The shadowy case against a Canadian is becoming shrouded in even more confusion. The Americans now say that Maher Arar is a member of al Qaeda.

Arar, who was born in Syria and holds dual citizenship, was detained in the United States and deported to Syria a month ago. The 32-year-old was travelling to Montreal from Tunisia when he was taken into custody.

The foreign affairs department, which had been pushing Arar's case with the Americans, has suddenly backed-off. The opposition is accusing the government of trying to defend a suspected terrorist.

New information reveals Arar had been under RCMP watch for more than a year. While the federal government is not commenting directly on Arar's case, it is no longer challenging the American position.

Arar has been visited by Canadian officials and is reported to be in good health. The telecommunications engineer is the father of two children.

Arar's wife, Monia Mazigh, denies her husband has any links to a terrorist organization. She told CTV's Canada AM that she doesn't know why her husband has been accused of belonging to al Qaeda.

"I don't have any idea about this suspicion. I have heard it on the news, like you. The only thing I'm wondering is why did they try to destroy the name of a man who has not been given the chance to defend himself," she said.

Mazigh, who is staying in Tunisia, told Canada AM that the federal government wasn't given notification that her husband was being deported. She's in Ottawa trying to clarify the situation with foreign affairs officials.

Arar's supporters say he could face severe punishment in Syria since he avoided compulsory military service before he left the country.

Last month, Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham was one those who came to Arar's defence after he met with U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci to discuss the matter.

"I have registered our protest to the United States," Graham said in October.

"Our position is a person travelling on a Canadian passport ... has a right to be treated as a Canadian citizen and we have, in international law, a right to have consular access to that person."