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Connect the World
Connecting Trump's World; Xi Host Trump For Dinner In Forbidden City; Security, Trade Dominate U.S. President Tour; North Korea Blasts Human Rights Record; Democrats Sweeps Races One Year After Trump Win; The End Of May; American Jailed For Calling Mugabe Sick And Selfish. Aired 11a- 12pET
Aired November 08, 2017 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[10:00:49] DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Japan is very special place. They have a nuclear submarine we hope to god we never have
to use.
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LYNDA KINKADE, CONNECT THE WORLD, CNN: Hello and welcome to "Connect the World." I am Lynda Kinkade live from CNN's headquarters in Atlanta. From
exploring a Forbidden City to challenging rivals, chilling on a golf course. It could be Indiana Jones, but it is Donald Trump. Seemingly
having a grand time on his voyage through Asia half a world away tough back here in the states some crushing defeats to deal with. This hour we
explore Trump's world.
Two of the world's most powerful leaders have just met in one of the world's most ancient seat of power. In the past few hours Donald Trump
wrapped up his first day with China's Xi Jinping, with the honor of a dinner inside Beijing's Forbidden City. A first in any U.S. leader
visiting communist China. Over the course of this visit Mr. Trump will go on to meet some of the biggest names in Chinese politics and business. The
past few hours we are all about ceremony and symbolism. While Donald Trump they have been given the red carpet treatment, he was never left to forget
exactly who was rolling out.
Our Jeff Zeleny is traveling with the President across Asia and joins us now from Beijing and Jeff, this is arguably the most important stop on this
Asia tour for President Trump. It comes just after that very significant speech in Seoul where the President again urged China to reign in North
Korea.
JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: No question this is the most important stop largely because China is an economic super power and
there is this ongoing sort of issue with how President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump will get along and work together on economic issues.
North Korea I front and center on the agenda here. We saw the speech in Seoul, South Korea where the President called on world leaders,
particularly China and Russia to squeeze economically the North Korean regime here. It is the power struggle if you will between President Xi
Jinping and President Trump that really is front and center here. Arguable President Xi is at his strongest position, yet after consolidating power in
a historic fashion. President Trump is arriving to these meetings in a weakened fashion. He is under investigation back home and everyone
realizes that. These bilateral meetings that take place on Thursday at the great hall of the people here in Beijing certainly the most important
meetings this President, President Trump, has had to date.
KINKADE: Jeff, President Trump has the option of putting North Korea back on the designated terror watch list. He didn't do it last night in his
speech. Is he likely to do it going forward?
ZELENY: White House officials say the President will me that determination by the end of this trip, so he has about a week or so to do it. Of course,
you'll remember that President George W. Bush at the end of his term in October of 2008 took North Korea off of the watch list as part of a
negotiation over trying to rein in the nuclear program. That didn't happen. President Trump has left open the possibility of putting it back
on the list. But the reality here is there's a lot of symbolism in a move like that. But certainly already sanctions know, much stronger than they
were at the time so he'll make that decision, but did not announce it at all or talk about it at all in his speech in Seoul.
KINKADE: All right. Jeff Zeleny for us following the President's tour. Thank you very much.
Donald Trump arrived in China after leaving South Korea in virtual earshot of Pyongyang. He called the North Korea, quote, a hell that no person
deserves. Will Ripley is the only U.S. reporter in Pyongyang and has more on how the president's visit went down.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
WILL RIPLEY, INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: President Trump's speech here in South Korea really touching a nerve on a very sensitive issue for
this country's government. Human rights. They have long expressed outrage against the United Nations for these numerous allegations of wide spread
human rights abuses in this country, people who voice any sort of dissent being in prison by secret police sent off to gulags when they endure
subhuman conditions, the kind of conditions President Trump spoke about at the national assembly in Seoul.
[10:05:14] North Korea firing back saying it's the United States that is a human rights violate, a lockable argument for many people around the world.
