The Rise of Radical Islam in America-One on One w Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Oct 29, 2025

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born activist and former Dutch parliamentarian, shares her incredible journey from a forced marriage in Somalia to advocating for women's rights globally. She distinguishes between political Islam and Islam as a religion, highlighting the dangers posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. Ayaan warns about the 'Red-Green Alliance' and the oppressive implications of Sharia law. She passionately discusses America's resilience against extremist ideologies and emphasizes the importance of recognizing stable regions like Somaliland and addressing injustices in Nigeria.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

From Somalia To Dutch Parliament

Ayaan Hirsi Ali recounts fleeing Somalia, gaining asylum in the Netherlands, and rising to Dutch Parliament while challenging Islamist norms.
She describes personal exposure to totalitarian ideologies that shaped her rejection of both communism and Islamism.

INSIGHT

Islam Vs. Political Islam Distinction

Ayaan distinguishes Islam as a civilization from Islamism as a political, totalitarian movement seeking dominance.
She argues focusing on political Islam makes the threat easier to define and counter in democracies.

ADVICE

Legislate Against Subversion, Preserve Rights

Use legal and policy tools to counter subversive movements while protecting civil liberties.
Craft laws targeting both violent jihad and nonviolent da'wah without eroding constitutional freedoms.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

1. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Personal Journey:

Born in Somalia in 1969, raised in a Muslim household.
Fled to the Netherlands in 1992 to escape a forced marriage.
Became a Dutch citizen, studied political science, and served in the Dutch Parliament.
Transitioned from Islam to atheism, and later converted to Christianity.
Currently a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and founder of the AHA Foundation.

2. Defining Political Islam vs. Islam as a Religion:

Hirsi Ali distinguishes between Islam as a religion and Islamism (political Islam).
She describes Islamism as a totalitarian ideology aiming to establish Islamic dominance globally.
Emphasizes the threat posed by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, which she compares to a “termite infestation” due to their subversive tactics.

3. The Muslim Brotherhood:

Founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt.
Described as a decentralized, global movement using both peaceful and violent means to infiltrate societies.
Hirsi Ali and Cruz advocate for its designation as a terrorist organization in the U.S.

4. The Red-Green Alliance:

A term used to describe the alliance between radical Islamists (green) and Marxist/communist groups (red).
Hirsi Ali warns that this alliance is strategically dangerous and aims to undermine Western democratic institutions.

5. Sharia Law and Its Implications:

Hirsi Ali outlines the oppressive nature of Sharia law, especially toward women and LGBTQ individuals.
She warns of the potential consequences if Islamist ideologies gain influence in Western societies.

6. Islamist Influence in Europe and the U.S.:

Hirsi Ali and Cruz discuss the rise of Islamist influence in European cities and the potential for similar developments in the U.S.
They express concern over political figures like Zohran Mamdani and Ilhan Omar, suggesting they represent the Red-Green alliance.

7. Persecution of Christians in Nigeria:

Cruz and Hirsi Ali highlight the mass murder of Christians by Boko Haram and other Islamist groups.
They criticize the Nigerian government for its inaction and call for U.S. sanctions and accountability.

8. Recognition of Somaliland:

Hirsi Ali supports recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation.
She praises its democratic governance, stability, and alignment with Western values.

Go to BackyardButchers.com and enter promo code “VERDICT”, that’s V-E-R-D-I-C-T, for up to 30% off, 2 free 10-ounce ribeyes, and free shipping when you subscribe.

http://www.backyardbutchers.com/Verdict

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz

X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.