That was an excellent essay. I would like to seriously recommend a brand new book that covers similar topics, by David P. Goldman (Spengler of Asia Times):
http://www.amazon.com/How-Civilizations-Die-Islam-Dying/dp/159698273X
Take a look at the reviews posted under Amazon.
It is somewhat like reading Victor Davis Hanson or Mark Steyn (without the humor).
Replying to myself here. Here’s a link to a recent interview with Goldman which summarizes his book:
http://www.aina.org/news/20111114102512.htm
Yes, I’m familiar with Spengler’s (Goldman’s) work. The man has a remarkable and incisive mind. His latest book is on my ‘must read’ list.