CNN Student News Transcript: September 10, 2008

(CNN Student News) -- September 10, 2008

Quick Guide

Troops in Iraq - Learn about President Bush's plans for a shift in U.S. troop deployments.

North Korea - 60th Anniversary - Consider some questions concerning the health of North Korea's Kim Jong Il.

Community Cash - Discover why a town in the United Kingdom is printing up its own currency.

Transcript

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: Kicking off an all-new edition of CNN Student News, I'm Carl Azuz at the CNN Center.

First Up: Troops in Iraq

AZUZ: First up, American forces are on the move, as President Bush announces military plans for two countries. Right now, there are about 146,000 U.S. troops serving in Iraq. But by early next year, around 8,000 of them will be leaving. And in that same timeframe, some 4,500 other American service members will be headed to Afghanistan. Jamie McIntyre breaks down the details of these moves and explains what they could mean for the next U.S. president.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: It's not what the Pentagon had hoped for or what many expected. The recommendation of Gen. David Petraeus, approved by President Bush, essentially maintains current troop levels until next year in both Iraq and Afghanistan. There will be some 8,000 fewer troops in Iraq come January, but that's still slightly above pre-surge levels. Still, it permits President Bush to tell commanders in Afghanistan desperate for more troops that help is on the way.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: November, a Marine battalion that was scheduled to deploy to Iraq will instead deploy to Afghanistan. It will be followed in January by an Army combat brigade.

MCINTYRE: What the president didn't mention is that Marines going in November will be replacing Marines already there but scheduled to leave. So, the real increase in troop levels in Afghanistan won't come until next year, when the 3rd Brigade of the Army's 10th Mountain division is sent there instead of Iraq. President Bush calls it a "return on success." Barack Obama calls it the "same strategic mistake."

SEN. BARACK OBAMA, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: What we heard from the president today, which is essentially some tinkering around the edges and kicking the can down the road to the next president.

MCINTYRE: Democrats cast the Bush plan as a rejection of any timetable for further withdrawals which, they argue, takes the pressure off Iraq's leaders for political reconciliation and leaves that stated goal of the surge unmet. But the plan does keep Iraq alive as a presidential campaign issue.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, (R) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Senator Obama has refused to acknowledge that he was wrong about the surge. He said it wouldn't succeed. Thanks to Gen. David Petraeus and these brave young Americans, we are winning in Iraq, and we will come home with honor.

MCINTYRE: Along with the relatively high troop levels in Iraq, the next president will also inherit Gen. Petraeus and the new U.S.-Iraq commander Gen. Raymond Odierno, both who are wary of pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq too fast. And the 3,500 additional troops for Afghanistan? That's only a third of what commanders there say they need. Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Shoutout

NINETTE SOSA, CNN STUDENT NEWS : Time for the Shoutout! Which of the countries on this map is North Korea? If you think you know it, shout it out! Is it: A, B, C or D? You've got three seconds -- GO! On this map, B represents North Korea, a country that's home to nearly 23.5 million people. That's your answer and that's your Shoutout!

North Korea - 60th Anniversary

AZUZ: Many of those millions are celebrating the 60th anniversary of North Korea's communist government this week. But there's someone who's been conspicuously missing from the festivities: Kim Jong Il. He's been North Korea's head of state for more than 14 years. But as John Vause tells us, Kim's recent absence from the public eye is raising questions about the North Korean leader's health.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN REPORTER: So, where is Kim Jong Il? The reclusive leader has not been seen for weeks, not even at a major national celebration Tuesday to mark North Korea's 60th anniversary. Sources who were there tell CNN they did not see Kim; his image was not shown on television. The parade was delayed for several hours, and unlike past significant national holidays like this, there was no serious military hardware on show.

NAOKO AOKI, KYODO NEWS AGENCY: What they call civilian troops, which are not part of the permanent army, was participating in the parade, but not the regular army, navy and air force.

VAUSE: By nightfall, civilians came out with flaming torches spelling out slogans and patriotic symbols. Kim was also missing a day earlier at a high-level gathering of North Korean leaders, leaving the tough talk to the country's premier. "The DPRK will resolutely and mercilessly retaliate against any slightest provocative act of infringing upon its sovereign dignity and interests," he said.

