July 19 2004

Youth of Jordan: Express Yourselves!

Around 120 Jordanian youth met senior officials and business leaders this week to explore ways of enhancing their engagement in the country’s social, economic and political life. Addressing concerns raised by the youth at the end of their two-day forum in the Dead Sea, King Abdullah of Jordan told students they should express themselves freely at all times and encouraged university students to continue expressing their views and concerns to government officials without fear or reservation.
Students say they are hesitant in arguing with their university professors for fear of getting a low grade or being “humiliated” or “told off.”
“The King said we have to do away with these fears, follow our own track and freely express ourselves,” said Abdullah Tayfour, a 4th year computer engineering student at the Hashemite University. “I believe that our contribution to such national dialogue was important and the extent of freedom to which we have been able to express ourselves was a great leap,” he added.
The students called for ensuring a “safer and more secure environment” to foster their participation in the country’s political life, efforts to eliminate fanaticism, greater involvement in higher educational reforms, providing incentives to empower women.
More Details

July 2 2004

Saddam Hussein’s Trial

Or the “trial of the century” as some prefer referring to it. Saddam was in court yesterday and listened to the charges outlined in his arrest warrant.
So many people are happy with this trial, few are not. The destiny of the former president of Iraq, the “dictator”, is not yet determined.
Some want him executed, others want him to be set free and sent to exile, some want him to spend the rest of his life in jail, and very few want him to be set totally free to live the rest of his life in peace in his country Iraq.
What will happen? Let’s wait and see.
Personally, I just wonder: of the many “war-criminals” of our time, will Saddam be the only one to enter court?!

June 30 2004

Professor Dr. Z. El-Naggar: A True Inspiration

Our generation is a lost one. I find young men and ladies living just because they’re alive, in other words, just passing time while they’re breathing, and mostly trying to have as much fun as possible while they’re living.
I find young people not knowing what to do, either because they see no point of repeating what others have already done, or because they’re bored and want something new.
I see people not bothering to look for a job, giving no damn if their parents need help or not, if something they’re doing is hurting others or not. They don’t believe in morals any longer, they think it limits their mind and their freedom. They don’t believe in religion anymore, they believe it’s useless. They don’t believe in God no more, they believe he doesn’t exist, he doesn’t deserve to exist. So if there’s no God, then who created us? They start looking, and re-searching, some get to answers they like because it gives them relief from any responsibility, and some get to answers they hate, because the answers proved them wrong, and some get nowhere.
I’m one of the people who don’t take this life as facts I should simply believe in. I think over and over and over. I was born a Muslim. My parents are, and so were almost all who surrounded me in my childhood. But I learned that Islam urges us to think and look for the truth. Islam does not believe in forcing religious facts into our minds, otherwise we wont have brains. When I became a teenager, I was somehow rebellious, I sat with dad for hours asking him about everything, honestly, I must admit that I gave him really hard times. I asked him things like where does God come from? Why are there 3 religions? Why do we pray? Why do we fast……etc. After I’m done with dad I’d go to mom: What are we created for? Why shouldn’t we steal? Why should we be good to others?…. At school, also my religion teacher had a share of suffering too: why this, what’s that, what for do we do that…
Everyone gave me a convincing answer, but inside me I wanted to prove them all wrong, just because I was one of those troublesome stubborn girls. So one day I decided to look for answers myself, I searched the net, most of it had nothing to do with Islam’s teachings, and so many information didn’t relate to God. That was so exciting yet confusing to me. I rented books of religion, philosophy, science and history. Figures were almost all the same, but ideas were totally different. I went back home and thought: I’ve rented books, read articles and killed myself looking for something to help me, but I never bothered reading The Quran, so why not take a look at it and see what it’s got! I spent months reading Quran, looking into several interpretations, and listing questions about everything spiritual, religious, historical, social, scientific, and medical I’d love to know about. Only then, I knew that I’ve wasted so much time, when all the answers I was looking for were just right there in front of me. I never knew that Quran was that practical, that relieving and that logical. It showed me the truth of things. And I never questioned neither the presence of God nor my religion ever again.
The problem is when friends ask me about God and religion and I seem so excited and so strong talking about Quran and the facts it has predicted ahead of our time and the facts it told us about ancient civilizations, they believe I’m just overreacting and trying to have them convert into Islam. And no matter how hard I try to explain, they only believe what they want to believe. I was wishing that someone would explain science, politics, law, relationships, sexual affairs, and the universe through the eyes of Quran so that they will understand I wanted nothing but give them the answers to the questions they were asking me, and to let them know what I knew apart of anything else. And yesterday I was watching Khaleek Bil Bait , a program of Future TV, presented by Zahi Wehbi. To be honest I’ve watched this program on some occasions, but wasn’t that fond of it until yesterday. Yesterday’s host was Professor Dr.Zaghloul El-Naggar . An Egyptian Professor of Geology. He is a member of many scientific Societies and associations. He has published so many wonderful books about geology, and the miracles of Quran, and writes articles in Al-Ahram Newspaper.
Now what I loved about him is that he is so well educated, open-minded and can discuss with you everything so easily and without having to end up with a fight. He never loses his peaceful smile nor his control on his temper no matter what. As usual, such people are likely to be offended and criticized. He got calls during the program asking the most complicated questions, yet he always had an answer. Researchers and scientists gave some really powerful arguments to prove him wrong, but again he had the answer. And the beauty in his discussion is that he knows what he’s saying, with a very strong scientific and religious background. He was asked to give examples of research and studies from non-Muslim scientists, to prove what Quran says is right. With no problem at all, Professor Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar gave the most stunning examples from Nasa, as well as American, Russian, Hollandaise and Greek Scientists. All proved what Quran has mentioned thousands of years ago.
He gave people the reason to believe in God, he proved Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to be wrong, not only with Quran interpretations but even from what other non-Muslim scientists explained. He mentioned a wide range of books for others that are with Darwin’s theory and other books against it, books supporting believing in God and others against it. He was so great, I was so happy to listen to every single word he said. And I’m planning to post about his studies and proofs every once in a while for those who may be interested.
Dr. El-Naggar was asked about those who become Muslims, why do they become Muslims, whether scientists, or the American soldiers he met in Gulf War, or simply students of science. His answer was: Islam could not be proposed to someone and be rejected, unless of course this someone is not willing to listen with an open heart and mind. I’m sure whoever accepted Islam did only because they followed what their minds found most logical, and what gave them the most answers to their many questions. They saw that it takes human beings years and years of research to find a fact Quran has mentioned. And they saw that humanity has still not reached the key to many other facts Quran has talked about already.
There is a website for Dr. El- Naggar, currently it has only some of his work, but it will be open with more information very soon. TheLink
And last but not least, I must say that Zahi Wehbi did a great job yesterday 🙂

