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Podcasts BENHABIB FREESPEECH ISLAM AYAANHIRSIALI

Premiered Nov 2, 2025
In this episode of The News At Ben, I sit down with Ayaan Hirsi Ali for one of the most important and honest conversations I’ve ever had. We discuss Islam, free speech, multiculturalism, and the limits of tolerance — and ask what happens to a society that’s too afraid to defend its own values.

Ayaan’s story is extraordinary. From escaping dictatorship and Islamist rule in Somalia to witnessing the West slowly lose confidence in itself, she brings a rare clarity about where ideology and denial can lead. Together, we explore the rise of Islamism in Britain, the collapse of multiculturalism, and why our political class refuses to confront these issues openly.

This isn’t about division — it’s about truth. We talk about the difference between Islam and Islamism, the danger of suppressing debate, and what it will take for Britain to restore its Christian constitution, cultural confidence, and freedom to speak without fear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Journey
02:51 Childhood Experiences and Political Awakening
13:46 The Role of Clan Identity in Somalia
21:08 The Shift in Islamic Education in Kenya
27:12 The Rise of Islamism and Political Islam
34:58 The Distinction Between Regular Muslims and Islamists
41:05 The Future of Islam and Modernity
46:58 Understanding Islam and Islamism in the West
49:48 The Political Nature of Islamism
53:09 Historical Context of Subversive Forces
55:12 Democracy and Islamism: A Complex Relationship
57:48 Navigating Multiculturalism and National Identity
01:01:17 The Urgency of Addressing Societal Divisions
01:03:58 The Role of Leadership in Crisis
01:08:02 The Dangers of Silencing Debate
01:12:06 The Need for a Holistic Approach to Immigration
01:16:17 Protecting Women and Children in Society
01:19:24 The Intersection of Islamism and Gender Ideologies
01:22:43 Restoring Common Sense in Governance