Renowned Somali-Dutch-American writer and activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali has recently called on the United States to designate the radical Islamist group Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. In a compelling article published in two installments, Ali argues that due to its radical aims and deceptive tactics, the Muslim Brotherhood poses an existential threat similar to revolutionary Marxists during the Cold War and should be criminalized on grounds of sedition.
The Muslim Brotherhood has long been a controversial and influential organization that promotes a government based on Sharia law and uses democratic institutions to advance its agenda. Ali points out that countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been pressuring the West to ban the organization due to its links to terrorism. She warns that the Muslim Brotherhood utilizes a strategy of “Civilization Jihadism” to undermine Western civilization from within, employing deceptive tactics and supporting movements such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Despite claims that the Muslim Brotherhood is a non-violent and potentially integrable organization, Ali asserts that it is willing to resort to violence and manipulate democratic systems to achieve its goals. While the organization may differ in methods and timing from jihadist groups like Al Qaeda, their ultimate goal remains the establishment of a theocratic Islamic caliphate under Sharia law. Ali emphasizes the failure of tolerance towards the Muslim Brotherhood in both Western and Middle Eastern contexts, advocating for legal repression as the only viable solution.
While acknowledging potential diplomatic risks associated with banning the Muslim Brotherhood, including strains on relations with countries like Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia, Ali maintains that confronting the organization is imperative. She stresses the importance of charging them with sedition and designating them as terrorists, while also urging the United States to develop foreign policy mechanisms to deter support from countries like Turkey and Qatar.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s remarkable journey, marked by her fierce criticism of Islam and advocacy for women’s rights, has garnered international attention. Born in Somalia to a conservative family, Ali experienced life in various countries including Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Kenya before seeking asylum in the Netherlands to escape a forced marriage. There, she gained prominence for her outspoken views on the treatment of women in Islamic culture and her opposition to Muslim extremism.
In 2003, Ali became a member of the Dutch Parliament for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, where she focused on issues related to integration, women’s rights, and Islamic reform. Collaborating with filmmaker Theo van Gogh on the film “Submission” in 2004, which addressed the oppression of women in Islamic societies, Ali faced threats and was placed under police protection following van Gogh’s murder by an Islamic extremist.
Ali’s relocation to the United States in 2006 marked a new chapter in her activism and authorship. She has published several books, including her autobiography “Infidel” (2006) recounting her life and break with Islam, and “Heretic” (2015) advocating for reform within the religion. Through her work with various organizations and think tanks, Ali continues to champion freedom of speech and human rights on a global scale.
In conclusion, Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s urgent call to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization sheds light on the complex challenges posed by radical Islamist groups in today’s world. By drawing upon her own experiences and expertise, Ali makes a compelling case for confronting the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates through legal measures and strategic foreign policy initiatives. As the debate surrounding the organization unfolds, Ali’s voice serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy, human rights, and security in an increasingly interconnected world.