Hussein returns to U.S. for treatment

AMMAN, Jordan - Only days after a triumphant return home from six months of cancer treatment, King Hussein turned over the temporary operation of Jordan to his eldest son yesterday and flew back to the United States for urgent medical care.

Hussein, 63, appeared flushed and leaned on a cane as he boarded a royal jet along with his American-born wife, Queen Noor, and a team of Jordanian and American doctors.

He was headed back to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he had undergone treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer.

Hussein arrived in Jordan on Jan. 19 with much fanfare.

Before his departure yesterday, Hussein presided over a brief ceremony at the airport to swear in Crown Prince Abdullah as regent during his absence.