Islamic bank to lend Lebanon $100 million                            

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) said it had agreed to lend Lebanon $100 million to help finance the reconstruction of south Lebanon after the withdrawal of Israeli forces. 

A statement from the Jeddah-based bank, said the facility included a $10 million soft loan to help finance the rebuilding of schools and hospitals in the south.  Another $90 million would be provided through other financing facilities to rebuild roads, power stations and water projects. IDB loans and credits do not carry interest because it is considered usury under Islam. The bank did not say how or when Lebanon would have to repay the loan.