That is the narrative that North Korea tells it citizens that United States is dangerous, chaotic and that here it's a safe society where people can
live without fear of violence. I'll read you a portion of news article that was released before President Trump's speech. Released here in
Pyongyang saying, quote, the U.S. should not style itself as a human rights judge but mind its own poor human rights records in its land, where racial
discrimination, gun related crimes and all other social crime prevail. I can tell you, that is exactly the argument that is been thrown back at me
many times when I have questioned North Korean officials about allegation of human rights abuse.
North Korea also speaking to us before and after President Trump's speech trying to downplay the impact of his words telling us, quote, we don't care
about what that mad dog may utter because we've already heard enough. They talk about the fact there are dozens of U.S. warships, including three
aircraft carriers assembled in the water of the Korean Peninsula about to engage in yet another round of joint military exercises and they say that
completely justifies their own military demonstrations, the time and place of which we still don't know. Will Ripley, CNN Pyongyang North Korea.
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: The President may be riding high in Asia, the backlog of his fortunes took a hit. Republican parties dealing with the problem that many
say Donald Trump helped create. Democrats soar the major victories in elections across the U.S. on Tuesday. The biggest win went to Ralph
Northam. The state's being govern by Republican Christ Christie for the last eight years. Our Ryan Nobles is following these developments and
joins me now from Richmond Virginia. Ryan is this anti-Trump backlash we are seeing across the electorate?
(BEGIN VIDEO)
RYAN NOBLES, WASHINGON CORRESPONDENT, CNN: That is what Republican here in Virginia are telling me. This race between Ed Gillespie and ralph Northam
was expected to be close last night.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Democratic Party is back, my friends.
(APPLAUSE)
(CHEERS)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NOBLES: An anti-Trump way feeling a big, Democratic sweep including the hotly contested governor's race in Virginia. State's Democratic lieutenant
governor Ralph Northam crushing Republican Ed Gillespie by nine points in a race that was expected to be close.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Virginia has told us to end the divisiveness that we will not condone hatred and bigotry and to end the politics that have torn
this country apart.
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NOBLES: President Trump blaming Gillespie for the loss accusing him of not embracing him and what he stands for. But exit polls show that President
Trump is deeply unpopular with twice as many Virginia voters who say Trump, was a factor in their decision saying they came out to oppose the President
rather than to support him.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You have sent a message across the globe to South Korea. Donald Trump, you don't stand for our values.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NOBLES: Gillespie did not campaign with the president. But Mr. Trump recorded calls and threw his sport behind the establishment Republican on
twitter. In the final stretch of the campaign Gillespie rallied around the cultural wars the president is fueled, touting his support for confederate
monuments. A tiny legal immigration with violent gangs and provocative ads like this one.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Ralph Northam policies are dangerous.
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NOBLES: A strategy that led to Northam flip flopping on his support for sanctuary cities, but ultimately failed to deliver Gillespie a win.
Democrats also making significant gains in Virginia's House of Delegates possibly forcing a number of recounts that could shift control of the
chamber to Democrats for the first time in almost 20 years.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With Donald Trump in the White House and Steve Bannon holding Republicans in congress hostage, governors will have never mattered
more.
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NOBLES: In New Jersey Democrat Phil Murphy easily defeating the states Republican Lt. Governor (inaudible) who struggled to overcome the
unpopularity of her boss Governor Chris Christie. The contested races in New Hampshire and Charlotte, North Carolina also breaking in the Democrat's
favor. Breaking to a number of social t, d culture issues. Virginia Democrat making history to be gender person openly transgender person
elected and seated in a state legislator, defeating a social conservative that sponsored a bill that would have restricted which bathroom s can use.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For every person that is ever been singled out, this one's for you.
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NOBLES: In first time politician Chris Hurst, the boyfriend of a reporter shot and killed on live TV in 2015 also elected in Virginia upsetting a
three-time Republican incumbent back by the NRA.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[10:10:03] NOBLES: So the question now is how does this impact Republicans in the upcoming 2018 midterms, one Congressman that I spoke to from
Virginia last night Scott Taylor, said this was a direct reflection as to how voters feel about Donald Trump and his presidency it will be
interesting to see Lynda, if that changes the tone from some of these Republicans and many of these hotly contested races that are now going to
begin in earnest.
