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News about Spanish and Italien Hostages.
L'Expression Edition OnLine - Al Qaîda pose ses conditions Al Qaeda poses its conditions and Un jefe tuareg de Malí negocia el rescate · ELPAÍS.com A Malian Tuareg leader negotiates the rescue and Saharamedias Quote:
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The statement in arabic (audio only)
Statement - audio http://images.alarabiya.net/large_42969_95554.jpg |
More From Reuters - Africa.
UPDATE 1-Al Qaeda says kidnapped Italians in Africa-report | News by Country | Reuters |
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Regards Ulrich |
The Spaniard has got three gunfire impacts in the legs
Good morning!
This is the information published by Spanish media today: El Gobierno confirma que uno de los rehenes españoles está herido · ELPAÍS.com Quote and translation of the more relevant news: "...la información que maneja el Ejecutivo apunta a que el cooperante recibió tres disparos en la pierna izquierda -uno en el tobillo y dos en el muslo, uno de los cuales le afectó al fémur- al intentar escapar en el momento del secuestro, según fuentes gubernamentales..." "The information managed by the Executive suggests that one of the cooperants received three shots in the left leg - one in the ankle and two in the thigh, one of whom affected the femur- trying to escape at the time of kidnapping, according to government sources." The rest of the article just states informations already known like "it's a good thing the captors mentioned that they are going to treat prisioners by the Shariah because it says to treat them well, etc..." Other Spanish newspaper called El Mundo adds a little more information in the sense that the injuries are not serious: Albert Vilalta, uno de los secuestrados, está herido de bala en una pierna | Barcelona | elmundo.es and captors move prisioners every two days to hide them properly, even they change countries: "from North Mali, to South of Algeria, East Niger and Mauritanie..." Malí afirma que mueven a los rehenes 'cada dos días' para dificultar su localización | Barcelona | elmundo.es |
Al Qaeda (better: the criminals) has posted a statement
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http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...m/ent-it-2.jpg |
The latest statement - translation from Google
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Regards Ulrich |
have you advice as to how to minimise risk for oneself?
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Regards Ulrich |
What are they demanding in relation to the Italian couple? It's not clear to me in the translation.. sending good vibes for the safe return of all the hostages..
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any news from the hostages???
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most recent update I know of is that the deadline in the case of the French hostage which was 30 January has been extended.
The French Foreign Minister made an unannounced visit to Bamako on 1 Feb although no statements were related by the minister before or after the 3 hour visit with President Toure. A Malian source reported as being close to the talks said : "Mali stressed the determining role Algeria must play in the matter." |
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Calling ULRICH
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How about it Ulrich? care to share your advice? would be great! |
Spain has paid 5 Mio Euro for the release of the spanish hostages.
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Translation to English: Googoonish Regards Ulrich |
Hello,
that's interesting also: Quote:
For my post before: The payment of ransom is not confirmed. I did not found another source with this term. Regards Ulrich |
:( guessing that's a 'no' Tifinagh - no response from ulrich... which is a great shame....
Security advice on prevention/awareness for all travellers would be a great deal more useful rather than rehashed articles already on the web. Not to mention 'broadcasting' their message here again. |
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Contributors do offer general advice on security. There are threads to this end. A rational response to the security situation is informed by the details we have to hand on events as they unfold - another reason that it is important to post information on these events and the modis operandi of AQIM. |
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Well said, Richard.
One of the great things about the HUBB is up to the minute factual information. Yes, stuff may already have been published on the web but if I want to know what's happening now and where in the Sahara I'll check the HUBB first. It doesn't take a genius to determine what is quality first hand knowledge and what is spin... Broadcasting their message? Forgive me but aren't they the ones controlling the cards regarding the hostages or are you suggesting censorship? Happy trails, Jojo |
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There is sufficient information available on this site and elsewhere to make a decision if you are willing to make a decision yourself...I personally would not go--the world is full of interesting places to visit--but I'm sure that others will be fully comfortable... |
Developping news:
Mali rejects al-Qaeda demands 2010-02-09 Mali will not concede to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb's demands to free four jailed terrorists in exchange for French hostage Pierre Camatte, AFP reported on Monday (February 8th), citing security sources in Bamako. Among the 4 prisoners is an Algerian said to be a "high-ranking" AQIM member. Last Friday, al-Qaeda extended the deadline for executing Camatte to February 20th. In related news, the $5 million ransom demanded by AQIM for three kidnapped aid workers should arrive in Mali from Spain this week, Spanish daily El Mundo reported on Monday. Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi's son, Seif al-Islam, will reportedly mediate the exchange. from: Mali rejects al-Qaeda demands (Magharebia.com) |
Today no more than this:
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Gogoonisch - E Regards Ulrich |
So while Bouteflika is striving to get a UN ban on ransom payments, Qaddafi is the errand boy delivering the cash.
