For 9 months, no westerner has been kidnapped by AQIM in the Sahara making this the longest hiatus since the kidnappings resumed in 2008. AQIM have been responsible for 10 episodes since early 2008.
The reasons might include:
1) AQIM may have their hands full with the 5 hostages (Arlit and SE Algeria) still in captivity.
2) The French hostages taken in Arlit have been held longer than any since the kidnappings began in 2003. Quick payments are not being made.
3) There are not many western tourists to take - certainly true of the desert in Niger, Mali, Mauri and Algeria.
4) AQIM have been busy fetching arms in Libya and developing strategies for Libya post Gadaffi - watch that space.
5) AQIM has been pushed out of Mauri - Where most of the saharan tourists currently go.
6) They are about to make their next move?
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