KINKADE: Certainly fascinating to watch. Ryan Nobles for us thank you very much. We are going to take a closer look at what that means for the
president and his Party in 2018. Larry Sabato joins me now via skype. He is the Director of the stand up for politics at the University of Virginia.
Larry, what's your take? Is this the repudiation of the Trump presidency? Flack down of the Trump agenda?
LARRY SABATO, DIRECTOR CENTER FOR POLITICS, UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA: Absolutely Lynda. It is a rebuke of Trump personally and it's a
repudiation of Trumpism. Now remember, the victories came in Democratic places. Virginia has been leaning Democratic. It's even more Democratic
now because of Trump. New Jersey is very Democratic. Big victory in Washington State. They took over the legislature there. One hose of the
legislature. That is a blue state. So Democrats still have to demonstrate that they can win in some red states. Not deep red, but light red.
They've got long way to go, but this is the first time they've been happy in a year.
KINKADE: Its interesting Larry, looking to the Virginia race where you are, the President weighed in on that on twitter. We've got that tweet to
bring up. He basically blamed the candidate saying he didn't follow what Trump stand for. He said Ed Gillespie worked hard but did not embrace me
or what I stand for. From what I have seen, Ed Gillespie was an establishment Republican and he very much embraced President Trump or at
least some of the most divisive elements of President Trump's agenda. What does that tell you?
SABATO: Well, it tells me that they're not selling except in deeply red states. Look, the tweet is simply wrong. I now that shocks you, because
President Trump tweets are almost never wrong. But he simply incorrect when he says that Gillespie did not embrace what he, the President, stood
for. In fact, Gillespie campaigned on all of his emotional social issues like immigration and crime and even football players taking a knee and
confederate monuments. Really there is, there's nothing I can think of that he didn't try that was on Trump's agenda. So the President's agenda
was repudiated in a state that increasingly is Democratic. But it was dramatic and the margin was massive, absolutely massive.t,
KINKADE: And Larry also saw some history making wins, the first transgender woman to win in a big state. The first time an Indiana
American state became the New Jersey mayor. Does this suggest it's not just about Democrats versus Republicans, red versus blue but about
embracing a more diverse America?
SABATO: That is certainly part of it. But of course everything polarized partisanly today. You have to say Democrats have become the symbol of
diversity. Trump and the Republican Party have become the symbol of fighting that diversity. Of trying to as he says make America great again
which to some people means going backwards.
KINKADE: What are the lessons from last night? What do Republicans need to do going forward looking at the 2018?
SABATO: First they need to realize that Donald Trump is a big, big problem if they live in any competitive state or district. If it's deeply red,
deeply Republican, they probably won't have a problem. But if they are in any territory that is competitive, they have a struggle on their hands to
get reelected to the House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate or other offices. So that is their first lesson. The second is they're going to
have to try to find a way to keep Trump at arm's length and yet keep the Trump voters energized. It is not obvious today what that path is. But
they've got year to figure it out.
SABATO: Looking at the Dems, what do they need to do to keep this momentum going? Because before the election, before the elections we saw yesterday,
a lot of people said the Dems aren't working very well as a Party, there's too much division. How do you see this going to forward? What do they
need to do?
SABATO: It would always be helpful if they had a popular agenda and they worked more on that, but I think truth be told, they need to keep Trump
front and center, because Trump is what powered the victories yesterday. And probably, it's a year away, a lot can happen, but probably Trump will
power whatever victories they get in 2018. That is simply American politics today. Polarized, very partisan. When you try to deal too much
with substance and with subtlety, you often lose the voters and lose your elections.
[10:15:09] KINKADE: So the President is working for the Democrats. Larry, good to have you with us. Great to get your analysis. Thank you.
SABATO: Thank you. Thanks.
KINKADE: Now here in America and over in the U.K. summer is over. Winter is coming. It's November. And yet it could be the end of May. Theresa
May that is as Britain's leader suffers scandal after scandal after scandal. We are going live to Downing Street next. And a drone's view of
an astonishing new museum in Abu Dhabi. Becky Anderson throws open the doors of the louvre in Abu Dhabi later in Connect the World. Stay with us.
.
