Emir of Kuwait dies after long illness

THE Emir of Kuwait, who survived assassination attempts and the Iraqi invasion of his country died yesterday after a long illness.

Sheik Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, aged 79, had been ailing since suffering a brain haemorrhage five years ago and his death was not expected to lead to any major policy changes in this key US ally. He was buried in a public cemetery in a ceremony attended by thousands of mourners.

Because of his illness, the emir had surrendered much of his authority to his half-brother, Prime Minister Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, who is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the country.

The Cabinet named the crown prince, Sheik Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah, who is in his mid-70s, as the new emir, but he also is in poor health.

The Al Sabah family has ruled this small state that has the world’s 10th largest oil reserves - some 95 billion barrels - for more than 250 years.

Sheik Jaber’s body, wrapped in Kuwait’s flag, was carried with difficulty through the crowd that gathered for the brief ceremony at Sulaibikhat cemetery. The emir was buried in an unmarked grave as members of the ruling family stood by, raising their hands in prayer.

The new emir attended the burial in a wheelchair. Jordan’s King Abdullah II was among the dignitaries who came to the funeral.

The government announced a 40-day period of mourning and said offices would be closed for three days.

A number of Arab countries, including Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria, also announced three days of mourning and lowered their flags in Sheik Jaber’s honour.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak described the late emir as “a kind brother and a dear friend.”

The new emir, a distant cousin chosen by Sheik Jaber as his heir apparent in 1978, has colon problems. He travels abroad frequently for medical treatment.

Sheik Jaber was a close friend of America even before US forces led the fight to liberate his country from Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in 1991. He proved that friendship by supporting the American-led invasion of Iraq 12 years later.

Kuwait has remained reliant on US forces for defence, and the close alliance is likely to continue under Sheik Saad.

After a Shi’ite Muslim extremist tried to assassinate Sheik Jaber in a suicide car bombing in May 1985, the emir abruptly changed his habits. He stopped driving his own car to bustling bazaars and cut down on public appearances.