The February attack on the American Embassy in Ankara warns that diplomats are not always safe even in friendly capitals. Diplomacy is one of man's great hopes for peaceful conflict resolution, and its compromise is generally universally condemned. Nevertheless, diplomats face the challenge of venturing into ethical, cultural, and political crosscurrents where the dangers cannot always be foreseen. Yet they are fortified by a proud tradition, professionalism, international law, bilateral arrangements, and their own best instincts along with broad-based public appreciation.