"Cat Stevens Deportation 'A Slap in the Face'

By John-Paul Ford Rojas, PA News


The refusal to allow singer Yusuf Islam into the US on national security grounds was a “slap in the face of sanity”, a Muslim group said today.

The star, formerly known as Cat Stevens, was stopped from flying into Washington yesterday after his name appeared on a security watchlist.

His plane was diverted 600 miles to another airport where Islam was questioned. He was being detained there today ahead of being sent back to Britain.

Islam has become a prominent member of the UK Muslim community since abandoning his pop career and changing his name in the 1970s to devote himself to charity work and peace campaigning.

He is head of the Islamia Schools trust and has met Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as the Prince of Wales and Home Secretary David Blunkett in his new role.

The schools are affiliated to the Muslim Council of Britain, whose deputy general secretary Mohammad Abdul Bari expressed anger today at what had happened.

Dr Bari said: “He is a very moderate man. We have absolutely no idea why this has happened. He is very well respected in the Muslim community.

“We are really appalled at what is happening. It is a slap in the face of sanity. If prominent, well-known personalities are treated like this, then how can there be bridge building?”

Islam and his daughter were escorted off the diverted United Airlines flight 919 at Bangor International Airport in Maine yesterday.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said he was denied access to the US “on national security grounds” and would be returned to Britain today.

He had been allowed to board the flight in London after airline officials failed to spot his name on the list.

US Customs and Border Protection officers spotted the match after the flight had taken off, and ordered the diversion."

More at http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3531469
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Over the years, Cat Stevens , now Yusuf Islam, has been a very vocal critic of the US. I personally have found his statements distasteful, but I wonder if they rise to the point of making him a threat to our security.

I'm supprised that W and the gang haven't rounded all the muslim Americans up in WRA camps. Be careful code, they may be after you next. scary stuff!

Code: Do you have any specific information about what Cat Stevens has done or said over the past three decades since he left the music scene?
Is he on the "list" just because of his name? Look out Mohammed Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabarr, etc.

Another bad publicity move.
The U.S. looks like just the biggest idiots.

Cat reportedly supported the fatwa calling for the death of author Salman Rushie, which led to 10,000 Maniacs removing their cover of his song Peace Train from their album. Cat says this was never correct, he never agreed with the fatwa.

Cat did sing a song (ironically, Peace Train again) at a 9/11 benefit concert. He's quoted at islam-online.net as saying that no right thinking Muslim would participate in the killing of innocents.

This may be a case of the US acting on bad info. On the other hand, Stevens has been a big supporter of Muslim schools, as I understand it. And what are they teaching children in these Muslim schools? I don't know the schools in question, but many such institutions tend to radicalize the children to one degree or another. Perhaps there is some guilt by association here. Someone could check up on that.

There is also the Muslim tradition that lying to infidels is not forbidden. I'm not up on Islamic law, but it is clear that some Muslims believe this. Then again, people of all religions are often liars. My point being that although Yusuf Islam has issued these statements, perhaps there are other issues beside his public statements. Or perhaps the US authorities are just being nimrods.

I like Cat Stevens, have several of his albums, and he seems to be a moderate Muslim, not a threat to us, as far as I know.

"Over the years, Cat Stevens , now Yusuf Islam, has been a very vocal critic of the US. I personally have found his statements distasteful, but I wonder if they rise to the point of making him a threat to our security."

What about his statements being critical about the attacks on 9/11, or his statements being critical about suicide bombings done by 'supposed' Islam believers? While his comments about the U.S. may have been distasteful, at least he has the GUTS to criticize his own religious believers when they violate his faith.

Maybe if other religious leaders of the Muslim faith would say that "no right thinking Muslim would participate in the killing of innocents..." maybe some of the insanity of terrorists could be eliminated or isolated so it could be exposed for what it really is.... TERRORISM.

His name probably appears on the "watch" list because of statements he made during the Salman Rushdie nonsense when Ayatollah Khomeini decided that ole Salman had to die for daring to write a book he didn't like. Cat Stevens must have decided that those who didn't agree with Khomeni usually wound up dead so he made some negative remarks about Rushdie. So he's probably on the list for acknowledging Khomieni's decree...and anybody who ever publically agreed with the Ayatollah will forever and a day be put on a watch list. Also from CNN report "According to U.S. officials, he is an active supporter of Muslim charities." So some of these charities were probably under suspicion and any relations with them puts the donor under suspicion as well.

However, it is a little doubtful that problems could come from a man who wrote a classic like Peace Train. Also since 9/11 he has been a strong critic of islamic fundamentalism and terrorism.

We can understand the security measures but the process of deporting someone ostensibly for their religious beliefs leaves a bad taste in your mouth. America was founded orginally by people trying to escape religious persecution.

Hard to tell. I'm with Lachette and will error on the side of caution until all the facts are in. It's possible there's something there that's not public knowledge or perhaps the governments just over reacting.

