Into the Islamic Sahara

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  11.02.04 | 9:34 PM ET

Tom Haines’ ambitious “Crossing Divides” travel series for the Boston Globe, which we first wrote about last month, continued Sunday with an account of his journey into Sudan and Egypt. “Centuries after Muslims arrived in what is now northern Sudan and southern Egypt, those settled along riverbanks and in oases sustain the old rhythms of farming and faith,” he writes. “Yet even within this desolate preserve, they feel the push of the outside world, of politics, war, and modern ways.” The series includes a terrific narrated slideshow featuring dramatic photos by Essdra M. Suarez.