While the current Dutch government — led by self-proclaimed ‘Christians’ — has refused to pay for her protection against Islamic extremists, Ayaan Hirsi Ali finds much support in France.
Born and raised by fundamentalist Muslims, Ayaan Hirsi Ali fled her native Somalia for a new life in the Netherlands. Her talents bought fame as a feminist, writer and MP; her criticisms of Islam made her a target for violent extremists. Johann Hari meets a woman who dared to stand up for her beliefs — and paid the price.
Hirsi Ali, the former Somali refugee, is one of the success stories of Dutch immigration policy, but also one of its fiercest critics. She condemns the Dutch tradition of multiculturalism, saying tolerance for the intolerant has provided a dangerous breeding ground for Islamic radicalism.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali condemns the Dutch tradition of multiculturalism — saying tolerance for the intolerant has provided a dangerous breeding ground for Islamic radicalism.
The Hague says that since Ms Hirsi Ali recently obtained a residence permit in the United States — where she is employed by the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute — she should find sponsors to pay for her own security.
Headed by Holland’s Prime Minister, who considers himself to be a ‘Christian,’ several Dutch politicians — who have just voted themselves a hefty pay rise while putting the squeeze on the nation’s poor — are making international headlines for their boorish attitude toward Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
A former Dutch member of Parliament and outspoken critic of Islam has prompted a fierce debate over who should pay for protecting her against death threats while she works in the United States.
Former legislator Ayaan Hirsi Ali, threatened with death for her anti-Islam writings, returned to the Netherlands on Monday after the Dutch government refused to continue paying for her bodyguards in the United States, a newspaper reported.
The former legislator for the Liberal VVD party was allegedly forced to leave the US as American authorities had refused to finance the expenses of her personal security measures.
Hirsi Ali is held responsible by many in the Muslim community for “Islamising” the Netherlands’ migrants, polarizing communities and diverting attention from those trying to boost integration in what they see as a more constructive approach.