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BIG 8 AT IT'S BEST NEWS WE ARE HERE FOR YOU |
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AUGUST.7.2005 1938 - 2005 PETTER JENNINGS PASS AWAY NEWS DATE IS ON AUGUST.8.2005
BIG 8 AT IT'S BEST NEWS -- WE ARE HERE FOR YOU RUN BY DAVID AARON GARCIA
Peter Jennings PASS AWAY AT AGE 67
http://abcnews.go.com/ TO SEE PHOTO'S OF THE LIFE OF PETER JENNINGS 1938 -2005 LINK RIGHT HERE
He was 67. On April 5,
He is survived by his wife, Kayce Freed, his two children, Elizabeth, 25, and Christopher, 23,
and his sister, Sarah Jennings.
"Peter died with his family around him, without pain and in peace. He knew he'd lived a good life,
" his wife and children said in a statement.
In announcing
"For four decades, Peter has been our colleague, our friend, and our leader in so many ways.
None of us will be the same without him.
"As you all know, Peter learned only this spring that the health problem he'd been struggling with
was lung cancer. With Kayce, he moved straight into an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. He
knew that it was an uphill struggle. But he faced it with realism, courage, and a firm hope that he
would be one of the fortunate ones. In the end, he was not.
"We will have many opportunities in the coming hours and days to remember Peter for all that he
meant to us all. It cannot be overstated or captured in words alone. But for the moment, the finest
tribute we can give is to continue to do the work he loved so much and inspired us to do."
Reported World-Shaping Events
As one of
that have shaped our world. He was in
there in the '90s when it came down. He covered the civil rights movement in the southern
there when the Voting Rights Act was signed in 1965, and on the other side of the world when South
Africans voted for the first time. He has worked in every European nation that once was behind the Iron
Curtain. He was there when the independent political movement Solidarity was born in a Polish shipyard,
and again when
repression of communism and then its demise. He was one of the first reporters to go to
in the 1960s, and went back to the killing fields of
that, unless they did something, the terror would return.
On
"ABC 2000." Some 175 million Americans watched the telecast, making it the biggest live global
television event ever. "The day belonged to ABC News," wrote The
Peter Jennings doing a nearly superhuman job of anchoring."
appear live for 25 consecutive hours.
terrorism. He anchored more than 60 hours that week during the network's longest continuous
period of news coverage, and was widely praised for providing a reassuring voice during the time
of crisis. TV Guide called him "the center of gravity," while the
in his shirt sleeves, did a Herculean job of coverage." The coverage earned ABC News
and duPont awards.
Overseas, and at Home
News" from 1965 to 1967.
He established the first American television news bureau in the Arab world in 1968 when he
served as ABC News' bureau chief for
helped put ABC News on the map in 1972 with his coverage of the Summer Olympics in
when Arab terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage.
In 1975,
"A.M. America". After a short stint in the mornings,
he stayed before moving to
was named the foreign desk anchor for "World News Tonight." He co-anchored the program
with Frank Reynolds in Washington, D.C., and Max Robinson in
than 20 years in the position he was honored with almost every major award given to television
journalists.
His extensive domestic and overseas reporting experience was evident in "World News Tonight's"
coverage of major crises. He reported from all 50 states and locations around the globe. During the
1991 Gulf War and the 2003 War in Iraq, his knowledge of Middle Eastern affairs brought invaluable
perspective to ABC News' coverage of the war in Iraq and the drug trade in Central and South
America. The series also tackled important domestic issues such as gun control policy, the politics
of abortion, the crisis in funding for the arts and a highly praised chronicle of the accused bombers
of
R. Morrow award for best documentary for "The Kennedy Assassination -- Beyond Conspiracy."
live news specials for children on subjects ranging from growing up in the age of AIDS, to prejudice
and its effects on our society. After the events of September 11, and again on the first anniversary, he
anchored a town hall meeting for children and parents entitled, "Answering Children's Questions."
Jennings was honored with many awards for news reporting, including 16 Emmys, two George Foster
Peabody Awards, several
Awards. Most recently, "World News Tonight" was recognized with two consecutive Edward R. Murrow
awards for best newscast, based on field reporting done by
transfer of power in
Jennings was the author, with Todd Brewster, of the acclaimed New York Times best seller, "The
Century." It featured first-person accounts of the great events of the century. In 1999, he anchored
the 12-hour ABC series, "The Century," and ABC's series for The History Channel, "
" He and Brewster also published "In Search of
News series
Aug. 7 — ABC News Anchor Peter Jennings died today at his home in
67. On April 5,
He is survived by his wife, Kayce Freed, his two children, Elizabeth, 25, and Christopher, 23,
and his sister, Sarah Jennings.
"Peter died with his family around him, without pain and in peace. He knew he'd lived a good
life," his wife and children said in a statement.
In announcing
"For four decades, Peter has been our colleague, our friend, and our leader in so many ways.
None of us will be the same without him.
"As you all know, Peter learned only this spring that the health problem he'd been struggling
with was lung cancer. With Kayce, he moved straight into an aggressive chemotherapy
treatment. He knew that it was an uphill struggle. But he faced it with realism, courage, and
a firm hope that he would be one of the fortunate ones. In the end, he was not.
