Analysts say the Arab street hopes the more liberal Islam of Sunni Turkey can lead to solutions for persistent regional conflicts.
VOA: standard.2010.07.26
Lying behind Ms Verdonk's decision are two changes in the Dutch mood since fears over the compatibility of Islam and liberal democracy reached a peak in 2004.
For instance, by a 2-to-1 margin, people who describe themselves as conservative Republicans have a more negative view of Islam than do those calling themselves liberal Democrats.
Ms Hirsi Ali is a Somali refugee who has made a career in Dutch politics by standing against radical Islam and defending her adopted homeland's liberal values.