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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Anti-Insurgency Ops Continue; Tillman Controversy; Middle East Democracy; Interview with Madeleine Albright and Vin Weber; Stars in the Service; Corcoran Prison Overview; More Aruba Arrests

Aired June 09, 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, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, a passionate plea from a teenager who testifies before the United States Congress appealing for a national sex offender registry that would include juveniles who have hurt other children. Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): Anti-terror law. The president defends the Patriot Act and insists it should remain intact.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It has protected American liberty and saved American lives.

BLITZER: But does it threaten basic American rights?

It's not Neverland. If the jury convicts Michael Jackson, the pop star may find himself in a special prison with some of the nation's most notorious criminals.

Ambush at sea.

CAROL MARTINI, ESCAPED FROM PIRATES: I think they were trying to kill us.

BLITZER: Sailing around the world, a pair of adventure seekers get far more adventure than they wanted from modern-day pirates.

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Thursday, June 9, 2005.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Thanks for joining us. We begin close to the Iraqi- Syrian border where United States and Iraqi forces are casting a wider net in their hunt for insurgents. Our Jane Arraf is with the troops near Tal Afar which has recently become a hotbed of insurgent activity. This is a report you will see only here on CNN.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: U.S. and Iraqi troops continued an operation in the city of Tal Afar, going through a part of town they haven't yet combed to look for insurgents they believe may have fled from the first day of the offensive. So far they say they have seized and detained 43 suspected insurgents, most of them on their target list. This is a city that has been in the grip of the insurgency, just 60 kilometers, 40 miles from the Syrian border. There have been mortar attacks, rocket-propelled grenade attacks, roadside bombs.

What the military is doing now is showing that the Iraqi forces are out there and enlisting the help of ordinary Iraqis in the city.

We've entered parts of that city with American forces as they go looking for people who can help them and seeking information as to where the insurgents are hiding. They've gotten an increase in tips, they say, from Iraqi sources. Iraqi informers coming to them to tell them they know where the insurgents live.

This is a buildup of forces here, 4,000 of them in this area, up from just 400 about a month ago. And it's part of an effort to crack down on insurgents who keep moving between cities and towns in this region.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from near Tal Afar, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: But will there be enough American troops to get the job done? The U.S. Army's recruiting shortfall is simply getting worse. Military officials confirm the U.S. Army has missed its target now for four months in a row. The Army fell about 25 percent short of its already reduced goal of 6,700 new recruits last month. The Army hopes to make up the shortfall sometime this summer when more young people are likely to be looking for work. The full-year target is 80,000 new recruits.

The Army once again is defending its investigation into the death of Pat Tillman, the former pro football star killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan last year. A statement released today denies there was ever any cover up. Our senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre has more on this story. Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well Wolf, the last thing the Army wants to do is get in a public dispute with Tillman's family. But in response to blistering criticism from his father, the Army has issued a statement saying -- insisting it did not cover up any facts. It blamed what it called procedural misjudgments and mistakes for creating what it called an air of suspicion and insisted that no one intended to deceive the Tillman family or the public as to the cause of his death.

The statement goes on to say -- quote -- "it is true that neither the family nor the public were notified immediately of the suspicion of friendly fire and the follow-on investigation. This was due to the fact that the operationally deployed unit did not immediately notify the department or the Army out of a desire to complete the investigation and gather all available facts."

Now, Tillman, of course, was a 27-year-old defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals when he turned down a $3.6 million pro football deal to serve his country after September 11 as an Army Ranger. He was killed in Afghanistan April 22, of last year.

The Army did announce that he was killed by friendly fire by his own troops about a month later, after a second investigation. But those findings were blasted by the family in a letter to the editor of the "Washington Post" last month. Tillman's father, Pat Senior, called the Army's admitted mistakes -- quote -- "deliberate, calculated, ordered and disgraceful." He labeled two of the three investigations shams, and charged that they were deliberately falsified, baseline facts. "There was one set of facts for the military and another for my family," that -- he wrote.

The Army insists its only mistake was waiting to gather all the facts to provide a complete picture. That they admit was a mistake, although they say it was a judgment -- a mistake in judgment, not a willful violation of regulations. Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Jamie McIntyre with that at the Pentagon. Jamie, thanks very much.

Also, today, the Pentagon reports last December's F-22 Raptor crash in Nevada was caused by a failure in its flight control system. The Pentagon also releasing an animation of what it says happened.

The Air Force was in the final stage of evaluating the high tech plane when the F-22 went out of control shortly after taking off from Nellis Air Force Base. The pilot ejected and suffered minor injuries.

Air Force officials had known there was a problem with the flight control system, but had not yet installed a fix on the plane that crashed.

In our CNN "Security Watch," President Bush today called on the Congress to renew provisions of a controversial anti-terrorism law. The Patriot Act authorizes increased surveillance and allows suspects to be held in incommunicado for months. Critics say it steps all over Americans' civil liberties, but the president said the act passed in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 has helped convict more than 200 terror suspects all across the United States.

The president spoke to Ohio State Troopers in Columbus.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: You have done your job. Now those up in Washington, those of us in Washington have to do our job. The House and Senate are moving forward with the process to renew the Patriot Act. My message to Congress is clear. The terrorist threats against us will not expire at the end of the year and neither should the protections of the Patriot Act.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In the Northern California city of Lodi, a fifth member of the local Pakistani community has been arrested as part of an ongoing terror investigation. The latest detainee is an 18 year old who joins two Muslim clerics charged with immigration violations. Meantime, the government has scaled down its accusations against a father and son who are said to have lied about ties to an al Qaeda training camp. The FBI is now backing away from claims that 22-year- old Hamid Hayat considered hospitals and food stores as terror targets.

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

New arrests in an island mystery. We'll take you live to Aruba for the latest on the case of Natalee Holloway. Also this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAY BARRY, ESCAPED FROM PIRATES: Both of the pirate boats throttled up -- you could tell from the black smoke from the exhaust -- and came straight at us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Terror on the high seas threatening the voyage of a lifetime. We'll have details.

Plus this. It could be -- could be -- Michael Jackson's next home if he's convicted. We'll take you inside one of California's prisons.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Five people are now being held in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager vacationing in Aruba. CNN's Karl Penhaul, joining us once again from Aruba with the latest developments. What is happening now, Karl?

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, there were three new arrests this morning that came just before dawn. And the three young men that have been arrested, one of them is a minor, 17 years old. The other two, 18 and 19. Those two are brothers. But these are the young three men that were last seen in Natalee Holloway's company outside the Carlos 'n Charlie's bar on that morning of May the 30th when Natalee Holloway disappeared.

They were interviewed first, shortly after Natalee's disappearance by police. Now they've in fact been arrested. Police have also seized one of the men's vehicles, and also some computer equipment we've seen, being taken away from their car -- from their building.

Also what we've asked the defense attorney of the first two suspects who were seized over the weekend is, is there any relationship between these three just arrested and the two arrested over the weekend? This is what he had to say about that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) CHRIS LEJUEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: My client does not know these three men. But I do know, out of the five, that these three men were the three -- the last three to see Natalee Holloway that night, probably the night of her disappearance, when they took her back to her hotel at approximately 2:30 in the morning.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PENHAUL: So we have five people now behind bars facing accusations of being involved in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, but according to prosecutors who gave a press conference at midday, there is still no evidence, Wolf, to indicate whether Natalee Holloway is alive or dead.

BLITZER: We also heard from the prime minister of Aruba just a little while ago. What was the thrust of his message?

PENHAUL: Overall, the thrust of his message -- the island is very worried about the impact that this disappearance can have on tourism. Aruba, one-third of its income comes from the tourism trade and half its annual visitors come from U.S. tourists. He was trying to put this into context to explain that Aruba traditionally has a low crime rate and very little of that crime affects tourists.

But he also said that nobody on this island is above the law and he said he would give his personal guarantee and would respond for the result of the investigation, Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Karl Penhaul in Aruba. We'll check back with you as new information becomes available. Thanks very much.

Moving on now to a tale of adventure-seekers who got a lot more adventure than they bargained for. They left Massachusetts five years ago to sail around the world. Recently, they found themselves in a life-or-death struggle with pirates. Good thinking and a good steel boat helped them live to tell all about it. CNN's John Vause picks up their story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: They're safe now, Jay Barry and Carol Martini, their boat Gandalf moored in the southern Israeli port of Ashkelon, 1,300 miles away from the heavily-armed, modern-day pirates whom they say attacked them on the open seas.

