Ayaan Hirsi Magan's Press Statement 16 May 2006

[same]

I came to Holland in the summer of 1992 because I wanted to be able to determine my own future. I didn’t want to be forced into a destiny that other people had chosen for me, so I opted for the protection of the rule of law. Here in Holland, I found freedom and opportunities, and I took those opportunities to speak out against religious terror.

In January 2003, at the invitation of the VVD party, I became a member of parliament. I accepted the VVD’s invitation on the condition that I would be the party’s spokesman for the emancipation of women and the integration of immigrants.

What exactly did I want to achieve?

First of all I wanted to put the oppression of immigrant women -- especially Muslim women – squarely on the Dutch political agenda. Second, I wanted Holland to pay attention to the specific cultural and religious issues that were holding back many ethnic minorities, instead of always taking a one-sided approach that focused only on their socio-economic circumstances. Lastly, I wanted politicians to grasp the fact that major aspects of Islamic doctrine and tradition, as practiced today, are incompatible with the open society.

Now I have to ask myself, have I accomplished that task?

I have stumbled often in my political career. It has sometimes been frustrating and slow. However, I am completely certain that I have, in my own way, succeeded in contributing to the debate. Issues related to Islam – such as impediments to free speech; refusal of the separation of Church and State; widespread domestic violence; honor killings; the repudiation of wives; and Islam’s failure to condemn genital mutilation -- these subjects can no longer be swept under the carpet in our country’s capital. Some of the measures that this government has begun taking give me satisfaction. Many illusions of how easy it will be to establish a multicultural society have disappeared forever. We are now more realistic and more open in this debate, and I am proud to have contributed to that process.

Meanwhile, the ideas which I espouse have begun spreading to other countries. In recent years I have given speeches and attended debates in many European countries and in the United States. For months now, I have felt that I needed to make a decision: should I go on in Dutch politics, or should I now transfer my ideas to an international forum?

In the fall of 2005 I told Gerrit Zalm and Jozias van Aartsen, the leaders of the VVD, that I would not be a candidate for the parliamentary elections in 2007. I had decided to opt for a more international platform, because I wanted to contribute to the international debate on the emancipation of Muslim women and the complex relationship between Islam and the West.

Now that I am announcing that I will resign from Dutch politics, I would like to thank the members of the VVD for my years in parliament – to thank them for inviting me to stand for parliament, and -- perhaps more importantly -- for putting up with me while I was there, for this has been in many ways a rough ride for us all. I want to thank my other colleagues here in parliament for their help, although some of our debates have been sharp. (Femke Halsema, thank you especially for that!). I would also like to thank the 30,758 people who in January 2003 trusted their preference vote to a newcomer.

But why am I not remaining in parliament for my full term, until next year’s election? Why, after only three and a half years, have I decided to resign from the Lower Chamber?

It is common knowledge that threats against my life began building up ever since I first talked about Islam publicly, in the spring of 2002. Months before I even entered politics, my freedom of movement was greatly curtailed, and that became worse after Theo van Gogh was murdered in 2004. I have been obliged to move house so many times I have lost count. The direct cause for the ending of my membership in parliament is that on April 27 of this year, a Dutch court ruled that I must once again leave my home, because my neighbors filed a complaint that they could not feel safe living next to me. The Dutch government will appeal this verdict and I grateful for that, because how on earth will other people whose lives are threatened manage to find a place to stay if this verdict is allowed to rest? However, this appeal does not alter my situation: I have to leave my apartment by the end of August.

Another reason for my departure is the discussion that has arisen from a TV program, The Holy Ayaan, which was aired on May 11. This program centered on two issues: the story that I told when I was applying for asylum here in Holland, and questions about my forced marriage.

I have been very open about the fact that when I applied for asylum in the Netherlands in 1992, I did so under a false name and with a fabricated story. In 2002, I spoke on national television about the conditions of my arrival, and I said then that I fabricated a story in order to be able to receive asylum here. Since that TV program I have repeated this dozens of times, in Dutch and international media. Many times I have truthfully named my father and given my correct date of birth. (You will find a selection of these articles in the press folder). I also informed the VVD leadership and members of this fact when I was invited to stand for parliament.

