Saddam's sons - More about them

President Bush gave Saddam Hussein and his sons 48 hours to leave Iraq. Sons Qusai and Odai are part of Saddam's leadership. Some details about their roles: QUSAI SADDAM HUSSEIN Saddam's

Tuesday, March 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

President Bush gave Saddam Hussein and his sons 48 hours to leave Iraq. Sons Qusai and Odai are part of Saddam's leadership. Some details about their roles:

QUSAI SADDAM HUSSEIN

Saddam's second-oldest son, whom he is believed to be grooming as successor. Qusai, 37, is powerful behind-the-scenes figure. Supervises Republican Guards, country's best-trained and equipped troops. Has long been in charge of his father's personal security. Exiled critics of Saddam link Qusai to brutal crackdowns on opponents.

Last week, Saddam divvied up command of Iraq's military zones in preparation for war, putting Qusai in charge of the regime's heartland _ Baghdad and Saddam's hometown, Tikrit.

Qusai, who studied law, married daughter of senior military commander. They have three sons.

ODAI SADDAM HUSSEIN

Saddam's eldest son, 39, seemed strong candidate to succeed father before he was shot and badly wounded in 1996.

Has reputation for brutality, and has wounded and killed several men.

In contrast to Qusai, Odai known as womanizer with flamboyant wardrobe that runs from cowboy boots to flowing, gold-embroidered Arab robes.

Odai has seat in parliament; runs Iraq's most popular newspaper, Babil, and popular Youth TV channel; heads National Iraqi Olympic Committee.