MARTINI: I think they were trying to kill us.

VAUSE: March 6, they left Salalah, Oman, traveling with another sailboat. Three days later they reached the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, a dangerous stretch of water known as pirate's alley. The sun was setting and Carol was on watch.

MARTINI: I saw two boats right ahead of us that weren't in a position to be fishing or anything that looked like it was something normal that they would be doing. BARRY: We closed ranks with our friend's boat. As soon as this was noticed, both of the pirate boats throttled up -- you could tell from the black smoke from the exhaust -- and came straight at us, one attack boat for each of the sailboats, and then began firing.

VAUSE: The pirates, they say, were armed and firing semiautomatic weapons, firing so close Jay later found the casing from one of at least 14 bullets which he says hit his boat.

BARRY: One bullet to the deck.

VAUSE: Most of the holes have been patched. Under fire, about to be boarded, he went on the offensive.

BARRY: And then turned around to board us on this side of the boat. When they turned, they were just far enough off that gave me enough time and the turning circle of the boat to be able to turn the boat very, very quickly, you know, into them with the momentum we had.

VAUSE: Gandalf's steel hull still bears the damage from where it smashed into the small wooden pirate boat, hoisting it out of the water.

BARRY: One boat turned right up sideways on the front of Gandalf and stayed there for a little while, which was -- getting us a little concerned. We finally threw it in reverse and with the sea state and the waves, backed off. It's the only opportunity I had, one of the few times in your life, when you did what you thought you should do at the right time, and it worked.

VAUSE: At the same time, though, the pirates apparently gave up on the other sailboat. That skipper was armed and opened fire, so the second boat of pirates tried to board Gandalf from the stern.

MARTINI: I could see gunmen standing above Jay's head trying to board the back of our boat from where I was down below on the radio, and I thought that was it.

VAUSE: According to Carol, the friendly skipper shot the two gunmen. It's not known if they were wounded or killed. Regardless, she says, it was their chance to make for safer waters.

Well, what's next?

BARRY: The next plan is to go to Cyprus.

VAUSE: And then?

BARRY: Turkey.

VAUSE: In the last five years, they've sailed two-thirds around the world, and plan to keep going until their money and perhaps their luck as well run out.

John Vause, CNN, Ashkelon, Israel.

(END VIDEOTAPE) BLITZER: Quite an adventure for those two Americans.

When we come back, Amie's Law. A Wisconsin teenager taking her personal fight against sexual predators right here to Washington, to Capitol Hill in an effort to change federal law.

Promoting peace in the Middle East, but is the region truly ready to accept democracy? We'll take a closer look.

We'll also take a closer look at Elvis in the Army, the king of rock shedding his star status for a tour of duty, and so did many other famous faces. We'll remember the celebrities who served. All that, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Should the names of juvenile sex offenders be released to the public? That was one of the questions discussed today at an extraordinary hearing up on Capitol Hill.

CNN's Kimberly Osias is joining us now live. She has the latest. Kimberly.

KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well Wolf, I'll tell you, this is not something you see everyday on Capitol Hill, a 17-year-old victim of sexual abuse speaking out publicly lobbying for change.

Her name is Amie Zyla. And she's a remarkable young woman. She was abused when she was just eight by a family friend, Joshua Wade. He was 14 at the time. Today she bravely came forward, giggling just a little as she was sworn in before Congress.

She told her harrowing tale of how Wade abused her and threatened her and forced her to watch him molest again.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AMIE ZYLA, ABUSE VICTIM: My abuser hurt me in my own home where he had gained a level of trust and then so brutally violated it. He stole my self-esteem and made me feel so afraid, so afraid that I almost did not go to my parents because I thought he would hurt me again.

After I was able to fend him off, I then had to watch him assault my little friend and endure a threat to my life until he was put away.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OSIAS: Amie and her family tried to put the experience behind her -- that is, until they saw Wade's face on television in court, on charges of abusing other young teens. According to prosecutors, he lured them to his Wisconsin apartment where he videotaped some of them in his shower. Some he abused sexually.

Recently, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a law allowing those names of juvenile sex offenders to be made public. It's a law that Amie and her family would like to see on a national scale, but some critics say men can be rehabilitated. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. FRED BERLIN, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY: The reason I believe that many of those men succeeded in treatment is they were able to get a fresh start.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OSIAS: Some men, again, of course, referring to some men can be rehabilitated. As for Joshua Wade, he pled guilty in June to charges of sexual assault and child enticement. He remains behind bars awaiting sentencing in August. When sentenced, he could face up to 70 years behind bars. Wolf.

BLITZER: Kimberly, so what Amie wants, and a lot of her supporters want, is for the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would make the names of juvenile sexual offenders public so that everyone would know who they are. Is that right?

OSIAS: That's exactly right. So that law enforcement could actually release that and hopefully get a jump start so it wouldn't happen again.

BLITZER: Kimberly Osias with that story, thanks very much. A very compelling story indeed.

When we come back, hostage freed. After weeks in captivity in Afghanistan, this aid worker is now released.

Democracy in the Middle East. Would it be worth it, even if members of terror groups were democratically elected to office? I'll ask former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Congressman Vin Weber.

And later, inside the California State Prison at Corcoran where -- the facility where Michael Jackson possibly could serve time if convicted. Find out what life for the pop star would be like. I can tell you this, it wouldn't be pretty.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: From our studios in Washington, once again Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Democracy in the Middle East: New challenges and new opportunities outlined for the region. Coming up, I'll speak with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Congressman Vin Weber.

First, though, let's get a quick check of other stories now in the news.

The U.S. Senate late this afternoon confirmed the nomination of former Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor to serve on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The vote in his favor, 53-45. Pryor is the third judge to win confirmation under a compromise worked out by Senate Republican and Democratic moderates only a couple weeks ago.

The first named storm of the 2005 hurricane season is threatening Cuba right now. Tropical storm Arlene's maximum sustained winds are blowing at almost 40 miles an hour. The center of the storm could reach western Cuba tonight.

Just across the U.S. border from Texas, a Mexican police chief was gunned down during his first day on the job. Alejandro Dominguez was said to be the only person brave enough to take the top law enforcement job in Nuevo Laredo where drug gangs have been fighting a bloody turf war.

An Italian aid worker has been released after more than three weeks of captivity in Afghanistan. The 32-year-old woman is said to be in good health. An Afghan official says no ransom was paid and no other concessions were made to the kidnappers.

The Bush administration has pushed for democracy in the Arab Middle East, but critics say it's not pushing hard enough. Now a bipartisan report from the Council on Foreign Relations offers some controversial recommendations for trying to bring about change in the region. Earlier, I spoke with the co-chairmen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And joining us now, the former secretary of state Madeleine Albright. Thanks very much for joining us. Former Congressman Vin Weber, thanks to you, as well.

Let's get to one of the important quotes in your summary. You write this, "it would be a mistake to exclude Islamist parties on the assumption that they are inherently un-democratic or prone to violence. The best way to marginalize violent extremists is to make room for as broad a range of nonviolent perspective as possible." Does that include Hezbollah?

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, FRM. SECRETARY OF STATE: Well, we have said that Hezbollah, as it continues to have military -- a military arm and military means, is not one that we would deal with. But we have also said in the report that you can't ignore the fact that Hezbollah exists and that it, as we now see, has won a considerable size of the elections in Lebanon and not, I think, only because of their violent means, but because they in fact have done an awful lot of groundwork, to use an American term, their constituency work. So we can't ignore it. But we are not advocating dealing with Hezbollah.

BLITZER: But you regard Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

ALBRIGHT: Absolutely.

BLITZER: And you do as well, Congressman.

VIN WEBER, FRM. CONGRESSMAN: Absolutely. It has a significant terrorist component. But the point Secretary Albright has made is that it's difficult because it has other components as well.

BLITZER: So, if we -- if Hezbollah...

WEBER: We can't deal with terrorist organizations.

BLITZER: ...if Hezbollah becomes part of a coalition government, a new Lebanese government, should the United States then negotiate, deal, have contact, with that government?

WEBER: We can't not deal with an elected government in the region. The question of how do we deal with actually the Hezbollah members of that government is a very tricky issue because we can't deal with terrorists directly. But, we're not suggesting we should cut off relationships with a government of the Middle East because of the inclusion of Hezbollah members.

