King Hussein of Jordan listens to U.S. President Ronald Reagan, outside the White House in Washington, in this May 29, 1985 photo. Hussein, who became a key force for stability in the turbulent Middle East in more than four decades as ruler of his strategically placed nation, died Sunday Feb. 7, 1999. The king was 63. The announcement was made by Information Minister Nasser Judeh. The cause of death was heart failure, said senior palace officials who were with the king when he died. Members of the royal family, including Queen Noor, his wife, were with him. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma)