he could make a broader case against what he would view as countries hostile to the Bush administration, or rogue nations as you will.

Is that -- would that be disqualifying in your view if, if, if it could be proven that he stretched intelligence?

EAGLEBURGER: It would be disquali-- yes, it would be disqualifying if what he did was a deliberate attempt to get them to change their analysis to prove a point that he wanted to make, when there was no evidence to make the point. I don't know whether he did that or not. I never saw anything in my time with John that would indicate something like that.

But I will say this as well: Analysts deserve to have their analysis challenged by their superiors. And they need to have it challenged in a tough way on occasion, simply to prove to the superior that they have thought through all of the questions and have come up with the right analysis. And I think it is wrong to argue that they don't have to have their arguments and their thoughts put on the panel and then discussed to see whether they're correct or not. So, I'm inclined to think John may have done that, and done it, you know, with the bark off again, but I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with that.

KING: How much in your view is this fight about John Bolton, and how much of it is about those who have finally decided, maybe after taking it, when they didn't like it, to decide to, let's take on the Bush administration's foreign policy, whether it be the policy objectives or the tone in carrying out those objectives? And as you answer, sir, it's not just the Democrats. There are a few Republicans now...

EAGLEBURGER: No, I know.

KING: ...who are speaking out, at least voicing their reservations.

EAGLEBURGER: I would narrow it somewhat. I think the fundamental issue here is, people who see the U.N. as, if not sacrosanct, at least, it is the foreign policy instrument that we must maintain so that we can keep friendships, so that we can develop coalitions, and so forth. And they're unwilling -- I don't want to be too critical now, but they're basically unwilling to look at the warts on the institution as it now exists.

I personally believe the U.N. needs major reform or the U.S. is going to become less and less enamored of doing anything in it. I think that the corruption is there. I think that the anti-Americanism is there. I think we have to have an ambassador there right now who will, in fact, call a spade a spade. And John to me is that person. And in fact, in the long run, my argument is that's the way we will strengthen the U.N. and our position within it.

KING: As you know, Secretary Powell, John's former boss, did not sign a letter of former secretaries who supported him, and at least two members of the foreign relations committee have confirmed, and Secretary Powell's office have confirmed, that he had conversations with them about John Bolton. And we hear from people in, you know, the echo chamber of Washington, that he voiced some reservations.

Does he have -- as his former boss, his most former boss, immediate former boss -- does he have a responsibility to speak out now that it's at least known that he's been talking to members of the committee?

EAGLEBURGER: Responsibility to speak out? No. It's up to him. and he may not want to -- I think it's probably fairly clear that he is not in love with John Bolton. That I think we can all assume. The question then becomes, does he need to go public on all of that and call a spade a spade, as I've said, or can he let it go with silence? And I personally believe that he's doing the right thing, which is he recognizes that he doesn't like Mr. Bolton, I suppose, but at the same time he also recognizes this is the president's choice and he will be loyal to his president. That's my guess. I have no knowledge of it at all.

KING: Once again, as always, sir, thank you for your unvarnished thoughts and analysis. Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger. Thank you, sir.

EAGLEBURGER: My pleasure. Thank you.

KING: Our pleasure. Thank you.

Authorities in Japan say they're treating the investigation into yesterday's deadly commuter train trash -- crash, excuse me -- as a possible case of criminal negligence. The crash near Osaka killed about 80 people; hundreds more were injured.

CNN's Atika Schubert reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SCHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Families in shock search the lists of the missing and the dead. Many collect their loved ones from a gymnasium turned makeshift morgue. Victims' families want to know who is responsible for this.

Investigators are focusing on two factors -- the speed of the train and the inexperienced young driver at its helm, a new employee who had only just received his operator's license. The driver has not yet been found. He is still believed to be in the wreckage. Analysts say the cause is likely to be a combination of factors, including a possible obstruction on the tracks.

We hear there was a stone on the rail. We hear the train was speeding. There is also speculation that the construction of the train itself may have been faulty, this analyst says.

Japan Rail West, the company responsible for the train service, is at the center of the investigation and the object of public fury. The company's president tried to visit the morgue on Tuesday, only to be mobbed by reporters and family members. On a separate visit, the chairman offered this apology. "It was a terrible accident," he said. "Many people have died. I am filled with feelings of deep apology. "

But apologies do little to ease the grief of those who lost friends and family.

(on camera): This is Japan's worst train accident in more than four decades. Police say they now consider this a possible case of criminal negligence, and many here want to know who should be held accountable.

Atika Shubert, CNN, Tokyo.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: And now a quick look at some other news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): In Taiwan, scuffles broke out as the island's opposition leader left for a historic visit to China. Nationalist Party leader Lien Chan is on a mission to ease tensions with Taiwan's communist neighbor. Critics call Lien a traitor.

More violence broke out in Togo after election officials announced the winner of Sunday's presidential election, Faure Gnassingbe. He's the son of the late dictator who ruled the west African nation for almost four decades.

And in Ethiopia, celebrations greet the return of the final section of the Axum Obelisk. Italian troops who occupied Ethiopia almost seven decades ago had taken the obelisk to Italy.

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

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): It was a desperate call for help, but it failed to stop a murder. Just ahead, we'll tell you about an unusual 911 case under investigation in Illinois.

In California, a major shake-up in Michael Jackson's legal team as the pop star's trial moves forward. We'll tell you who's off the team.

And these animals are certainly not home on the range. We'll tell you how a herd of buffalo ended up in a Maryland neighborhood.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Topping our justice report -- no sign of foul play in the deaths of two Georgia toddlers. Officials say preliminary autopsy results show no visible signs of trauma in 2- and 3-year-old Nicole and Jonah Payne. Their bodies were found in a sanitation pond yesterday, two days after they vanished from their family's rural Georgia home.

And a shake-up in Michael Jackson's defense team. Attorney Brian Oxman is no longer representing Jackson, according to a court filing. No reason was given. Oxman could be seen in a heated conversation outside court yesterday with lead attorney Thomas Mesereau. That move comes just days before the defense is expected to begin its case in the pop star's child molestation trial.

It started with a desperate 911 call from the trunk of a car, and ended with two men arrested for murder. But the book isn't closed yet on this remarkably unusual case.

CNN's Brian Todd is here with the story.

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, police in Elgin, Illinois are conducting an internal investigation into the murder of David Steeves earlier this month, a case that illustrates how tough a 911 operator's job can be, especially in those crucial first moments of a call.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TODD (voice-over): From the trunk of a stolen car a 19-year-old desperately calls for help.

DAVID STEEVES, 911 CALLER: My name is David Steeves. Please find me.