BLITZER: Do you agree with that, Secretary?

ALBRIGHT: Yes. I mean, I think that it would be unrealistic and I think what has to happen, and one of the things that we talk about in this report, is for nonviolent Islamic groups to be respected and that we should work with them.

BLITZER: What about Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Palestinian elections?

ALBRIGHT: Well, certainly, with Hamas, it's the same issue, that they have a military aspect to that. But again, they are pretty popular because of some of the grassroots work that they do.

BLITZER: Is that a terrorist group?

ALBRIGHT: Well, they are on the terrorist list.

BLITZER: You regard Hamas as a terrorist group?

WEBER: Certainly. And as with Hezbollah, they have non-terrorist components as well, but they're -- they engage in terrorism. They're a terrorist group.

BLITZER: You feel that groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, can be made nonviolent?

ALBRIGHT: I think that it is possible that they will understand that they will achieve much more with nonviolent means. It is a very troubling aspect of it, but again, what our report is about is a realistic assessment of what is going on, on the ground. We happen to believe that democracy is essential in the Middle East. You can't have a democracy exception for that part of the world.

BLITZER: So if these groups, Congressman, like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, are democratically elected, what are you saying? The United States should deal with them?

WEBER: The United States has to deal with the government. The question of whether or not we actually deal with members of a terrorist organization that may be part of the government, I think, is a more difficult question. The administration has to decide that down the road. But I think what we are saying is, you're not going to cut off relationships with the government of Lebanon because people from Hezbollah are part of that government.

BLITZER: Some of your critics, Secretary, will say this is naive to even think that these kinds of groups can be made nonviolent, and all of a sudden Hamas is going to wake up one day and say, you know what, there should be a two-state solution, a Jewish state called Israel living alongside Palestine.

ALBRIGHT: We are not advocating dealing with Hezbollah or Hamas. What we are saying is you have to have a realistic approach to what is going on in Lebanon or among the Palestinians. To say that they don't exist is as naive as saying that they're going to all of a sudden change their stripes.

I think what we are saying is that you cannot automatically decide that an Islamic group is a bad group. There are Islamic parties within all the countries in the Middle East that we believe should follow democratic methods and by simply saying that you're never going to deal with an Islamic party, you are deciding that you are not going to respect the wishes of the people of a country.

BLITZER: There's some implied criticism in the report involving the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who has now called for multiparty elections in Egypt. You write, also, this: "Sham democracies should be exposed for what it is," referring to the possibility that all this is a sham. This, in the aftermath of what Laura Bush, the first lady, said when she was in Egypt a few weeks ago. She called what President Mubarak is doing, in her words, "a bold step."

What is it, sham democracy -- what Mubarak is doing -- or a bold step?

WEBER: Well, the calling for the election itself is a bold step. But I think we're pretty clear in believing that there's not yet sufficient evidence to show that President Mubarak is going to have a real election in Egypt.

We hope so. But one of the things that we talk about repeatedly is that an election itself is not democracy. There have to be the preconditions of democracy, which means a viable opposition; access to the news media; access to resources. And it is not at all clear that any of those things are going to be present in the Egyptian election. Until it is clear, we have to say that that's not a real election.

BLITZER: Secretary, what do you say, sham democracy in Egypt that's unfolding or a bold step?

ALBRIGHT: Well, at the moment, there is nothing to indicate that it is a real democracy. President Mubarak took a step to do it with the constitution, but there has not been any real sign that democracy is taking place. And in fact, the elections, where women were harassed and bodily injured, certainly would show that there are problems. And the question here is whether the parties that are part of the opposition are legitimate political parties that are able to contend elections fairly. And there's no evidence at the moment that all the parties have an ability to contest in the election.

BLITZER: I didn't see much...

WEBER: People in Egypt will understand that, too. That's what we have to understand as a country and a government, that the people in Egypt will know if this is real or not. If we claim it's real when it's not, we will lose more credibility with the Egyptian people themselves.

BLITZER: What about Saudi Arabia? I didn't see it very much in your report on Saudi Arabia, which, arguably, may be the most undemocratic government in the region.

WEBER: I think we probably agree with that. But even in Saudi Arabia, as we point out in the report, there -- the first inklings of democracy at just the local level -- a long, long way to go. But the first inklings in Saudi Arabia.

We make the point clearly that you can't have a cookie cutter approach to democracy in the Middle East or anywhere else, for that matter. Every country has to have its own pathway to reform as we put it, and in Saudi Arabia, it's going to be quite different.

BLITZER: Women in Saudi Arabia, they not only can't vote, they can't even drive a car.

WEBER: Well, we are certainly not condoning what is going on in Saudi Arabia. And we speak about...

BLITZER: But this is a delicate situation because the U.S. has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and is very dependent on Saudi oil.

ALBRIGHT: Well, the thing that we've said, Wolf, is that basically this is an evolutionary, not a revolutionary, process; that we need to have a regional approach in terms of our own ideals and the policy that we have, to be for human rights and women's rights and a free press, and a rule of law and an opposition party. But that one does have to look at each country individually and keep pressing for a step in the right direction, but not expect everything to happen overnight.

BLITZER: All right. Let me wrap this up, because you write this: "Arab leaders should know that progress toward democracy will have favorable consequences for their relations with the United States and that the reverse is also true." Does that apply to Saudi Arabia if they don't move towards equal rights for women, full democracy, that the United States should take action against them?

WEBER: I think we have to show some consistency in dealings with countries across the board, but not take the exact same approach to every country. So, the answer to your question is, yes, I think ultimately the Saudis have to be prodded into action and know that there are some consequences of inaction.

But we have to be realistic about it. The Saudis are a rich country. They don't need financial assistance from us. We don't have the same leverage with them that we would have with others, but we can use what leverage we have.

BLITZER: I'll give you the last word, Secretary.

ALBRIGHT: Well, I think that the thing that we're saying here is that democracy is the right process, that it is a long one, and that President Bush has taken a bold step in terms of talking about the importance for democracy.

What we've done in this report is make a number of very practical suggestions about how to underline a goal with some very practical aspects, country by country, and recognizing the differences and at the same time, making clear, especially to people like the Saudis, that they are going in for a period of major instability if they don't move towards democracy because ultimately, democracy is the most stable form of government.

BLITZER: Secretary Albright, Congressman Weber, good work with your report. We'll see if it has any significant impact on the region. Hopefully it will. Appreciate your joining us.

WEBER: Thank you.

ALBRIGHT: Thank you.

BLITZER: We're getting these pictures just in to CNN. A small twin engine plane is believed to have crashed into this house in Montgomery County, Texas. That's north of Houston, the Houston metro area. These are live pictures you're seeing from our affiliate in Houston. The plane, said to have crashed just a few moments ago. Officials are on the scene searching for survivors. We'll get some more information and bring it to you as we get it.

There's another story coming into CNN right now, another apparent shooting on a Los Angeles area freeway. Let's take a look at these pictures from our affiliate in the area. This is on Interstate 5 as it passes through the city of Hawthorn. Police there tell us one person has been shot and taken to the hospital. There's no word on the victim's condition or the whereabouts of the shooter. This is but the latest in a series of shootings on southern California freeways; not clear whether this one is connected to any of the other incidents. Another story we'll continue to check out and get more information as it becomes available.

So, what would life be like for Michael Jackson if he's found guilty? We'll take you inside one prison where the King of Pop possibly could serve if convicted.

And, Australia's on alert. Several buildings, including the U.S. Embassy, shut down today. We'll tell you why.

Stars in the military spotlight. We'll take a look back at some of the famous faces, including Elvis, who served our country.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back. Jury deliberations in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial ended early today so some jurors could attend school graduation ceremonies. Jurors will reconvene tomorrow morning to resume weighing the ten charges against the pop star.

California prison officials say if Jackson is convicted of the most serious charges, he could wind up serving his time at one of the state's well-known prisons.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): It sits in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley, California's vast agricultural heartland. Built as a model for state-of-the-art corrections facilities, it's also trying to repair a reputation for violence and alleged inmate abuse.

This is the California State Prison at Corcoran. Completed in 1998, it was designed to house just under 3,000 inmates in a sprawling 900-acre complex. But the state's own latest statistics show Corcoran is now almost 2,000 prisoners over capacity. Among its most notorious inmates, serial killer Charles Manson and Robert Kennedy's killer, Sirhan Sirhan.