June 11 2004

Every Friday

On the end of every week I find myself feeling so happy, I count the seconds till it’s finally 5 p.m. Every Friday I say to myself: I will rest this time, I’ll spend my weekend relaxing and enjoying myself. Then I add some housework to use the advantage of being home. Every Friday I can’t wait till it’s time for “La Yomall” which is a program on Future TV, “La Yomall” means: something you can’t get bored of, it’s so damn funny and criticizes a lot of things in our life. I just love that show. It makes me laugh from the heart. I remember this time when my husband and I were watching this episode about the sticky kind of salesmen, LOOOOOOL! We were on the ground laughing like crazy, with tears filling our faces, LOOOL! It was simply AMAZING. I even called my family to let them watch it, looool 😛 it was wonderful. And I love it when they imitate singers and celebrities 😛 they’re some really talented actors. You can watch it at 7:30 p.m. (Tunis Time 😉 ). If you don’t watch it, then you’re missing some big time.
And although I’m not much into Miss Lebanon 2004 Reality TV, yet I love the primes with their decorations, their dances and the shows. Unfortunately it’s the same time of “La Yomall”. But can watch either of them some other times too. “La Yomall” is available on Friday again at 12:00 a.m. (Tunis Time) and Miss Lebanon 2004 Prime is to be watched on Saturday night I guess, not sure though.
Lol, there is this funny thing about Friday that I always do, which is trying to stay up all night watching TV, when in fact, and after a busy day, I can’t but fall asleep as usual around 11:30 p.m. That is sad, I love the night life of weekends, but still I love waking up early on Saturday, knowing I have the whole day without having to go to work, wow, what a great feeling. I wonder why don’t they give us a whole 3 days for weekend, or an extra day off in the middle of the week. I love weekends, and I hate to feel them pass quicker than the rest of the week!
Anyway, I wish you all a happy weekend, enjoy yourselves and have fun 🙂

