Nation digest 2/4

Saudis may not back U.S. attack on Iraq

WASHINGTON -- Saudi Arabia's former intelligence chief suggested Sunday that his country might not support U.S. military attacks against Iraq even if Saddam Hussein were found to be developing a nuclear weapon.

Prince Turki al-Faisal repeatedly would not directly respond when asked whether Saudi Arabia would let the United States stage military action from Saudi bases or would support such action if it were determined the Iraqi president was close to acquiring weapons of mass destruction.

Turki, a member of the ruling Saudi royal family, instead suggested funding and covert operations in support of those in Iraq who want to unseat Hussein, saying an outside invasion force would only rally people to Hussein's side.

Study links baby's rapid weight gain to obesity

CHICAGO -- Babies who gain weight very rapidly during their first four months may be prone to obesity later in life, new research suggests.

Regardless of weight at birth and age 1, such infants were significantly more likely to be overweight at age 7 than babies who gained weight more slowly in the first four months.

The study involving 19,397 children supports the idea that obesity is hereditary. But it also suggests that prevention efforts targeting early infancy, such as breast-feeding, might help counteract genetics, said Dr. Nicolas Stettler of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The results appear in February's issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

While the study had limited breast-feeding data, previous research has suggested that breast-fed infants are more likely to be lean later in life.

Texas jail jumpsuit found in burglarized home

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Evidence found at a house used by four fugitives from a Texas jail indicate the only woman in the group has changed her appearance by cutting her hair, authorities said Sunday.

It was the sixth day on the run for the four -- two convicted of killing a high school cheerleader and two awaiting trial in another killing.

Fingerprints found in the house in Terral, in southern Oklahoma, were matched to fugitive Joshua Bagwell, 23, authorities said Saturday. Investigators also found cigarette butts and jail-issued shoes and a jumpsuit.

Chrystal Soto, 22, apparently cut her hair there, leaving black locks with the clothing.

"She has cut it short enough that she might be trying to pass as a male," said Kym Koch, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

-- From wire reports