I agree, that's just what I was thinking. This is a very key area being on the border with Syria. al Q may not have wanted to PO the locals.
They kidnapped this guy, didn't get what they wanted for him, and decided it was better to let him go than get in a blood feud with the West Elbonian Tribe across their main supply lines.
One of those 'we may never know' things, but funny how some folks want to assume the worst.