Search
pacific forum History of Pacific Forum

PacNet #82 – For Mongolia, Two Symbolic Steps in the Wrong Direction

Two recent developments in Mongolia provide insight into the country’s political and economic development. First, a jury sentenced former Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar to four years in prison on corruption charges. The charges ranged from the very serious (millions of dollars stolen from Mongolia’s Erdenet Mining Corporation) to the absurd (illegal use of just over $100 in office equipment in 2000). While Enkhbayar can appeal, it seems very likely he will spend at least some time in jail.