Posted on 11/21/2005 11:32:13 AM PST by indcons
In the first visit by a sitting US president to Mongolia, George W. Bush announced that he was in Ulan Bator to deliver an “important international message”, then after a pause, added: “Secretary Rumsfeld asked me to check on his horse.”
His comment got a knowing laugh from the watching Mongolian elite, dominated by officers festooned with gold medals. When Mr Rumsfeld visited Mongolia last month, the defence secretary received a horse as a gift, which he named Montana.
However, Mr Bush had a more serious reason for being here: to highlight Mongolia’s symbolism as an emerging democracy in the region, elevate the country’s international standing, and thank its leaders for their support in Iraq, where Mongolians form the third largest troop contingent per capita. “In Iraq, Mongolian forces have helped make possible a stunning transformation,” Mr Bush said.
As Mr Rumsfeld’s visit emphasised, the US has been forging closer military ties with the country, strategically located on the border of China and Russia. There are fears about its vulnerability to an expansionist China, which would be interested in its natural resources – oil, coal, copper and uranium. Mongolia was ruled by China from 1691 until the early 20th century.
One aim in giving Mongolia the high profile of a presidential visit is to build diplomatic protection from its bigger neighbours. Ahead of his trip, Mr Bush said: “By being friends, I think we can prevent any potential military dispute from arising.” He declared on Monday: “America is proud to be called your ‘third neighbour’.”
Even so, the Mongolian foreign minister, interviewed in the Mongol Messenger, the local English-language newspaper, appeared to play down that assertion. “We perceive all nations, including the US, as our third neighbours,” he said.
In 1990, after 70 years of Soviet rule, democratic elections were held in Mongolia. “Many of you can still recall the exhilaration of voting freely for the first time after decades of tyranny,” Mr Bush said. “You know the satisfaction of seeing leaders you chose take office...and of seeing them leave office if you decide to replace them.”
Although there are continued concerns about corruption, its politicians have learnt fast. According to a State Department biography of Nambaryn Enkhbayar, Mongolia’s president, when he won the election in 2000 after being advised by a British political consultant on how to reform his own party, he was dubbed the “Blair of the steppes” after Tony Blair, UK prime minister.
Mr Enkhbayar also has other British ties. He has translated novels by Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens.
For all the military and symbolic overtones, Mr Bush’s trip was also about something simpler: presidential tourism. On the way from the airport, silhouettes of soldiers bordered the route. In downtown Ulan Bator, Mongolia’s Soviet roots were evident in the city’s architecture.
Mr Enkhbayar showed Mr Bush into a traditional ger, a circular felt-lined tent, overlooked by a towering statue of Genghis Khan.
Mr Bush seemed pleased to review 200 local police officers, sporting swords, long brown riding boots and bright costumes. That compared with his visible unease in Beijing when he reviewed the military troops in the Great Hall of the People.
Later, Mr Bush watched Mongol warriors on horseback, drank – tentatively – fermented mare’s milk, and listened to traditional throat singing.
As he ended his challenging week-long trip to four Asian countries, Mr Bush offered Mongolians his highest praise. “I feel very much at home in your country. This is a beautiful land, with huge skies and vast horizons – like my home state of Texas.”
Mongolia is also an active supporter of the liberation of Iraq and has sent troops. More importantly, Mongolia can be a potential counterweight to both Russia and China.
Genghiz Khan's homeland fnally rises out of obscurity and communism. This si great news for US foreign policy and stability in the heart of Central Asia.
"Throat singing" ping!
Counterweight, no. But a good place to base troops or pre-position equipment, if needed or desireable.
Ping to account of president's visit to Mongolia today
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If you look at the population of Mongolia its like a mosquito compare to Russia and China with about 2,5 million people.
Genghis Khan knew how to deal with resistance in Baghdad.
Looks like the guy that was doing shots with Karen Allen in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
bttt
Can we have a Great Wall along our southern border, too?
Tell that to the Chinese and the Russians. Despite having a population that numbered in the low hundred thousands, the Mongols conquered both China and Russia in the 13th century. And they ruled over both the Chinese and the Russians for 300 years at least after that!!
The Mongols have already proved that numbers don't matter when it comes to conflicts between nations.
"See, I told you sacking Baghdad would be fun."
See post # 10 ;)
I'm surprised the Mongolians had the guy in Genghis Khan-era battle gear appear with Bush in photos. Would have thought they'd be trying to project a more modern image.
BTTT
Damn, you owe me a new monitor.
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