Nomad: From Islam to America

The controversial author, feminist activist and politician, Ayaan Hirsi Ali comes to Melbourne. A vocal and prominent critic of Islam, Ali has been celebrated and criticised for her work and writings. A former member of the Dutch House of Representatives, she has campaigned passionately for conflict resolution, ethics and world citizenship. Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2005, her memoir Infidel has been praised as profoundly affecting and powerful. The followup, Nomad, tells the stirring story of her search for a new life as she tries to reconcile her Islamic past with her passionate adherence to democracy and Western values. About 1 hour, 20 minutes.

From faith to reason: Islam to atheism.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali discusses how she went from Islam to atheism.

Secular Islamist Conference

Here are several videos from the conference on building a secular, rational society within the Islamic world and culture. There are several parts here and I will describe them.

First up is the press conference that was held for the conference. Part one 24:00 minutes. Part two is about 50:00 minutes. Most English but some Arabic.





Ibn Warraq on the purpose of the summit and what it wishes to accomplish. Followed by Irshad Manji. Part one about 25 minutes, part two about 35 minutes.





Panel 2 on Inside the Jihadi Mind with with Tawfik Hamid, Tashbih Sayyed and Nibras Kazimi. Part one 17 minutes. Part 2 about 24 minutes. Part 3 about 27 minutes.








Panel 3 on Rediscovering Secular Traditions in the Islamic world. Part one about 35 minutes, part two about 22 minutes.





Panel 4 on Separation of Mosque and State with Shaker al-Nabulsi, Afshin Ellian, Salameh Nematt and Walid Phares. Part one 26 minutes; part two 37 minutes; part three 40 minutes.







Panel 5 on Secularism and Islamic Thought with Nonie Darwish, Amir Taheri, Wafa Sultan and Ibn Warraq. Part one 44 minutes; part two 42 minutes; Part three 45 minutes.

How the US helped create Islamic fundamentalism.

During the Cold War the US actively supported and nurtured what became the Islamist movement. Once again America's interventionist policies created the enemies the US faces today. Author Rober Dreyfuss, about 70 minutes.

Is Islam Compatible with Liberal Democracy?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali discusses whether Islam is compatible with a liberal democratic order. About one hour.

Radical Islam and Culture Wars

A fascinating speech by Claire Fox of the Institute of Ideas regarding the culture war and radical Islam in the West. About 80 minutes with panel discussion and Q&A (which can easily be skipped without missing anything).

Gay oppression in Iran

A documentary look at the state of oppression of gay people in Iran. Three segments, total about 30 minutes.