911 OPERATOR: What's your name?

STEEVES: I'm in trouble right now. David Steeves. I'm on -- we're going fast man.

OPERATOR: Stay on the phone with me.

STEEVES: I'm in a trunk right now. I don't know where I'm at.

OPERATOR: All right. Stay on the phone man.

STEEVES: Oh my God. You guys, please help me. Please help me. Oh my God. Please help me.

TODD: That call on April 8th from David Steeves to 911 operators in Elgin, Illinois about an hour northwest of Chicago. After a few minutes the call is cut off. Police say the 911 operators tried to call Steeves back and connected at least once. Police say the operators and dispatchers relayed all the information they could immediately to units nearby. Here's one call from a dispatcher to police.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every time the call-taker tries to call the subject back he hangs up. He won't give his name the way we can understand what he's saying. All he says is he's moving fast and traveling South Street in the trunk of a green Toyota Corolla. And then he hangs up. Call-taker thinks it could be a prank, but isn't definite on it. TODD: Elgin Police officials tell CNN that they diligently searched for Steeves' Toyota Corolla that night and several days afterward. Six days passed. On April 14th, Steeves' body was discovered inside that same trunk at an apartment complex in Rockford, Illinois At least 40 miles away. He'd been shot to death. The motive, say police, robbery.

SGT. GLENN THERIAULT, ELGIN, ILLINOIS POLICE: Any murder and any robbery has only an innocent victim to it, and it's just senseless.

TODD: Elgin Police tell CNN they're conducting an internal investigation into the officer's response and the 911 operator's. Although the dispatcher at one point claimed Steeves was not saying his name in a clear manner, police believe he spelled out his name at least once. Steeves' family has consistently voiced support for the Elgin Police, calling their efforts tireless and diligent. Two suspects, Robert Guyton and Armin Henderson, were picked up within days of Steeves' disappearance in an investigation that police say encompassed five counties.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TODD: Guyton and Henderson each face multiple counts of murder. Police officials tell us their internal investigation could take several weeks, John.

KING: Brian Todd, thank you very much. Strange case.

The end of an era in the Middle East. Syria says it's completed its withdrawal from Lebanon. We'll talk it over with the Syrian ambassador to the United States.

Also ahead -- the people of Iraq's southern marshes. They have their freedom. Now what will they do with it?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: After 29 years of occupation Syria today brought its remaining troops home from Lebanon. The pullout followed extraordinary international pressure on Damascus, and it left Lebanese dancing in the streets.

Joining me to discuss this is the Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha.

Mr. Ambassador, a historic day. Syria says its troops are out. Can you tell us today that this is permanent, that under no circumstances would they ever go back into Lebanon?

IMAD MOUSTAPHA, SYRIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: Well, first, yes, our troops are out categorically and absolutely. Second, we were never an occupation force. We went there invited by the Lebanese government itself to end a bloody civil war that lasted for 15 years, and ended up with 150,000 Lebanese killed in the Lebanese Civil War. Once peace was restored in Lebanon, our troops started withdrawing from their peak presence of 42,000 troops to only 14,000 a couple of months ago and to zero troops today.

KING: You know, it is the view of the United States and a United Nations Security Council resolution that that did not happen fast enough. But let's try to look forward.

One of the questions going forward is what about Hezbollah?

Will Syria from across the border support Hezbollah in Lebanon, perhaps political disruption, perhaps attacks on Israel?

Can you say that as it pulls out of Lebanon its troops and intelligence services, is Syria prepared to say anything or do anything with regards to helping, supporting, financing Hezbollah?

MOUSTAPHA: Well, first, let me remind everybody that's watching CNN, that Hezbollah is a purely Lebanese grass root movement. Hezbollah was a resistance movement that fought the Israelis and pushed them out of Lebanon. Syria has nothing to do with Hezbollah. Hezbollah is not a Syrian puppet or a Syrian-created party.

KING: As you know, sir, the United States would say...

MOUSTAPHA: Hezbollah is part and parcel of the Lebanese social and political fabric. It's a purely Lebanese issue. Now we are absolutely out of Lebanon. And we have -- will not interfere in any Lebanese issue. As far as Syria is concerned, we have implemented whatever is required from Syria vis-a-vis the Security Council Resolution 1559, a resolution that is only six months old. Having said this, please do remember that there are a stack pile of -- for United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding that Israel withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan and from the occupied Palestinian territories, and from the Lebanese Shebaa Farms and Israel never ever implemented these resolutions.

KING: No question, there is U.N. resolutions that many would say Israel has not complied with. But as you know, the United States has said consistently that Hezbollah's money -- you say it is a Lebanese grassroots movement.

MOUSTAPHA: It's a fact, it's not what I say.

KING: But the United States has said consistently the money comes from Syria and Iran.

MOUSTAPHA: No, we do not finance Hezbollah. We don't pay a single penny to Hezbollah. The United States itself knows about this. However, if the United States wants to accuse Syria of doing this, well, they have accused Syria of other things that evaporated into thin air. If you remember the story about Iraq's W.M.D.'s moving into Syria, yesterday here in Washington it has been categorically proven that this was a false accusation.

KING: You are correct. You make reference to the Duelfer report...

MOUSTAPHA: Yes, of course. Of course. KING: ...which says that there's no evidence at all...

MOUSTAPHA: Of course, and I have a long list of U.S. accusations against Syria that evaporated into thin air.

KING: Well, let me ask you about one made today by the Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. There were questions about an effort, an almost-successful effort to capture Abu Musab al Zarqawi, a terrorist in Iraq who has been supporting -- directing -- the insurgency against U.S. troops and Iraqis. Secretary Rumsfeld says some of that money "undoubtedly" -- his word, "undoubtedly" -- comes through Syria.

MOUSTAPHA: Well, let me remind you of a more important fact. Syria has been very helpful to the United States in their fight against al Qaeda. We consider al Qaeda an extremist terrorist group, and we have been fighting such groups for, at least, the past 25 years and trying to link al Qaeda to Syria or Abu Musab al Zarqawi to Syria is preposterous, and it's akin to linking Saddam Hussein also to al Qaeda.

I think people should really think hard before they throw accusations here and there. The American people have been fed lots of versions about the reality in the Middle East that do not coincide with the reality there. Definitely, Syria does not support al Qaeda. They are our sworn enemies, and we have repeatedly helped the United States against al Qaeda and...

KING: Do you see...

MOUSTAPHA: ...I'm saying this on the record.

KING: Do you see, sir, this tension, this climate of accusations and your denials, the emotions of this debate, as you can see in the studio, does it continue or is there a moment now, with Syrian troops out, can Damascus make a gesture, can Washington make a gesture, to say, why don't we try a new course?