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KINKADE: Welcome back. After months of uncertainty over Brexit, losing her majority in an election and accusations of sexual harassment that show
no sign of slowing down, you would Britain's prime minister who would welcome any sort of distraction well, Theresa May has quite a few, but
they're anything but welcome. Two members of her cabinet are under pressure after separate events. Diana Magnay is out by Downing Street.
Diana, Theresa May doesn't seem to be able to get a break. Some members of her government essentially going rogue.
DIANA MAGNAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right. Today it is the international development secretary who is in the spotlight. She is been
summoned back to answer questions about why she didn't disclose meeting that she had in Israel what she termed family holiday. All of that is
overshadowing certainly the turmoil at the top is not giving very much time to is essentially a tragic turn connected to the harassment scandal in
Westminster. Let's take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
MAGNAY: Two weeks into a sexual harassment scandal which shows no signs of abating, Westminster on Tuesday was shocked by news of a death. Assembly
member was found dead at his home in north wales just days after he was suspended from the labor party following undisclosed allegations of
improper conduct. Police are not treating his death as suspicious. A terrible turn in a bitter few weeks for British politics which has seen
MP's from across the party suspended.
[10:20:10] Defense Secretary Michael Fallon stepped down after admitting his past behavior towards women had fallen short. The Prime Minister's
right hand man Damian Green under investigation for unwanted sexual advances, allegation he vigorously denies. As if he growing scandal
weren't enough, there are new questions over the conduct of two other key ministers, the international development secretary (inaudible) under
scrutiny for failing to disclose in advance a series of meetings with Israeli officials while she was on holiday in Israel. Patel apologized for
not following usual procedures in reporting those meetings. The foreign secretary Boris Johnson also facing criticism for adding fuel to the fire
of Iranian suspicions about a jailed British Iranian woman. Iran apparently using his comments to haul (inaudible) back before a Judge over
the weekend. The family now concerned her five year jail term will be extended.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BORIS JOHNSON, BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY: UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The U.K. government has no doubt that she was on holiday in Iran when he was
arrested last year and that was the sole purpose of her visit. My point was that I disagreed with the Iranian view that training journalists was a
crime. Not that I wanted to lend any credence to Iranian allegations that Ratliff had been engaged in such activity.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(END VIDEO)
MAGNAY: It does beg the question, Lynda, how far do you have to breach the code or defy the Prime Minister to be sacked? That is certainly what was
being asked in the comments yesterday. The Patel story really becomes more and more bizarre. She went to meet the Prime Minister earlier this week,
disclosed 12 meetings that she is supposed to have had on this family holiday with Israeli officials including the Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, but then it appears after Downing Street said, OK, they have accepted the apology and the matter was put to rest that there were two
further meetings that she failed to disclose to the Prime Minister.
Today there are newspaper reports in the Jewish chronicle that in fact Theresa May did know about those meetings. Something that number 10 is
denying it is all a very, very confusing picture. Pated is due to be landing in this country really over the next few hours. We expect that she
won't really know the media attention that has been accompanying her as she is been making this trip back, but it is certainly anticipate that she may
not be holding her cabinet position by the end of the day, Lynda.
KINKADE: You have to wonder how the Brexit negotiations are faring with all these scandals. Diana Magnay good to have you outside Downing Street
for us. Thank you.
Well there are many who sound off about politicians on social media and U.S. President Donald Trump certainly doesn't waste any time firing back at
his critics. But taking on those in power can have serious consequences depending on where you are in the world. That is being driven home to an
American woman in Zimbabwe. Martha Donovan is in jail after reportedly tweeting that the President (inaudible) is, quote, a selfish and sick man.
She is also accused of plodding to overthrow the country's government. Our David McKenzie joins us now from Johannesburg. David this is a 25-year-old
woman from New Jersey that could be facing 20 years in prison over a tweet. I understand the bail hearing has been postponed. Why?
DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's pretty typical for these bail hearing to be postponed often because the state isn't ready with its
case and that is appears to what happened today in Harari. So the issue here is that she could be facing 20 years as you said for this tweet, but
also for potentially according to the state subverting the power of the government. The question is why is the government going to these great
lengths when they could just deport this American citizen if they wish, a very simple procedure and it is the case that she denies all culpability
and says these charges are false, but a very serious moment for the American woman in Zimbabwe where the country is ruled with an Iron Fist.
