This program is 28 minutes long
#725173
(Studio: Dan Rather) The latest developments in the war with Iraq reviewed.
(Najaf, Iraq: Mark Strassmann) An engagement highlighting new tactics aimed at stopping the Iraqis’ harassment attacks featured; details given about searches in urban neighborhoods for Iraqi paramilitary troops hiding in buildings; scenes shown of a cache of weapons found in an armory. [US Army Sgt. Patrick REED†, Lt. Brent SCURCI†- comment on the battle at Najaf.] [US SOLDIER – comments on a man who was stopped a checkpoint with a large wad of cash and a Baath Party ID card.]
(Studio: Dan Rather) The tragic incident in which American troops opened fire on a van carrying civilians after it failed to stop at a checkpoint reported.
(Pentagon: David Martin) An overview of the military campaign presented; details given about bombardments concentrated on Republican Guard units near Baghdad and difficulties taking control of the south; scenes shown of armored cavalry regiment soldiers preparing to ship out. [Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Stanley McCHRYSTAL†- says we are seeing weakening of Republican Guard forces.]
(Studio: Dan Rather) Report introduced.
(Kuwait City: Mark Phillips) The unexpectedly tough resistance being faced by British troops around the city of Basra featured; details given about the hardships forced on the civilians because of the ongoing fighting; battle scenes shown. [US Central Command Brig. Gen. Vincent BROOKS†- says the Iraqi people are still under the boot of the regime.]
(Studio: Dan Rather) Report introduced.
(Baghdad: John Burns) The view that loosening the hold of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s regime is proving to be tougher than expected noted.
(Studio: Dan Rather) Report from the International Red Cross that it has begun visiting Iraqi prisoners of war held by coalition forces and “Newsday” magazine’s concern that Iraq is holding two of its journalists, Matthew McAllester†† and Moises Saman††, mentioned; casualty figures cited.
(Iraq: Byron Pitts) The impact of the loss of three members of a Marine Expeditionary Force unit featured; details given about the crash of their Huey helicopter during a “brownout.” [US Marine commanding OFFICER – says we go on with heavy hearts.]
#725176
(Studio: Dan Rather) A tentative agreement reached by unions representing American Airlines pilots, flight attendants & mechanics on givebacks to keep the airline out of bankruptcy reported; Stock Market Report.
#725177
(Studio: Dan Rather) Report introduced.
(New York: Elizabeth Kaledin) Growing concern about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome {SARS}, which has caused many deaths and is still spreading, featured; details given about the CDC’s advice for Americans to postpone travel to southeast Asia. [CDC Dr. Julie GERBERDING†- talks about the spread of the disease in Canada.]
#725178
(Studio: Dan Rather) The progress of five-month-old Dillon Sellers, who underwent heart transplant surgery after his father was deployed to the Persian Gulf, updated; scenes shown of Dillon at Loma Linda Hospital in California.
#725181
(Studio: Dan Rather) NBC News’ firing of Baghdad correspondent Peter Arnett† after he appeared on Iraqi television criticizing the American war plan reported; Arnett’s statements quoted.
#725182
(Studio: Dan Rather) Report introduced.
(Enfield, Connecticut: Mika Brzezinski) The story of the family of US Marine Phil Jordan††, who was killed by Iraqi soldiers pretending to surrender, featured; home videos shown. [Widow Amanda JORDAN – talks about her husband’s concern for their son, Tyler, because he had lost his own father when he was young; reads a letter from Phil to Tyler; says Americans are not dying in vain.]
#725184
(Studio: Dan Rather) Opening day of the baseball season noted; scenes shown of snow falling at Baltimore’s Camden Yards and a tribute in New York City to troops overseas. [“Sports Illustrated” Rick REILLY†- talks about the meaning of baseball to soldiers in the desert.]
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