June 8 2004

Plastic Surgeries In Sireh Wenfatahit

Sireh Wenfatahit is a very powerful show that I personally like so much because of the subjects discussed. It’s not a show that focuses on entertainment, although it’s entertaining for what it offers the audience, but the ideas of the show are not those shallow ones that aim at gathering as much people as they could, but it aims at creating a healthy debate to spread awareness and try give a helping hand for those who have been forgotten or neglected. It gives the chance to speak up loud for the purpose of improvement.
Yesterday for example, it was another very good episode, it discussed plastic surgeries from so many sides: their reasons, their average cost, their side-effects, their good and bad sides, the risk of going through a plastic surgery, the emotional involvement, the addiction to becoming perfect as well as liposuction surgeries.
The guest was Dr. Paul Audeh, a plastic surgeon, who discussed the experiences he goes through in plastic surgeries and the cases he came across, not to forget his consultation and his answers to the audience and those who called for help.
Now the very powerful part of the episode was the live- video recording of some plastic surgeries (nose adjustment, lip enlargement, and liposuction). To be honest, I only watched a tiny little part of the lip adjustment surgery, couldn’t watch it all, but for the others, I couldn’t even tolerate the idea of watching, can’t believe how could people watch this, and don’t know how Zaven (the show presenter) was able to watch and record all this live himself!
I was just checking his site ZavenOnline and saw the comments posted on yesterday’s episode PlasticSurgery . They’re about the do’s and don’ts concerning plastic surgeries.
I thought I’d have them here in English for those interested:
Do’s:
1. Choose a good doctor with a good reputation, and be sure of his credibility.
2. You have to feel comfortable with your doctor, this feeling is more important than the operation itself.
3. You should know very well what you want and what annoys you in your look.
4. Don’t lie to yourself.
5. Your expectations of the results of the surgery should be realistic.
6. Ask the doctor about the risks of the surgery, and all possible effects.
7. You should respect and apply all directions given to you before and after the surgery.
8. Preserve your look through exercising and diet.
9. Know the limits of the surgery, so you wont cross the red lines.
10. Ask for references or pictures for people before and after they had the same or similar surgery and try to contact them in person.
11. Consultation should include asking, listening and trusting.
12. Be patient and follow your own instincts.
13. Ask about the anesthetist that will be responsible in your surgery.
14. Choose the most appropriate time for you in the year for the operation taking into consideration the relax-period after the operation.
15. Compare the results of the operation with your condition before it, and do not compare the results to others.
16. Be optimistic on your way to the operation, you should be ready both physically and psychologically.
17. Be responsible for your choices and keep in mind that all possibilities may occur.
18. Be aware that pain will go and the result will last.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t be crazy about perfection in looks.
2. Don’t go through a plastic surgery to please others or to win someone you lost.
3. Don’t let others scare you, and don’t care if they didn’t encourage you, they might do this because they envy you.
4. Don’t go for a surgery if you’re not emotionally stable, and don’t go for it as an attempt to escape pressure and problems.
5. Don’t provide your doctor with wrong information.
6. Don’t expect your doctor to take the decision instead of you.
7. Don’t consider that the technical effects shown on computer are realistic.
8. Don’t expect immediate nor total change in your look.
9. Don’t let the cost take control of your decision in having or not having a surgery.
10. Plastic surgeries aren’t only for the rich and famous.
11. Don’t go for a surgery just to look like someone. And keep in mind that having a specific feature of a celebrity wont give you his/her life.
12. Don’t panic when experiencing pain after the surgery and simply contact your doctor.
13. Beauty products, crèmes and massage are not an alternative for surgery in many cases.
14. Don’t be affected by others’ comments on your look after the surgery.
15. Don’t think that surgery is a matter of fun, or a matter of following the latest trends.
My personal opinion concerning plastic surgery is that it’s only necessary in some cases like when someone has been through an accident and got the face or body burnt, cut or affected in any negative way; or when someone is born with a birth defect or unbearable ugliness. Otherwise, going through a plastic surgery just to look sexier, or to improve the looks is nothing but surrendering to low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence. We should be aware of the fact that a person consists of inner beauty and outer beauty, both complete each other, yet if we lack the good looks is no problem as long as we have the beauty of the soul and heart with the control of a good mind. But having the most beautiful looks when lacking the inner beauty means nothing on the long run, it will only give temporary pride and some admirers who look for quick pleasure. Be yourself, believe in your natural beauty, and leave plastic surgeries for those who really need them. Because I’m really fed up with women looking all the same with these small pointy noses, filled lips and rounded cheek, all with same physical measurements and same outside looks. This is just pathetic and it’s such a shame to see people nowadays so dependent of sex-appeals and artificial perfectionism in looks… Get a life for God’s sake!

