Voice on New Tape Probably Hussein’s, U.S. Official Says

The latest released audio recording purportedly of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s voice is probably authentic and was probably recorded recently, a U.S. intelligence official said Friday.

The poor quality of the recording prevents analysts from being certain of its authenticity, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. But references to recent events suggest that it was made recently.

The man whose voice appears on the recording said he was speaking July 14 and made reference to the new governing council of Iraq, which was established Sunday.

Hussein’s fate has been uncertain since the war began March 21. Twice information on his whereabouts was deemed solid enough that airstrikes were directed to kill him.

But since the war, U.S. intelligence analysts have become increasingly convinced that he survived.

The latest audio message was aired on the Al Jazeera TV satellite channel on Thursday, the 35th anniversary of the coup that brought Hussein’s Baath Party to power.

Another message purportedly from Hussein aired July 4. CIA officials similarly said it was probably authentic, but their analysis was hampered by the audio’s poor quality.