This article was printed in the Harvard Crimson in 1888. It sounds like Thomas Friedman in 2006. I was even expecting the word madraaaasaaaaaah to be used: " The Koran, nevertheless, has a firm hold on millions of souls. Islam. although politically dead, is religiously alive. From Gibraltar to China, the religion of Mohammed is that of the masses. It spreads rapidly in Africa, not through the preaching of isolated missionaries, but by the influence of the Arab colonies scattered throughout the continent. The only possibility of progress rests on the diffusion of education. The influence of Christian colonies may become more effective, and stimulate a desire for something better. Islam, however, best snits the national character. The people must have some religion, but no other form is likely to be adopted. A purification of Islam from within is the only hope."