MOUSTAPHA: I hope that everybody would know the following: In the past eight months, Syria has repeatedly offered gestures of goodwill to the United States. We have repeatedly said, to high- ranking U.S. officials, that Syria is willing to engage with the United States. We can't understand this animosity and hostility towards us. We are not an enemy of the United States.

And here, on the record, I repeat this invitation to the United States to engage with Syria. I don't think that hostility to Syria serves the United States' long-term interests. It definitely does not help Syria's long-term interests. We want to engage with the United States, but the United States has to make a decision.

KING: Syria's ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha. Sir, thank you for your thoughts on this historic day -- Syrian troops, out of Lebanon.

MOUSTAPHA: Thank you. Thank you.

KING: Thank you.

Coming up at the stop of the hour, "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT." Lou's standing by in New York with a preview.

LOU DOBBS, HOST, "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT": John, thank you.

At 6:00 p.m. Eastern tonight on CNN, we'll be reporting on the escalating battle over the future of Social Security. The Senate Finance Committee chairman and the ranking Democrat join me.

Also tonight, securing our borders. Immigration reform groups taking their fight for strict border security and tighter immigration laws today to Capitol Hill. We'll have that special report for you.

And investors against outsourcing -- why many investors say the export of American jobs to those cheap overseas labor markets may not be so good for corporate America after all, and they have the proof in hand.

We'll have that story for you and a great deal more in just a few minutes at the top of the hour here on CNN. Please join us. Now back to you, John.

KING: Thank you, Lou. Thank you very much.

Roaming free: a herd of buffalo on the loose in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Now a follow-up to a story you'll see only here on CNN about a group of people in Iraq once persecuted under Saddam Hussein. CNN's Jane Arraf continues our look, showing the marsh areas' incredible comeback.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In this funeral procession in southern Iraq, there's one flag waving, and it's not the Iraqi emblem. It's a tribal flag. No longer forced to pledge allegiance to an Iraqi leader who oppressed the Shias, they're free to follow who they please. This is the region, the Shia south, where Saddam's removal had the most liberating effect. People here say they're sure that democracy is a good thing, even if they're not quite sure what it means.

In the market in al Amarah, in the heart of the marshes, people are still desperately poor. They haven't seen much benefit yet from a new Iraqi government, but they're hopeful. Abbamia Basam Lufta (ph) has four children. Her husband died of illness five years ago. She buys and sells vegetables, and makes about a dollar a day. She says it's a good government, but she doesn't know anything about them.

People here, she says, need jobs, fuel, and a government that will bring stability to Iraq. Along the marshes, Saddam Hussein drained to flush out opposition to his regime, people are still proud they voted in the January elections. It doesn't seem to bother them that polling workers told some of them who to vote for.

They gave us a piece of paper with a candle in the dome and told to us vote for them, says Varhan Fahad (ph). For those who can't read, the candle and the dome was the symbol of the party backed by the Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Here in the south, Shias celebrate their faith with a passion suppressed for decades under Saddam.

With a large Shia majority here, there's much less of the violence that has gripped central Iraq. The regional government includes former fighters, now turned politicians. Abu Buriem (ph), the nom de guerre of Mohammed Abdullah Sultan al Jamili (ph), fought Saddam's regime for decades, based in Iran. Asked about his ties with Iran, he says, if Britain were bordering Iraq, we would have sought refuge there.

British forces here in this province, the Welsh Guards, are able to keep a lower profile than American soldiers. They seem to be more accepted by the population, including Governor Adele Raadi (ph), who says multinational forces will be needed here until the Iraqi army can be fully trained.

In many parts of the south, larger than life portraits of Saddam have been replaced by similarly painted portraits of Shia clerics. Here, small children have been taught to shout the name of Muqtada al- Sadr, the radical Shia cleric who led an uprising against U.S. forces. In the Shia south, as people feel their way through this new democracy, religion is inseparable from politics.

Jane Arraf, CNN, al Amarah, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Our picture of the day: a modern-day buffalo roundup just outside Baltimore. Police say about 10 animals got loose from a farm and began roaming an upscale residential community. After 13 police cars, a helicopter, and two hours of chase, police finally managed to herd them in a tennis court.

LOU DOBBS TONIGHT starts right now, and Lou's standing by.

END

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 April 26, 2005 - 17:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JOHN KING, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, a milestone in the Middle East -- after three decades, Syrian troops are out of Lebanon. But just what are they leaving behind? Stand by for WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING (voice-over): Al-Zarqawi's get-away, how U.S. troops say they almost caught al-Qaeda's ally in Iraq, and what they caught instead.

President Bush brings the embattled House majority leader on his latest Social Security road trip. But will Tom DeLay bring excess baggage?

Anger at the palace -- photographers chased his mother before her fatal car crash. Now, are the paparazzi putting Prince Harry's life at risk?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Tuesday, April 26th, 2005.

KING (on camera): They came close, very close. Pentagon officials say U.S. troops almost got their hands on terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. But they say they ended up with what could be the next best thing, his hard drive. New details today about a still- secret encounter back in February. Let's go live for more to our senior Pentagon correspondent, Jamie McIntyre. Jamie?

JAMIE MCINTYRE: Well, John, it was just a month ago that CNN reported that U.S. military had gotten close to getting Zarqawi, but today we learned a little bit more about how close.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): CNN has learned that these pictures of most wanted terrorist Abu Musab al Zarqawi, first broadcast by CNN last month, came from a computer recovered in February by a U.S. special operations task force that nearly got Zarqawi himself.

GEN. RICHARD MYERS, JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN: We were close. And if you go much further into this, then you get into some of the operational methods, which we can't discuss.

MCINTYRE: But officials do tell CNN the U.S. was tipped off that Zarqawi was on his way to a meeting in Ramadi on February 20th. His vehicle was under aerial surveillance from a Predator spy plane, and checkpoints on the ground were set up to capture him. After his truck turned to avoid a checkpoint, U.S. commandos ran it down, only to find that Zarqawi apparently escaped. Two men, Zarqawi's driver and security guard, were seized along with Zarqawi's computer, said to contain a treasure trove of intelligence, including evidence which U.S. officials say reinforces the belief Zarqawi and Osama bin Laden are cooperating on some level.

QUESTION: Communications between the two?

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Well, maybe other things. Maybe people, maybe money, maybe communications. Maybe an oath of allegiance. Who knows?

QUESTIONS: Instructions?

RUMSFELD: Yes. But they're probably not detailed instructions, but broad direction. Yes.