".. further strained relations between Tripoli and Algiers...According to Algerian newspaper, An Nahar, the Algiers authorities "have been hampered by the intrusion of Tripoli..." Here's hoping that definitive military action is taken as soon as kidnapping season is over. |
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Google Translation Ulrich |
just speculating
...have been hampered by the intrusion of Tripoli...
You'd think so wouldn't you, but one could say what has the Spanish deal got to do with Algeria? (Other than quite a lot when you consider the provenance of most of AQIM). Was Alg able/prepared to free them in a raid? And anyway, up till know were we not told by Euro govts "no ransom was ever paid for anything!"? So assuming €5m is on the way, isn't this the first time a govt [Spanish] has been open about paying up? Libya was said to have helped catch and hand over 'El Para' to Alg at the end of the 2003 event. (El Para's loyalties and motives have been disputed of course...). Either way, I think Libya loves getting involved in their neighbours' misfortunes. It makes them look important loclly and all helps with their ongoing global rehab (eg: I hear the Dakar Rally may return there next year). I heard too that a Libyan ship got grabbed off Somali last week. I wonder if they'll deal with that one any differently than anyone else? Ch The five million dollars required ... took the road to Mali, according to Spanish newspaper I wonder if that means literally or is just the way it was translated. I have been told that parts of southwestern Algeria are temporarily closed (as the Gilf seems to be too, though for who knows what reason). If it's related to the €5m in overland transit (from Tam or more likely BBM airports), it suggests a level of co-operation from Alg, contrary to what the An Nahar paper said. Only more speculation... |
No stop of hostage-taking in Mauretania
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Regards Ulrich |
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Gogoonisch - E Ulrich |
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So Kouchner got his way. Good news for mr Camatte.
Seems only the Italian need to be cleared. That was the good news. The bad - If there's no military follow up, the next season will be as bad or likely worse. |
No word about the hostages yet. Italian media seems to presume that the Italian couple will also be released. Perhaps all hostages will be free within a week?
What will happen next? Is kidnapping season over and we can all travel freely for a while? Mali frees al Qaeda prisoners in hostage swap | World | Reuters "Mali frees al Qaeda prisoners in hostage swap Sat Feb 20, 2010 1:49pm GMT Print | Single Page [-] Text [+] By Tiemoko Diallo BAMAKO (Reuters) - Mali authorities have released four Islamist prisoners in an apparent deal with al Qaeda's north African wing to save a French hostage, according to a Mali newspaper report. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) had said France and Mali would be "responsible" for the life of Pierre Camatte, who was kidnapped in Mali in November, unless Bamako released the Islamist prisoners by February 20. A report in Mali's Independant newspaper Friday said a court in Bamako had sentenced the four prisoners -- who were captured by security forces in April -- Thursday morning only to the time they had already served, tantamount to a release." |
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Why? - Protection of themselfes for not being attacked from different armys - money is always an arguement, also for imitators or free acting groups which sell tourist to the so called Al Qaeda, better, the criminals. Regards Ulrich |
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Even in north Algeria former rebels have turned to domestic kidnapping as a source of income. The desert is surprisingly safe. |
Mauritanian police have arrested a man believed to be the "main perpetrator" in the al-Qaeda kidnapping of three Spanish hostages (the article doesn't say much more than this....)
Kidnapper held in Mauritania: News24: Africa: News |
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Gogoonisch Interesting ist this name: Abu El Hemmam If it's him, than he has taken the amnesty-programm 2005 in Algeria. As always, Algerian games? Quote:
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Mauri feeling aggrieved at Mali release
Mauritania recalls ambassador to Mali in al Qaeda row | News by Country | Reuters |
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Release of French hostage Pierre Camatte
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Gogoonisch Ulrich |
One home, five to go. The Italian guy may be in trouble.
UPDATE 2-Al Qaeda releases Frenchman in prisoner swap | News by Country | Reuters |
and a BBC link
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The rumor mill cooks! - Ist Pierre Camatte an agent of DGSE?