"We will have many opportunities in the coming hours and days to remember Peter for all
that he meant to us all. It cannot be overstated or captured in words alone. But for the
moment, the finest tribute we can give is to continue to do the work he loved so much
and inspired us to do."
Reported World-Shaping Events
As one of
events that have shaped our world. He was in
was going up, and there in the '90s when it came down. He covered the civil rights movement
in the southern
during the 1970s and '80s. He was there when the Voting Rights Act was signed in 1965, and
on the other side of the world when South Africans voted for the first time. He has worked in
every European nation that once was behind the Iron Curtain. He was there when the independent
political movement Solidarity was born in a Polish shipyard, and again when
leaders were forced from power. And he was in
He was one of the first reporters to go to
of
On
Eve, "ABC 2000." Some 175 million Americans watched the telecast, making it the biggest live
global television event ever. "The day belonged to ABC News," wrote The
with Peter Jennings doing a nearly superhuman job of anchoring."
to appear live for 25 consecutive hours.
terrorism. He anchored more than 60 hours that week during the network's longest continuous
period of news coverage, and was widely praised for providing a reassuring voice during the time
of crisis. TV Guide called him "the center of gravity," while the
in his shirt sleeves, did a Herculean job of coverage." The coverage earned ABC News
and duPont awards.
Overseas, and at Home
News" from 1965 to 1967.
He established the first American television news bureau in the Arab world in 1968 when he served
as ABC News' bureau chief for
ABC News on the map in 1972 with his coverage of the Summer Olympics in
terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage.
In 1975,
"A.M. America". After a short stint in the mornings,
he stayed before moving to
was named the foreign desk anchor for "World News Tonight." He co-anchored the program with
Frank Reynolds in Washington, D.C., and Max Robinson in
20 years in the position he was honored with almost every major award given to television journalists.
His extensive domestic and overseas reporting experience was evident in "World News Tonight's"
coverage of major crises. He reported from all 50 states and locations around the globe. During the
1991 Gulf War and the 2003 War in Iraq, his knowledge of Middle Eastern affairs brought invaluable
perspective to ABC News' coverage of the war in Iraq and the drug trade in Central and South
America. The series also tackled important domestic issues such as gun control policy, the politics
of abortion, the crisis in funding for the arts and a highly praised chronicle of the accused
bombers of
including the 2004 Edward R. Morrow award for best documentary for "The Kennedy
Assassination — Beyond Conspiracy."
numerous live news specials for children on subjects ranging from growing up in the
age of AIDS, to prejudice and its effects on our society. After the events of September 11,
and again on the first anniversary, he anchored a town hall meeting for children and parents
entitled, "Answering Children's Questions."
Jennings was honored with many awards for news reporting, including 16 Emmys, two
George Foster Peabody Awards, several
and several Overseas Press Club Awards. Most recently, "World News Tonight" was
recognized with two consecutive Edward R. Murrow awards for best newscast, based
on field reporting done by
Jennings was the author, with Todd Brewster, of the acclaimed New York Times best seller,
"The Century." It featured first-person accounts of the great events of the century.
In 1999, he anchored the 12-hour ABC series, "The Century," and ABC's series for
The History Channel, "
of
Friends Remember Peter Jennings
ABC News' Colleagues Talk About Their Memories of
fondly today. Here are some of their words:
"Nightline" anchor Ted Koppel: He and I joked the last time I went to visit him a few
days ago that between the two of us, we'd put in 83 years at ABC News. … But I do feel
the need to say that he was a warm and loving and surprisingly sentimental man. … For
the rest of his life, and I do mean for the rest of his life, he always regretted the fact that
he had dropped out of school, and he used to travel when he was overseas with whatever
else he needed for his trip and always, he had with him one extra suitcase that was filled
with books. He was a student for the rest of his life, even though he had dropped out so early.
Barbara Walters: No one could ad-lib like Peter. Sometimes he drove me crazy because
he knew every detail and I would find myself saying, 'But … but … .' But he really did.
You would think it was all scripted, he was so poetic. But it wasn't. … He just died too young.
And if as Ted gave the message [to] finish high school, I want to give a message: If you have
kids who are smoking, for heaven's sake, tell them that we lost Peter.
"Good Morning America" anchor Diane Sawyer: When I first arrived here at ABC and
walked in, and he was on a special report about the Middle East, and he told the cameraman
to turn around because, he said, I know that if you go two streets over, there's a cafe there.
And look behind that cafe and there's a park and the trees are there. And I'm thinking,
'I am so out of my league. I've got to leave immediately.' It's customary to say, 'He will
not come again.' Peter Jennings will not come again.
"Good Morning
the air as well as on. Peter could transform confusion into clarity and make exercise
appear effortless. He set standards for us, and he never stopped raising them as he
helped audiences understand the major events of our time.
Peter Jennings -- 'World News Tonight' Anchor
Peter Jennings is the anchor and senior editor of ABC's "World News Tonight"
where he has established a reputation for independence and excellence in broadcast
journalism. He is the network's principal anchor for breaking news, election coverage
and special events.
