Earlier this week, the U-S embassy in Qatar issued a warning to American citizens to quote: "shelter in place until further notice." Qatar is home to the largest U-S military base in the Middle East.

The alert came amid growing fears of Iranian retaliation against U-S troops and personnel overseas, after President Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.

When global news like this breaks, embassies – and the ambassadors leading them – play a crucial role.

They're on the ground, serving as the top representatives of the United States government. Ambassadors also protect U-S citizens abroad.

They're on the ground, serving as the top representatives of the United States government around the world. They also protect U.S. citizens abroad.

Hundreds Americans currently hold the title of ambassador. But what does their daily work look like?

We discuss their role and how they help preserve America's so-called "soft power."

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