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Gogoonisch The rumor cames from here: Quote:
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... Pierre Camatte an agent of DGSE...
I recall this being suggested as soon as he was grabbed before the malaria research story was put out. It is notable that he was the first French national to be grabbed since 2003 and if he was DGSE then he got of rather lightly. He could have been both of course. Ch |
"the first French national to be grabbed since 2003" euh, I don't remember which french was grabbed this year....
But some French travellers were killed in Mauritania in 2008, if I remember well. RR. |
The so called "Al Qaeda in Maghreb" (better: the criminals) released a video-statement. Only a picture, see below, with spoken statement.
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Regards Ulrich |
Another scrap between the Mauri army and bandits in the NE of Mauri - near Chegga 25°22'25.40"N 5°47'13.79"W - the triple point of Algeria, Mali and Mauri. Plane went in yesterday to pick up the 18 surviving prisoners (no idea where they would have put the plane down). Looks like the army intercepted a drugs convoy. Article also says NE Mauri is now a military zone.
Mauritanian army kills 3 in attack on armed convoy | Top News | Reuters |
Im curious to ask.....Is there any reason to believe that the Sawahari people are involved in any of this at all?
With so many having sat in the camps at Tindouf for so long, with no obvious sign of their goals being achieved, could any of them become involved in any of this? I understand their issue is directed towards the Moroccans, but young men sitting in the remote Sahara with little to do but hope one day their land will be returned may easily be tempted to become involved. I have no reason to believe that, just curious....Tindhouf and Chegga aren't a huge distance apart. |
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Crossed Mauri about three weeks ago through NK, Aioun to Nioro, no problems. Though mauri army got crazy one evening when I did not show up at the next checkpoint. They thought I was going to sleep in Kiffa. I slept maybe 200 m from the road in the bushes, and was wondering why a helicopter is hanging around. In the morning a 4x4 full of soldiers stopped me and said they were looking for me all night. Hundred checkpoints and I really regreted having no fiche.
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Sounds like the Mauri army is trying hard.....
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Good news indeed Ulrich, hoping the men will be freed asap too.
BBC News - Spanish hostage in Africa freed |
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* That's true love! Regards Ulrich |
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Some woman. Isn't it strange her face has been pixilllated in the pictures they have published. Why, and by whom? If they are looking for public support, kidnapping a Burkinian woman may have been a grave mistake. |
The pixallation has been applied to all women in the forced company of AQ-IM - starting I think with the Austrian woman taken in Tunisia. Its part of the AQ-IM take on life.
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Any new info?
Hi, is there any new info on the situation in Mauretania? We are setting of for a yourney from Poland to Gambia on 19th June and wondering how safe it will be to drive through Mauretania.
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Latest news and statement
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There is also an statement and a video from AQIM (the criminals) on the net Translated statement Quote:
Stills from the video from the release of the to the Islam converted Alicia Gámez http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-1.jpg 12 cars - what an armada http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-2.jpg Clusters of heavily armed criminals http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-3.jpg The third person from the right is Alicia Gámez http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-4.jpg http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-5.jpg One of the mediators http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-6.jpg http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-7.jpg Back to live http://www.desert-info.ch/download/p...pan-frei-8.jpg Ok, lets count the money Regards Ulrich |
A court in Mauri charged 7 people with the Spanish kidnapping.
Among the seven accused, three are being prosecuted for "participating in a crime concerning an attack on the life and security of people, as well as their kidnapping and illegal detainment". Two others were charged for "offering shelter to, and preventing the arrest of terrorists" and two others for "providing food" to the kidnappers. The main accused is 52-year-old Amar Ould Sid'Ahmed, alias Amar As-Sahraouiet, arrested in mid-February by a Mauritanian "commando" in Mali. He was suspected of having given logistical assistance to the kidnappers but also taking part himself in the kidnapping of the Spaniards and taking them to the AQIM base in northern Mali. Source, with not much more info than is already quoted above: Mauritania kidnapping: 7 charged: News24: Africa: News |
Have a look at the group photo of AQ IM and the 3 Spaniards that Ulrich posted 3 days before this posting. The Spanish guy on the left looks like he is injured - it looks like he is supported by something and has a blanket over him. Recall there was a report that one of these guys got shot in the abduction.