MCINTYRE: Intelligence in Iraq is getting better, Rumsfeld and Myers say, citing as an example, the quick roundup of 10 suspects following the shootdown of a civilian helicopter last week.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MCINTYRE: Now, the Pentagon admits that, judging solely on the number of attacks, the insurgency seems to be as strong as it was a year ago, but General Myers insists that's the wrong measure. He went out on a limb today, saying that the U.S. and Iraqi forces are winning, he said, and have been winning for a long time. John?

KING: Jamie McIntyre at the Pentagon. Thank you, Jamie.

The United Nations has just sent a team to make sure, but after three decades of occupation, the last Syrian troops left Lebanon today. Our bureau chief Brent Sadler has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Two armies on parade for an historic day. Lebanese soldiers, and the last group of departing Syrian soldiers, marking this ceremonial end to 29 years of Syrian entrenchment in Lebanese life. The top brass honored each other with medals, including praise for Syria's outgoing chief of military intelligence. Anti-Syrian Lebanese say he was the much-feared boss of Syrian management over Lebanese affairs.

For weeks the Syrians had been uprooting their troops and tanks, forced to withdraw under intense international and Lebanese pressure. It followed the February assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a massive bomb blast, turning a popular Lebanese tide against Syria's long-time presence here, re-emerging briefly in Beirut when a group of relatives of missing Lebanese scuffled with security forces outside a still pro-Syrian parliament. This salute to Syria seems to end one aspect of an international crisis, but it may lead to another, focusing on Lebanon's Hezbollah, staunch allies of Syria. The militant group, labeled terrorists by the U.S. and Israel, still has weapons. It remains at the forefront of international pressure to disarm.

At the border, some Lebanese danced for joy as the Syrians officially completed their pullout.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Day of freedom. It's the day of sovereignty. It's the day of happiness, simply.

SADLER: A chance, it's hoped, for Lebanon to stand on its own feet and for politicians to eventually manage their own affairs, if the Syrians are well and truly gone.

Brent Sadler, CNN, Beirut.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: We'll have much more on the Syrian troop withdrawal from Lebanon later this hour. I'll speak live with the Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha.

After enduring a steady trickle of ethical allegations, House Republican Leader Tom DeLay could use a few kind words. He got just that today from President Bush.

CNN's Andrea Koppel is at the White House. Andrea?

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: John, what a difference a couple of weeks makes. Earlier this month, you had the White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, who was actually debating with reporters what the definition of a friend was, when they asked him whether the president considered the majority leader to be a friend, saying there are different levels of friendship.

Well, today, the president did more than just refer to him as a friend. He actually reached out and invited him to participate in an event at the Galveston Social Security reform rally, even though Galveston, technically isn't part of DeLay's 22nd District in Texas. The president also singled out DeLay for praise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, UNITED STATES PRESIDENT: I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tom DeLay in working on important issues that matter to the country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOPPEL: Now, in addition, as is often the case with protocol, when members of Congress are in the same city as the president, Mr. DeLay also got a ride back on Air Force One to Washington with Mr. Bush. But clearly, John, today's invitation was significant, considering those allegations that you alluded to that are facing the majority leader right now, concerning ethical violations, potential ethical violations, John.

KING: Well, Andrea, a clear show of support, a ride on Air Force One. The president publicly making clear he supports Tom DeLay. Any talk privately at the White House that there could be a negative for this public support?

KOPPEL: Well, I think that a lot more tongues would be wagging today if the president had embraced Mr. DeLay as he did the Saudi Crown Prince yesterday with a peck on the cheek and then holding his hand. I think most people recognize that the president has some pretty serious battles looming on Capitol Hill, whether you're talking about Social Security reform or the president's energy bill that he's been trying to get through for the last several years, even judicial reform. So it makes a lot of sense that the president would want to reach out to the most powerful man on the House side.

KING: Andrea Koppel for us on the North Lawn of the White House. Thank you, Andrea.

Presidential protocol. How close is too close for Americans' comfort?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT JORDAN, FMR. U.S. AMB. TO SAUDI ARABIA: He's held my hand, and we've walked through the palace together. When I saw him the last time, he kissed me on my cheek when I said good-bye. We're not going steady.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Is this an overly friendly act, or is the president simply following respected Arab customs?

A commuter's nightmare: Who's responsible for the death of 80 train passengers?

And, chasing Prince Harry -- claims the paparazzi put the young prince in danger. The royal family speaks out.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: President Bush appeared the perfect host yesterday when Saudi Arabia's crown prince came calling in Texas. The Arab World, it seemed, looked on approvingly. But Americans, well, let's just say some didn't quite understand the president's gestures.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING (voice-over): As presidential greetings go, it was without a doubt unusual. A kiss on each cheek for Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. And the hand in hand walk past the bluebonnets at Mr. Bush's Texas ranch. To veterans of Arab culture, however, not all that shocking and perhaps even a smart move for a president whose image in the Arab world is controversial to say the least. ROBERT JORDAN, FMR. U.S. AMB. TO SAUDI ARABIA: I would hope the Arabs would feel that this is a sign that the president gets it, that he understands certain cultural nuances, and that he and the crown prince are very good friends.

KING: On the Arab satellite network Al Jazeera, the anchor says anyone watching will see the obvious intimacy between the two leaders. And the friendly tone of the meeting was a major topic on the Al- Arabiya network as well, but here at home, sarcasm and ridicule. The high price of oil was "The New York Post" take. "Cowboys All Across the Lone Star State Must be Shuddering," the tabloid declared, suggesting the president was cozying up to the Saudis.

JAY LENO, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": God bless him, President Bush says he is doing whatever he has to do to bring down the price of oil. And I'll tell you, he was working it today. Did you see?

KING: The late night comics couldn't resist, either.

Three years ago in Crawford the Bush/Abdullah greeting was friendly, but a bit more, well, Western, but relations were tense then. A year later the two exchanged kisses at a summit in Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt, where Crown Prince Abdullah also held hands with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. And the hand holding and back slapping that is customary in Arab culture and Arab politics was on full display.

JORDAN: It's just a cultural thing. In Japan you might bow to someone. You might present your business card with two hands. We have Eskimos rubbing noses. I don't know what they do in New Guinea, but each part of the world has its own cultures. And I think the president was being alert, and as a good host trying to show his warmth to the crown prince.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Adel Al-Jubeir is the chief Saudi foreign policy adviser, and spokesman for Crown Prince Abdullah. He was at the ranch for those meetings with the president yesterday, and he joins me now live from our Dallas bureau.