If Michael Jackson is convicted and sent here, he faces a grim and possibly dangerous future. He would almost certainly be assigned to the Corcoran Protective Housing Unit designed to shield a small number of prisoners who might be targeted for violence by other inmates -- Jackson not only for his fame, but also because of the allegations against him.

Even among the most hardened inmates, child molestation is seen as abominable. And those convicted are often singled out for attack. Jackson's cell, like those of all inmates, would be Spartan, with a concrete bed, topped by a thin mattress. His interactions with fellow prisoners could be extremely limited, his experience close to solitary confinement.

Corcoran was thrust into the headlines in 1998 when four corrections officers were accused of arranging the rape of one prisoner by another. Two years later, allegations that other officers set up gladiators-style fights between rival inmates, during which some prisoners were shot by guards. Both cases ended in acquittal, with prison officers refusing to speak against their accused colleagues and prosecutors unable to crack the wall of silence.

CNN contacted the California Department of Corrections. A spokesman tells us in the wake of those case, the department has standardized and codified policies for the use of force by officers and all of the department's 49,000 employees were trained in the new policies.

(END VIDEOTAPE) BLITZER: For more on what Michael Jackson possibly could face behind bars if he's convicted, we're joined by Lance Corcoran in Sacramento. He's executive vice president of the California Correctional Peace Officers' Association. Mr. Corcoran, thanks very much for joining us. I know it's just simply coincidental, your last name is Corcoran. The name of the prison is Corcoran. We have an art gallery here in Washington named Corcoran, as well. It's a common name.

Is it realistic to assume that Michael Jackson could be sent to Corcoran?

LANCE CORCORAN, VP, CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' ASSOC: Well, remember the Protective Housing Unit is a very small unit that's a little over 30 inmates. It's one section of one part of a security housing unit. It has its own yard. The inmates recreate there, they eat there, they're seen by medical staff there. We don't have issues there. It is a very, very safe, safe unit.

When those inmates are transported in the institution, it's always by vehicle. If they're going anywhere within the institution, say the hospital, that would be locked down and all other inmates would be behind doors so that they can't be accessed. It's sort of the Fort Knox of corrections. And we've had very, very few problems there.

BLITZER: But is it possible, possible that Michael Jackson could be hanging out, if you will, even only an hour a day or whatever with the likes of Sirhan Sirhan?

CORCORAN: Absolutely. Actually, it's a general population building for all intents and purposes. It's just in a security housing unit area. So, they're out of their cells literally from about 7:30 in the morning at chow time till as much as 10:00 at night when they lock back up. So they have opportunities to go to the yard. They can stay on the day room. They can have televisions, radios. It's probably as normal an environment as you can get while still being in a very secure environment.

That being said, most of the individuals in this unit, like Sirhan Sirhan, have recognized that they're probably never going to get out. So they view this unit as their house. And they don't like a lot of disruption. That's one reason Charlie Manson hasn't fit in there, because he's very disruptive, he's very manipulative. So, every time he's been placed there, he's created problems. And they've moved him back to a security housing unit.

BLITZER: We saw some of the pictures of the actual cell where potentially he could live. You've seen that cell. Tell our viewers what it's really like inside there.

CORCORAN: Well, it's fairly close. There's usually two bunks. Mr. Jackson would more than likely have a single cell. And you know, there's a writing area, there's a commode in the corner that sort of has a sink operation in the top, different plumbing obviously for the commode and the sink. But no, it's very close. There's a window in the back of the cell, but it's very thin. So you don't get a wide view of the yard.

You know, it's not a great living environment. BLITZER: Where do they shower?

CORCORAN: There are showers at different places throughout the building. And they would have access to that shower during day room hours.

BLITZER: Knowing what you know about Michael Jackson, if he were sent to Corcoran, could he survive there?

CORCORAN: Michael Jackson, you know, that's hard for me to say, but he appears to be a guy that is very adaptable. I mean, he's obviously risen to the top of his field. His celebrity won't buy him anything in prison. So I mean, there will be some staff that are obviously star struck, but he won't have his makeup, he will not have wigs. He will get a clean bunk, nutritious meals and the most safe and secure environment that the department can provide.

BLITZER: Lance Corcoran in Sacramento, appreciate your spending a few moments with us. Thank you very much.

CORCORAN: Thank you.

BLITZER: Coming up at the top of the hour, LOU DOBBS TONIGHT. Lou is standing by in New York with a preview. Lou.

LOU DOBBS, CNN ANCHOR: Wolf, thank you.

We'll be reporting tonight on the widening investigation into radical Islamic terrorism in California. Radical Islamists inside this country may have been planning a jihad against the United States.

This country is facing an invasion of illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Now one highly influential group says Mexico, the source of many of those aliens, should be inside a new North American Security Border. And massive population growth in the Western United States is straining now already short water supplies --26 states in the grip of the worst drought ever. Tonight, we'll have a special report on the region's prospects.

All of that, and a great deal more, coming up at the top of the hour. Please join us.

Now back to you, Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Thanks very much, Lou. We'll be standing by.

We'll take a quick break. When we come back, stars in the U.S. military. Elvis Presley served, so did Clark Gable. And now the federal government is releasing new information about their service. We'll take a closer look back at some of the celebrities who answered Uncle Sam's call.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) BLITZER: The U.S. military is filled with thousands of everyday heroes of every stripe, but it has also seen its share of stars who have done their duty for their country. The federal government has now released new information on some of those stars. CNN national correspondent Bruce Morton has a look back.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Well, take Elvis. The Army did back in the 1950s. Cut his hair, gave him a uniform, treated him just like everybody else, turned down requests for public appearances. He was a scout driver, 3rd Armored Division.

Fans worried. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ericson (ph) from Sacramento wrote Mamie Eisenhower, wife of then President Dwight Eisenhower, "please ask Ike to bring Elvis back to us soon."

But the flap started when gossip columnist Dorothy Kilgallen reported Elvis might get a good behavior early release, Christmas 1959 instead of March 1960. Rose Feiling (ph) of Oak Park, Illinois, wrote her congressman, "I am sure us poor people can do without his singing and rock 'n' roll until he serves his country like my son has to."

The congressman wrote the Army, and the Army wrote back, "Elvis Presley will not be released in a manner different from any other inductee." And in fact, he didn't get out early.

Clark Gable. He enlisted in World War II. Must have stunned the recruiters when he listed a weekly income of $7,500 -- probably the equivalent of $100,000 now. He was an airplane gunner and, his superior noted, flew on many combat missions.

But maybe the most interesting thing in his file is a small signature on one form, by a personnel officer named Ronald Reagan. Yes, that Ronald Reagan.

Joe Louis -- really Joe Louis Barrow -- spent his World War II time in the racially segregated Army entertaining troops and won the Legion of Merit. "Staff Sergeant Barrow," the citation reads, "has entertained 2 million soldiers, by frequent boxing exhibitions which entailed considerable risk to his boxing future as the champion heavyweight of the world."

Henry Fonda. He joined the Navy, stunned the recruiters again by estimating his annual income at $150,000, which would be several million now. On the other hand, medical records showed he was missing three teeth.

Anyway, he was an operations and air combat intelligence officer in the Pacific and won a Bronze Star. He was a fine actor, and apparently a fine officer, too.

Bruce Morton, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: All those documents released by the National Archives here in Washington earlier today. Thanks, Bruce Morton, very much.

When we come back, baby steps. Check this out. Youngsters proving you're never too young to compete. We'll show you what's happening.

But first, "This Week in History."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MORTON (voice-over): This week in history, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944 in the D-Day invasion of World War II. Secretariat wins the Triple Crown of horse racing in 1973. And in 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivers a memorable speech at Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin.

RONALD REAGAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Tear down this wall.

MORTON: And that is "This Week in History."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Let's take a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world. Check this out, Australia alert. Several embassies in Australia were closed after receiving envelopes containing white powder. They included the British and U.S. embassies. Fortunately, tests later showed the powder was harmless.

And look at this. Crawling to victory. Twenty babies competed in a four-meter race at a Lithuanian toy store. The winner was a 10- month-old boy who took just 18 seconds to complete the course. There he goes. He won.

That's our look around the world. LOU DOBBS TONIGHT starting right now, Lou standing by in New York. Lou.