KINKADE: And speaking of that iron fist, the country's leader Mugabe is 93 years old. How long can he remain in power?
MCKENZIE: Well, he wants to remain in powerful for the foreseeable future, but you've had to take tonic shifts in the politics and the brutal
succession battle in Zimbabwe leading up to elections next year. Just this week Mugabe fired his long-time ally and vice President. He is gone into
hiding. But just recently released a statement saying that he is safe. That the head of the war veterans who spoke just a short time ago here,
saying that he is on his way soon he says to south Africa and they are flying the possibility of the broad based coalition to take on Robert
Mugabe and the first lady Grace Mugabe, who is widely seen as trying to push her way into power according to critics. Very crucial economic and
political times in Zimbabwe right now. You could be seeing this heading towards its end game, something that has been long speculated for many
years because of Mugabe's advancing age. Lynda.
[10:25:36] KINKADE: Interesting developments there. David McKenzie stay across that story for us. We will talk to you soon.
Before we move on, twitter is doubling the amount of letters you can use in a single tweet to 280. So you can criticize politicians or share a
hilarious meme in the longer now, in fact everything I am telling you now is exactly into to that space, it's rather handy actually. Still ahead,
Donald Trump home and away as the U.S. President is honored in China, the mood in his Party back homes is less than festive as Republicans face new
blows in the recent election.
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KINKADE: Welcome back. I am Lynda Kinkade. You're watching Connect the World. Donald Trump is in China where is he consolidating the relationship
with a nation whose power is beginning to rival that of the U.S. itself. While the past two hours may have been about pleasure, including an opera
seat for a President, Donald Trump faces drama at a different kind. Democrats had scored victory in some important election races. And some
describe the result as a verdict on his presidency. Let's bring in CNN political analyst Josh Rogan for more. Josh, many are saying this is a
referendum on Donald Trump and that his rhetoric is too divisive. Let's take a quick listen to what the winner in Virginia, the new governor had to
say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RALPH NORTHAM, VIRGINIA GOVERNOR-ELECT: I want to let you know that in Virginia it's going to take a doctor to heal our differences.
(APPLAUSE)
(CHEERS)
To bring unity to our people. And I'm here to let you know that the doctor is in.
(CHEERS)
(APPLAUSE)
And this doctor will be on call for the next four years.
(CHEERS)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: A very happy victory speech there. Josh, are people tired of the President's Trump tone? And people wanting to find some common ground?
JOSH ROGAN, THE WASHINGTON POST: Well, if you just look at the exit polls coming out of yesterday's Virginia election and over a third of voters said
that they specifically came out and voted in order to repudiate what they saw as a divisive and corrosive message and agenda coming from President
Trump. So that definitely had an effect. We also saw huge voter turnout on the Democratic side which is unusual for an off year gubernatorial
election. Then we saw what the Republicans tried to do. We had Ed Gillespie who wanted to run on Trumpism, the sort of ideological wedge
issues that Donald Trump ran on without embracing President Trump himself. That proved to be a stunningly losing strategy, because voters didn't
endorse the idea that Republicans could run on things like social issues, confederate statues, immigration, and divide them from the poor poll
numbers that President Trump has shown in Virginia. So overall, yes, you would have to say this is was a rejection of the idea of Trumpism without
President Trump.
KINKADE: In the lead up in the Virginia race we saw some pretty contentious ads. Let's just take a look at the first one.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: MS-13 is a mess. Get Ralph Northam go in favor sanctuary cities that let dangerous and illegal immigrants back on the
street. Increasing the threat of MS-13. Ralph Northam's policies are dangerous.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Let's take a look at the other one against Republicans.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is this what Donald Trump and Ed Gillespie means by the American dream?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Some pretty tough ads there. When you look at this international perspective, when we look at Brexit3, for example, young people were
shocked that Brexit vote won. Do you think when you look at these local elections that we're seeing people come out to vote that perhaps did not at
all vote in the Presidential election, because of the shock that Donald Trump became President?
