What is the main conflict in Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali?

Ayaan is the author of the book and thus the main character. The book details her struggles through a tumultuous life of moving from one country to another and experiencing political strife. Much of her younger days are spent without her father present. Her mother is angry and beats her terribly. The story focuses on her struggle of whether to accept Islam and submit to the will of God or not to believe.

After being forced into marriage by her father, she escapes to the Netherlands and seek Refugee status. She puts all her energies into working and studying so that she can be a productive member of society. After 5 years, she becomes a Dutch citizen and eventually graduates with a Political Science degree. Her candor and decision to leave her faith lead her to be an outspoken critic of Islam, endangering her life, as she further sweeps into the national spotlight.

Ayaan continues to fight for what she believes is right against Islam's suppression of women's rights. She wins a seat in Parliament and quickly becomes a target for extremists when she makes a short film criticizing submission in Islam. After the co-producer of the film is killed, she is rushed into hiding and deep security for months on end without contact to the outside world.

As she finally gains freedom again, she makes a decision to exit politics in Netherlands and work for a think tank in Washington in the US. Before she leaves, there are questions about her citizenship, but as politics go, things quiet down and she is allowed to keep her Dutch citizenship.