Conjoined twin sisters, 29, set for risky separation surgery

SINGAPORE

Iranian Muslim twin sisters, joined at the head, said Saturday their fate was in God's hands as they prepared for a marathon operation that could finally separate them - or could kill one or both. After a lifetime of compromises on everything from when to wake up each day to what career to pursue, Ladan and Laleh Bijani, 29, said they preferred to face the dangers of the surgery, which could last up to four days, rather than continue living joined.

"If God wants us to live the rest of our lives as two separate, independent individuals, we will," Ladan said. The sisters laughed and joked with friends as they were wheeled into an operating theater atRafflesHospital Sunday.

Fifteen Iranians held a prayer session for the twins Sunday night at the hospital.

(Reuters) - Surgery to separate 29-year-old Iranian twin sisters fused at the head is taking longer than expected, but doctors said Monday both women were stable and the potentially fatal operation was proceeding well. Doctors said a craniotomy, which involves opening up the skull, performed overnight had taken longer than expected because where the skulls of Laleh and Ladan Bijani joined was thick and compact.

Taken From: http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20030706/1016421.asp &

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030707/sc_nm/health_singapore_twins_dc_11

Dubai Islamic Bank launches second round of Iktasib

Dubai Islamic Bank, a pioneer within the UAE banking sector, has announced the launch of the second round of its training program, Iktasib, targeting UAE nationals.

The training will take place over the summer period up until August 30 and aims to strengthen capabilities within the domestic market while providing professional opportunities for young UAE nationals within the Islamic banking sector.

Mr Ahmed Al Sarkal, Human Resources Manager, DIB said "through the Iktasib program, the bank aims to strengthen its contribution to society. Iktasib provides professional training opportunities for young UAE nationals allowing them to develop their skill set and increase their knowledge of Sharia compliant Islamic finance. Trained individuals will be given priority regarding employment vacancies at the bank in the future." The second round of the Iktasib program builds on the success of the first which was undertaken last year and which was hailed by the trainees as a great success.

Taken From: http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/25880.html

Lebanon: Symposium held on dialogue

Beirut

The Lebanese Minister of Information, Michel Samaha, recently inaugurated a symposium whose theme was “Fundamentalism in Religions.” The symposium was organized by the Arab Group for Islamic-Christian Dialogue.

Attending the symposium were prominent personalities from all the religious denominations, as well as researchers from Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Sudan, Jordan, plus three others from other parts of the world. The start of the proceedings was preceded by a speech from the secretary-general of t he of the Middle Eastern Churches Council, Dr. Riyadh Jarjour.

He said in his speech that the danger in the religious fundamentalism that the world is witnessing today is its development, and the harm that this could do to the gains made in terms of justice, equality, human rights, freedom of expression, and pluralism. Several other speakers addressed the symposium.

Taken From: http://www.islamicnews.org/english/en_daily.html