About six months ago, the Pope had been asked if Islam could have its own enlightenment and become more moderate (as the West would understand it). The Pope responded that no it could not, as the barriers were structural. I don't recall that this got as much media attention but it's significant; this is part of the reason that the European community in general has had more harsh words for the US than the terrorists and their sponsors-- because they believe that there will be a Reformation. The Pope was responding that he disagreed with that view and I think that he is correct.
Apparently a good part of Americans believe there are enough moderates Muslims that there can be a Reformation or we would not be in Iraq helping them build a nation.
Truth be told, I think the it's the Europeans in general that think a Muslim "enlightenment" is impossible. They have harsh words for Americans because we are messing with their cash cows in the ME.
You mean the Europeans think that just given enough time, radical Islam with reform itself?
There will be no Reformation (note the capital "R") in Islam for the simple fact that,well, what have the upper crust to gain from it? The answer, of course, is nothing.
The German/Christian Reformation was nourished, sponsored, protected, and encouraged by German nobles and princelings tired of seeing rivulets of gold and silver flowing away from their realms -- and pockets -- towards Rome. They had a LOT of gain from a break with Rome, namely $$$$.
There isn't that set-up in Middle East/Islam. The nobles and princlings are doing just fine, thank you. In fact, the way things are set up, a Reformation is the last thing the upper crust wants.
Monasteries and Madrassas: Five Myths About Christianity, Islam, and the Middle Ages
As Crocker says, "What would a Reformation bring to Islam that it does not already have?"