On another note, there is very little news from either the French guy or the Spanish woman who were released. My guess is that the details of what goes on in NE Mali is not being released. |
In a total about-turn it is reported that the Mauri government have started negotiations to liberate 67 Aqim prisoners, with Burkina Faso officials as mediators.
Lutte anti-Al Qaïda au Sahel : Tout le monde joue-t-il le jeu ? - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq "However, the latest news, this weekend, the Mauritanian government, against all odds, has started negotiations with Burkina Faso for the release of 67 members of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb prison in Nouakchot" psst, a tip - if you use Google Chrome as a browser, you get automatic translation of all web pages (if you so wish) |
intel must have a rought idea where they are
send in a unit at 4am ,while they sleep and take the f--ker's out. stop pussy footing about ! |
The two Italiens are free!
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Ulrich |
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:clap: Brilliant news. Hoping the 2 remaining Spanish are freed very soon.
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Here she is, without the pixellation.http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...axohOMA?size=l
She must've been a PIA for the bearded guys, they offered her to go but she refused to leave her husband. Her abduction caused resentment against islamists and "tuaregs" at least in Burkina. What it actually took to get them free we may never know. AFP: Italians freed by Al-Qaeda arrive in Mali ""They both look well but clearly the woman handled the captivity better than the man," said a Malian security source close to officials escorting the pair to Mali's capital. The couple are due to fly from the Malian capital directly to Italy. "No ransom was paid" for the release, an official from Mali's presidential palace told AFP, "we got tribal leaders in the north to intervene, and they played an important role." AQIM had demanded the release of Mauritanian prisoners in exchange for the pair's freedom but Mauritanian Prime Minister Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdhaf had said his government refused to negotiate with "terrorist groups"." |
Joint command to be set up in Tamanrasset:
Les forums de Kidal.info || Kidal.info Italians appeal for the release of the Spanish hostages: Les news de Kidal.info || Kidal.info |
Interestingly a French source posted by Ulrich today regarding the latest grab in Niger
Google Nachricht reports that the two remaining Spanish are held by Abou Zeid, and not 'MBM' as I believe was previously suggested. Puts a bit of a different spin on the outcome. Ch LATER. But then we read from the same online news source : Not everything has been said about the ransom paid in 2003 when the kidnapping of 32 European tourists, including a dozen had been released following intervention by the Algerian army. Algerian security sources, the ransom paid to ... in the coffers of Mokhtar Benmokhtar. It was then used for transactions of arms and ammunition for the benefit of Al Qaeda. Security sources confide that Abu Zeid, who has under his thumb a few tens of elements, is not able to operate as many kidnappings. Mokhtar Benmokhtar ... would be behind the majority of kidnappings, including those committed in Mali, but also one perpetrated last Wednesday to Niger. For Algeria, things are clear: no negotiation and no payment of ransom to terrorists. It remains to be seen how the Elysee will react with respect to its national. |
Hard to know who is holding whom and where.
Is MBM really a member of Al Qaeda? If he is (and presuming he exists), which fraction? See the other thread Ulrich started about Al Qaeda. :::Journal Tahalil Hebdo::: suggests that a ransom of 8M euros were paid for the Italians. Quote:
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I believe he was a GSPC emir of one region 10-15 years ago, Group 7 or something (the desert) but then fell out with them. Since AQIM came to be he has never chosen to link himself with them, AFAI know.
As you may know he often got blamed by Algeria for everything (including 2003), until AQIM got going. Ch |
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09-06-2010, 3:47 p.m.