DOBBS: Thank you, Wolf.

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 June 9, 2005 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, a passionate plea from a teenager who testifies before the United States Congress appealing for a national sex offender registry that would include juveniles who have hurt other children. Stand by for hard news on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLITZER (voice-over): Anti-terror law. The president defends the Patriot Act and insists it should remain intact.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It has protected American liberty and saved American lives.

BLITZER: But does it threaten basic American rights?

It's not Neverland. If the jury convicts Michael Jackson, the pop star may find himself in a special prison with some of the nation's most notorious criminals.

Ambush at sea.

CAROL MARTINI, ESCAPED FROM PIRATES: I think they were trying to kill us.

BLITZER: Sailing around the world, a pair of adventure seekers get far more adventure than they wanted from modern-day pirates.

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Thursday, June 9, 2005.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Thanks for joining us. We begin close to the Iraqi- Syrian border where United States and Iraqi forces are casting a wider net in their hunt for insurgents. Our Jane Arraf is with the troops near Tal Afar which has recently become a hotbed of insurgent activity. This is a report you will see only here on CNN.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: U.S. and Iraqi troops continued an operation in the city of Tal Afar, going through a part of town they haven't yet combed to look for insurgents they believe may have fled from the first day of the offensive. So far they say they have seized and detained 43 suspected insurgents, most of them on their target list. This is a city that has been in the grip of the insurgency, just 60 kilometers, 40 miles from the Syrian border. There have been mortar attacks, rocket-propelled grenade attacks, roadside bombs.

What the military is doing now is showing that the Iraqi forces are out there and enlisting the help of ordinary Iraqis in the city.

We've entered parts of that city with American forces as they go looking for people who can help them and seeking information as to where the insurgents are hiding. They've gotten an increase in tips, they say, from Iraqi sources. Iraqi informers coming to them to tell them they know where the insurgents live.

This is a buildup of forces here, 4,000 of them in this area, up from just 400 about a month ago. And it's part of an effort to crack down on insurgents who keep moving between cities and towns in this region.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from near Tal Afar, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: But will there be enough American troops to get the job done? The U.S. Army's recruiting shortfall is simply getting worse. Military officials confirm the U.S. Army has missed its target now for four months in a row. The Army fell about 25 percent short of its already reduced goal of 6,700 new recruits last month. The Army hopes to make up the shortfall sometime this summer when more young people are likely to be looking for work. The full-year target is 80,000 new recruits.

The Army once again is defending its investigation into the death of Pat Tillman, the former pro football star killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan last year. A statement released today denies there was ever any cover up. Our senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre has more on this story. Jamie.

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well Wolf, the last thing the Army wants to do is get in a public dispute with Tillman's family. But in response to blistering criticism from his father, the Army has issued a statement saying -- insisting it did not cover up any facts. It blamed what it called procedural misjudgments and mistakes for creating what it called an air of suspicion and insisted that no one intended to deceive the Tillman family or the public as to the cause of his death.

The statement goes on to say -- quote -- "it is true that neither the family nor the public were notified immediately of the suspicion of friendly fire and the follow-on investigation. This was due to the fact that the operationally deployed unit did not immediately notify the department or the Army out of a desire to complete the investigation and gather all available facts."

Now, Tillman, of course, was a 27-year-old defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals when he turned down a $3.6 million pro football deal to serve his country after September 11 as an Army Ranger. He was killed in Afghanistan April 22, of last year.

The Army did announce that he was killed by friendly fire by his own troops about a month later, after a second investigation. But those findings were blasted by the family in a letter to the editor of the "Washington Post" last month. Tillman's father, Pat Senior, called the Army's admitted mistakes -- quote -- "deliberate, calculated, ordered and disgraceful." He labeled two of the three investigations shams, and charged that they were deliberately falsified, baseline facts. "There was one set of facts for the military and another for my family," that -- he wrote.

The Army insists its only mistake was waiting to gather all the facts to provide a complete picture. That they admit was a mistake, although they say it was a judgment -- a mistake in judgment, not a willful violation of regulations. Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Jamie McIntyre with that at the Pentagon. Jamie, thanks very much.

Also, today, the Pentagon reports last December's F-22 Raptor crash in Nevada was caused by a failure in its flight control system. The Pentagon also releasing an animation of what it says happened.

The Air Force was in the final stage of evaluating the high tech plane when the F-22 went out of control shortly after taking off from Nellis Air Force Base. The pilot ejected and suffered minor injuries.

Air Force officials had known there was a problem with the flight control system, but had not yet installed a fix on the plane that crashed.

In our CNN "Security Watch," President Bush today called on the Congress to renew provisions of a controversial anti-terrorism law. The Patriot Act authorizes increased surveillance and allows suspects to be held in incommunicado for months. Critics say it steps all over Americans' civil liberties, but the president said the act passed in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 has helped convict more than 200 terror suspects all across the United States.

The president spoke to Ohio State Troopers in Columbus.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: You have done your job. Now those up in Washington, those of us in Washington have to do our job. The House and Senate are moving forward with the process to renew the Patriot Act. My message to Congress is clear. The terrorist threats against us will not expire at the end of the year and neither should the protections of the Patriot Act.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In the Northern California city of Lodi, a fifth member of the local Pakistani community has been arrested as part of an ongoing terror investigation. The latest detainee is an 18 year old who joins two Muslim clerics charged with immigration violations. Meantime, the government has scaled down its accusations against a father and son who are said to have lied about ties to an al Qaeda training camp. The FBI is now backing away from claims that 22-year- old Hamid Hayat considered hospitals and food stores as terror targets.

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

New arrests in an island mystery. We'll take you live to Aruba for the latest on the case of Natalee Holloway. Also this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAY BARRY, ESCAPED FROM PIRATES: Both of the pirate boats throttled up -- you could tell from the black smoke from the exhaust -- and came straight at us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Terror on the high seas threatening the voyage of a lifetime. We'll have details.

Plus this. It could be -- could be -- Michael Jackson's next home if he's convicted. We'll take you inside one of California's prisons.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Five people are now being held in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager vacationing in Aruba. CNN's Karl Penhaul, joining us once again from Aruba with the latest developments. What is happening now, Karl?

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, there were three new arrests this morning that came just before dawn. And the three young men that have been arrested, one of them is a minor, 17 years old. The other two, 18 and 19. Those two are brothers. But these are the young three men that were last seen in Natalee Holloway's company outside the Carlos 'n Charlie's bar on that morning of May the 30th when Natalee Holloway disappeared.

They were interviewed first, shortly after Natalee's disappearance by police. Now they've in fact been arrested. Police have also seized one of the men's vehicles, and also some computer equipment we've seen, being taken away from their car -- from their building.

Also what we've asked the defense attorney of the first two suspects who were seized over the weekend is, is there any relationship between these three just arrested and the two arrested over the weekend? This is what he had to say about that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) CHRIS LEJUEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: My client does not know these three men. But I do know, out of the five, that these three men were the three -- the last three to see Natalee Holloway that night, probably the night of her disappearance, when they took her back to her hotel at approximately 2:30 in the morning.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PENHAUL: So we have five people now behind bars facing accusations of being involved in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, but according to prosecutors who gave a press conference at midday, there is still no evidence, Wolf, to indicate whether Natalee Holloway is alive or dead.

BLITZER: We also heard from the prime minister of Aruba just a little while ago. What was the thrust of his message?

PENHAUL: Overall, the thrust of his message -- the island is very worried about the impact that this disappearance can have on tourism. Aruba, one-third of its income comes from the tourism trade and half its annual visitors come from U.S. tourists. He was trying to put this into context to explain that Aruba traditionally has a low crime rate and very little of that crime affects tourists.

But he also said that nobody on this island is above the law and he said he would give his personal guarantee and would respond for the result of the investigation, Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Karl Penhaul in Aruba. We'll check back with you as new information becomes available. Thanks very much.

Moving on now to a tale of adventure-seekers who got a lot more adventure than they bargained for. They left Massachusetts five years ago to sail around the world. Recently, they found themselves in a life-or-death struggle with pirates. Good thinking and a good steel boat helped them live to tell all about it. CNN's John Vause picks up their story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: They're safe now, Jay Barry and Carol Martini, their boat Gandalf moored in the southern Israeli port of Ashkelon, 1,300 miles away from the heavily-armed, modern-day pirates whom they say attacked them on the open seas.

