Can they link Saddam to this skull?

A human skull lies on a plastic bag after being pulled from a mass grave on one of Saddam Hussein's killing fields. A damning exhibit when Saddam is put into the dock some time later this year?

Maybe.

But first the prosecution might have to link Saddam directly to this skull, which was among the remains of 3 000 people villagers dug up in Mahaweel, 90km south of Baghdad. They suspect the victims were executed during the 1991 Shi'ite revolt against Saddam.

No doubt it was murder, but the linkage to Saddam could be a crucial part of the defence case as this, one of the most spectacular trials in history, gets under way.

It may seem obvious to most of the world that Saddam is guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity and perhaps genocide during his 24-year rule. However, capable attorneys for the former Iraqi leader would have an array of options for a defence strategy.

Even if Saddam does not decide to defend himself, his lawyers can be expected to challenge the prosecution on numerous legal fronts, according to international law experts. These will include contesting the legitimacy of the court that will likely try him and questioning evidence that seeks to link him personally to war crimes.

His lawyers might portray some of his alleged crimes as legitimate means to defend Iraq's sovereignty against domestic revolt.

More: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=225&fArticleId=317907

Many of those who could provide the best direct evidence, not hearsay, are now dead. Good riddance on the human emotional level, but not so good on the tactical level. Of course, the point is that we were never supposed to try Saddam at all. The bounty was dead or alive, and somebody made a big big mistake.

Do you suppose we're going to be inundated with a Saddam trial that is 24/7/365, like we were with O.J.?

Just a hunch, but it sure would be an embarassment to hear about who sold him what, and who his old business partners are.