First thought: test run.
What if they did it here by picking a "no guns" facility or any government office?
Oooooh! Nice tagline! I'm gonna steal it for personal use elsewhere!
About your post - Don't you think it is more likely to have a John Wayne or Steven Segal in the bunch if they did this in America? We really resent being held hostage, and that size group breeds teamwork and risk-taking among free men...