In New York, a jazz musician has pleaded guilty in a controversial terrorism case. Tarik Shah, who has played bass with Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter and others, was arrested two years ago following an undercover FBI sting operation. Prosecutors accused Shah of plotting to teach martial arts to would-be al-Qaeda operatives. The case was based on statements he made to a government informer. If Shah had been found guilty by a jury, he could have faced up to 30 years in prison even though the government admits that he had never committed any violent acts. On Wednesday, after 23 months in solitary confinement, Shah accepted an offer by the government to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization. In exchange, he will receive a sentence of no more than 15 years.