ROGAN: Yes, absolutely. I think that the numbers bear that out not just at the gubernatorial election but in down ballot races in Virginia and lots
of other states, I mean. But we saw increase Democratic turnout for a state legislator races in several states. Although you showed that both
sides used sort of divisive ads, it was much more strategy of the Republican side to use these sort of Trumpish wedge issues in their
advertising than the Democrats by scope and scale. And that is another thing that voters seem to be clearly rejecting. So yes, this is the
biggest test so far of what -- whether the mobilization and operationalizing of the anti-Trump sort of political machine is really
going to work. And so far it looks like it will. And that bodes very poorly for Republicans especially heading into the 2018 congressional
election which is right around the corner.
KINKADE: Josh, let's look at the Asia trip that the President's on right now. He made a threat. He initially said he was open to a deal with North
Korea and then in the speech we heard last night in Seoul he basically said don't try us. Let us just take listen to what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I also have come here to this peninsula to deliver a message directly to the leader of the North
Korean dictatorship. The weapons you are acquiring are not making you safer. They are putting your regime in grave danger. Every step you take
down this dark path increases the peril you face. North Korea is not the paradise your grandfather envisioned. It is a hell that no person
deserves.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[10:35:31] KINKADE: Josh, the President has the option of putting North Korea back on that designated terror watch list. Is that likely to happen
given that he didn't mention it at all in that speech last night?
ROGAN: Yes. I don't -- my reporting hasn't shown any evidence that the state department is moving to put the North Korean government back on its
list of state sponsors of terror. That will require a bunch of legal determinations that they've committed new act of terrorism and you can
point to of assassination of Kim Jong-un's brother. It's kind of a stretch legally. I think that is one of those things that the administration is
sort of floating in order to increase on the pressure on the North Korean regime. And the way you said it up was perfect, I mean, on the one hand
you and President Trump introducing the idea that Kim Jong-un should make a deal, but then in his very next speech he set out terms that are clearly
nonstarter for all sides. He wants the North Koreans to give up their nuclear and missile programs before sitting down which sort of presupposes
the negotiation before the start of the negotiation.
What we're likely to see here is just a continuing of calls to ramp up pressure and all sorts of ways, whether it's the terror list or sanctions
or what have you. There's no prospect of a real negotiation to United States and North Korea any time soon. Meanwhile in The North Korea side,
it seems clear that they're going to proceed to establish the capability to mount a nuclear war head on top of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
And then they will not going to sit down before it happens, so while its pro informative to talk about leaving the door open for negotiations, what
we're headed for is a stalemate and increased ramping up tensions for the foreseeable future.
KINKADE: You can't imagine North Korea coming to the table after what was laid outlast night. Josh Rogan great to get your perspective on all things
political. Thank you.
And for more things political, head over tour website CNN.com. We're covering Trump's tour of Asia and the blue sweep that rocked the Republican
Party. An election night that brought historically in both minority and LGBT candidate. You can find it all at CNN.com.
While Trumps is out making new friends in Asia, Saudi Arabia's crown prince may be losing some old ones. The Wall Street Journal reporting he is
leading the drive to confiscate as much $800 billion. That is Billion with a capital B worth of cash in assets. It's part of his anti-corruption
crackdown in the kingdom. That crackdown has seen royals and top government officials detained.
John Defterios shows us, those being held may be in some pretty nice digs right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
JOHN DEFTERIOS, CNN EMERGING MARKETS EDITOR: It is not your typical five star experience. Unforgettable as it may be. New footage from inside the
Ritz Carlson Hotel in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh show a dramatic transformation from a favorite haunt of the well-healed into the world's
most luxurious prison. Its ballrooms and grand hallways now home to dozens princes, billionaire businessmen and former government administers swept up
in an intense anti-corruption campaign led by the kingdom's young crown prince.
The video shows people, possibly guards lying on mats with a military star rifle perched up against a wall. It a far cry from earlier this year when
the Saudi monarch warmly welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump at the retreat or for just last month, along with hundreds of global business
leaders. I attended the so called in the desert, a gathering meant to tell the world the kingdom is open or business. Robots greeted guests. Saudi
cities of the future were born. The money class were impressed. How times have changed. While billionaires still walk it marbled halls, there are no
longer foreign businessmen seeking a deal. Saudi elite ruled by a young crown prince upending traditions all in the name of fighting corruption.
