The calls for explanations from President Bush as to why Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, was denied entry to the U.S. and sent back to Britain are increasing. From the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Southern California.

Treating "mainstream and moderate Muslims like Yusuf Islam as if they are criminals or terrorists, without bringing charges or allowing due process, sends the message to the Islamic world that even those who seek peace and condemn terror are not fit to enter the United States.... We call on the Bush administration to explain why Yusuf Islam was barred from coming to this country, and whether other internationally respected Muslim travelers or scholars will face such treatment in the future."

Cat Stevens today called the deportation "ridiculous." Here's more:

Asked if he felt victimized, Stevens said: "Absolutely. But you know, for God's sake people make mistakes. I just hope they have made a big mistake. "I wasn't handcuffed or anything like that. They treated me very well. The one positive thing I can say is that a lot of security officers are very pleased because they got my autograph."