May 25 2004

1st Clinic For Sex Education & Consultation In The Arab World

“The Marital Happiness School” is the first clinic of its kind in the Arab world. It’s in Cairo and is the first clinic specializing in sex education. The clinic is run by Dr. Heba Kotb, a lecturer of forensic medicine and toxicology at Cairo University recently completed a degree in clinical sexology at the Maimonides University in Florida, and a male colleague, Dr. Mohamed Waly, a gynaecologist and obstetrician. “I first became interested in this field after completing my MD thesis on sexual assault, covering normal and abnormal sexuality. Sexology is barely touched on by doctors in Egypt; you find it only as a subsidiary to gynaecology or endology, so I saw that there was a real need for this. I decided to make it my career” she said. The great part is she gives verses from The Holy Quran that explains sexual relationships. There is a very famous saying in Islam: “In Islam there is no shame in any form of learning”. Therefore students should learn everything about the relationship between men and women, the right way. Education should cover every aspect of sexual relationships, not only within the context of marriage, but also what is allowed between friends. Rules of social behavior, manners, family relationships and how a husband and wife should treat each other should all be discussed.
As well as marriage counseling and courses for pre and post wedding couples, Dr. Kotb also runs special courses for adolescents, filling in the many gaps in their high school education. She comments: ”Don’t believe anyone who tells you that sex education is covered by the national curriculum. Teenagers leave school knowing nothing. The average sex education class is ten minutes with a slide projector in a darkened room, and then a bit of reading at home which no-one checks on.” In her program for adolescents, Dr. Kotb teaches boys and girls separately, in small study groups. The questions posed are mainly like: where does the real pleasure in sex come from, what are the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways of practicing it, how to masturbate, and what are the functions of the male and female sexual organs during intercourse and ‘what is the joy in sex’. According to Dr. Kotb, dealing with men is to her more tensing, specially the first few minutes. But when the men see that the conversation is based on scientific explanations with the support of religious education, then they loosen up and the embarrassment is gone. She says that whether Muslims or non-Muslims, she always supports her explanation with verses of Quran and Islamic interpretation, because they have discussed everything and gave reasons for everything.

From his part, Dr. Waly says: “As a gynaecologist I see the consequences of sexual malpractice and I get asked advice by my female patients. Most girls getting married have a very rudimentary knowledge of sex. They neither know what they should know, nor what they are missing. Vaginismus (the involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles due to tension) is a very common problem, making it impossible for male penetration and leading to unhappiness within the marriage. Ignorance is the cause. Whatever girls have been told about sex, often it has just served to make them nervous. It’s very important when we counsel couples to educate the husband about female sexuality, as in this society men have difficulty admitting to their own sexual problems, and very little understanding about the female anatomy.”
Dr. Kotb added: “The traditional way of mothers passing down information to their daughters often makes things worse, since the advice is usually not to show any enjoyment for fear your new husband think you might be experienced. Never react, never ask questions and never initiate sex, they are told. This leads to the husband feeling humiliated and rejected. In our courses we teach that God made human sexuality not just as a way to have children but also for enjoyment within marriage. We place emphasis on the pleasurable side.”

I think this is a very huge step forward. I’m really impressed and hope other Arab countries will be providing sex education and consultation to their people. In this way, people would know whom to turn to for knowledge, and they’ll be getting the right answers that guarantee healthy relationships, instead of tuning to porn movies and consulting other friends who might also not be aware of sexual relationships and lack the right kind of education.
Sources: Qantara(Arabic) and Egypt’s Insight Online Magazine (English) .