Adel al-Jubeir, let me first start with this dust-up, if you will, in the press here in the United States. Help us understand. I've spent some time in your country, many Americans have not. The president, the holding hands during the walk, the two kisses. Not unusual to you, but some Americans seem taken aback a bit.

ADEL AL-JUBEIR, ADVISER TO SAUDI CROWN PRICE: I believe it's a natural human reaction. The two gentlemen are very close. They have a close relationship with each other. They've known each other for years. They trust each other. They feel comfortable with each other. Holding hands is a sign of affection and friendship. And kissing somebody on the cheeks when you first meet them if they're a friend of yours is a natural part in the Middle East, as well as the Mediterranean cultures. I believe the Italians do it, the Spanish people do it, the Greeks do it. I don't see why people would be so surprised about it. If anything, it reflects the depth and the warmth of the friendship between two people who've know each other for years.

KING: Let me ask you about the crown prince. When those pictures are shown back home, the United States is not terribly popular in parts of your country, and with radical terrorist groups across the Middle East, is the crown prince at risk, if you will, politically when those pictures are shown back home?

AL-JUBEIR: the crown prince is a gentleman. He's a man of honor. He will deal with his friends the way people expect him to deal with his friends. George Bush is a friend of his. That is not a secret to anyone. We have -- the relationship between Saudi Arabia is a very close one. That also is not a secret to anyone. It has been close for 60 years. And it would be natural for the two leaders to show affection and friendship toward each other.

KING: Let's talk a bit about the substance of the meeting, starting with oil prices. You were quite emphatic after the meeting yesterday, saying look, if Saudi Arabia showed up at the borders of the United States today with 2 million barrels of oil, it wouldn't do anything to the prices because we don't have the refining capacity here in the United States. But what can be done in the short term? Anything at all that Saudi Arabia can help with?

AL-JUBEIR: Yes. We have increased our oil production to over 9 1/2 million barrels a day. We have informed customers that we can produce another approximately 1.4 or 1.5 million barrels of oil a day if -- if customers choose to purchase that crude. We have been doing so for the past nine months. We are building refineries in Saudi Arabia. We are also building refineries or in the process of building refineries in India. We're looking to build refineries in other places of the world in order to make sure that we can produce enough product.

KING: But it's down the road a bit. That's down -- that's down the road months if not years.

AL-JUBEIR: Yes. Because John, the thing to keep in mind is there is no shortage of crude oil as we speak. There is -- there is a small amount of spare capacity available that one can tap into. What is driving oil prices to these record levels are factors that really are separate from supply-demand.

It's fear factors. It's speculation. It's lack of infrastructure and refining. It's concern about the future rather than the realities of the present. We believe that the price of oil is way too high from where it should be given the economic fundamentals of supply and demand. And we're hoping that as people recognize this, in particular, the traders and the oil companies, that they'll begin to -- that the pressure upwardly on oil prices will begin to ease and prices will come back to more reasonable levels.

KING: As you know, another issue in the relationship is the president's call and his praise so far for Saudi Arabia in advancing freedom and democracy. The president has been complimentary about recent municipal elections held in your country. When is the next round of elections? How will they expand the rights of democracy, democratic rights in Saudi Arabia, and will specifically women be able to vote in the next round?

AL-JUBEIR: I believe the head of the election commission in Saudi Arabia has publicly stated that he will recommend that women should be allowed to vote in the next round of elections. Keep in mind, John, that the history of Saudi Arabia is a history of change. That is not going to change. We will continue to evolve. We will continue to build our institutions. We will continue to broaden political participation in line with our customs and traditions, and at a speed that our people are comfortable with.

When my father went to school in Saudi Arabia, 95 percent of his contemporaries did not have access to schools. When I went to school in Saudi Arabia, all of my contemporaries had access to schools. When my father was growing up in Saudi Arabia, we didn't have any paved roads. When you go to Saudi Arabia now, it looks like Los Angeles or Dallas.

And so that is changed. And we also changed institutions. We've built government institutions. We have built schools. We have built universities. We have built hospitals. And now we're in the process of setting up civil institutions and gradually broadening political participation by our citizens. There is no turning back. We know that.

KING: Adel Al-Jubeir, thank you very much. Foreign policy adviser to Crown Prince Abdullah, joining us from Dallas. Thank you, Adel.

AL-JUBEIR: My pleasure.

KING: Take care.

In pursuit of Prince Harry. Did tabloid photographers put a royal family member's life in danger again?

Speaking out in support of John Bolton. Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger makes his case live on this program.

Plus, a robbery victim's desperate call to 911 from a very unusual place, the trunk of a moving car.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Britain's royal family is upset with the tabloid press -- again. The issue? Photos of Prince Harry and the way they were made.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

KING: (voice over): The dispute started when two British tabloids, "The Sun" and "The Daily Mail," published photos of Prince Harry taken while on safari in Botswana. A spokesman for Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, quoted by the Reuters news agency, quickly charged that the photographers who took those pictures jeopardized the prince's safety. "There was a pursuit of Prince Harry's jeep along a rutted dirt track that involved dangerous driving, which put the occupants of both Prince Harry's vehicle and the photographers' vehicle at risk of an accident," unquote.

The two newspapers deny that accusation. But for some Britons, the assertion brought back memories of the death of Prince Harry's mother, Princess Diana. She was being chased by photographers when her car crashed in a Paris tunnel.

Despite the royal family's statement about this week's photos, no formal complaint has been filed. But it's no secret that news coverage frequently irks the royal family. One of the newspapers that published the pictures of Prince Harry this week, "The Sun," also printed an embarrassing photo of the prince dressed up as a Nazi for a costume party.

Earlier this month, when Harry's father, Charles, was attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II, he caught flak for shaking the hand of Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe -- accused of numerous human rights abuses.

A few weeks ago, Prince Charles agreed to a photo opportunity during a family ski vacation. The prince appeared to be getting along well with reporters, till the microphone picked up a comment he muttered under his breath.

PRINCE CHARLES: Bloody people (ph).

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Searching for clues. What caused this deadly train derailment in Japan? The latest on the investigation.

Also, the controversial nomination of John Bolton for U.N. ambassador. Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger joins me live to defend the nominee.

And will Syria stay out of Lebanon for good? I'll ask the Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Welcome back. Grief and a lot of unanswered questions in Japan as the country deals with its worst commuter rail accident in four decades. That story coming up. But first, a quick check of other stories now in the news.

