[Happy2BMe]

"Separately, NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reported that the investigation could be hampered because U.S. officials do not possess Saddam’s DNA."

Do FIRST COUSINS count? (Chemical Ali)

[ConservativeMan55]

We do possess his DNA...we have his mistress!!!!

[ErnBatavia]

Do FIRST COUSINS count? (Chemical Ali)

I'd bet that Iraq is like Hawaii - Everybody is a cousin...

[nomorecameljocks]

Hint: Check the palace toilets for pubes. I'd hate to have that job.

[Turin_Turambar]

Both his son-in-laws and Chemical Ali should share an identical Y chromosome with Saddam and any of his sons, which passes exclusively and without recombination through the paternal line.

The preferred marriage in Arab society is with the Father's Brother's Daughter, and this was the case for Saddam's daughters, who married the Kamel brothers -- who then defected and unwisely returned to be offed. So they were nephews, too. They are all al-Majids, like Saddam, and everybody has the Y-chromosome of Saddam's paternal grandfather.

The only trick is that of course there are fewer markers on the Y, and it might be harder to determine initially. But if we get the body, we certainly will be able to confirm. You will remember the same technique was used to determine if Jefferson fathered any of Sally Hemmings's children, but there was an inevitable ambiguity because it could have been the sons of his brother -- same deal

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

YES! They should both carry DNA of their common ancestor I believe (though I am no biotech expert!)

[honeygrl]

"Separately, NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reported that the investigation could be hampered because U.S. officials do not possess Saddam’s DNA."

Well, they have 2 or 3 of his mansions under control... that means they probably have dirty laundry, his pillow, his shoes, etc.. can't be that hard to get a bit of DNA from something in his house.