Echorouk.online: Algeria Mali warns against payment of a ransom Echorouk.online Algeria to Mali warns against payment of five million dollars to release Vilalta and Roque Pascual 09/06/2010 Faisal Oukaci Madrid, which seeks at all costs to release its two nationals held in northern Mali, is currently negotiating with the kidnappers through intermediaries Mali experienced in negotiating with terrorists. Spanish media sources, the gunmen belonging to the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat-GSPC-AQIM, would demand a ransom of five million dollars but would not pose an ultimatum. A Malian intermediaries told a Spanish newspaper that negotiations continue and ensure that the health of Albert Vilalta (35) and Roque Pascual (50) inspires by anxiety. When the two Spanish hostages held by AQIM in Mali they regain freedom? The issue arose after the release of a couple of Italians, abducted as they Mauritania November 29, 2009. A week ago speculation emerged about their imminent release, but since no news. Negotiations are continuing, assign intermediaries. On March 10 mediators have already obtained the release of Alicia Gamez, who had been kidnapped with his two Spanish colleagues in the extreme west of Mauritania. A decision motivated by humanitarian reasons, and obtained without consideration. The release did not move Algiers, having been granted unilaterally and without payment of ransom. Spanish media have recently spoken of an imminent release of Albert Vilalta and Roque Pascual, but the rumor, fueled by the movement of members of the Spanish intelligence services in the sub-Sahel region, remained unanswered. But no news since. According to Spanish media, "the Italian hostage released last week, Philomena Kabour a Burkinabe married in Italy, insisted that the states concerned are working for the liberation of the two remaining hostages .... because it is very hot, "she testified, this time in this desert region of Mali. Algiers, which monitors all cases of hostages with interest, urged Bamako that no ransom is paid to kidnappers, who recycle the money into buying heavy armament and military equipment, and in alliances with local tribes and recruitment. It is true that Madrid is offering the money, but it was Mali who is responsible for the transaction. Finally, this vicious circle gives more consistency to terrorism and spins the wheel of violence as a riding barbaric ... |
war and love
are the father and mother of everything |
Yes war is also a form of communication. Terrorism too I reckon.
According to a Spanish magazine, the negotiations may come to an end. Moratinos went to Nouakchott. Aqim want to be compensated for the astonishing amount paid in commission. Exigen otros 2,5 millones de euros m�s para liberar a los dos voluntarios catalanes - 20minutos.es Quote:
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While the Spanish hostages fate seems as uncertain as ever, Omar Sahraoui was sentenced to 12 years of hard labour in Nouakchott today, all his property to be confiscated.
He was sentenced for participating in the abduction, not for organizing it which was the original charge. An elderly man to 1 yr but his sentence was suspended. The others acquitted. One could speculate that there are some ties to the negotiations here, that several were acquitted as part of a deal. We will see. Mauritania sentences Malian over Spanish kidnapping | News by Country | Reuters |
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AFP: Al-Qaeda kidnapper extradited to Mali: judicial source
Le Temps d'Alg�rie - Grande pr�occupation � Madrid Quote:
Diáspora saharaui: Tout pour sauver les otages espagnols… Diáspora saharaui: Oumar Ould Hamma, alias "le sahraoui" transféré vers une direction inconnue But this time the links to Polisario seems clear. http://www.journaltahalil.com/images/Sahraouiproces.jpg |
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enlighten me please: where exactly do you see the link to Polisario? |
Sahraoui/Sahrawi just means 'Saharan' - a person from the Sahara.
It's also what the tribes making up the Polisario have come to call themselves too, of course. I have heard it used in north Algeria, for example (disparagingly, I suspect) when referring to our guide from In Salah and nothing to do with Polisario, just the guy's dark skin. I notice some of these AQ types are also known as 'Ahmed Libiani' - or something like (Ahmed the Libyan or maybe the Lebanese), or 'Ahmed Eljezari' (Alg) Ch |
Is there a connection Polisario - Aqim? There's an abundance of material suggesting there is. Morocco has for years asserted the connection, but it could be dismissed as propaganda. As usual with the Maghreb, it is hard to find information that is not biased one way or the other.
