Uganda, 1999. Safari guide Mark Ross and 16 others are taken hostage while observing mountain gorillas. Mark, who speaks Swahili, urgently bargains for their safety, but not all will live.

Kyrgyzstan, 2000. Four American climbers are taken hostage by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. On a rocky mountain, they made a deadly decision to gain freedom-a decision that haunts them still.

Mexico, 1997. Three kidnappers confront American geologist Stu Havenstrite and try to force him into the trunk of his car. Alone and desperate in a foreign country, his resistance is one of many quick decisions he'll have to make over the next 72 hours.

Ecuador, 1996. While on a guided tour of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve, avid birdwatcher John Heidema, his daughter, and 10 other tourists, are robbed by armed bandits.

Albania, 1997. As four American Peace Corps volunteers make their way through a country collapsing around them, their lives are threatened by civil unrest.

Lima, Peru, 1996. 500 guests gather for a gala reception at the Japanese Ambassador's residence when an armed contingent of guerrillas gain control of the compound.