In an unprecedented move for the Arab press, a leading Kuwaiti newspaper yesterday called for the abdication of the oil-rich country's ruler, less than a week after he inherited the throne. Sheikh Sa'ad al-Abdullah al-Sabah, 76, was proclaimed emir last Sunday, just a few hours after the death of his cousin, Sheikh Jaber, 78, who had ruled since 1977.Under the constitution Sheikh Sa'ad must swear an oath in parliament before assuming his duties, but there is open speculation in Kuwait that he is too ill to utter the oath - a single sentence of around 30 words.
| "There! He took the oath!" "That's not the oath! That's a drool!" "I distinctly heard two words!" "His lips didn't even move!" "See, they're open right now!" "That's the 'O' sign!" |
On its front page yesterday, al-Qabas daily said national burdens had exhausted Sheikh Sa'ad and urged him to make a further sacrifice by "leaving it to who is able among the sons of the honourable ruling family".
The most likely alternative contender for the throne is Sheikh Sabah, the prime minister, who has already been de facto ruler for several years because the late emir was also incapacitated. Sheikh Sabah is himself 77 and has a pacemaker.
| And probably other problems. |
| I'm available. Ask me. |
| I hear the money's good... |