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6 Dec 2009
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It would be hard to explain that bold hit purely on a cash basis
Yes, didnt mean to imply that, that would make them regular crims. It was more to remind that Alg locals are getting it too and in N Mali they - or bandits associated with AQIM activities - will rob locals on general opportunistic principles as someone mentioned (and as I encountered myself in 2006).
Last I heard AQIM also want to smash the [Algerian] state which most mafias dont bother with (or the state is the mafia).
Taoudenni - yes right in the thick of it and a Sonatrach (DZ) operation too. There may be tunnels.
Ch
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6 Dec 2009
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Simple thugs
I think one should see them as simpleminded thugs. Only difference is that in order to aid recruiting more "warriors" they need to target westerners, giving them a thin disguise as jihadists.
Look at all the rebel movements of the past. Once the rebellion is over, the hardcore ideologists usually come out as regular criminals, enjoying the glory of blowing innocent people to pieces, smuggling drugs, kidnapping, bank robberies....think IRA, FARC, ETA....
Tunnels?
Did they strike oil yet anywhere in Mali?
Yes, the state is always the mafia (extortion, abuse of power...).
Last edited by priffe; 6 Dec 2009 at 17:31.
Reason: added ETA
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6 Dec 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe
I think one should see them as simpleminded thugs.
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Its always interesting to get the range of perspectives. I see them somewhat differently. To me, they come across as principled, strategic, committed, careful, patient, daring and resourceful. Its just that their world is orthogonal to most of ours. That said, I'd prefer it if they hadn't adopted the Sahara!
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