The Peace Corps pulled all of its 113 volunteers from Bolivia due to U.S. tensions with Bolivia's government.

More than 70 of the volunteers have left the Corps, having almost finished their two-year stints, rather than begin anew in another country.

The hasty withdrawal came as a result of a decision by Bolivian President Evo Morales to expel the U.S. ambassador whom he accused of inciting opposition protests.

Peace Corps volunteers in that country were understandably upset, some with the U.S. government for ordering the evacuation.

But Thomas Shannon, top U.S. diplomat for Latin America, said that the pullout was based on security considerations. "We don't politicize the Peace Corps," he said.

"Remember, the Bolivians on at least two occasions that I'm aware of said that they thought the Peace Corps was part of a larger intelligence network that they thought we had constructed in Bolivia. Those kind of statements we find very worrisome," Mr. Shannon said.

Then there was the U.S. Embassy security officer who told a group of Peace Corps volunteers last year to report any sightings of Venezuelan or Cuban activists.

That is not what the Peace Corps is for. The officer was not authorized to make such a statement.

Peace Corps volunteers are wonderful ambassadors of good will for America. It is sad when political turmoil prevents their work. But chances are, the Corps will return to Bolivia.