As one of
of the pivotal events that have shaped our world. He was in
rights movement in the southern
in
signed in 1965, and on the other side of the world when South Africans voted for the first time.
He has worked in every European nation that once was behind the Iron Curtain. He was there
when the independent political movement Solidarity was born in a Polish shipyard, and again
when
communism and then its demise. He was one of the first reporters to go to
1960s, and went back to the killing fields of
that, unless they did something, the terror would return.
In broadcast journalism, Peter Jennings has a reputation for putting the most complex
and difficult issues on the agenda when others have largely ignored them. From his early
days in the Middle East and South Africa, to the contemporary challenges in Africa and the
former Soviet Union, on education, health care and tobacco — these are issues with which
Mr. Jennings' stewardship at "World News Tonight" and his special series,
"Peter Jennings Reporting," have been associated.
He is the author, with Todd Brewster, of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller,
"The Century." Structured as an epic tale about "ourselves," it is a lavish book that features
astonishing first-person accounts of the great events of the century. In 1999, he anchored
the 12-hour ABC series, "The Century," and ABC's series for The History Channel,
"
a companion book for the 6-part ABC News series.
On
of Millennium Eve, "ABC 2000." 175 million Americans watched the telecast, making it
the biggest live global television event ever. "The day belonged to ABC News," praised
The
." Mr. Jennings was the only anchor to appear live for 25 consecutive hours.
Mr. Jennings led the Network's coverage of the September 11 attacks and
subsequent war on terrorism. He anchored more than 60 hours that week during the
Network's longest continuous period of news coverage, and was widely praised for
providing a reassuring voice during the time of crisis. TV Guide called him "the center
of gravity," while the
Herculean job of coverage." The coverage earned ABC News
Mr.
"Peter Jennings with the News" from 1965 to 1967.
Jennings established the first American television news bureau in the Arab world in
1968 when he served as ABC News' bureau chief for Beirut, Lebanon, a position he
held for seven years. He helped put ABC News on the map in 1972 with his coverage of
the Summer Olympics in
In 1975, Mr. Jennings moved to
morning program "A.M. America". After a short stint in the mornings, Mr. Jennings
returned overseas to
ABC's Chief Foreign Correspondent. In 1978 he was named the foreign desk anchor for
"World News Tonight." He co-anchored the program with Frank Reynolds in
Washington, D.C., and Max Robinson in
Mr. Jennings was named anchor and senior editor of "World News Tonight" in 1983.
In his more than 20 years in the position he has been honored with almost every
major award given to television journalists.
His extensive domestic and overseas reporting experience has proven to be invaluable
during "World News Tonight's" coverage of major crises. He has reported from all 50
states and locations around the globe. During the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 War in
ABC News' coverage. Mr. Jennings has interviewed the most important national
and international figures of our time and has anchored the ABC News coverage
of every major national election since 1984.
In "Peter Jennings Reporting," which debuted in 1990, Mr. Jennings covers challenging
issues in depth during primetime television. Millions watched the critically acclaimed
"The Search for Jesus" in 2000 and "Jesus and Paul — the Word and the Witness" in 2004.
"Peter Jennings Reporting" has also focused extensively on international news, with
specials on tense relations between India and Pakistan, the conflict in Bosnia, the crisis in
Haiti, the war in Iraq and the drug trade in Central and South America. The series has
also tackled important domestic issues such as gun control policy, the politics of abortion,
the crisis in funding for the arts and a highly praised chronicle of the accused bombers
of
2004 Edward R. Morrow award for best documentary for "The Kennedy Assassination
— Beyond Conspiracy."
Mr. Jennings has a particular interest in broadcasting for the next generation. He has done
numerous live news specials for children on subjects ranging from growing up in the age of
AIDS, to prejudice and its effects on our society. After the events of September 11, and
again on the first anniversary, he anchored a town hall meeting for children and parents
entitled, "Answering Children's Questions."
Mr. Jennings has been honored with many awards for news reporting, including 16 Emmys,
two George Foster Peabody Awards, several
and several Overseas Press Club Awards. Most recently, "World News Tonight"
was recognized with two consecutive Edward R. Murrow awards for best newscast,
based on field reporting done by Mr. Jennings on the
transfer of power in
He resides in
25 and Christopher, 23.
July 29, 2005 — In response to the flurry of warm wishes that have been posted on
the ABCNEWS.com message board in celebration of Peter Jennings' 67th birthday,
the veteran anchor offers this note of appreciation:
"Many thanks to all of you for your birthday wishes.
Your words — as always — are a great source of strength.
I am celebrating today with my family — we are all grateful.
Peter"
on this week's terror attacks in
years working and living in the city.
The following note was read on the air by substitute anchor Charles Gibson
"We are all Londoners this week. And, once again, we are stronger for it. I recognize
that eloquent, stoic determination never to give up, as Winston Churchill said during
the War. I have been in
with unrestrained violence. The perpetrators have always been the losers. On behalf
of all my colleagues at ABC News who did such a terrific job covering this story, goodnight."
written today thanked those who have offered their support and get-well wishes
following his diagnosis of lung cancer.
Jennings, 66, announced the diagnosis earlier this month and has been undergoing
chemotherapy treatments on an outpatient basis.
