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http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20061201-121239-7193r.htm
"Imam disputes tie to Hamas" -Page 1
By Audrey Hudson
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
December 1, 2006

http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20061201-121239-7193r_page2.htm

"Imam disputes tie to Hamas" -Page 2
By Audrey Hudson
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
December 1, 2006

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The request by three passengers, including Mr. Shahin, for seat-belt extensions, also concerned flight attendants. "That was a dead giveaway," one federal air marshal said yesterday. Flight crews are cautioned about giving out seat-belt extenders because you can turn it into a weapon very easily. You swing that belt buckle, and you can potentially kill someone."

Mr. Shahin says that after they were questioned and released, US Airways declined to sell them another plane ticket, even after an FBI agent intervened at the imam's request. "I told him, 'Please sir, to call them.' And he did and talked for more than 20 minutes. He was trying to tell them we have no problem with the government and we can fly with anybody, but they still refused. He told me, 'I'm sorry I did my best.' I really appreciated it."

Paul McCabe, FBI spokesman in Minneapolis, says no such call took place on behalf of the men. "That never happened," Mr. McCabe said."