When separatism and terrorism rhyme together: Terrorism Watch: Concerns Over Stability in Mauritania WesternSaharaOnline.net - Welcome Collectif International pour la Vérité sur l'Algérie et le Polisario - CIVAP: Arrestation �* Nouakchott de trois membres du GSPC Algérien etc, there's no end to these Moroccan sites. Perhaps we can believe this defected Polisario leader? Former Polisario leader highlights humanitarian aid embezzlement in Tindouf camps. - Free Online Library Defector: Polisario in partnership with Al Qaida Is this organization based in Brussels unbiased? http://www.esisc.eu/documents/pdf/en...-sahel-469.pdf Quote:
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But it does make some sense. Polisario is in decay. Bin Laden is a more likely motivator to young sahrawis than Fidel Castro. Another aspect - where does the DRS come in? |
Spain close to a deal
Perhaps the extradition of Omar Sahraoui helped
but 13M dollars? :blink: That will buy a lot of arms. :thumbdown: Spain Close to a Deal With Al Qaeda Magreb � Liveshots Also Omar Ould Hamma « Sahraoui », le cadeau algérien �* l’Espagne Quote:
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- some Saharawis (or Sahraouis) are engaging in smuggling, yes (not much else to do in the 30+ years lasting desolation of refugee camps SE of Tindouf in ways of private enterpise and free market :)
- am disturbed by ongoing doublestandards here, to ilustrate: if a Brit, say member of David C's party was caught embezzling funds, would it be fair to say that David C's party is a party of embezzlers? ... ach never mind -Castro: Cuba is one of the few countries in the world providing educational oppurtunities and offering medical services to the few hundert thousand prisoners of the West Saharan conflict ... is that a crime? -is ESISC biased? ... you bet
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Fair enough Moro
but who is then without bias? we can certainly be misled by the reports important to find the original source when many are making the same claims The claims are that several in Polisario have been involved in the kidnappings and also that Polisario have been doing business with Aqim/MBM for years it would be improper to suggest that Polisario as an organization are behind the kidnappings they are now also trying to distance themselves from Aqim but it is becoming very hard to think that there is no involvement at any level what do you think? That there is no involvement whatsoever? |
- Polisario is the least religiously influenced political organisation in the arab world. By a long shot ... even with my vivid imagination, I can hardly see them doing business with the "bearded ones"
- how could the moroccan sources not be biased? they're occupying militarily 80% of Western sahara for 3 decades, Polisario is their enemy - I find the conjunction Polisario - F. Castro a bit below the belt, it implies that Polisario is a communist formation (on top of being islamist-terrorist). That is not true. In fact the big strategic "mistake" Polisario made when it proclaimed RASD (Republica Arab Sahraoui Democratica) was that they turned down the patronage of both the american and the soviet side. Tough bananas for them and yes everybody in the camps work for free. That doesn't make them communist it only makes them poor. It is also true that many Sahraouis from the camps study in Cuba and that the Cuban doctors provide medical assistance free of charge (the rest of the world seems to be too poor to give a hand here). The all pervaiding bias might be alleviated by taking for example one info source from one side and one from the other, even when there is a deluge of info sources on one side, and virtually none on the other, instead of listing say 10 moroccan sources and one pro-polisario blogger (representing the official Polisaraio stance I assume). The bias might become a trifle smaller when we start perceiving the "bearded ones" as plain human beings, of which, as we all know, some are criminals and others are not. To answer your question directly: no idea, honestly ... in a world where doing business is all there is to it, how can we expect "certain elements" not to do business with certain other elements? Like for example in the not so well publicised "affair of the 7 colonels" last year where high ranking moroccan officials were doing business galore with certain elements from the other side of the west saharan wall. They all sit in jail now. Petty criminals sit in jails, big ones in baks (B. Brecht) |
No one is inocent, but some are more guilty than others...
I tend to think that a few rotten apples should not characterise the all tree. But time will tell... Getting a few europeans in the relaxed Laayoune-Dakhla road, shoud add up to the issue (I hope not!!!!). JC |
To me it seems very clear that Morocco, Algeria and Polisario are all contributing negatively to this unfortunate situation.
I tried to find sources not influenced by the Moroccans, which is not easy on the internet when it regards West Sahara. URLs containing "western-sahara" or even "polisario" are most likely controlled by Morocco. For anyone who has visited Dahkla or Layyoune recently the permanency of the occupation is evident. The fact that Polisario won't allow a census of the refugee camps while contraband from the UN and other contributors are found as far east as Agadez says something about Polisario's interest in maintaining status quo. But even if this conflict is at the heart of resolving the situation in Sahara, that is another discussion. I just heard that Omar the Sahraoui was actually flown from Nouakchott straight to Bamako in a Spanish military aircraft. Also Ennahar Online - Mali resumed negotiations with the Salafi organization |
It seems, the two spaniards kidnapped last novembre in Mauritania are free!
http://imagenes.lavanguardia.es/lava....jpg_lite4.jpg Three Spanish aid workers kidnapped in Mauritania | Reuters Added by Mod: Good news. This link leads to the freed story. No doubt there will be more soon. Qaeda in N.Africa frees 2 Spanish hostages--TV | Reuters |
Not yet free says BBC
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The mediadior Mustafa Chafia (with sunglasses) with Spanish aid workers and Albert Vilalta Roque Pascual (down the helicopter). - AFP El Pais - "Estuvieron a punto de matarles. Cre�*mos que era una causa perdida" Gogoonisch - E Ulrich |
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