"Thousands of you have spoiled me rotten with your attention in the last couple
of weeks," he wrote. "Whether you have a cancer connection or not, your anecdotes,
mementos, home recipes, and general all-purpose guidance and concern have
all been so deeply appreciated. I hope you know.
"So many experiences have meant something special,"
building, who is a cancer survivor, showed up at our front door so that we could
see that bald really is beautiful. She's right."
Jennings also made note of advice he received from Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who
revealed in February that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.
"Senator Arlen Specter of
get through chemo is to 'work your way through it,' "
man than I am. I assume there are a few others out there who, like me, are going
with the flow until the day gets better."
He continued: "Incidentally,
Administration, sent me his book 'No Such Thing as a Bad Day.' He's had cancer
four times. He tells me, as have many others, that when it gets really bad, it will
get better. Phew!"
Jennings ended his letter with a mention of jazz bassist Percy Heath, who succumbed
to cancer this week.
"And finally, if you would, add a friend of mine to your prayers. The jazz legend
Percy Heath, whose bass anchored the Modern Jazz Quartet for four decades, died of bone
cancer on Sunday. He was 81 and we will sure miss him."
The text of
were read on tonight's broadcast of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings."
He will continue to anchor the broadcast as his health permits. Charles Gibson, Elizabeth
Vargas and others have been substituting in his absence.
He has worked for ABC News since 1964.
In his more than 40 years with ABC News, Jennings has been honored with many
awards for news reporting including 14 national Emmys, two Peabody Awards, several
Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards and several Overseas Press Club Awards.
Letter From Peter Jennings World News Tonight' Anchor Thanks Well-Wishers for
Their Support
Peter Jennings to thank all those who have offered their good wishes since he was
diagnosed with lung cancer.
Yesterday I decided to go to the office; I live only a few blocks away. I got as far as the
bedroom door. Chemo strikes.
Do I detect a knowing but sympathetic smile on many of your faces? You knew
this was coming.
Senator Arlen Specter of
get through chemo is to "work your way through it." He's a tougher man than I am.
I assume there are a few others out there who, like me, are going with the flow until
the day gets better.
Incidentally,
me his book "No Such Thing as a Bad Day." He's had cancer four times. He tells me,
as have many others, that when it gets really bad, it will get better. Phew!
Thousands of you have spoiled me rotten with your attention in the last couple of weeks.
Whether you have a cancer connection or not, your anecdotes, mementos, home recipes,
and general all-purpose guidance and concern have all been so deeply appreciated.
I hope you know.
So many experiences have meant something special. A woman in my building, who is a
cancer survivor, showed up at our front door so that we could see that bald really is
beautiful. She's right.
I won't soon forget an encounter as I was leaving the hospital. A middle-aged couple
was going into the building and as they passed me, I heard my name and turned. The
woman stepped right into my face and said, "Me too. Lung cancer." Instinctively,
immediately, we gave each other a hug … a real hug … and went on our respective
ways knowing that we had been strengthened by the connection.
So thank you for all of the connections. And finally, if you would, add a friend of mine
to your prayers. The jazz legend Percy Heath, whose bass anchored the
Modern Jazz Quartet for four decades, died of bone cancer on Sunday.
He was 81 and we will sure miss him.
As always,
Peter
ABC NEWS LINK'S RIGHT HERE IN RED JUST PICK ONE
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/PeterJennings/
ABC NEWS OF PETER
Koppel Remembers Jennings NEWS STORY
Peter Jennings: In the Field PHOTO’S
Peter Jennings' Interviews PHOTO’S
Post Your Thoughts ON ABC NEWS
Friends Remember Peter Jennings NEWS STORY
July 29, 2005: Jennings Says 'Many Thanks' for Birthday Wishes NEWS STORY
July 8, 2005: Jennings Offers Thoughts on London Attacks NEWS STORY
April 29, 2005: Peter Jennings Thanks Viewers for Support NEWS STORY
Peter Jennings Dies at 67 NEWS STORY
Friends Remember Peter Jennings NEWS STORY
Peter Jennings -- 'World News Tonight' Anchor NEWS STORY
TO SEE PHOTO’S OF PETER PLEASE GO TO THIS LINK’S HERE
Peter Jennings: In the Field LINK HERE
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/popup?id=1017800 PHOTOS
Peter Jennings' Interviews
Viewers Reflect on Peter Jennings NEWS STORY
Post Your Thoughts WEB BLOG ON ABC NEWS ABOUT PETTER
A Tribute to Peter Jennings PHOTO’S WITH NEWS
Friends Remember Peter Jennings NEWS STORY
GMA Anchors Recall Peter Jennings NEWS STORY
UFOs -- Seeing Is Believing: Full Coverage NEWS PAGE ALL ABOUT UFO NEWS
Iraq: Where Things Stand NEWS PAGE ABOUT THE
Fast Facts on Lung Cancer NEWS STORY
FDA Reneges on Lung Cancer Drug, Urges Other Options NEWS STORY
Lung Cancer Hits Young, Non-Smoking Women NEWS STORY
Lung Cancer Is the No. 1 Cancer Killer NEWS STORY
Full Coverage: Lung Cancer NEWS STORY
Peter Jennings Dies at 67 NEWS STORY
Former Friendly Rivals Remember Jennings NEWS STORY
Dignitaries Recall Jennings as 'Consummate Reporter' NEWS STORY
Tribute Funds for Peter Jennings NEWS STORY WITH WEB SITE LINK’S
Tribute Funds for Peter Jennings
Anchor's Family Asks Well-Wishers to Consider
Donating to Groups He Supported
Aug. 8, 2005 — If you would like to show support, in lieu of flowers,
Peter Jennings' family asks that you contribute to one of the
organizations that he supported, worked for and believed in deeply:
Coalition for the Homeless
(212) 776-2002
Attn: Mary Brosnahan Sullivan
http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/
Women In Need
115 West 31st Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 695-4758
Attn: Robin White
http://www.women-in-need.org/index.html
Teach For America
315 West 36th Street
6th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 279-2080
Attn: Wendy Kopp
http://www.teachforamerica.org/flash_movie.html
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Lung Cancer Research Fund
Make checks out to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Thoracic Research Fund
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital
1275 York Avenue
Room H1018
New York, NY 10021
Or donate online and specify the program
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/12876.cfm
Peter Jennings' Thoughts From
asting Impressions From
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 31, 2005 — It goes with age,
and we must have said it two dozen times to senior officers:
Every day was full of meeting baby-faced
the country. On our last patrol in
weapon belonged to a woman who looked younger than my 20-something-year-old daughter.