"Then again, people of all religions are often liars."

so are people of no religion. Though I agree with your post I find this a bit insulting. If I took it the wrong way I aplogize

atheism is the cure for religious terrorism.

What do you do with fundamentalist atheists? Absence of belief of religion doesn't innoculate you from extremism.

Personally, I find most atheists to be just a little bit full of themselves. Throughout human history people have taken on multiple belief systems because of the innate human ability not to discount anything just on faith alone. I call it the "just in case" theory. As Code has shown before a lot of Christian celebrations occur at the same time (more or less) as pagan celebrations. So it is not uncommon to see faithful Catholics in some regions still sort of acting out the pagan rituals because that other God might be the big guy so we try and cover all the bases, "just in case".

Ten to one as an atheist's car plunges off a rain slicked highway into a ditch, more than a few prayers are being said because, what the hey, it can't hurt to pray to God in that situation, so why not make a call upstairs? It may not help either but don't be fooled into thinking everything is just dumb luck.

They would not let Senator Kennedy board a plane in Washington. Because his name was on the watch list. I think another senator or congressman also had his name on it.

I bet Tom Ridge did that bit to Kennedy for a laugh.

"Oh, we're very sorry senator...how did that happen? oops. "

Before you know it, Dubya and company will ignore the 1st Amendment and say that anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God will be forbidden to even look at our shores. He's already trying to turn our country into a Puritanical state. They've already attacked TV for being obscene and want to take away the question of marriage from the states. Before long they'll outlaw dancing, just like Cromwell and his idiots did during the Commonwealth and Protectorate days in England. And like they did up in Massachussetts.

You know, maybe Dubya's really so against all Muslims because of their proficiency in mathematics. Poor Dubya must have flunked out in high school geometry and told his daddy that he'd get back at whoever came up with the stuff. Of course, if that's the case he'll be ordering the bombing of Greece before long.

QUOTE "Then again, people of all religions are often liars."

so are people of no religion. Though I agree with your post I find this a bit insulting. If I took it the wrong way I aplogize. END QUOTE

Insulting to whom? I only meant to point out that Yusuf Islam could be lying to us when he denounces terror and disclaims approval of death threats to authors. Islam is apparently not like other religions with regard to lying.

According to islamreview.com, "...unlike most religions, within Islam there are certain provisions under which lying is not simply tolerated, but actually encouraged. The book 'The spirit of Islam,' by the Muslim scholar, Afif A. Tabbarah was written to promote Islam. On page 247, Tabbarah stated: 'Lying is not always bad, to be sure; there are times when telling a lie is more profitable and better for the general welfare, and for the settlement of conciliation among people, than telling the truth. To this effect, the Prophet says: 'He is not a false person who (through lies) settles conciliation among people, supports good or says what is good.'"

So, if Cat Stevens is a good Muslim, perhaps he is just saying the things he thinks will be good for the umma, the Muslim community, without heed to his true beliefs and sympathies.

Since I don't know his true position on this sort of doctrine, I'm a bit suspicious. I confess I do not know how widespread it is among Muslims to have this attitude toward dissembling. However, there are examples in history, and I think Yassar Arafat would consider himself a good Muslim, but is he anything if not a good liar?

Anyway, I mean no offense to anyone, except to those who think that lying to advance the cause of radical Islam is OK. I really think deeds are more important than words -- that goes for anyone of any religious or non-religious persuasion. So, with that in mind, just what kind of schools is Mr. Islam funding or promoting?

Whether we praise Cat Stevens or condemn him -- it should be based on something real, not just talk, which can be very cheap. I'm only saying I know of no concrete reason to condemn him.

He turned his back and went against the recording industry. I would not be surprised if the RIAA was behind this as well.

Cat Stevens, Yusuf Islam or whatever, was a good musician/singer. I remember years ago when my best friend at the time and I went to the lake, cranked up his album, and played our guitars to it...so, lotsa good memories of his MUSIC...which, I feel must be divorced from his political leanings, if not from his religious beliefs. It was my understanding that he did in fact agree with the fatwa against Rushdie (something I thought was idiotic to being with).
http://www.iiie.net/Brochures/Brochure-17.html
But, here's an article called "How I Came to Islam" by Yusuf Islam,
/Cat Stevens

In a quote from that article we read this....
" I began to understand it on another level, where the Qur'an says "Those who believe don't take disbelievers for friends and the believers are brothers."

It is this alienation from "non-believers" that starts to draw a bright line...that those who are NOT Muslim, cannot be your friends...and, in the broader context, one might draw the logical extension that those who are not your friends, may be your enemies, and thus...all non-Muslims are your enemies. This mindset, and the general anti-American sentiment that Cat Stevens ( I saw screw your adopted name Cat...you're from England, not Iraq)...makes me find Mr. Yusuf Islam (that's like naming yourself Joe Catholic or Harry Episcopalian if you ask me)...to be distasteful and I stand by that. I don't believe he is a threat to national security...just an asshole...and that's not illegal yet.

