Mr Varshalomidze talks wistfully of times before the Russian revolution, when Batumi had 18 foreign consulates.

ECONOMIST: Ajaria, a Georgian success story

Some parts of its vast Baghdad compound will mutate into foreign embassies or consulates.

ECONOMIST: Iraq

Security was also tightened at embassies, consulates and foreign offices of the Jewish Agency, officials said.

BBC: New security measures could remain in place for months

Meanwhile, I think all Americans should give thanks to the heroic work that's being done by our foreign service officers and the men and women serving in our embassies and consulates around the world.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on the Situation in Libya