Their commander said they are all much better trained than the
There is a tremendous esprit de corps — and when a reporter puts his life in their
hands, as reporters do every day — one can understand why some people are
concerned that embedding with troops may have an effect on objectivity.
These days, given the country's instability, it's the only way to see the country.
In the nine days we spent in the country, the troops weren't inclined to talk politics.
The Bush administration need not pass down talking points to the young men and
women we encountered. Most of them knew that reporters are a form of foreign life,
and they treated us appropriately.
Talking about the nuts and bolts of the daily mission is another thing — it's the pure
life and death of what they do.
'Live on Danger'
It wasn't politically correct for an older soldier to say it, but he did: "The kids live on
the danger, and they love it."
They die on it too, and that's one of the reasons why Sunday morning chapel is so well-attended.
Religious services were always crowded. A man praying on his knees with a weapon on his
shoulder is an incongruous sight. In a region where religion is such a motivator, we thought
of President Lincoln's remark: "It's not so much whether God is on our side, but whether we
are on God's side."
Finally, on almost any patrol, one realizes that the soldiers are very much alone in a world
they cannot expect to understand.
The culture is simply out of reach without the language. They never take their helmets off,
though they are understanding that looking a man in the eye is better without the reflective sunglasses.
Counting the Days
One thing that all soldiers have in common — they count the days.
If they've just arrived, they count how long they've been in the country. If they are near the
end of their tour, they count how long they have to go.
It is, of course, the big question — how long will it be before the Iraqis are able to defend
themselves? The war is far from over.
Inside
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 28, 2005 — Some of the
to
first arrive. No one seems quite sure what to make of the abuse and humiliation
of prisoners at the hands of
the abuse were seen across the world last year.
Today, Abu Ghraib houses 3,060 prisoners. Upon our entry,
told us the detainees are treated according to the
torture, the system has been fixed and oversight is appropriate now, they said.
U.S. officers seemed slightly defensive at first — as if a reporter wanted only to dwell
on the scandal, which, of course, is unavoidable. We were not permitted to show the
prisoners' faces, nor could we question them directly. But while we were in the company
of Col. James Brown — commander of the Military Police Brigade and a former professor
of languages at
Abu Ghraib is comprised of five different levels of detention, level five being the toughest.
We saw only level one, reserved for those with good behavior.
As we walked past, many detainees worked hard to attract our attention.
Innocent Prisoners Housed With Killers
Visitors to Abu Ghraib often have a common first impression: Some of the prisoners must be
innocent, and some of them want to kill us. Brown agrees it makes for ambiguous tension.
At one point during our visit, a fight broke out among the prisoners, seriously injuring one
prisoner. The military police say fighting is rare, though there is tension in a prison population
that has everything from common criminals to Islamic extremists.
Within a few minutes, the injured man ended up in a first-class field hospital. Last November,
the hospital's American doctors and nurses treated Marines from the nearby battle of Fallujah.
Today, a prisoner is treated simply as another patient, and he gets the best of what
has to offer.
Many soldiers we encountered told us that part of their mission at Abu Ghraib was to restore
Surveying Changes in
Region More Secure, Optimistic Than North
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 28, 2005 — The most dangerous part of reporting in the Shiite
heartland of southern
reporters based in
When we first measured "where things stand" in
seemed to fade away on the drive south from the capital. Today, the word is that
insurgents will pay $1,000 to anyone who kills a Shiite, $2,000 for a journalist
and $3,000 for an American soldier.
We found overall that people were living a much more secure life in the southern part
of
on affairs, people are inclined to cooperate with the police, there is less antagonism
to Americans, and there are very few Americans to begin with.
Physically, life is only somewhat better than in the region around
invasion, there has been a terrible shortage of electricity and clean water.