May 24 2004

Miss Lebanon: The Third Prime

So the last week was a very busy one indeed. I have so many things to talk about, but no time for them all, therefore I’ll be talking about some of the things quickly. As a start let me talk about HAIFA WAHBI in the Miss Lebanon 3rd prime. Actually I’ve always heard people, artists, and reporters criticizing Haifa Wahbi one way or the other. They either talk about her looks or her personality. They criticize the way she wears makeup, her dressing style, and the plastic surgeries she’s gone through. On the other hand, we hear of men and teenagers hanging her posters in their bedrooms closets and on their desks! I read a lot of articles, in which she sounded really smart in the interviews, and where she revealed a side of her personality that doesn’t focus on sex appeals as much as the brains. But then I read this article where she was saying that Elissa is feeling jealous because of her looks. That was the interview that made me laugh my head off and make sure this Haifa Wahbi is so obsessed with her looks and thinks she’s the best looking in the world. Anyway, the picture got clearer when I saw her in the 3rd prime on Friday, unfortunately I couldn’t watch it all, but a part of it, which was actually enough. I saw Haifa Wahbi, and GOD!!! I can’t believe how much people have become obsessed with showing off their bodies!! They make you feel they’re doing you a favor when covering the few parts of their bodies that were left uncovered!! Haifa was wearing basically nothing from my point of view, being so so happy that people give no damn about her talent (maybe because she has no talent in the first place) and are just enjoying her “provoking dance” in which she tried to show off her “so called dress” pulling her hair away from her back and shoulder to show her backless style dress, and pulling together the lower part of her dress to show the side cut and to help the transparent piece of cloth show more of her body!!! That was so pathetic. And what made me really angry, is that such irresponsible shameless acts affect teenagers the most. Poor young boys were about to have a heart attack while she was smiling at them, blowing kisses their way in her custom!! I simply hated this, and I hated her voice, and her moves, and even her comments! Being asked about latest activities and latest albums has nothing to do with mentioning how she met Omar Al Sherif!! She just tried to spread the news that she met celebrities and stuff, and then in future interviews, she goes like: Oh, I’m not arrogant, I wasn’t the one to talk about myself and whom I meet, it’s the media!!…. AAAAAAAAH, she gets on my nerves!! And to compare this with Elissa’s presence, you can’t but say that Elissa is so mature, she’s so classy, and so respectful. Although I’m not much into most of her video clips, but still, she’s a true singer. Beautiful voice, good looks and respectful elegance (relatively speaking). She’s not much of a good speaker in live interviews though…
Anyway, once again, reality TV is a nice idea, but it was one hell of a failure in the case of Miss Lebanon, for one reason, the silliness and rude (stab in the back) fights between the ladies. I tune in to watch them whenever I have the time, I think: maybe I was unfair. And then a verbal fight begins, showing a very ugly side of the ladies who are supposed to represent beauty in the face, body, mind and soul… I believe that if they were better persons then this reality TV would have been the most successful and enjoyable.
Anyway, if you missed the 3rd prime you can take a look at some pics provided online here .