John Defterios, CNN Money Abu Dhabi.
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: Live in the CNN Center. This is "Connect the World." Coming up, first it was the me-too movement. Now French women protest sexual
harassment with their own social media #exposethepig. We'll have that story next. And art lovers take note. After ten years and hundreds of
millions of dollars a new louvre museum set to open in Abu Dhabi. We got a sneak peek next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:42:11]KINKADE: It has been an international phenomenon, women feeling free to share their stories with sexual harassment in the wake of Harvey
Weinstein allegations. The accusations of more than 60 women now led to the me-too movement on social media. Now in France they're calling it
expose your pig and its inspiring women to take action. CNN Melissa Bell has more from Paris.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
MELISSA BELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The language of the hash tag may have varied from the U.S. but the anger expressed has been universal. Women
speaking out about harassment, sexual abuse and rape in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein's scandal. In France the expose your pig hash tag has led
women on to the streets and into action. Women like Henda Ayari.
(FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
BELL: Henda Ayari is one of two women now accusing the high profile Islamic scholar Ramadan of rape, allegations that are now in the hands of
prosecutors. Ramadan has taken a leave of absence from Oxford University denies any wrongdoing denouncing what he calls a campaign of lies and
saying on his Facebook page unfounded allegations can never take the place of concrete truth. These accusations are simply false and betray all the
ideals I have long strived for and believe in.
In France and other countries, women have been speaking out about specific allegations, but also about a cultural problem that has allowed men to
harass them with impunity in the worlds of business, fashion, cinema, journalism and politics. Like Westminster, France's national assembly is
now at the great deal of attention over sexual harassment allegations. As recently as July 2012 this minister was subject to cat calling. This for
choosing on that summer day to wear a dress. Now a former green Party spokesman has decided to act. Last year another she and other several
women accused the Vice President of national assembly of sexual harassment. He resigned although the case never made it to court. In the statement he
called the allegation baseless lies. He resigned to protect the reputation of parliament and to defend himself launching slander proceedings against
the women.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (TRANSLATOR): Sexual violence is an abuse of power and the world of politics is a world of power, specifically a world of male
power. So far I don't think women in politics have been asking out enough. I think there is much more that needs to be said about how some men behave.
[10:45:05] BELL: She wants to make it easier for women to get justice. She is created a site for women to come together and share their stories
and rave money for legal action.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (TRANSLATOR): It's a revolution. The women who have been using these hashtags are very brave, but I also want to say to them
come and help us fund our project, because together we'll be stronger.
BELL: France First Minister for quality believes that the hashtag is important, but believes more needs to be done.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We can say sexual harassment is not allowed in the law and I think this really broadens to say that no, it's not allowed to
follow women, it's not allowed to harass them in the street, in the subway and in you are not allowed.
BELL: The struggle for women in France and other countries will now be to drum their anger into action. Melissa Bell, CNN Paris.
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: Joining me from Paris, Caroline Founest Marianne columnist, she broke the story about allegations of rape against that Islamic scholar that
Melissa Bell described writing an article entitled the double liar of Ramadan in a French magazine. Marian great to have you with us. You broke
this story. Ramadan is a prominent Islamic scholar, the grandson of the founder of the Muslim brotherhood when did you start hearing about
complaints?
CAROLINE FOUNEST, MARIANNE COLUMNIST: I hear about complaints -- not about complaints. I heard rumor first and then I heard testimony now eight years
ago. But the problem at that time is when met victim of Ramadan for the first time, including one woman who really had a huge case to complain,
because she has a night with Ramadan that she is telling today. I did present her to a Judge to complain and she received a very specific death
threats. She asked me to not speak. She asked me to not speak about her story and I have to respect that decision. So we have to -- we had to
wait. The bravery Ayari to finally make the case.
KINKADE: Talk to us about the response from the women who have made these accusations. Has there been backlash? Because there can be when you go
after someone who's powerful.
