Cat Stevens Ejected from U.S. by Homeland Security: Suspected of Ties to Terrorism

Folk-crooner Cat Stevens, who has gone by the name of Yusuf Islam since converting to the Islamic faith and retiring from music in the late 70s, has shown up on a government "watch list" meant to prevent suspected terrorists from entering the country. Islam was on a Washington-bound flight from London's Heathrow airport, which, much to the surprise of the passengers, was diverted to Bangor, Maine instead. Stevens was held in Bangor for a while, and then promptly sent right back to England, where he currently resides.

As to how Stevens ended up on the list, Homeland Security officials have remained tight-lipped. The basic explanation has been that "he was interviewed and denied admission to the United States on national security grounds," but it's also been mentioned that he has contributed money to several Islamic charities, and these charities could possibly have ties with terrorism. The charities in question certainly sound sinister: Small Kindness, which offers humanitarian relief, the Islamia Schools' Trust, devoted to education, and the Waqf al Birr Educational Trust, which supports educational research and the development of scientific and medical research.

Garrison Courtney, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, told CNN, "The intelligence community has come into possession of additional information that further heightens our concerns of Yusuf Islam," while another official said that they were "extremely confident in the information."

In a weird coincidence (or was it?), British pseudo-prog rockers Marillion were also on board the flight. Vocalist Steve Hogarth offered the following insight: "We all had to get off the plane. I then met a security guard who said the two people escorted off were Cat Stevens and his daughter. I was stunned. He is a pacifist and a great songwriter." Indeed-- we suppose anything's possible in this topsy-turvy world, but isn't this the same guy who sang "Peace Train"? Is that so far removed from a peace plane?

Stevens' official website states: "As yet we have no specific information from the U.S. immigration authorities as to why he was not allowed to enter the country. What we can say, however, is that he will be shocked and angered at being associated with anyone who commits acts of violence. He has vehemently and consistently criticized terrorist acts and has always advocated peace through his songs and his extensive humanitarian relief work. He has traveled many times to the U.S., most recently two months ago on a visit with his record company. Any suggestion therefore that he poses a security risk due to alleged connections with terrorist activities is totally denied as it is simply wrong. We are seeking further details so that we can challenge the decision to refuse him entry."