King Fahd in hospital but stable

The Middle Eastern king is an important U.S. ally and ruler of largest oil country.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- Saudi King Fahd, whose oil-rich kingdom became a close U.S. ally during his 23-year rule, was reported in stable condition and improving Saturday, a day after he was hospitalized for unspecified medical tests.
An official at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh said Fahd's health was "improving, albeit slowly." He said the king had a fever and "water in the lungs," but his temperature was coming down.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.
Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said the king had undergone the first of his medical tests, though he did not elaborate.
"His condition is stable and the results of the medical tests are reassuring," Saud said.
In the capital, newspapers carried front-page news of the hospitalization, and people gathering in groups said they were praying for the king.
"I'm asking God to protect King Fahd for us and his family," said businessman Ebrahim al-Khudair, 39. "The stability of the kingdom comes with his name."
Fahd, king since 1982, suffered a debilitating stroke in 1995. His half brother, Crown Prince Abdullah, has been Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler since then and is expected to become king should Fahd die.
Political importance
But Saudi Arabia's strategic importance as the holder of the world's largest oil reserves and the home of Islam's two holiest shrines means even a stable succession could impact world markets and have widespread political fallout.
In the capital, life seemed normal, with offices, schools and shops open and no extra security presence visible. The interior ministry denied earlier reports that the country was on alert, and newspapers also said no state of emergency had been declared. A previously scheduled meeting of Gulf leaders was going ahead as planned.
Fahd, who is believed to be 82, was admitted to the King Faisal Hospital on Friday, the official Saudi Press Agency said. One official said doctors believed the monarch had pneumonia. The official requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of his position.