MARTINI: I think they were trying to kill us.

VAUSE: March 6, they left Salalah, Oman, traveling with another sailboat. Three days later they reached the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, a dangerous stretch of water known as pirate's alley. The sun was setting and Carol was on watch.

MARTINI: I saw two boats right ahead of us that weren't in a position to be fishing or anything that looked like it was something normal that they would be doing. BARRY: We closed ranks with our friend's boat. As soon as this was noticed, both of the pirate boats throttled up -- you could tell from the black smoke from the exhaust -- and came straight at us, one attack boat for each of the sailboats, and then began firing.

VAUSE: The pirates, they say, were armed and firing semiautomatic weapons, firing so close Jay later found the casing from one of at least 14 bullets which he says hit his boat.

BARRY: One bullet to the deck.

VAUSE: Most of the holes have been patched. Under fire, about to be boarded, he went on the offensive.

BARRY: And then turned around to board us on this side of the boat. When they turned, they were just far enough off that gave me enough time and the turning circle of the boat to be able to turn the boat very, very quickly, you know, into them with the momentum we had.

VAUSE: Gandalf's steel hull still bears the damage from where it smashed into the small wooden pirate boat, hoisting it out of the water.

BARRY: One boat turned right up sideways on the front of Gandalf and stayed there for a little while, which was -- getting us a little concerned. We finally threw it in reverse and with the sea state and the waves, backed off. It's the only opportunity I had, one of the few times in your life, when you did what you thought you should do at the right time, and it worked.

VAUSE: At the same time, though, the pirates apparently gave up on the other sailboat. That skipper was armed and opened fire, so the second boat of pirates tried to board Gandalf from the stern.

MARTINI: I could see gunmen standing above Jay's head trying to board the back of our boat from where I was down below on the radio, and I thought that was it.

VAUSE: According to Carol, the friendly skipper shot the two gunmen. It's not known if they were wounded or killed. Regardless, she says, it was their chance to make for safer waters.

Well, what's next?

BARRY: The next plan is to go to Cyprus.

VAUSE: And then?

BARRY: Turkey.

VAUSE: In the last five years, they've sailed two-thirds around the world, and plan to keep going until their money and perhaps their luck as well run out.

John Vause, CNN, Ashkelon, Israel.

(END VIDEOTAPE) BLITZER: Quite an adventure for those two Americans.

When we come back, Amie's Law. A Wisconsin teenager taking her personal fight against sexual predators right here to Washington, to Capitol Hill in an effort to change federal law.

Promoting peace in the Middle East, but is the region truly ready to accept democracy? We'll take a closer look.

We'll also take a closer look at Elvis in the Army, the king of rock shedding his star status for a tour of duty, and so did many other famous faces. We'll remember the celebrities who served. All that, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Should the names of juvenile sex offenders be released to the public? That was one of the questions discussed today at an extraordinary hearing up on Capitol Hill.

CNN's Kimberly Osias is joining us now live. She has the latest. Kimberly.

KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well Wolf, I'll tell you, this is not something you see everyday on Capitol Hill, a 17-year-old victim of sexual abuse speaking out publicly lobbying for change.

Her name is Amie Zyla. And she's a remarkable young woman. She was abused when she was just eight by a family friend, Joshua Wade. He was 14 at the time. Today she bravely came forward, giggling just a little as she was sworn in before Congress.

She told her harrowing tale of how Wade abused her and threatened her and forced her to watch him molest again.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AMIE ZYLA, ABUSE VICTIM: My abuser hurt me in my own home where he had gained a level of trust and then so brutally violated it. He stole my self-esteem and made me feel so afraid, so afraid that I almost did not go to my parents because I thought he would hurt me again.

After I was able to fend him off, I then had to watch him assault my little friend and endure a threat to my life until he was put away.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OSIAS: Amie and her family tried to put the experience behind her -- that is, until they saw Wade's face on television in court, on charges of abusing other young teens. According to prosecutors, he lured them to his Wisconsin apartment where he videotaped some of them in his shower. Some he abused sexually.

Recently, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a law allowing those names of juvenile sex offenders to be made public. It's a law that Amie and her family would like to see on a national scale, but some critics say men can be rehabilitated. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. FRED BERLIN, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY: The reason I believe that many of those men succeeded in treatment is they were able to get a fresh start.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OSIAS: Some men, again, of course, referring to some men can be rehabilitated. As for Joshua Wade, he pled guilty in June to charges of sexual assault and child enticement. He remains behind bars awaiting sentencing in August. When sentenced, he could face up to 70 years behind bars. Wolf.

BLITZER: Kimberly, so what Amie wants, and a lot of her supporters want, is for the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would make the names of juvenile sexual offenders public so that everyone would know who they are. Is that right?

OSIAS: That's exactly right. So that law enforcement could actually release that and hopefully get a jump start so it wouldn't happen again.

BLITZER: Kimberly Osias with that story, thanks very much. A very compelling story indeed.

When we come back, hostage freed. After weeks in captivity in Afghanistan, this aid worker is now released.

Democracy in the Middle East. Would it be worth it, even if members of terror groups were democratically elected to office? I'll ask former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Congressman Vin Weber.

And later, inside the California State Prison at Corcoran where -- the facility where Michael Jackson possibly could serve time if convicted. Find out what life for the pop star would be like. I can tell you this, it wouldn't be pretty.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: From our studios in Washington, once again Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Democracy in the Middle East: New challenges and new opportunities outlined for the region. Coming up, I'll speak with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Congressman Vin Weber.

First, though, let's get a quick check of other stories now in the news.

The U.S. Senate late this afternoon confirmed the nomination of former Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor to serve on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The vote in his favor, 53-45. Pryor is the third judge to win confirmation under a compromise worked out by Senate Republican and Democratic moderates only a couple weeks ago.

The first named storm of the 2005 hurricane season is threatening Cuba right now. Tropical storm Arlene's maximum sustained winds are blowing at almost 40 miles an hour. The center of the storm could reach western Cuba tonight.

Just across the U.S. border from Texas, a Mexican police chief was gunned down during his first day on the job. Alejandro Dominguez was said to be the only person brave enough to take the top law enforcement job in Nuevo Laredo where drug gangs have been fighting a bloody turf war.

An Italian aid worker has been released after more than three weeks of captivity in Afghanistan. The 32-year-old woman is said to be in good health. An Afghan official says no ransom was paid and no other concessions were made to the kidnappers.

The Bush administration has pushed for democracy in the Arab Middle East, but critics say it's not pushing hard enough. Now a bipartisan report from the Council on Foreign Relations offers some controversial recommendations for trying to bring about change in the region. Earlier, I spoke with the co-chairmen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And joining us now, the former secretary of state Madeleine Albright. Thanks very much for joining us. Former Congressman Vin Weber, thanks to you, as well.

Let's get to one of the important quotes in your summary. You write this, "it would be a mistake to exclude Islamist parties on the assumption that they are inherently un-democratic or prone to violence. The best way to marginalize violent extremists is to make room for as broad a range of nonviolent perspective as possible." Does that include Hezbollah?

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, FRM. SECRETARY OF STATE: Well, we have said that Hezbollah, as it continues to have military -- a military arm and military means, is not one that we would deal with. But we have also said in the report that you can't ignore the fact that Hezbollah exists and that it, as we now see, has won a considerable size of the elections in Lebanon and not, I think, only because of their violent means, but because they in fact have done an awful lot of groundwork, to use an American term, their constituency work. So we can't ignore it. But we are not advocating dealing with Hezbollah.

BLITZER: But you regard Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

ALBRIGHT: Absolutely.

BLITZER: And you do as well, Congressman.

VIN WEBER, FRM. CONGRESSMAN: Absolutely. It has a significant terrorist component. But the point Secretary Albright has made is that it's difficult because it has other components as well.

BLITZER: So, if we -- if Hezbollah...

WEBER: We can't deal with terrorist organizations.

BLITZER: ...if Hezbollah becomes part of a coalition government, a new Lebanese government, should the United States then negotiate, deal, have contact, with that government?

WEBER: We can't not deal with an elected government in the region. The question of how do we deal with actually the Hezbollah members of that government is a very tricky issue because we can't deal with terrorists directly. But, we're not suggesting we should cut off relationships with a government of the Middle East because of the inclusion of Hezbollah members.

BLITZER: Do you agree with that, Secretary?

