Won't be stuck in Lodi

A Pakistani who allegedly plotted to open a terrorist camp in northern California, all the better to kill Americans, is getting a fast ticket back home.

Shabbir Ahmed, 39, will be deported on charges unrelated to terrorism: that he overstayed his religious-work visa while heading a mosque in Lodi, an agricultural town of 62,000 about 30 miles south of Sacramento.

Ahmed was one of five men from the mosque who were arrested in June after federal authorities secretly recorded conversations over three years. None of the detainees has been charged with crimes of terrorism
....
An FBI agent testified last week that Ahmed was acting as an intermediary for Usama bin Laden and other terrorists. The agent refused to testify whether Ahmed was a member of a terror group, saying that information was classified.

Defense lawyer Saad Ahmad said his client has no connection to terrorism, but that Ahmed decided not to contest the immigration charge because he could have been incarcerated for years while fighting the allegations.

Ahmad said his client grew to love America but now fears for his safety after being labeled a terrorist.

No doubt his "love" for America was readily apparent on the government tapes, which is why he's getting a new gig. Lucky Mr. Ahmed avoids the Lodi curse which, according to John Fogerty, means "somehow I missed connections, looks like I've lost my friends." Mr. Ahmed can sing and dance for a new audience in Pakistan, and avoid singing in federal court.

Some guys just have all the luck.