I have said many times that I am not proud that I lied when I sought asylum in the Netherlands. It was wrong to do so. I did it because I felt I had no choice. I was frightened that if I simply said I was fleeing a forced marriage, I would be sent back to my family. And I was frightened that if I gave my real name, my clan would hunt me down and find me. So I chose a name that I thought I could disappear with – the real name of my grandfather, who was given the birth-name Ali. I claimed that my name was Ayaan Hirsi Ali, although I should have said it was Ayaan Hirsi Magan.

You probably are wondering, what is my real name?

I am Ayaan, the daughter of Hirsi, who is the son of a man who took the name of Magan. Magan was the son of Isse, who was the son of Guleid, who was the son of Ali. He was the son of Wai’ays, who was the son of Muhammad. He was the son of Ali, who was the son of Umar. Umar was the son of Osman, who was the son of Mahamud. This is my clan, and therefore, in Somalia, this is my name: Ayaan Hirsi Magan Isse Guleid Ali Wai’ays Muhammad Ali Umar Osman Mahamud.

Following the May 11 television broadcast, legal questions have been raised about my naturalization as a Dutch citizen. Minister Verdonk has written to me saying that my passport will be annulled, because it was issued to a person who does not hold my real name. I am not at liberty to discuss the legal issues in this case.

Now for the questions about my forced marriage. Last week’s TV program cast doubt on my credibility in that respect, and the final conclusion of the documentary is that all this is terribly complicated. Let me tell you, it’s not so complex. The allegations that I willingly married my distant cousin, and was present at the wedding ceremony, are simply untrue. This man arrived in Nairobi from Canada, asked my father for one of his five daughters, and my father gave him me. I can assure you my father is not a man who takes no for an answer. Still, I refused to attend the formal ceremony, and I was married regardless. Then, on my way to Canada -- during a stopover in Germany -- I traveled to the Netherlands and asked for asylum here. In all simplicity this is what happened, nothing more and nothing less. For those who are interested in the intimate details of my transition from a pre-modern society to a modern one, and how I came to love what the West stands for, please read my memoir, which is due to be published this fall.

To return to the present day, may I say that it is difficult to live with so many threats on your life and such a level of police protection. It is difficult to work as a parliamentarian if you have nowhere to live. All that is difficult, but not impossible. It has become impossible since last night, when Minister Verdonk informed me that she would strip me of my Dutch citizenship.

I am therefore preparing to leave Holland. But the questions for our society remain. The future of Islam in our country; the subjugation of women in Islamic culture; the integration of the many Muslims in the West: it is self-deceit to imagine that these issues will disappear.

I will continue to ask uncomfortable questions, despite the obvious resistance that they elicit. I feel that I should help other people to live in freedom, as many people have helped me. I personally have gone through a long and sometimes painful process of personal growth in this country. It began with learning to tell the truth to myself, and then the truth about myself: I strive now to also tell the truth about society as I see it.

That transition from becoming a member of a clan to becoming a citizen in an open society is what public service has come to mean for me. Only clear thinking and strong action can lead to real change, and free many people within our society from the mental cage of submission. The idea that I can contribute to their freedom, whether in the Netherlands or in another country, gives me deep satisfaction.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as of today, I resign from Parliament. I regret that I will be leaving the Netherlands, the country which has given me so many opportunities and enriched my life, but I am glad that I will be able to continue my work. I will go on.


http://www.vvd.nl/index.aspx?FilterId=9 ... entId=4977

The controversial Somali-born Dutch MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali announced her resignation at a press conference in The Hague on Tuesday afternoon. She said one of the reasons for her departure was the sudden withdrawal of her Dutch citizenship. She said the measure up was "out of proportion". Immigration and Integration minister Rita Verdonk made the decision to withdraw her Dutch citizenship just 48 hours after a television programme about Ms Hirsi Ali's asylum application.

Former VVD party leader and current deputy prime minister Gerrit Zalm was also at the press conference. He said he was amazed at the unusual speed with which the Immigration and Naturalisation Service had conducted the investigation into his fellow MP. He also pointed out that she had published a book several years ago in which the same information was given that is now being used to withdraw her Dutch citizenship.

Ms Hirsi Ali is moving to the United States to work for the Washington-based conservative think-tank, the American Enterprise Institute.

http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/int ... l/#4886972

[Homer Simpso]

I have heard she is coming to America... we need to hold a rally in Washingtom demanding this lunatic to be deported to Somalia where she receive a fair trail

[Basra-]

Judging from her own words-this woman seems to be deluded that she was devinely ordained with some mission to be controversial. Gosh what is her problem??? I hope she doesn't cause alot of problems here in the states-- No more drama anymore, like Faith wisely sang;Nayaa--either shut up or go to another country!!!!!



