Ayaan Hirsi Ali
One of people I have admired greatly is Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somalian asylum-seeker turned Dutch politician. My respect for her has been developed after reading several of her comments and her staunch opposition to fundamental islam. She has been one of the leading critics of Islam's treatment of women, a problem that seems to be receiving less attention because of terrorism.
Recently, she was forced to leave the Netherlands (finding refuge in America) apparently because she exaggerated her asylum claim. Just before this, she was ordered to vacate her house because her neighbours feared for their safety. She travels with three bodyguards at all times after the death of her close friend (and numerous death threats to her), Theo Van Gogh who made a provocative movie about women in Islam.
It seems to me that this is a rather frivolous charge on which she is being asked to leave the country. The Dutch don't seem to value her as a politician or as someone who hits out against fundamentalism. Considering that there aren't enough moderates raising their voice in fear or being prosecuted or whatever, this would seem like an extremely important function. Furthermore, Rotterdam is actually turning into a majority Muslim city and the Netherlands is attracting Muslim immigrants in herds. There has been a rise of politicians like Geert Wilders who seem to be openly racist towards all Muslims. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep such a person in your country to promote some sort of debate about Islamic immigrants and their place?
Recently, she was forced to leave the Netherlands (finding refuge in America) apparently because she exaggerated her asylum claim. Just before this, she was ordered to vacate her house because her neighbours feared for their safety. She travels with three bodyguards at all times after the death of her close friend (and numerous death threats to her), Theo Van Gogh who made a provocative movie about women in Islam.
It seems to me that this is a rather frivolous charge on which she is being asked to leave the country. The Dutch don't seem to value her as a politician or as someone who hits out against fundamentalism. Considering that there aren't enough moderates raising their voice in fear or being prosecuted or whatever, this would seem like an extremely important function. Furthermore, Rotterdam is actually turning into a majority Muslim city and the Netherlands is attracting Muslim immigrants in herds. There has been a rise of politicians like Geert Wilders who seem to be openly racist towards all Muslims. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep such a person in your country to promote some sort of debate about Islamic immigrants and their place?
Hey the latest Economist has an article criticising the Dutch government for Hirsi Ali's evacuation. Very interesting issue, that
Posted by
Lehmunade |
3:50 pm
Yeah, I read about it online. The woman is kick-ass man. Whatever her past, have to admire a woman who is more ballsy than an entire nation.
Posted by
sushil |
4:18 pm
I heard she's planning to work for the American Enterprise Institute in Wash DC. I interned there after grad, people are really conservative. She'll definitely spice up the roster, hobnobbing with Lynne Cheney, Newt Gingrich and Richard Perle.
Posted by
sabine.strohem |
6:44 pm
Actually, I don't know much about the institute. Why do they really want her? You certainly are travelling the world :) - Philippines, Washington and now Manchester!
Posted by
sushil |
6:17 pm