She brings down the Dutch government

Ayaan Hirsi Ali (or rather the fuss over her citizenship) has brought down the government of Jan Peter Balkenende.

When Rita Verdonk, the Immigration Minister, announced this week that a 'legal' way out of the Ali citizenship affair had been found, her crow of victory was accompanied by a letter from Ali herself exonerating Verdonk and saying that she would have done the same in her place. Evidently, Ali was leant on to write this letter, which she did because ending the controversy was "much more important for me than a bit of pride".

Now one of the minority parties in the governing coalition has decided that it can no longer take part in a cabinet that includes Rita Verdonk. Balkenende must go to the country and take Verdonk with him, it seems.

Articles here and here.

Tagged: Ayaan Hirsi Ali