FOUNEST: Exactly. And I think it is also one difference with the other case. Obviously we are on the same level of victims but the difference is
that the victim of Harvey Weinstein wants his producer is not anymore in power are less afraid to speech. The problem with Tariq Ramadan is he
still someone who can terrify those women, because behind him there is the network of the Muslim brother. Every time a woman is speaking, she is
insulted, she is receiving a lot of threats. From some fanatics. For us to having denounced the speech of Tariq Ramadan from several years ago. I
know the bravery, they need to speak for something like this.
KINKADE: Now this accusations so far come from four women in Europe. This is a well-traveled man. Do you expect to hear more accusations from around
the world?
FOUNEST: I hope so but you must understand that this prominent preacher, he travel a lot and he is very famous and he is really -- he has a lot of
fans in country like Qatar, like Yemen. And I'm afraid that in those countries it would be even more hard for women to speak. So until today
the women who are speaking are from Belgium, from Switzerland, from France, but not yet from Muslim countries.
KINKADE: When we hear about accusations of Weinstein, he sounds like a predator. Does Ramadan point to similar behavior from what you've seen,
looking at the allegations?
FOUNEST: Exactly the same kind of predator. Maybe with more violence. I mean that the description from the girls are really horrifying. We are
speaking about night where he is grabbing them by hair, putting them in the bathroom, pee on them until they feel really so broken that they even
cannot speak about it. And after those horrific nights, he continues to threaten them to force them not to speak. Because you have to understand
that we have also regulation now from victims from the beginning of the '90s that he started to have this behavior if we are believing them from
now more than 25 years when even it was not known, not powerful as today. So in 25 years when you became so famous and really a god for many, many
Muslim around the world. You imagine how intimidating it could be.
[10:50:29] KINKADE: All the best to women speaking up about this. Great reporting from you. Thank you so much for joining us.
We're going to take a quick break we have lots more just ahead. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Welcome back. A crown jewel is landing on this show's home turf. The shores of Abu Dhabi, some ten years in the making, including a five
year holdup. The louvre Abu Dhabi is finally swinging open its doors. Right now it's having its official state opening. This weekend the public
will finally get to enjoy the place. This short series of Becky Anderson takes us behind the scenes to check out this spectacular new museum.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
BECKY ANDERSON, CONNECT THE WORLD, CNN: It has taken ten years and hundreds of millions of dollars. Now the UAE finally have a world class
museum to call its own. The world louvre Abu Dhabi which open this is week.
Why did Abu Dhabi want to bring the louvre? Why here?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We felt that we really wanted to create something for the world. It's a museum that connects us together. I think the beauty
with this museum is that it wil1 talk to everybody.
ANDERSON: The first art work visitors see may just be the building itself. Designed by award winning French architect (inaudible) its steel dome
shades the 23 galleries below creating this so-called rein of light.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I wanted to create the museum to this simulation, to this country, to history.
ANDERSON: Inside the louvre Abu Dhabi has over 600 art works on display from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Vincent Van Gogh. Even this portrait by
Leonardo Da Vinci, the first appearance outside of Europe.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And that is the collection that the louvre Abu Dhabi has to this point and the amount of time they had is remarkable.
ANDERSON: Louvre Abu Dhabi is the result of intergovernmental deal made between France and the UAE in 2007. The brand name alone sold for an
estimated $520 million on loan for 30 years.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This 6500 BCE, this is on loan from our partners at the museum.
[10:55:02] ANDERSON: But for decision makers here it's not about the money.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We hear remarks of costs and of delays. I think first and foremost we made sure that when we have the first visitor entering this
museum, he is going to see something of fantastic quality. I think that is what's important. But what's the most important thing is culture is here
to stay. So the winner here is culture.
ANDERSON: Next stop they say are two more museums just over the horizon including a future Guggenheim. Becky Anderson CNN, Abu Dhabi.
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: If you're wondering what the team in Abu Dhabi will be doing this weekend, well there is your answer. But don't worry Becky still will be
cracking the whip making sure that this work of art Facebook.com/cnnconnect is being freshly painted. Do check it out. I'm Lynda Kinkade. That was
"Connect the World." Thanks so much for joining us. I'll see you another time.
END