On Capitol Hill, House lawmakers have unveiled the so-called Drug Free Sports Act. The measure would require professional athletes be independently tested for possible steroids use. And it calls for steep fines and strong punishment for violators.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld are disputing a report that the investigation into a checkpoint shooting in Iraq is finished. In the incident, an Italian security agent was killed, and a former Italian hostage in Iraq was wounded when they were shot by American troops. The report at issue came out yesterday, when a senior Pentagon official said that investigation was over and U.S. troops would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Opponents have raised allegations of abusive behavior, raising doubts about the confirmation of President Bush's choice to be United Nations ambassador. But John Bolton does have plenty of strong supporters. And former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger is one of them. He joins me now live from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Secretary Eagleburger, let me begin with this question: You know John Bolton well. Have you spoken to him recently during this confirmation process?

LAWRENCE EAGLEBURGER, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: Yes. I talked to him a few days ago just to see how things were going for him, and told him I would be happy to write an article for him, which I then did. And it was not asked of me. I did it on my own.

KING: And has he said anything about his reaction, whether it's personal or a policy perspective, to the things that are being said about him?

EAGLEBURGER: No. In fact, I steered away from asking him anything about that, and he steered away from saying anything about it. So I can't characterize how he feels about it.

KING: One of the criticisms, if you will, is that he's got a hot temper, that he sometimes flies off the handle. You're known as somebody who, in the world of diplomats, was a bit crusty at times -- I say that as a compliment -- making clear your opinions when you thought the policy machine needed to be moved along. What are the pros and cons of that from your perspective?

EAGLEBURGER: Well, look, number one, I valued very much -- when I was in the department, I valued it when subordinates would tell me when they thought I was wrong. There's nothing better than being able to knock an issue around and have people tell you what they think with the bark off. And John would always do that.

At the same time, when I made a decision, he then saluted and went off and did what he had to do. I think John has a good mind, a very good mind. I think he also can be, as you say, crusty. And he's not old enough to be crusty; I am. But anyway, he's tough. Let's put it that way. And I'm sure that on occasion he has ruffled feathers amongst subordinates. He may have even gone further than that. The fundamental question has to be, is he the right man to be ambassador to the U.N.? The fundamental question then is -- can be discussed also in terms of how much he's done to subordinates, but that's not the principal or the most important question.

KING: But, one of the other questions, and some Democrats say this is more significant to them, than whether or not he has a hot temper or not, is that he may have tried to stretch intelligence, that he may have tried to influence analysts to get them to change their perspective, so that he could make a broader case against what he would view as countries hostile to the Bush administration, or rogue nations as you will.

Is that -- would that be disqualifying in your view if, if, if it could be proven that he stretched intelligence?

EAGLEBURGER: It would be disquali-- yes, it would be disqualifying if what he did was a deliberate attempt to get them to change their analysis to prove a point that he wanted to make, when there was no evidence to make the point. I don't know whether he did that or not. I never saw anything in my time with John that would indicate something like that.

But I will say this as well: Analysts deserve to have their analysis challenged by their superiors. And they need to have it challenged in a tough way on occasion, simply to prove to the superior that they have thought through all of the questions and have come up with the right analysis. And I think it is wrong to argue that they don't have to have their arguments and their thoughts put on the panel and then discussed to see whether they're correct or not. So, I'm inclined to think John may have done that, and done it, you know, with the bark off again, but I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with that.

KING: How much in your view is this fight about John Bolton, and how much of it is about those who have finally decided, maybe after taking it, when they didn't like it, to decide to, let's take on the Bush administration's foreign policy, whether it be the policy objectives or the tone in carrying out those objectives? And as you answer, sir, it's not just the Democrats. There are a few Republicans now...

EAGLEBURGER: No, I know.

KING: ...who are speaking out, at least voicing their reservations.

EAGLEBURGER: I would narrow it somewhat. I think the fundamental issue here is, people who see the U.N. as, if not sacrosanct, at least, it is the foreign policy instrument that we must maintain so that we can keep friendships, so that we can develop coalitions, and so forth. And they're unwilling -- I don't want to be too critical now, but they're basically unwilling to look at the warts on the institution as it now exists.

I personally believe the U.N. needs major reform or the U.S. is going to become less and less enamored of doing anything in it. I think that the corruption is there. I think that the anti-Americanism is there. I think we have to have an ambassador there right now who will, in fact, call a spade a spade. And John to me is that person. And in fact, in the long run, my argument is that's the way we will strengthen the U.N. and our position within it.

KING: As you know, Secretary Powell, John's former boss, did not sign a letter of former secretaries who supported him, and at least two members of the foreign relations committee have confirmed, and Secretary Powell's office have confirmed, that he had conversations with them about John Bolton. And we hear from people in, you know, the echo chamber of Washington, that he voiced some reservations.

Does he have -- as his former boss, his most former boss, immediate former boss -- does he have a responsibility to speak out now that it's at least known that he's been talking to members of the committee?

EAGLEBURGER: Responsibility to speak out? No. It's up to him. and he may not want to -- I think it's probably fairly clear that he is not in love with John Bolton. That I think we can all assume. The question then becomes, does he need to go public on all of that and call a spade a spade, as I've said, or can he let it go with silence? And I personally believe that he's doing the right thing, which is he recognizes that he doesn't like Mr. Bolton, I suppose, but at the same time he also recognizes this is the president's choice and he will be loyal to his president. That's my guess. I have no knowledge of it at all.

KING: Once again, as always, sir, thank you for your unvarnished thoughts and analysis. Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger. Thank you, sir.

EAGLEBURGER: My pleasure. Thank you.

KING: Our pleasure. Thank you.

Authorities in Japan say they're treating the investigation into yesterday's deadly commuter train trash -- crash, excuse me -- as a possible case of criminal negligence. The crash near Osaka killed about 80 people; hundreds more were injured.

CNN's Atika Schubert reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SCHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Families in shock search the lists of the missing and the dead. Many collect their loved ones from a gymnasium turned makeshift morgue. Victims' families want to know who is responsible for this.

Investigators are focusing on two factors -- the speed of the train and the inexperienced young driver at its helm, a new employee who had only just received his operator's license. The driver has not yet been found. He is still believed to be in the wreckage. Analysts say the cause is likely to be a combination of factors, including a possible obstruction on the tracks.

We hear there was a stone on the rail. We hear the train was speeding. There is also speculation that the construction of the train itself may have been faulty, this analyst says.

Japan Rail West, the company responsible for the train service, is at the center of the investigation and the object of public fury. The company's president tried to visit the morgue on Tuesday, only to be mobbed by reporters and family members. On a separate visit, the chairman offered this apology. "It was a terrible accident," he said. "Many people have died. I am filled with feelings of deep apology. "

But apologies do little to ease the grief of those who lost friends and family.

(on camera): This is Japan's worst train accident in more than four decades. Police say they now consider this a possible case of criminal negligence, and many here want to know who should be held accountable.