Cat Stevens....a former obsession of mine. His lyrics were so enticingly despondent, I was almost relieved that he found something that made him happy. But what a waste of a hot hunk and a sweet voice.

From his website today: (http://www.yusufislam.org.uk/)
Site visitors and fans alike will no doubt have heard about today's news that Yusuf Islam has been refused entry into the US. As yet we have no specific information from the US 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 travelled many times to the US, 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. When we have more information we will be able to comment further. We feel certain that this matter will be resolved soon.

"America was founded orginally by people trying to escape religious persecution."

It's amazing how solidly this has wedged itself into American society. We, as a country, are so guilty and corrupt we can't even teach our own children the truth. Most of our history has been re-written into sugar-coated little chunks to make them easier to swallow. This is one of them.

To compress years of history in but a few heavily-biased sentances- the Puritans were "kicked out" of England because they WERE the opressive, religious nutcases. They felt the church had grown far too soft, and they wanted the "freedom" to rule people themselves.

Puritans believed that religion should have more power over the government.
Any deviation from their beliefs was not tolerated.

In the colonies, if you were to "violate your contract with god" you were kicked out into the woods and left for dead. They assumed the indians would find and kill anyone outside of the protection of the colonies. Instead, these people founded Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

This country is just slowly returning to it's "roots" so to speak...

Look out, Pointer Sisters.. you made a hit, "Fire," and the Gap Band, for "You Dropped a Bomb On Me!"... you're on the list.. and the skies will be SOOOO much safer..

and AYYMENN!! Larval.. welcome! and, as usual, thank you carla..

BOYCOTT. EDUCATE. REGISTER. VOTE.

.. besides, this whole "my GUY GOD is better than your GUY GOD is gettin' on my nerves.. Hey, howzabout a GUY GOD CAGE WRESTLING MATCH!!!

lol...I take the opposite...my God is SMALLER than your God...It resides in every teeny tiny matter and ant-matter particle in the Universe.

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=8adb3848c84396be
"'New info' led to Cat Stevens' deportation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Big News Network.com Thursday 23rd September, 2004

U.S. officials are investigating how the pop star Cat Stevens was able to board a flight to the United States, despite being on a terror watch list.

That's a problem, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told reporters at a Washington conference. Obviously, we're going to go back and take a very, very close look at the information and the procedures.

Stevens, born Steven Georgiou, changed his name to Yusef Islam after becoming a Moslem in the late 1970's. News reports several years ago linked a Web site and charitable foundation he heads to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and to the Blind Sheikh -- Omar Abdel-Rahman, convicted of involvement in a terrorist plot in New York city a decade ago.

Federal officials forced the London to Washington flight he was taking to land in Bangor, Maine, after realizing he was on the plane. He was deported after being questioned.

Whether you are a celebrity or a complete unknown, Ridge said Wednesday, if your name is on a watchlist, you will be treated the same.

Islam -- who was, Ridge said, one of my favorite artists, -- had visited the United States as recently as May. But a U.S. government official, who asked not to be identified, told United Press International that more recent information... (gained) within the past two months, had led authorities to place him on a no fly list.

Ridge stressed that the information leading to Islam's listing was not generated by the Department of Homeland Security. There's no discretion, he said. If he's on that list, he's not flying."

Allowing for the same principle behind "six degrees to Kevin Bacon" I would bet that every person on the planet "belongs" on that fucking watch-list.

Hell, everyone probably knows someone who knows somebody who knew someone who was related to someone sold somebody something that was bought by someone who had dealings with one of the terrorists who flew a plane into the World Trade Center. Does that make you a supporter of terrorism?

Resoundingly NO!

I gotta defend Cat Stevens on this one folks. Reminds me too much of the known fact that Nixon kept John Lennon out of the country using his pot bust in the late 60's because he did not like his views. (And, for the same reasons, perhaps even had Janis/Jimi/Jim killed??? ...I know, I know, unproven conspiracy stuff, but still within the realm of the possible.)

Shmoo, of Electric Gypsy
Support Local and Independent Music!

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=92535&Sn=WORL&IssueID=27189
Cat Stevens seeks probe
LONDON: Yusuf Islam, the singer-song writer formerly known as Cat Stevens, yesterday demanded an inquiry into why the US labelled him a security risk and deported him. Islam, known for the hit songs Moonshadow and Peace Train, was en route to the US on Tuesday when his commercial flight was rerouted on orders from US security officials. He was ordered back to Britain. The 57-year-old singer said he wanted to clear his name and ensure nothing similar happened again.

"I was not given any explanation as to what it is I am accused of, or why I am now deemed an apparent security threat," he said in a statement.

"We have now initiated a legal process to try to find out exactly what is going on, and to take all necessary steps to undo the very serious, and wholly unfounded, injustice which I suffered," he added.