In a marathon debate that lasted until early in the morning, Netherlands Integration Minister Rita Verdonk has been forced to back down from her position that Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s citizenship should be revoked. Here’s a report at Liberty and Justice: Verdonk Caves In While Holland Is Divided About Ayaan.

New poll:

Ayaangate has devided the country deeply. […]

Almost half (49%) agrees if Hirsi Ali’s Dutch nationality is taken away from her, just about the same amount(43%) of people do not agree.

This means Ayaan is getting more support than she got at the start of Ayaangate. The reason for this?

It is clear that the emotional press conference held by Ayaan on Tuesday, softened the opinion of the Dutch people.

And:

Almost one in two Dutchmen are embarassed by the way our country deal with Ayaan lately.

And they should be. We made a complete fool out of ourselves. There is simply not a country in the world which agrees with Verdonk’s decision.