Well, it is the ONE thing that is common amongst all similar nations. The problem is that they have not gone through a Reformation where science, art, technology, and reason are reconciled with with religion. This is a good article overall, but they did leave something out. The majority of modern day countries devote billions to madrassas and other religious schools. Far more than any other studies.
They cling to tradition and fear change. More than that, they fear that what they believe will be disproven via science and curiosity. It's easier to control those who don't ask questions.
They also do not take into account Bi'dah. there can be no additions to the Koran or the perfect way the world works under islam. meaning no hope for a reformation without the reformers being killed for being apostates.