VAUSE: Kim's no show on Tuesday is adding to increased speculation about his health, a closely guarded state secret. In the past, he's denied suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems. But the rumors continue to swirl, including unconfirmed reports that five Chinese doctors have been treating him in Pyongyang. All of this leads to the question: Who would take over after Kim? He is known to have three sons, but for now none has a high profile. Could a military government keep control, especially with the U.N. reporting that failed crops and a shortage of international aid have made an already chronic shortage of food even worse? North Korea's Stalinist government has survived mostly by closing itself off and defying the rest of the world. But with an impoverished, hungry population, an aging, possibly unhealthy leader with no obvious successor, that strategy, it seems, is unlikely to work for another sixty years. John Vause, CNN, Beijing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Is this legit?

SOSA: Is this Legit? The primary currency of the United Kingdom is the euro. Nope! The UK is part of the European Union, but its economy is based on the pound.

Community Cash

AZUZ: But one British town doesn't want to use that either. You need money, so what's the solution? Officials are going to use their own money! Local businesses are lining up to cash in on the new currency and organizers say it'll increase a sense of pride in the community. Jim Boulden weighs in with a report on the introduction of the Lewes Pound.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JIM BOULDEN, CNN REPORTER: It's crunch time for those introducing the Lewes Pound.

OLIVER DUDOK VAN HEEL, TRANSITION TOWN LEWES: Sue, hi. I've got some more of these for you. I think you've run out.

BOULDEN: It's just hours before celebrations to launch the new currency.

VAN HEEL: You coming tonight?

TRADER: Yes, yes. We should be there.

BOULDEN: Lewes, near England's south coast, is a wealthy town with a high proportion of small shops. The point behind this new local currency is to keep it that way.

VAN HEEL: When we started out and decided we would go ahead with this, we thought, well, if we get 15 traders to sign up to the initiative, we would go ahead with it. We have now got over 70 and growing. And so, the response has been overwhelming.

BOULDEN: The big chain stores in Lewes have not been invited to join; supporters say a local currency stays in town. It could also cut down on emissions if people walk more from shop to shop and buy local produce, so fewer goods are transported from afar.

FIONA KAY, CHEESE PLEASE: How much would you like?

BOULDEN: Back in May, when Lewes was debating a new currency, cheese monger Fiona Kay told me she was unsure. Now, she's totally behind it.

BOULDEN: So, besides you taking the Pound from customers and giving it in change, what will you personally be doing with some of it? Will you be paying staff with it? Will you be using it in other shops as well?

KAY: I will be paying my staff with it. I will be using it for some of my suppliers who are within the Lewes area, the catchment area for the Pound, and I will be using it myself in the shops as well.

BOULDEN: Unlike some other local currencies or vouchers, there is no discount; one Lewes Pound is worth one British Pound. And some people from outside Lewes have been skeptical.

PERSON ON THE STREET: You know, I am from Seaford. So, I come here, it's only 20 minutes, but I don't want money that I can only then spend here.

PERSON ON THE STREET: Weird. Why? Don't think its a good idea. I don't see the point of it.

BOULDEN: Supporters say not to worry.

VAN HEEL: The truth is, if you really don't want to spend it locally, you can trade it at any of the issuing points at any time, Pound for Pound. So, there is never a risk of you being stuck with Lewes Pounds.

BOULDEN: Around 10,000 Lewes Pound notes are now in circulation. Since it's not legal currency, there is no picture of the queen; instead it's local 18th century revolutionary Tom Paine. Lewes prides itself on its independent streak. After all, once before it had its own currency more than a hundred years ago. Jim Boulden, CNN, Lewes, England.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Before We Go

AZUZ: Before we go, the graceful gallop of a gallavanting goat. Oops! He's not clumsy. These guys are what's called fainting goats. They suffer from a genetic disorder that causes them to literally get scared stiff, usually by a loud noise. When the goats get frightened, their muscles tighten up for a few seconds, and if they're off balance: boom! As they get older, the creatures learn to brace themselves for the condition. Not quite as funny for us to watch, but probably better for them.

Goodbye

AZUZ: Gotta make sure a story like that doesn't get your goat. You saw it coming! Have a great day. I'm Carl Azuz.