boombaard’s Reviews > Six Years a Hostage: The Extraordinary Story of the Longest-Held Al Qaeda Captive in the World > Status Update

McGown writes that building on hard sand is ideal. Orienting huts east to west for sun protection and wind access, using acacia branches for poles and acacia roots for the roof frame, covered with grass to withstand storms. Keepng hut chest-high to avoid casting unnatural shadows that might attract attention, while still allowing for comfort. Small entrance to minimize shadowing and maintain discretion.

Locations held: Adrar des Ifoghas, “the black mountains” (nearby) with the floods, Taoudenni, and further northwest towards the border with Mauritania.

Chapter 12 better, some context at last

“In the western world we believe every life matters. In the Sahara, people die all the time … life has very little value.” What a bs, for killing a goat.

“Real Africa,” cliche of what Africa is (sub-Saharan) and not (Sahel).