Atika Shubert, CNN, Tokyo.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: And now a quick look at some other news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): In Taiwan, scuffles broke out as the island's opposition leader left for a historic visit to China. Nationalist Party leader Lien Chan is on a mission to ease tensions with Taiwan's communist neighbor. Critics call Lien a traitor.

More violence broke out in Togo after election officials announced the winner of Sunday's presidential election, Faure Gnassingbe. He's the son of the late dictator who ruled the west African nation for almost four decades.

And in Ethiopia, celebrations greet the return of the final section of the Axum Obelisk. Italian troops who occupied Ethiopia almost seven decades ago had taken the obelisk to Italy.

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

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): It was a desperate call for help, but it failed to stop a murder. Just ahead, we'll tell you about an unusual 911 case under investigation in Illinois.

In California, a major shake-up in Michael Jackson's legal team as the pop star's trial moves forward. We'll tell you who's off the team.

And these animals are certainly not home on the range. We'll tell you how a herd of buffalo ended up in a Maryland neighborhood.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Topping our justice report -- no sign of foul play in the deaths of two Georgia toddlers. Officials say preliminary autopsy results show no visible signs of trauma in 2- and 3-year-old Nicole and Jonah Payne. Their bodies were found in a sanitation pond yesterday, two days after they vanished from their family's rural Georgia home.

And a shake-up in Michael Jackson's defense team. Attorney Brian Oxman is no longer representing Jackson, according to a court filing. No reason was given. Oxman could be seen in a heated conversation outside court yesterday with lead attorney Thomas Mesereau. That move comes just days before the defense is expected to begin its case in the pop star's child molestation trial.

It started with a desperate 911 call from the trunk of a car, and ended with two men arrested for murder. But the book isn't closed yet on this remarkably unusual case.

CNN's Brian Todd is here with the story.

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, police in Elgin, Illinois are conducting an internal investigation into the murder of David Steeves earlier this month, a case that illustrates how tough a 911 operator's job can be, especially in those crucial first moments of a call.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TODD (voice-over): From the trunk of a stolen car a 19-year-old desperately calls for help.

DAVID STEEVES, 911 CALLER: My name is David Steeves. Please find me.

911 OPERATOR: What's your name?

STEEVES: I'm in trouble right now. David Steeves. I'm on -- we're going fast man.

OPERATOR: Stay on the phone with me.

STEEVES: I'm in a trunk right now. I don't know where I'm at.

OPERATOR: All right. Stay on the phone man.

STEEVES: Oh my God. You guys, please help me. Please help me. Oh my God. Please help me.

TODD: That call on April 8th from David Steeves to 911 operators in Elgin, Illinois about an hour northwest of Chicago. After a few minutes the call is cut off. Police say the 911 operators tried to call Steeves back and connected at least once. Police say the operators and dispatchers relayed all the information they could immediately to units nearby. Here's one call from a dispatcher to police.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every time the call-taker tries to call the subject back he hangs up. He won't give his name the way we can understand what he's saying. All he says is he's moving fast and traveling South Street in the trunk of a green Toyota Corolla. And then he hangs up. Call-taker thinks it could be a prank, but isn't definite on it. TODD: Elgin Police officials tell CNN that they diligently searched for Steeves' Toyota Corolla that night and several days afterward. Six days passed. On April 14th, Steeves' body was discovered inside that same trunk at an apartment complex in Rockford, Illinois At least 40 miles away. He'd been shot to death. The motive, say police, robbery.

SGT. GLENN THERIAULT, ELGIN, ILLINOIS POLICE: Any murder and any robbery has only an innocent victim to it, and it's just senseless.

TODD: Elgin Police tell CNN they're conducting an internal investigation into the officer's response and the 911 operator's. Although the dispatcher at one point claimed Steeves was not saying his name in a clear manner, police believe he spelled out his name at least once. Steeves' family has consistently voiced support for the Elgin Police, calling their efforts tireless and diligent. Two suspects, Robert Guyton and Armin Henderson, were picked up within days of Steeves' disappearance in an investigation that police say encompassed five counties.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TODD: Guyton and Henderson each face multiple counts of murder. Police officials tell us their internal investigation could take several weeks, John.

KING: Brian Todd, thank you very much. Strange case.

The end of an era in the Middle East. Syria says it's completed its withdrawal from Lebanon. We'll talk it over with the Syrian ambassador to the United States.

Also ahead -- the people of Iraq's southern marshes. They have their freedom. Now what will they do with it?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: After 29 years of occupation Syria today brought its remaining troops home from Lebanon. The pullout followed extraordinary international pressure on Damascus, and it left Lebanese dancing in the streets.

Joining me to discuss this is the Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha.

Mr. Ambassador, a historic day. Syria says its troops are out. Can you tell us today that this is permanent, that under no circumstances would they ever go back into Lebanon?

IMAD MOUSTAPHA, SYRIAN AMBASSADOR TO U.S.: Well, first, yes, our troops are out categorically and absolutely. Second, we were never an occupation force. We went there invited by the Lebanese government itself to end a bloody civil war that lasted for 15 years, and ended up with 150,000 Lebanese killed in the Lebanese Civil War. Once peace was restored in Lebanon, our troops started withdrawing from their peak presence of 42,000 troops to only 14,000 a couple of months ago and to zero troops today.

KING: You know, it is the view of the United States and a United Nations Security Council resolution that that did not happen fast enough. But let's try to look forward.

One of the questions going forward is what about Hezbollah?

Will Syria from across the border support Hezbollah in Lebanon, perhaps political disruption, perhaps attacks on Israel?

Can you say that as it pulls out of Lebanon its troops and intelligence services, is Syria prepared to say anything or do anything with regards to helping, supporting, financing Hezbollah?

MOUSTAPHA: Well, first, let me remind everybody that's watching CNN, that Hezbollah is a purely Lebanese grass root movement. Hezbollah was a resistance movement that fought the Israelis and pushed them out of Lebanon. Syria has nothing to do with Hezbollah. Hezbollah is not a Syrian puppet or a Syrian-created party.

KING: As you know, sir, the United States would say...

MOUSTAPHA: Hezbollah is part and parcel of the Lebanese social and political fabric. It's a purely Lebanese issue. Now we are absolutely out of Lebanon. And we have -- will not interfere in any Lebanese issue. As far as Syria is concerned, we have implemented whatever is required from Syria vis-a-vis the Security Council Resolution 1559, a resolution that is only six months old. Having said this, please do remember that there are a stack pile of -- for United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding that Israel withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan and from the occupied Palestinian territories, and from the Lebanese Shebaa Farms and Israel never ever implemented these resolutions.

