US clashes with Iraq over Saddam trial date

Worsening security, legal complexities and the lack of an Iraqi lawyer willing to represent Saddam Hussein make it impossible for the ousted dictator and 11 others to stand trial any time soon, a US official said today.

While refusing to provide a possible date for the trials, the official all but dismissed a recent statement by interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi that they could start as early as October.