This brings up a very interesting question.Does telling even a small nothing 'Lie' justify a deportation?? If so--All u posters are in trouble then.Immigration needs to investigate walaahi.Every little fake qabil u have claimed, (and we all among ourself can spy on each other & know what qabil u r & what u claimed) -every little torture or persecution u have claimed or your parents claimed should be scrutinized & accordingly prosecuted.


I wonder what u all have 'lied' about???

[Moslima]

When I post this http://www.somalinet.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
begin this year some of you react like it wouldn't matter that much, if the true will come out. well it. now she lost.
The reason I posted was there were people hungery for the true and whom know what this will have a consequens as it did today( hirsi losing her citizen,reputation etc) Just as she calls in her news conference a disaster impact.
All of you next time stop saying only Allah will punish him/her hereafter.
But remember Allah wants you to fight your enemy in any means.
elimed them what ever means you got.

Here in Holland friday the Minister say"Ayaan has nothing to worry about" well Muslims start their campagne, the representatief Muslims organisation was yesterday whole day in the parlement and spoke with the Minister pointing her that she can't handle this with double stander(coz last month,she kick a A-level refugee student out of country coz she lied of her asylum just like Hirsi did now), with a lot of online petitions and the polls made such differently 70% dutch want her paper taken for the Minister to change her mind. Especial Muslims here doesn't want see her now to get the change to spreid her hate again Muslims world wide by working AEI Bush. when she was here her work was creating hate again muslims in holland, now she wants to go world stage without Dutch passport will be complicated

Well All of you special living in USA go to Illigal workers actiongroup webside and get this under their attention, the AEI group want arrange for Hirsi a USA citizenship or at least greencard.Now there is heat debate going on in USA about this issue, Illigalworkers action group will defendly be interest of this women getting the paper.
Let there be no double stander for her there as well.
With Allah's will everything is possible.
Remember as Muslim is your duty to take action the enemy of Islam.

Assalam'alaikoum

[Grant]

So Hirsi is a Majerteen, had five daughters and got away to Canada!

I last saw him in Hamar in late 1966. His language work was being ignored and he was highly upset with what the government was and was not doing. I have often wondered how he made out. He was an easy man to respect.

I was not around for whatever has folks so upset with his daughter. I will say that this resignation statement reads like a class act.

[same]

Although I wouldn’t use words like “religious terror”, I understand the existence of the problems she is talking about.
The way she presents may be provocative to many, but the concerns are real.

Why don’t we focus on those issues instead of her private live?

[COSTA]

Even Somali infidels know their clan very well

[same]

Aqoonsigaygu waa sidatan ayey tidhi:
Waxan ahay Ayaan Xirsi Magan Ciise Guuleed Cali Wacays Maxamuud Cali Cumar.
Waxan galaa Cismaan Maxamuud, Majeerteen, Daarood.
Daarood 800 sano ka hor ayuu Soomaaliya dhanka Jasiiradda Carabta uga yimid, halkaas oo uu ka unkamay qabiil weyne.
---------------------------

Nu vraagt u zich wellicht af: Hoe heet ik?
Ik ben Ayaan,
de dochter van Hirsi,
die de zoon is van Magan,
de zoon van Isse,
de zoon van Guleid,
die de zoon was van Ali,
die de zoon was van Wai’ays,
die de zoon was van Muhammad,
van Ali, van Umar,
van het geslacht Osman, de zoon van Mahamud.
Ik ben van deze clan. Mijn oervader is Darod, die achthonderd jaar geleden vanuit Arabië naar Somalië kwam en de grote stam van de Darod stichtte. Ik ben een Darod, een Macherten, een Osman Mahamud, en een Magan.
Vorige week was er nog enige verwarring over mijn naam.
Hoe ik heet ?
U weet nu hoe ik heet.

[Galol]

The attack on this majestic woman remeinds me of an egyptian saciidi saying " lama weqacal gemel katharat al sakaakiin"(When the great camel has fallen...all the little daggers came out in force)

Not only is she being attacked by screeching reptillian Wahabbists, but cranially peaceful Somalis after undergoing highly succesul frontal lobotomies, Dutch racists, dutch liberals(the irony of it), British media poofs, asitic curryfarts and other assorted minions.

