From the Oregonian:

Maher "Mike" Hawash's deal with the government allows him to avoid what could have amounted to a life sentence in exchange for becoming a chief witness against his alleged co-conspirators. The deal calls for a 7- to 10-year federal prison term, which will be determined by a federal judge after the trial of the others.

Hawash pleaded guilty to providing material support and services to the Taliban.

In exchange for testimony, federal prosecutors agreed to drop charges of conspiring to levy war against the U.S. and conspiring to provide material support for terrorism. He will serve a minimum of seven years in federal prison under the deal, which was approved by U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

We'll wait to see more before we comment. But as one reader e-mailed us, the issue is:

Has Mike Hawash caved-in to pressure and agreed to 7 years in prison? Or has he got 7 years because - despite everything his friends and family knew about him - he was secretly a spy?

Our prior Hawash coverage is here. We recommend this post , questioning the Government's use of the material witness statute against Hawash.