In the town of Hilla, people have been waiting for gas for days, sleeping and eating in
their cars.They have been waiting so long that local entrepreneurs now cater
specifically to the gas lines.
Adnan Alwan blames the police. They take bribes, he says, to let people jump the lines.
Nearly two years after the Americans invaded, many Iraqis still don't understand how a
technological giant, such as the
that has so much oil.
Abdul Ameer owns a brick making factory in Al Muthene province. When Saddam
Hussein was in power, he says, there were no fuel shortages, it cost less and bandits
never bothered him.
Optimism in Southern Iraq
But many Iraqis in the south were optimistic, even if they didn't offer up a very specific
reason.
In Amara, near the Iranian border, people are very poor. The school has only 50
desks for 150 children, but the Shiites hated Saddam so much that, in his absence,
many of them think they're moving forward.
There is an underlying feeling here that when the Shiites vote next weekend, their power
is going to get a boost.
Chafit Sharrad, who can't make enough money to support his family, says he loves
President Bush. The war in
and he means it as a compliment.
Dates were once
a terrible toll. Today in the south, farmers are planting thousands of date palm seedlings.
It's an investment in the future, since the trees do not bear fruit for seven years.
In southern
Peter Jennings filed this report for "World News Tonight."
Surveying Changes in
Complicated, Critical Region Shows
Limited Signs of Success
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 27, 2005 — From the moment U.S. forces arrived in Iraq, they
found a measure of support in the northern part of the country.
The Kurds — a non-Arab, Middle Eastern minority who live in the north — have had a
long American connection. Kurds suffered terribly under Saddam Hussein and were
thankful when Americans removed him from power.
With little interference, the Kurdish regions have generally flourished — commerce is
booming and salaries have increased. We witnessed a bridge being built in
a college graduation ceremony for journalists in Sulaymaniyah.
But there are some ominous signs, as well, since we last visited the region a year ago.
Arab insurgents have sabotaged oil installations in Kirkuk, the center of the Iraqi oil
industry, with increasing frequency. There is also tension throughout the region
between Kurds, Arabs and traditional Turkish nomads called Turkomen.
A year ago,
and Sunni Arabs won't even cross the
Without the presence of the Iraqi army and with most of the civil service unemployed,
thousands of young men now have no work.
Insurgents want Iraqis to blame Americans for the region's problems; we found it too
dangerous to do any interviews on the streets.
At a secondary school for girls in
and they have not returned.
"My mother stands in the door every day," said 17-year-old Rand Ahmed,
"waiting for me to come home."
It wasn't this way a year ago.
There are small signs of change, however. We found a park in Sulaymaniyah at
the former site of a prison.
"It was," said resident Mohammed Rasheed, "a mass grave, and we thank Bush for
helping us get rid of Saddam."
We were encouraged by Garzad Mohammed, an Iraqi whom we met in
"After the elections," he said, "the mess will settle down."
Kurds will turn out to vote and win more power, he said. He was "a hundred
percent sure of it."
Peter Jennings filed this report for "World News Tonight."
Courage on Display in Northern
Election Workers,
in Dangerous
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 27, 2005 — At the Joint Command Center in Mosul,
potential election workers were lined up and ready to work — dangerous
work that could cost them their lives if the
Insurgents have declared open war on the Iraqi election process. This week,
they captured three men who worked for the Iraqi Electoral Commission in
So why would anyone put their lives at stake?
"This is my country," said one Iraqi election worker. "I must do my duty," said another.
The money is a factor as well. Election workers will make $500 for a few days' work
in a city where more than half the men are unemployed.
Under the gaze of
On Sunday, they will be at the polling places teaching others.
Shadowing Army's Stryker Brigade
The Iraqi election workers weren't the only brave men we encountered. A U.S. Army
Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based in Fort Lewis, Wash., arrived in Mosul after
the U.S.-trained Iraqi police and soldiers failed to fight insurgent attacks.
Battalion commander Capt. Blake Lackey, 34, led a convoy as we headed out for
a forward base in a not-too-distant neighborhood. The vehicle was equipped with
slatted sides, designed to defend against rocket-propelled grenades. The ride,
however, was largely uneventful.
In what used to be a government office, we met the Iraqi soldiers with whom the
non-Arabs — brought in from farther north. Many Iraqi Arabs think the Kurds are
becoming an American militia, and relations between Kurds and Arabs in
We went up to the roof to look out on the sprawling neighborhood. Reminded very
quickly that insurgents are everywhere,
rom a nearby roof.
"The election is going to make a huge difference to the people of
"It's going to make a huge difference to the people in my area of operations. It's
been indicated to me — just on the street — people want the election to come and
people are ready to get on with their lives and have the insurgency stop."
Another day in
Peter Jennings filed this report for "World News Tonight."
nspecting Coalition Readiness Before
Commanding General in
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 26, 2005 — Army Gen. George Casey, the U.S. commanding
general in Iraq, is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that
elections are not deemed a failure.
"We'll see what they've got," Casey said of the insurgents as he worked a 17-hour day,
overseeing security to protect potential Iraqi voters.
