Ecuador - a refuge for the whistle blowers?

Ecuador is emerging as the new asylum for famous people. From Julian Assange to Edward Snowden, Ecuador seems to be the chosen place. I wonder why. Snowden landed in Hong Kong to blow his whistle. If Ecuador proves to be what Assange believes, the next time, whistle blowers will land in Ecuador for doing their job. This indeed is an interesting development. Ecuador a small country with practically no army, and has nothing in their cards against powers that be, need to protect these huge personalities. Seriously, who can protect these people who are working for the freedom of the people? I think everyone is waiting for the day when American people will wake up and say enough is enough. Till then, lets see what Ecuador can do.