May 19 2004

Being An Arab …

Actually, I’ve been wanting to write about this ever since I read what people from around the world were commenting on the beheading of Nicholas Berg. But I couldn’t put together my thoughts and write them down, because they were too sad to be expressed. But I’m fed up, and I decided to finally write even a bit of what I feel.
Why do so many people hate Arabs in general and Muslims in particular?? I read horrible stuff about Arabs, disgusting thoughts of Muslims, evil wishes for them to disappear and experience more torture and more humiliation. A one of a kind hatred towards people whose only fault is being Arab…
I know it was a terrible experience to watch a civilian getting killed in such an awful way, but what I read was not a reaction to Berg’s case only, it was concerning people’s opinion of Arabs, how they look at them, what they wish to do to them.
They described Arabs as uncivilized, savage, impolite, terrorists, criminals by nature, animals, extremists, illiterates, and so much more of these stupid expressions that has nothing to do with the reality of Arabs.
The sad fact is I realized only now that no matter how hard Arabs work, and no matter how honest and loyal they are, there will always be this sick image about Arabs which will never change no matter what. So defending Arabs wont do any good, unless people open their eyes and hearts and try to take a closer look at them inside out.
Arabs, they are proud people, kind-hearted, very honest, hard workers, intelligent, loyal and tolerant. Arabs are Muslims, they are Christians and Jews. They all respect each other, and they’re all there for each other. They’re so helpful, and they treat their guests the best way any guest could ever be treated.
The fact that you are a foreigner, from another Arab country or from Europe or else where, makes them feel its their duty to help you out manage in their country, adapt to their lifestyle, and make you feel welcomed.
I really wish people will see Arabs as they really are, there are many things to know about Arabs other than their beautiful faces, their beautiful skin color, their sexy belly dance, or their delicious food.
I don’t understand how they say Arabs are not educated, when they have the knowledge and don’t lack smartness. They speak languages, they have their scientific achievements, they have their inventions and investments, they have their musical talents and their rich literature. Why don’t people read more about Arabs. Look at their history, try to mix with their present and share their future plans and goals. But I guess it’s easier to follow this old convention of Arabs being nothing but losers who bring bad luck and ruin life. Yes that’s what so many people think, calling Arabs the “annoying immigrants” that should be limited and kicked out. As if they go to a country for fun, as if they don’t play a role in building society, as if they don’t work for a living, as if they aren’t useful members of the country they’re in! Why then do so many countries post newspaper ads in the Arab world asking for employees! Why do they post ads in newspapers calling for tempting immigration opportunities?! And are Arabs the only immigrants of the world? Aren’t there many Europeans, Americans and Canadians who choose to spend the rest of their lives in the Arab world? Why do Arabs welcome non-Arab immigrants? Because they believe they have the right to live wherever they choose, they appreciate their presence and recognize it as a constructive one.
And as any other society in the world, Arabs have the bad people among them. Does that mean all Arabs are so? No it means only one thing: whoever judges Arabs without knowing them really well, is the one with the narrow thinking and poor cultural background.

All I can say is, any Arab should be proud of being Arab, regardless of the world’s wrong ideas, a day will come when the whole world will finally see Arabs as they are, love them for who they are, and respect them for what they do. On the other hand, Arabs should always ask, why were they on the top in the past, known as the civilized and progressive part of the world, with their sciences and intelligence lighting up the whole world, and then all of a sudden they became the dark side of earth! Answer is simple: Arabs gave up, war has filled them with fear of speaking up, injustice has made their world full of doubts, losing confidence in their presence and losing hope of a better tomorrow. Therefore all Arabs should never let anyone’s misjudgments influence their pride nor their confidence, they should stick to who they are and keep working hard as before until the real value of Arabs will be won back again.

May 17 2004

SuperStar 16.May.04: The Toughest Decision!!

Yesterday’s episode was one of a kind. Despite the fact that all participant who have passed to the second level were very qualified, yesterday’s participants were all over qualified. The episode was a collection of the strongest and most talented. It is very very hard to choose and compare. Each has a special good side, and all had the beautiful voice. Of course that doesn’t mean that the ones earlier were less talented or had worse voices, it’s just that yesterday was a very unfair gathering for voices of such beauty and power.
The participants were:
From Jordan: Nancy Petro
From Tunisia: Ashraf Al Kshou
From Lebanon: Mohammad Barraj, Fayyad Younes,
From Syria: Houssam Madanyeh, Samar Touieity, Mahmoud Kassir, Hala Erslan
From Libya: Rida Jaafar, Ayman Al Aatar
From Iraq: Rahma Mezher, Shaza Hassoun
From Egypt: Mahmoud Abdelaziz
From Saudi Arabia: Mamdouh Abdel Hai

That is so unfair, I mean all those talents will be relying on luck rather than qualifications, so much will be lost and only one will be lucky enough to continue.
But I personally loved: Nancy, Ashraf, Fayyad, Houssam, Hala, Rida, and Rahma… Oh, no, GoD!!! They were all good!
Can’t wait to know the results, specially that there will be 2 results tonight: the 2 who’ll pass yesterday’s episode, and the ones who’ll be given a second chance.
Good luck to all…

May 17 2004

The 10th GCC e-Government & Telecom Forum

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum
Chairman, Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority, The 10th GCC e-Government & Telecom Forum will be held in Dubai, UAE from May 24-26, 2004.
This Forum is considered the Largest e-government forum in the region. Information about the Forum and its detailed program are available Here .