Good they are black, like the cloud that covers her emotions.

So now we have the Rijksmuseum giving credit to a hate-for-profit activist.

By Solkhar | November 5, 2009 9:36 AM

It is not "hate" to believe the religion Islam needs to evolve more towards gender equality and a more modern understanding of basic human rights.

There are black clouds over all of us in NL just now. ;)

By michael | November 5, 2009 11:40 AM

Michael, Islam has equality of respect for the gender, it certainly says there are differences in them. Islam has also a very good system of what is Human Rights.

The point being the experiences of Hirsch Ali has nothing to do with Islam but the use and abuse of Islam's name and principles by arrogant, sexist and abusive men. That the backwards and tribal past of her country was translated and mixed or placed under the banner of faith is the trouble.

She knows that very well but choses to ignore that and captialize on conservative anti-Islam agendas simply to remain popular and sell books because she was an unpopular and failed politician here in the Dutch Parliament - otherwise a sell-out.

When you fail and desire to be in the spot-light it is easy to fall for the trap of "scandal sells".

By Solkhar | November 6, 2009 12:58 PM

"...the experiences of Hirsch Ali has nothing to do with Islam but the use and abuse of Islam's name and principles by arrogant, sexist and abusive men. That the backwards and tribal past of her country was translated and mixed or placed under the banner of faith is the trouble.

"...She knows that very well but choses to ignore that and captialize on conservative anti-Islam agendas simply to remain popular...

by Solkhar"

By the same logic, the crusades had nothing to do with Christianity, but were the work of "...arrogant, sexist, abusive men..." from the "backwards and tribal..." regions of western and central Europe.

The problem with this view is the preponderance and dominance of exactly such men and such countries in the Islamic world of today.

The characterization of Hirsi Ali as a cynical self-promoter strikes me as both mean-spirited and and insincere. That she has put herself in the position of having to fear for her life every day in order to "sell books" is simply absurd.

I heartily applaud her courage and her determination, and would be proud to offer her refuge in my home.

By otropogo | November 6, 2009 8:45 PM

As and English person, I love Holland even more than I already do for this generous act to the name of Ayaan,a woman who I truly admire for her courage and bravery. Where can I buy these tulips so that I can grow and admire them in my English country garden. www.ahafoundation.com

By Beema | November 9, 2009 10:28 AM

All you need to know about gender equality is the Koran 4.34: Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.

By Muslims Against Sharia | November 9, 2009 3:43 PM

RE: Muslims Against Sharia--Respectfully, could you please clarify your position on gender equality as it relates to the Koran. After looking at your website it would seem that you disagree with this passage, but I can't tell if you are in favor of it as it's worded or not. I'm just interested, not being critical.

By Agnositc | November 11, 2009 8:12 PM