an interesting series of two on india to be read on the op-ed pages of the new york times by thomas friedman.

this is an interesting take on islam and democracy
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/14/opinion/14FRIE.html

the other one that appeared earlier is equally interesting and had me kicking myself. couldn't for the life of me figure out why didn't i get this story in spite of reporting on technology out of india.

compelling reading
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/11/opinion/11FRIE.html