The United States is correct in defending its values in the war against terror, a New York Times best-selling author and one of Europes foremost critics of Islam contended Tuesday at Pitt-Johnstown. Ayaan Hirsi Ali told a crowd of more than 200 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center that the Islamic faith is incompatible with the principles on which open, liberal societies are based.
She said individual Muslims have a variety of outlooks: Some can be fanatical and ignorant; others are capable of distinguishing between the common space of a secular government and the private home. Yet, she contended, the number of Muslims who believe their faith should be imposed on others is growing. She said the U.S. is correct in dealing with the religions fanatics, something she contended Europeans failed to do when extremists appeared there.
Hirsi Ali drew plenty of applause during her speech. I found it very enlightening, said Mary Anne Bell, of South Fork. Barbara Sloat, a teacher at Richland High School, said Hirsi Ali was sending a message for America to continue to stand up for and protect its values.
After her speech, Hirsi Ali said members of the Islamic Center of Johnstown who opposed her appearance have the right to voice their opinions. Mahmood A. Qazi, founder and past president of the center, said Monday he was concerned Hirsi Alis appearance would strain relations between local Muslims and non-Muslims. I dont want this woman to create dissension among us, he said of why the center had pressed the the college to cancel Hirsi Alis appearance. 
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