When the urge strikes to set off overland to cross the Sahara, a romantic adventure beset with dangers and difficulties, be aware that a group of extremists who kidnapped 32 European tourists this year in Algeria remain in Mali and may be recruiting new members. They held 17 hostages until May and the rest until August, only releasing the second group after reportedly being paid a hefty ransom by the German government. One hostage died in captivity.
