The plans bypass the international war crimes tribunals that have been used after other conflicts, most recently the former Yugoslavia.

"We are of the opinion that an international tribunal for the current abuses is not necessary," said Pierre Richard Prosper, US ambassador for war crimes issues.

Hays Parks, a special assistant to the army's judge advocate general, said war crimes investigations already have been opened into the airing by Iraqi television of images of US prisoners of war and of instances of false surrenders by Iraqi troops.

Others were expected to follow, he said.

"Particularly when we are discussing the abuses of the past, as well as the current abuses, we need to take a look at the leadership," said Prosper.

"We have put over the years sharp focus on the actions of Saddam Hussein, his sons, individuals such as 'Chemical Ali' because by the nature of the regime we understand that many of the orders for the atrocities came from the top," Prosper said.

Prosper said the United States was working with Iraqi jurists in exile to devise an "Iraqi-led process" for trying members of the regime for past abuses, he said.

"We believe that it must have some indigenous roots to reinstate the rule of law," Prosper said.

SPACE.WIRE