The " Right " decision !

Countries whose nationals were caught up in the Algerian hostage drama claim to be horrified that Algerian special forces refused to negotiate and launched a raid that broke the siege.  .Privately, they must be delighted that this is not going to drag on endlessly with publicity giving the terrorists the propaganda platform they relish.

Seizing the refinery in a new gas field was a tactic designed to bring pressure on the west to back off from efforts to dislodge Islamists who have set up a base in northern Mali.   The price for releasing western hostages was supposed to be the withdrawal of French troops and standing down an invading army from neighbouring states.

All the advantages would have been with the terrorists.  Hostages from a dozen western countries would have resulted in no common, decisive policy.   The ineffectual United Nations would have become the chief negotiator - and the terrorists are past masters of making outrageous demands and using delaying tactics. No doubt they would have released pictures of hostages held in deplorable condition - constantly under threat of death.

Algeria did what the terrorists least expected.   Special forces hit them unexpectedly - and hard - and as a result at least half of the 132 westerners held were freed.  Unfortunately, eighteen hostages died in the fire fight that followed.  That was a price we had to pay to get a decisive result.

The final assault by Algerian special forces saw the terrorists execute their last seven western hostages, before they themselves met their deaths.  Demolition charges have now been removed from the gas plant and some western hostages hiding in the buildings have emerged.   This is an amazing victory for the Algerian forces, although it came at a price.  In hostage situations, saving the life of all those involved is usually not an option.

When western countries try to save lives by negotiations the Islamists see that as a western weakness.  This time they have been taught a lesson by the resolve of the new Algerian state not to waste time and effort in fruitless talking.   The terrorists have been paid back - in their own coin.

It is a lesson the west would be wise to learn !