Arab News
RIYADH, 28 May 2005 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd was admitted to hospital yesterday for medical tests, a Royal Court announcement said.
“King Fahd entered King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh this evening to undergo some medical examinations,†said the announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
This is the lead article in today’s Arab News, and goes out of its way to refute some media claims that a “state of emergency” had been declared in the country, or that the Saudi Arabian National Guard had cancelled all leave orders.
I’ve no special knowledge of the King’s condition. He is known to be in poor health–diabetes, a heart condition, his stroke in the mid-90s–but leads a pretty stress-free life now. Flu or pneumonia (press reports vary) is not a simple matter for the elderly, though, no matter their underlying health.
There’s been some speculation, too, that were the King to die some sort of power-struggle would suddenly erupt in the kingdom. That’s highly unlikely.
The history of succession in Saudi Arabia, in clear distinction from some of its neighbors, has traditionally been orderly. Following the abdication of King Saud in the 1960s, Faisal became king. Following his assassination in 1975, Khaled, then Crown Prince, rose to the throne. Fahd took over following Khaled death. Abdullah, as Crown Prince, would certainly become king.
There could be some discussion about the naming of a new Crown Prince. While Prince Sultan is currently Deputy Prime Minister, it is not assured that he would be elevated to Crown Prince. It’s quite likely that he would be, but not required. The Al-Saud could very well take advantage of a bad situation to name a younger member of the family to be next in line.
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May:28:2005 - 07:12
Saudi King Fahd Hospitalized
Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd has been hospitalized, CNN reports.
Saudi King Fahd hospitalized (CNN)
Saudi Arabia’s special forces were put on alert after King Fahd was hospitalized in Riyadh for tests Friday, the Saudi government said. T…
May:28:2005 - 09:10
what happens to azouzi when abdullah becomes king?
May:30:2005 - 00:15
I think he’ll stay in the wings, waiting for a better wind to blog in his favor. I don’t expect that wind to ever rise.
August:01:2005 - 06:36
i am really very sad for king Fahd,s death .i really felt the same when i lost my own father. although i am egyptian but really he was a real parent to all arabs ,as i am connected to the kingdom since my graduation cause i started my career in saudi arabian airlines in egypt and now i live in jeddah so pleace accept my codolences..medhat mounir