"We've told our guys to be as invisible as you can," he said. "And then moving from the
polling station out, your choices [of security forces] are: Iraqi police, Iraqi National
Guard, Iraqi army, the Insurgent Protection Service, and the last resort is coalition forces."
Casey spent the day in the field, visiting coalition forces and determining their readiness.
In Diwaniyeh, located in central
for Sunday's elections.
Unbeknownst to Casey, though, an Iraqi government minister had created two new Iraqi
battalions to be stationed in town, but they don't have any weapons or radios. The Iraqi
official had assumed the
a flurry of Polish and American officers got back on his helicopter and moved on,
hoping to find a solution later.
'The First Time They Have a Choice'
Casey says he believes that most Iraqis want to vote: "We liberated them, but this is
the first time they have a choice."
Farther east in al Kut, near the Iranian border, Casey sat through an interminable
briefing from Ukrainian forces. They also claim to be ready; the ballots have arrived
and are being kept under lock and key.
After the head of the local election committee and the local police chief were ushered
into the meeting, they issued long lists of requests for weapons, trucks and Internet
service. It is unlikely the requests will be granted in time for the elections.
Casey wants the Iraqis to defend themselves, but most say they don't have enough
weapons and ammunition.
"What we need to do is to work with them to bring them to the levels where they
are capable of doing it first with little support from us and then doing it by themselves,
" Casey said. "The way we talk about it with the Iraqis is, 'Right now, the coalition is
in the lead with the counterinsurgency and the Iraqis are in support.' And what we want
to do over next year is to reverse that. And I think that is entirely possible."
Casey's trip has been partly a listening tour and partly a way to show the coalition forces
and Iraqis that he cares. While he knows that reshaping
also knows that the future of
Peter Jennings filed this report for "World News Tonight."
Reconstruction Slow in
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Needed to Boost Optimism
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 25, 2005 — Taxi driver Abdul Hasan al Saidi ticked off the
problems as he drove through Baghdad — the garbage isn't collected, the sewage
problems are enormous, and law and order are nonexistent.
But many Iraqis we encountered in central
said he is hopeful: he and his family plan to vote in the country's historic election.
In the parts of
New water pipes and paving in the
Whatever they think of Americans, the Shiite residents of the giant city-within-a-city need
all the help they can get.
But in
"We've had overflowing sewage here for six days!" said one angry resident.
"We call the local officials. They haven't fixed anything!"
One Step Forward, One Step Back
At a school in
the sewage were removed from the school yard. In many parts of central
that's the way things are: one step forward and one step back.
Since the
Children has had more money for physical improvements. But the building sits
close to
The students are understandably scared when they hear the sound of gunshots
and low-flying helicopters. Last week, when a bomb exploded nearby, the children
fled the lunchroom in a panic. While there was no damage to the building, the
psychological damage to the children was immense.
It is hard for Americans to comprehend the level of violence.
the worst of it since the start of the war. We heard the same thing today that we
heard during our visit last summer: "When Saddam Hussein was in power, this
never would have happened."
Peter Jennings filed this report for "World News Tonight."
Peter Jennings Travels With 1st Cavalry
Division Famed Army Unit Faces
Challenges While Stabilizing
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 24, 2005 — At the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division
headquarters in Baghdad this morning, Gen. Peter Chiarelli heard in detail
what he already knew — the level of violence has decreased in the last several days.
Aggressive soldiering by the
the weather could all be contributing factors.
Today, a suicide bomber blew up a carload of explosives outside the headquarters
of Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's party offices in central
10 people. After hearing word of the latest blast, Chiarelli said many explosive
devices used by insurgents this month are less sophisticated than those seen in the
past. The hope is that the
makers out of business.
Traveling by chopper to the eastern side of the
territory — Peter Jennings and an ABC News crew went on patrol with American
soldiers in the town of
Young children crowded the street. Some of the insurgents have turned out to be
teenagers, only slightly older than these children. But Capt. Mathew Boddini says
he feels completely comfortable on foot.
Americans are ready targets in many places, but today there is no apparent antagonism.
The
Shiites are expected to win power at the ballot box on Sunday, so they may be
reluctant to fight the powerful Americans on the street today.
U.S.
The town looks pretty bad, made to seem worse by a dreary day and recent rain. The
sewage treatment, landfills for garbage and providing clean water. Some wonder if the
Every
the reconstruction aspect of the
millions of people. The polling places are still secret, and some electoral workers
have already been assassinated.
At one point of entry in
are housed — the
concrete barriers get higher and deeper.
The process to gain access to the area is more sophisticated and demanding, since
10,000 Iraqis come and go to work in the fortified zone every day.
When asked what the rest of the week before the election will hold, Chiarelli will
not make any predictions.
Peter Jennings filed this report for "World News Tonight."
Former Friendly Rivals Remember Jennin
Former Anchors Tom Brokaw and
Dan Rather Recall 'Competitive Brotherhood'
Aug. 8, 2005 — In the competitive world of television news, they were rivals, news
anchors of the three most prominent networks. But Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw
and Dan Rather had a common bond and mutual respect that forged their friendship.
Watch ABC News' special tribute to Peter Jennings on "Primetime" on Tuesday
at
"We were not just competitors and colleagues. We were really friends," said Brokaw,
reflecting on
opportunities to reflect on this in the last year. … It was a competitive brotherhood."
