ABU DHABI Ñ Kuwait faces political uncertainty amid the sudden illness of Emir Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah.

Al Sabah, 73, was rushed to London over the weekend for treatment for what was described as a "limited brain hemorrhage." The illness came amid heightened alert in the Persian Gulf amid U.S. plans to retaliate for suicide attacks on New York and Washington on Sept. 1.

The emir has ruled Kuwait since 1977. His absence leaves the sheikdom without a clear path for succession. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Saad Abdullah Al Sabah, 71, is reported to suffer from major health problems and has designated much of his authority to Foreign Minister Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.

The foreign minister, who has been running the government for the last eight months, is said to have left for London. Kuwaiti Defense Minister Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah is also in the British capital.

The collapse of the emir has prompted concern in both Arab and Western capitals. Saudi King Fahd, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, U.S. President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair called Kuwait to inquire of the emir's condition.

The Kuwaiti emir is said to be in stable condition in a London hospital. Kuwaiti sources said it remains unclear how long Al Sabah will stay abroad for medical treatment.

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