SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 02: Controversial writer Ayaan Hirsi Ali speaks at the Sydney Writers festival June 2, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Ali, born in Somali, has renounced her Islamic faith and has been blamed for provoking hatred and reportedly describing Islam as a “backward” religion. Ali, has reportedly pointed out that Islamic culture promotes persecution of women. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ayaan Hirsi Ali