ALBRIGHT: Yes. I mean, I think that it would be unrealistic and I think what has to happen, and one of the things that we talk about in this report, is for nonviolent Islamic groups to be respected and that we should work with them.

BLITZER: What about Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Palestinian elections?

ALBRIGHT: Well, certainly, with Hamas, it's the same issue, that they have a military aspect to that. But again, they are pretty popular because of some of the grassroots work that they do.

BLITZER: Is that a terrorist group?

ALBRIGHT: Well, they are on the terrorist list.

BLITZER: You regard Hamas as a terrorist group?

WEBER: Certainly. And as with Hezbollah, they have non-terrorist components as well, but they're -- they engage in terrorism. They're a terrorist group.

BLITZER: You feel that groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, can be made nonviolent?

ALBRIGHT: I think that it is possible that they will understand that they will achieve much more with nonviolent means. It is a very troubling aspect of it, but again, what our report is about is a realistic assessment of what is going on, on the ground. We happen to believe that democracy is essential in the Middle East. You can't have a democracy exception for that part of the world.

BLITZER: So if these groups, Congressman, like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, are democratically elected, what are you saying? The United States should deal with them?

WEBER: The United States has to deal with the government. The question of whether or not we actually deal with members of a terrorist organization that may be part of the government, I think, is a more difficult question. The administration has to decide that down the road. But I think what we are saying is, you're not going to cut off relationships with the government of Lebanon because people from Hezbollah are part of that government.

BLITZER: Some of your critics, Secretary, will say this is naive to even think that these kinds of groups can be made nonviolent, and all of a sudden Hamas is going to wake up one day and say, you know what, there should be a two-state solution, a Jewish state called Israel living alongside Palestine.

ALBRIGHT: We are not advocating dealing with Hezbollah or Hamas. What we are saying is you have to have a realistic approach to what is going on in Lebanon or among the Palestinians. To say that they don't exist is as naive as saying that they're going to all of a sudden change their stripes.

I think what we are saying is that you cannot automatically decide that an Islamic group is a bad group. There are Islamic parties within all the countries in the Middle East that we believe should follow democratic methods and by simply saying that you're never going to deal with an Islamic party, you are deciding that you are not going to respect the wishes of the people of a country.

BLITZER: There's some implied criticism in the report involving the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who has now called for multiparty elections in Egypt. You write, also, this: "Sham democracies should be exposed for what it is," referring to the possibility that all this is a sham. This, in the aftermath of what Laura Bush, the first lady, said when she was in Egypt a few weeks ago. She called what President Mubarak is doing, in her words, "a bold step."

What is it, sham democracy -- what Mubarak is doing -- or a bold step?

WEBER: Well, the calling for the election itself is a bold step. But I think we're pretty clear in believing that there's not yet sufficient evidence to show that President Mubarak is going to have a real election in Egypt.

We hope so. But one of the things that we talk about repeatedly is that an election itself is not democracy. There have to be the preconditions of democracy, which means a viable opposition; access to the news media; access to resources. And it is not at all clear that any of those things are going to be present in the Egyptian election. Until it is clear, we have to say that that's not a real election.

BLITZER: Secretary, what do you say, sham democracy in Egypt that's unfolding or a bold step?

ALBRIGHT: Well, at the moment, there is nothing to indicate that it is a real democracy. President Mubarak took a step to do it with the constitution, but there has not been any real sign that democracy is taking place. And in fact, the elections, where women were harassed and bodily injured, certainly would show that there are problems. And the question here is whether the parties that are part of the opposition are legitimate political parties that are able to contend elections fairly. And there's no evidence at the moment that all the parties have an ability to contest in the election.

BLITZER: I didn't see much...

WEBER: People in Egypt will understand that, too. That's what we have to understand as a country and a government, that the people in Egypt will know if this is real or not. If we claim it's real when it's not, we will lose more credibility with the Egyptian people themselves.

BLITZER: What about Saudi Arabia? I didn't see it very much in your report on Saudi Arabia, which, arguably, may be the most undemocratic government in the region.

WEBER: I think we probably agree with that. But even in Saudi Arabia, as we point out in the report, there -- the first inklings of democracy at just the local level -- a long, long way to go. But the first inklings in Saudi Arabia.

We make the point clearly that you can't have a cookie cutter approach to democracy in the Middle East or anywhere else, for that matter. Every country has to have its own pathway to reform as we put it, and in Saudi Arabia, it's going to be quite different.

BLITZER: Women in Saudi Arabia, they not only can't vote, they can't even drive a car.

WEBER: Well, we are certainly not condoning what is going on in Saudi Arabia. And we speak about...

BLITZER: But this is a delicate situation because the U.S. has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and is very dependent on Saudi oil.

ALBRIGHT: Well, the thing that we've said, Wolf, is that basically this is an evolutionary, not a revolutionary, process; that we need to have a regional approach in terms of our own ideals and the policy that we have, to be for human rights and women's rights and a free press, and a rule of law and an opposition party. But that one does have to look at each country individually and keep pressing for a step in the right direction, but not expect everything to happen overnight.

BLITZER: All right. Let me wrap this up, because you write this: "Arab leaders should know that progress toward democracy will have favorable consequences for their relations with the United States and that the reverse is also true." Does that apply to Saudi Arabia if they don't move towards equal rights for women, full democracy, that the United States should take action against them?

WEBER: I think we have to show some consistency in dealings with countries across the board, but not take the exact same approach to every country. So, the answer to your question is, yes, I think ultimately the Saudis have to be prodded into action and know that there are some consequences of inaction.

But we have to be realistic about it. The Saudis are a rich country. They don't need financial assistance from us. We don't have the same leverage with them that we would have with others, but we can use what leverage we have.

BLITZER: I'll give you the last word, Secretary.

ALBRIGHT: Well, I think that the thing that we're saying here is that democracy is the right process, that it is a long one, and that President Bush has taken a bold step in terms of talking about the importance for democracy.

What we've done in this report is make a number of very practical suggestions about how to underline a goal with some very practical aspects, country by country, and recognizing the differences and at the same time, making clear, especially to people like the Saudis, that they are going in for a period of major instability if they don't move towards democracy because ultimately, democracy is the most stable form of government.

BLITZER: Secretary Albright, Congressman Weber, good work with your report. We'll see if it has any significant impact on the region. Hopefully it will. Appreciate your joining us.

WEBER: Thank you.

ALBRIGHT: Thank you.

BLITZER: We're getting these pictures just in to CNN. A small twin engine plane is believed to have crashed into this house in Montgomery County, Texas. That's north of Houston, the Houston metro area. These are live pictures you're seeing from our affiliate in Houston. The plane, said to have crashed just a few moments ago. Officials are on the scene searching for survivors. We'll get some more information and bring it to you as we get it.

There's another story coming into CNN right now, another apparent shooting on a Los Angeles area freeway. Let's take a look at these pictures from our affiliate in the area. This is on Interstate 5 as it passes through the city of Hawthorn. Police there tell us one person has been shot and taken to the hospital. There's no word on the victim's condition or the whereabouts of the shooter. This is but the latest in a series of shootings on southern California freeways; not clear whether this one is connected to any of the other incidents. Another story we'll continue to check out and get more information as it becomes available.

So, what would life be like for Michael Jackson if he's found guilty? We'll take you inside one prison where the King of Pop possibly could serve if convicted.

And, Australia's on alert. Several buildings, including the U.S. Embassy, shut down today. We'll tell you why.

Stars in the military spotlight. We'll take a look back at some of the famous faces, including Elvis, who served our country.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back. Jury deliberations in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial ended early today so some jurors could attend school graduation ceremonies. Jurors will reconvene tomorrow morning to resume weighing the ten charges against the pop star.

California prison officials say if Jackson is convicted of the most serious charges, he could wind up serving his time at one of the state's well-known prisons.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): It sits in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley, California's vast agricultural heartland. Built as a model for state-of-the-art corrections facilities, it's also trying to repair a reputation for violence and alleged inmate abuse.

This is the California State Prison at Corcoran. Completed in 1998, it was designed to house just under 3,000 inmates in a sprawling 900-acre complex. But the state's own latest statistics show Corcoran is now almost 2,000 prisoners over capacity. Among its most notorious inmates, serial killer Charles Manson and Robert Kennedy's killer, Sirhan Sirhan.