In the past year, television viewers have seen the end of an era as they have said
goodbye to Brokaw, Rather and
News" in December after almost 23 years in the anchor chair, while Rather signed off
as head of "CBS Evening News" after 24 years this past March. In April,
announced on "World News Tonight" that he was pulling away from his duties as he
was battling lung cancer.
Rivalry Forges Brotherhood and Friendship
1983, completing the trio of anchors that dominated network news for more than two
decades. Rather began his run as anchor of in March 1981, while Brokaw was named
anchor in April 1982, initially sharing the title with Roger Mudd. Brokaw and Rather
respected
every story.
"Inside that tall, handsome, elegant and eloquent exterior — inside that beat the heart
of a fierce, but principled competitor," said Rather. "The last person you wanted to
see coming on a story, particularly a big story, was Peter Jennings. … How much did
I keep an eye on him? Constantly. All the time."
However, that rivalry and a common passion for news that was accurate, insightful
and balanced made Brokaw, Rather and
being news anchors that only they could understand and pushed each other —
and their broadcasts — to be better.
We had been together on so many big stories over the last 30 years of our careers,
" Brokaw said. "And Peter especially, I think, summarized for all of us the feelings
that Dan and I have — the three of us have — when people often ask, 'Are you
friends?' And Peter said, 'Yes, we are friends because we don't see each other that
often.' … And then he went on to say that we've all made each other better."
Sometimes viewers saw raw emotion from the Canadian-born anchor. They saw
Jennings choke up during coverage of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as he mentioned
getting calls from his two grown children, Elizabeth and Christopher, and they saw
him struggle when he announced to the "World News Tonight" audience on April 5
that he was battling lung cancer.
Brokaw and Rather indicated that that reflected who
said, was at heart a reporter who learned the importance of giving stories perspective.
He was not truly comfortable being referred to as the star for a news division.
"Peter took his work very seriously, but he did not take himself seriously," Rather said.
"And he was a little uncomfortable — very uncomfortable — with the word 'star' and a
little uncomfortable with the word 'anchor' because he really did think about himself
as a reporter."
That was something else Brokaw, Rather and
They thought of themselves as reporters first and did not stay anchored in a studio.
Jennings normally traveled around the world to cover stories and, when he didn't
journey to Asia to cover the aftermath of the tsunami disaster months before his
cancer diagnosis, media insiders and viewers noticed.
"It's customary to say, 'He will not come again,'" said "Good Morning
anchor Diane Sawyer. "Peter Jennings will not come again."
Dignitaries Recall
Reporter' President Bush, Statesmen and
Members of Congress Remember Peter Jennings
today. Here are some of their words:
President Bush: Laura and I were saddened to learn about the death of Peter Jennings.
Peter Jennings had a long and distinguished career as a news journalist. He covered
many important events, events that helped define the world as we know it today. A
lot of Americans relied upon Peter Jennings for their news. He became a part of the
life of a lot of our fellow citizens, and he will be missed. May God bless his soul.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: Peter Jennings was a great man and the
consummate professional. His reassuring presence will be missed by all of us.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: I am saddened by the death of my close, personal
friend Peter Jennings. To Peter's wife and family, we offer our deepest sympathies and
heartfelt condolences. He will be deeply missed. Peter Jennings represented all that was
best in journalism and public service. A man of conscience and integrity, his reporting
was a guide to all of us who aspire to better the world around us. I learned from him and
was inspired by him.
long interviews I did during the campaign last year was with Peter Jennings in
I will always remember his insight, his ability to explain the most complicated issues in the
clearest form, and his grace and style. He was a tough interviewer but he was always fair.
I enjoyed our conversations about politics and especially hockey. Peter Jennings put his
own brand on broadcast journalism. He will be greatly missed.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi: All Americans are grateful for Peter Jennings'
distinguished and trusted news broadcasts. The consummate reporter, Mr. Jennings
worked hard to get the story and get it right, and Americans admired that he did it with grace
and dignity. It is with great sadness and respect that I extend deepest condolences to Mr.
Jennings' family, friends, and colleagues at ABC News. I hope it is a comfort to his family
that so many people share their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin: It was with great sorrow that Sheila and I learned
of the death of Peter Jennings yesterday. Born in Toronto, Peter Jennings will be remembered
as one of America's most inspirational and distinguished journalists of our times … All through
his life, he devoted time and energy in educating children about the world, and he has been
honored with many awards for his reporting and documentaries. He will continue to be a
source of inspiration for generations of young reporters to come.
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: Peter Jennings was a gentleman. Even
when asking the tough, insightful questions, he did so in a gentlemanly fashion. He was
able to find the weakness in an argument and point it out, but in a constructive way, not
in a "gotcha" way … On Sept. 11, Peter's journalistic ability, coupled with his humanity,
informed and helped comfort us. Like all those watching that day, he too was in pain over
the destruction wreaked on his beloved city, but he soldiered on and did so with compassion
and eloquence. While that clear, calm voice is silent now, the memory of his articulate and
thoughtful presence will live on in our hearts forever.
