The question no reporter asked: Why Mongolia?
Because it is economically dependent upon China for everything from cash to food? Because it is dependent upon Russia for 80% of its oil? Because it's GDP has grown to just over $5 Billion? Because it has 2.4 Million people? Because it is a member of the "coalition of the willing"?
I think there is another reason. Here's a clue: it is no coincidence that while Bush was in Mongolia, the US military was being kicked out of Uzbekistan. How are those related? Good question....
Let me introduce you to the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Current members include Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazahkstan, Kyrgystan and Tajikistan.
Now most folks in the US is probably laughing "who cares about these pissant countries!"
This will wipe the smile off your face: Member countries represent 1/4 of the world's population. Two of the countries are nuclear powers.
Think they don't have clout? Here is a story from today's news:
Uzbekistan Ends U.S. Use of Airbase Aiding Afghanistan Mission
You think given Uzbekistan's strategic location we would leave willingly? You really believe the Bush administration chose to put "human rights" as a higher priority than a forward base in Central Asia as a launch pad for counterterrorism operations?
You probably don't know much about Uzbekistan. Don't be surprised. It is a small impoverished country with a GDP approx. equal to Bill Gates personal fortune. ($47B USD)
Now ask yourself.... when was the last time some pissant little country forced the US to close down one of its bases? When was the last time ANY country forced the US to get out?
Obviously Uzbekistan has some clout. Belonging to the SCO allows them to align themselves with Russia AND China. But wait.... there's more: Iran, India, Pakistan and Mongolia are all petitioning for membership in the SCO. When that happens, you will have 4 nuclear powers representing 1/2 the world's population!
Right now the SCO is primarily dedicated to making sure that all these countries can settle regional issues without a shooting war in Central Asia (where they all share borders). But that will quickly change with the addition of India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia. Then it will be a alliance that can counter any threat in the world.
Basically the countries in the SCO will cover a landmass from Europe to Central and South Asia to Asia. From the Baltic and Black Seas to the Pacific. From the Arctic to the Indian Ocean.
Look at the map and you will realize the only country missing from that grand coalition is Afghanistan.
If you think about it for a minute or two, it should be obvious that power bloc would have significant geographic, military, economic, and natural resource clout.
This obviously has appeal as both Pakistan and India are clamoring to join. And they have been fighting each other for awhile. Heck, India and China had a shooting war not too long ago. The primary reason India cares about Kashmir they fear the Chinese will invade over those mountains. And don't forget the relations between Iran and Russia when it comes to nuclear power, or Iran and China when it comes to oil.
Still think the trip was about democracy and human rights?