If Michael Jackson is convicted and sent here, he faces a grim and possibly dangerous future. He would almost certainly be assigned to the Corcoran Protective Housing Unit designed to shield a small number of prisoners who might be targeted for violence by other inmates -- Jackson not only for his fame, but also because of the allegations against him.

Even among the most hardened inmates, child molestation is seen as abominable. And those convicted are often singled out for attack. Jackson's cell, like those of all inmates, would be Spartan, with a concrete bed, topped by a thin mattress. His interactions with fellow prisoners could be extremely limited, his experience close to solitary confinement.

Corcoran was thrust into the headlines in 1998 when four corrections officers were accused of arranging the rape of one prisoner by another. Two years later, allegations that other officers set up gladiators-style fights between rival inmates, during which some prisoners were shot by guards. Both cases ended in acquittal, with prison officers refusing to speak against their accused colleagues and prosecutors unable to crack the wall of silence.

CNN contacted the California Department of Corrections. A spokesman tells us in the wake of those case, the department has standardized and codified policies for the use of force by officers and all of the department's 49,000 employees were trained in the new policies.

(END VIDEOTAPE) BLITZER: For more on what Michael Jackson possibly could face behind bars if he's convicted, we're joined by Lance Corcoran in Sacramento. He's executive vice president of the California Correctional Peace Officers' Association. Mr. Corcoran, thanks very much for joining us. I know it's just simply coincidental, your last name is Corcoran. The name of the prison is Corcoran. We have an art gallery here in Washington named Corcoran, as well. It's a common name.

Is it realistic to assume that Michael Jackson could be sent to Corcoran?

LANCE CORCORAN, VP, CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' ASSOC: Well, remember the Protective Housing Unit is a very small unit that's a little over 30 inmates. It's one section of one part of a security housing unit. It has its own yard. The inmates recreate there, they eat there, they're seen by medical staff there. We don't have issues there. It is a very, very safe, safe unit.

When those inmates are transported in the institution, it's always by vehicle. If they're going anywhere within the institution, say the hospital, that would be locked down and all other inmates would be behind doors so that they can't be accessed. It's sort of the Fort Knox of corrections. And we've had very, very few problems there.

BLITZER: But is it possible, possible that Michael Jackson could be hanging out, if you will, even only an hour a day or whatever with the likes of Sirhan Sirhan?

CORCORAN: Absolutely. Actually, it's a general population building for all intents and purposes. It's just in a security housing unit area. So, they're out of their cells literally from about 7:30 in the morning at chow time till as much as 10:00 at night when they lock back up. So they have opportunities to go to the yard. They can stay on the day room. They can have televisions, radios. It's probably as normal an environment as you can get while still being in a very secure environment.

That being said, most of the individuals in this unit, like Sirhan Sirhan, have recognized that they're probably never going to get out. So they view this unit as their house. And they don't like a lot of disruption. That's one reason Charlie Manson hasn't fit in there, because he's very disruptive, he's very manipulative. So, every time he's been placed there, he's created problems. And they've moved him back to a security housing unit.

BLITZER: We saw some of the pictures of the actual cell where potentially he could live. You've seen that cell. Tell our viewers what it's really like inside there.

CORCORAN: Well, it's fairly close. There's usually two bunks. Mr. Jackson would more than likely have a single cell. And you know, there's a writing area, there's a commode in the corner that sort of has a sink operation in the top, different plumbing obviously for the commode and the sink. But no, it's very close. There's a window in the back of the cell, but it's very thin. So you don't get a wide view of the yard.

You know, it's not a great living environment. BLITZER: Where do they shower?

CORCORAN: There are showers at different places throughout the building. And they would have access to that shower during day room hours.

BLITZER: Knowing what you know about Michael Jackson, if he were sent to Corcoran, could he survive there?

CORCORAN: Michael Jackson, you know, that's hard for me to say, but he appears to be a guy that is very adaptable. I mean, he's obviously risen to the top of his field. His celebrity won't buy him anything in prison. So I mean, there will be some staff that are obviously star struck, but he won't have his makeup, he will not have wigs. He will get a clean bunk, nutritious meals and the most safe and secure environment that the department can provide.

BLITZER: Lance Corcoran in Sacramento, appreciate your spending a few moments with us. Thank you very much.

CORCORAN: Thank you.

BLITZER: Coming up at the top of the hour, LOU DOBBS TONIGHT. Lou is standing by in New York with a preview. Lou.

LOU DOBBS, CNN ANCHOR: Wolf, thank you.

We'll be reporting tonight on the widening investigation into radical Islamic terrorism in California. Radical Islamists inside this country may have been planning a jihad against the United States.

This country is facing an invasion of illegal aliens and potential terrorists. Now one highly influential group says Mexico, the source of many of those aliens, should be inside a new North American Security Border. And massive population growth in the Western United States is straining now already short water supplies --26 states in the grip of the worst drought ever. Tonight, we'll have a special report on the region's prospects.

All of that, and a great deal more, coming up at the top of the hour. Please join us.

Now back to you, Wolf.

BLITZER: All right. Thanks very much, Lou. We'll be standing by.

We'll take a quick break. When we come back, stars in the U.S. military. Elvis Presley served, so did Clark Gable. And now the federal government is releasing new information about their service. We'll take a closer look back at some of the celebrities who answered Uncle Sam's call.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) BLITZER: The U.S. military is filled with thousands of everyday heroes of every stripe, but it has also seen its share of stars who have done their duty for their country. The federal government has now released new information on some of those stars. CNN national correspondent Bruce Morton has a look back.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Well, take Elvis. The Army did back in the 1950s. Cut his hair, gave him a uniform, treated him just like everybody else, turned down requests for public appearances. He was a scout driver, 3rd Armored Division.

Fans worried. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ericson (ph) from Sacramento wrote Mamie Eisenhower, wife of then President Dwight Eisenhower, "please ask Ike to bring Elvis back to us soon."

But the flap started when gossip columnist Dorothy Kilgallen reported Elvis might get a good behavior early release, Christmas 1959 instead of March 1960. Rose Feiling (ph) of Oak Park, Illinois, wrote her congressman, "I am sure us poor people can do without his singing and rock 'n' roll until he serves his country like my son has to."

The congressman wrote the Army, and the Army wrote back, "Elvis Presley will not be released in a manner different from any other inductee." And in fact, he didn't get out early.

Clark Gable. He enlisted in World War II. Must have stunned the recruiters when he listed a weekly income of $7,500 -- probably the equivalent of $100,000 now. He was an airplane gunner and, his superior noted, flew on many combat missions.

But maybe the most interesting thing in his file is a small signature on one form, by a personnel officer named Ronald Reagan. Yes, that Ronald Reagan.

Joe Louis -- really Joe Louis Barrow -- spent his World War II time in the racially segregated Army entertaining troops and won the Legion of Merit. "Staff Sergeant Barrow," the citation reads, "has entertained 2 million soldiers, by frequent boxing exhibitions which entailed considerable risk to his boxing future as the champion heavyweight of the world."

Henry Fonda. He joined the Navy, stunned the recruiters again by estimating his annual income at $150,000, which would be several million now. On the other hand, medical records showed he was missing three teeth.

Anyway, he was an operations and air combat intelligence officer in the Pacific and won a Bronze Star. He was a fine actor, and apparently a fine officer, too.

Bruce Morton, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: All those documents released by the National Archives here in Washington earlier today. Thanks, Bruce Morton, very much.

When we come back, baby steps. Check this out. Youngsters proving you're never too young to compete. We'll show you what's happening.

But first, "This Week in History."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MORTON (voice-over): This week in history, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944 in the D-Day invasion of World War II. Secretariat wins the Triple Crown of horse racing in 1973. And in 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivers a memorable speech at Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin.

RONALD REAGAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Tear down this wall.

MORTON: And that is "This Week in History."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Let's take a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world. Check this out, Australia alert. Several embassies in Australia were closed after receiving envelopes containing white powder. They included the British and U.S. embassies. Fortunately, tests later showed the powder was harmless.

And look at this. Crawling to victory. Twenty babies competed in a four-meter race at a Lithuanian toy store. The winner was a 10- month-old boy who took just 18 seconds to complete the course. There he goes. He won.

That's our look around the world. LOU DOBBS TONIGHT starting right now, Lou standing by in New York. Lou.

DOBBS: Thank you, Wolf.

END

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