Weird how a woman makes such array of enenmies by simply speaking her mind and being courageous.

[kambuli]

Alle kuuma gargaaro... maxay waalidkeed ka nixisey... Balaayo ka nixisa iyadana Ilaahay ha u keeno... Aamiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[zulaika]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

ala magan

walaahi waa Quraanka soo usheegey dee. no matter how down a munaafaq is, the mujrims will NEVER!! be on their side. look at what they doing to her. OH the sweet Irony! forget the damn memoirs, this camel face b!tch should write a Shakesperean-like tale about her doomed ordeal. its got everthing, murder, betrayal,..um i'd love to include LOVE, but ain't no one ever gonna bed that ugly azz biaaaaaaaaaaach!

once again.. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL. Good stuff walahi.


Galol,

stob blaming "wahaabis" for ala magan's latest demise, they ain't exactly in a position to revoke her citizenship now are they? you know damn well who did that. what can i say her so-called friends have..how can I say this..GONE DUTCH! on her

[avowedly-agnostic]

LAUGHS @ zulaika

Shakespearian tale do I hear you cry? Absolutely. I concur. This would make for an explosive mellow dramatic theatre play; it'd be curious to think who could play the part of such a woman as Ayan.

Basra is simply just too ....well...heavy shall we say to carry the part well.
You perhaps? I mean you fit the description quite aptly of an unlovable lonely young virgin whom no man will go near.

I'd only be too happy to play the young shining prince in armour that’s willing to make love to you, but you stated in no unambiguous terms at our rendezvous at the coffe house that no agnostic shall ever touch you.

[Basra-]

Avowedly agnostic???? Huh???? Why are you putting my name in this farce?????


You are so ridiculous walaahi! You & your counterpart Zuliaka! Look at her --jumping up & down like some abgaal chimp given a new brand Macawiis! I mean --for Gods sake--why also bring Shakespeare into the mix??He was a great man & a good satirist-- like myself.I mean--what does Shakespeare have anything common with Mrs Hirsi?? Ok granted that both have had their work published.(ayaans book will be coming out this fall--i wont read it though lol )

[avowedly-agnostic]

Basra, do forgive me dear. It's just that I was intrigued by zulaika's idea of producing a play on Hirsi's life. I really ought to be ashamed of myself for being so bloody darn discriminatory!

I've always been unashamedly liberal in my outlook. I mean who cares if you weigh a ton? So what if your backside is somewhat on the flabby side? Who cares if when ever it comes to reading your lines you quote recipes from Mr. beef's cook book?

Everybody irrespective of their size ought to be given an equal and fair go at auditioning for the part of Ayan Hirsi wouldn't you say so?

[zulaika]

Basra,

Haa dee, I do relish the thought of any ill-fortune befalling on the likes of ala-magan I cannot remain idle with my delight dee. I must disclose it

As for this Shakespeare stuff..Slow doqon as always. Naayaahee, why Shakespeare??, because the Shakespeare angle is in reference to his work and not the man himself. Indeed there is no prevalence between William S. and Ala-magan and no one drew any correlations of such. Who said anything about that?..damn must you always run into discussions without any forethought? Doqon foqol Doqon . Naaayaa the man wrote tales of tragedy, murder, betrayal etc etc. similar to the story at hand, marka join us in that regard huuno, I mean I know you to be the slow crawler type in the thinking chambers with myriads of things, but not in literary matters dee, ba’aa maxaa ku heley, thougth you knew your A's n' B's in that regard. Here you are in your frail attempt to align yourself with all things Shakespearean including the man himself, tellin’ us of his greatness and squander rather faintly to belittle the recently de-crowned Dutch qaxooti at the mere mention of her name with Shakespearean connotation. This does not quantify the literary tendencies you are in constant pursuit to portray around here. It just makes you look desperate.

@agnostic

Unlovable might suffice in the sense that I am tooo difficult to handle(xuux iyo xaax baan ku idhi ), laakin’ lonely does little justice to describe my character(if you get my drift ). And yes my free bird, it is indeed as you put it. The chance for me to embrace an agnostic is rather minuscule, but an agnostic of your ilk is indeed rather weak(easy to break lol) so I would not be surprised if I find myself in such engagement.