ChiKat

Huh. The ambassador to Bolivia was recalled.

I didn't know much about embassies until my brother was posted at one. But now I understand that, according to the Geneva conventions, it is actually the duty of local police to defend an embassy. The Marines are in charge of keeping the ambassador and the embassy staff safe if the embassy is attacked, but the local police are supposed to deflect any attacks.

Last week, there was a violent protest outside the U.S. embassy. Protesters threw stones and firecrackers. The Bolivian police did an admirable job defending the embassy and dispersing the crowd of protesters.

However, just hours after his staff successfully fended off the protesters, the commander of the Bolivian state police was fired.

The State Department says it is concerned about Bolivia's commitment to keep the ambassador and staff safe. The ambassador was recalled to D.C. to discuss the situation. It's a pretty big deal when an ambassador is recalled. I imagine there is a lot happening behind the scenes.

I'm just hoping things calm down and my brother stays safe.