KING: No question, there is U.N. resolutions that many would say Israel has not complied with. But as you know, the United States has said consistently that Hezbollah's money -- you say it is a Lebanese grassroots movement.

MOUSTAPHA: It's a fact, it's not what I say.

KING: But the United States has said consistently the money comes from Syria and Iran.

MOUSTAPHA: No, we do not finance Hezbollah. We don't pay a single penny to Hezbollah. The United States itself knows about this. However, if the United States wants to accuse Syria of doing this, well, they have accused Syria of other things that evaporated into thin air. If you remember the story about Iraq's W.M.D.'s moving into Syria, yesterday here in Washington it has been categorically proven that this was a false accusation.

KING: You are correct. You make reference to the Duelfer report...

MOUSTAPHA: Yes, of course. Of course. KING: ...which says that there's no evidence at all...

MOUSTAPHA: Of course, and I have a long list of U.S. accusations against Syria that evaporated into thin air.

KING: Well, let me ask you about one made today by the Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. There were questions about an effort, an almost-successful effort to capture Abu Musab al Zarqawi, a terrorist in Iraq who has been supporting -- directing -- the insurgency against U.S. troops and Iraqis. Secretary Rumsfeld says some of that money "undoubtedly" -- his word, "undoubtedly" -- comes through Syria.

MOUSTAPHA: Well, let me remind you of a more important fact. Syria has been very helpful to the United States in their fight against al Qaeda. We consider al Qaeda an extremist terrorist group, and we have been fighting such groups for, at least, the past 25 years and trying to link al Qaeda to Syria or Abu Musab al Zarqawi to Syria is preposterous, and it's akin to linking Saddam Hussein also to al Qaeda.

I think people should really think hard before they throw accusations here and there. The American people have been fed lots of versions about the reality in the Middle East that do not coincide with the reality there. Definitely, Syria does not support al Qaeda. They are our sworn enemies, and we have repeatedly helped the United States against al Qaeda and...

KING: Do you see...

MOUSTAPHA: ...I'm saying this on the record.

KING: Do you see, sir, this tension, this climate of accusations and your denials, the emotions of this debate, as you can see in the studio, does it continue or is there a moment now, with Syrian troops out, can Damascus make a gesture, can Washington make a gesture, to say, why don't we try a new course?

MOUSTAPHA: I hope that everybody would know the following: In the past eight months, Syria has repeatedly offered gestures of goodwill to the United States. We have repeatedly said, to high- ranking U.S. officials, that Syria is willing to engage with the United States. We can't understand this animosity and hostility towards us. We are not an enemy of the United States.

And here, on the record, I repeat this invitation to the United States to engage with Syria. I don't think that hostility to Syria serves the United States' long-term interests. It definitely does not help Syria's long-term interests. We want to engage with the United States, but the United States has to make a decision.

KING: Syria's ambassador to the United States, Imad Moustapha. Sir, thank you for your thoughts on this historic day -- Syrian troops, out of Lebanon.

MOUSTAPHA: Thank you. Thank you.

KING: Thank you.

Coming up at the stop of the hour, "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT." Lou's standing by in New York with a preview.

LOU DOBBS, HOST, "LOU DOBBS TONIGHT": John, thank you.

At 6:00 p.m. Eastern tonight on CNN, we'll be reporting on the escalating battle over the future of Social Security. The Senate Finance Committee chairman and the ranking Democrat join me.

Also tonight, securing our borders. Immigration reform groups taking their fight for strict border security and tighter immigration laws today to Capitol Hill. We'll have that special report for you.

And investors against outsourcing -- why many investors say the export of American jobs to those cheap overseas labor markets may not be so good for corporate America after all, and they have the proof in hand.

We'll have that story for you and a great deal more in just a few minutes at the top of the hour here on CNN. Please join us. Now back to you, John.

KING: Thank you, Lou. Thank you very much.

Roaming free: a herd of buffalo on the loose in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Now a follow-up to a story you'll see only here on CNN about a group of people in Iraq once persecuted under Saddam Hussein. CNN's Jane Arraf continues our look, showing the marsh areas' incredible comeback.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In this funeral procession in southern Iraq, there's one flag waving, and it's not the Iraqi emblem. It's a tribal flag. No longer forced to pledge allegiance to an Iraqi leader who oppressed the Shias, they're free to follow who they please. This is the region, the Shia south, where Saddam's removal had the most liberating effect. People here say they're sure that democracy is a good thing, even if they're not quite sure what it means.

In the market in al Amarah, in the heart of the marshes, people are still desperately poor. They haven't seen much benefit yet from a new Iraqi government, but they're hopeful. Abbamia Basam Lufta (ph) has four children. Her husband died of illness five years ago. She buys and sells vegetables, and makes about a dollar a day. She says it's a good government, but she doesn't know anything about them.

People here, she says, need jobs, fuel, and a government that will bring stability to Iraq. Along the marshes, Saddam Hussein drained to flush out opposition to his regime, people are still proud they voted in the January elections. It doesn't seem to bother them that polling workers told some of them who to vote for.

They gave us a piece of paper with a candle in the dome and told to us vote for them, says Varhan Fahad (ph). For those who can't read, the candle and the dome was the symbol of the party backed by the Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Here in the south, Shias celebrate their faith with a passion suppressed for decades under Saddam.

With a large Shia majority here, there's much less of the violence that has gripped central Iraq. The regional government includes former fighters, now turned politicians. Abu Buriem (ph), the nom de guerre of Mohammed Abdullah Sultan al Jamili (ph), fought Saddam's regime for decades, based in Iran. Asked about his ties with Iran, he says, if Britain were bordering Iraq, we would have sought refuge there.

British forces here in this province, the Welsh Guards, are able to keep a lower profile than American soldiers. They seem to be more accepted by the population, including Governor Adele Raadi (ph), who says multinational forces will be needed here until the Iraqi army can be fully trained.

In many parts of the south, larger than life portraits of Saddam have been replaced by similarly painted portraits of Shia clerics. Here, small children have been taught to shout the name of Muqtada al- Sadr, the radical Shia cleric who led an uprising against U.S. forces. In the Shia south, as people feel their way through this new democracy, religion is inseparable from politics.

Jane Arraf, CNN, al Amarah, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Our picture of the day: a modern-day buffalo roundup just outside Baltimore. Police say about 10 animals got loose from a farm and began roaming an upscale residential community. After 13 police cars, a helicopter, and two hours of chase, police finally managed to herd them in a tennis court.

LOU DOBBS TONIGHT starts right now, and Lou's standing by.

END

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