I guess, logistic routes supported the islam forces aswell at theese regions. They could send troops thorough the sea there, while they had to march against Asturias or the western iberian kingdoms.
Just to comment that another reason added to why the catalan counties ddin't expanded was that they were totally Carolingians and they centered efforts in expansion to the north trying to control Aquitania. When they lost any option in that area after the battle of Muret (1213), the next king (Jaume I the conqueror) started the expansion towards the south (Mallorca and Valencia).
I guess, logistic routes supported the islam forces aswell at theese regions. They could send troops thorough the sea there, while they had to march against Asturias or the western iberian kingdoms.
Just to comment that another reason added to why the catalan counties ddin't expanded was that they were totally Carolingians and they centered efforts in expansion to the north trying to control Aquitania. When they lost any option in that area after the battle of Muret (1213), the next king (Jaume I the conqueror) started the expansion towards the south (Mallorca and Valencia).