13-MAY-2008 :- DEATH OF Saad Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti ruler.

Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah
(1930 – 13 May 2008) was the fourth Emir of Kuwait and Commander of the Military of Kuwait during a short reign of nine days (15 to 24 January 2006), succeeding Sheikh Jaber. Sheikh Saad was a prime flag officer in the Military of Kuwait; in addition, the first to head the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior until 28 January 1963 and the first military officer to head the Ministry of Defense.

Sheikh Saad had suffered from colon disease, which led to speculation that he would refuse the Emirship. A declaration in November 2005 refuted such speculation, and Sheikh Saad took office as Emir on 15 January 2006 upon Sheikh Jaber's death.However, Sheikh Saad attended Jaber's funeral in a wheelchair, and his continued health problems caused some to question his ability to rule. Some members of the Kuwaiti parliament expressed concern that Sheikh Saad would not be able to deliver the two-line oath of office, scheduled for 24 January 2006.

On 23 January 2006, Sheikh Saad agreed to abdicate following a discussion within the ruling family, after only nine days on the throne. Although a new Emir had not yet been announced, it was evident that the position would be assumed by Sheikh Saad's second cousin and the late Sheikh Jaber's half-brother Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

On 24 January 2006, the Kuwaiti parliament voted Saad out of office, moments before an official letter of abdication was received. The Kuwait Cabinet nominated the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to take over as Emir as expected.