Hillary Clinton to pen ‘ultimate book’ on world affairs

Hillary Clinton, whose every move is being scrutinized for signs that she might make a 2016 presidential run, announced Thursday she’s penning a book outlining her views on the United States’ role in the world. The ex-secretary of state’s first book since leaving office will be published by Simon & Schuster in the summer of 2014, midway through President Barack Obama’s final term, the publisher said. “This will be the ultimate book for people who are interested in world affairs and America’s place in the world today,” said Jonathan Karp, publisher of Simon & Schuster Publishing Group, and who is set to edit the work himself. No title was announced, nor details of how much former president Bill Clinton’s wife would be paid. The publisher’s CEO Carolyn Reidy said Hillary Clinton would “bring readers worldwide her unique insights into the most dramatic events and critically important issues of our time.” Topics covered will include the killing of Osama bin Laden, the US pullouts from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Arab Spring revolts, and the rise of China. Broad issues including the role of women and girls, climate change, and human rights will also be addressed, the publisher said in a statement. “And she will share her views as to what it takes for the United States to secure and sustain prosperity and global leadership. Throughout, Secretary Clinton will offer vivid personal anecdotes and memories of her collaboration with President Obama and his National Security team, as well as her engagement with leaders around the world,” the statement said. Clinton has stayed coy about her plans in 2016, but she is seen as a clear frontrunner this time, having lost the Democratic nomination in 2008 to Obama, who went on to become America’s first black president. Polls show that Clinton, who would be 69 in 2016, has strong support among Democrats should she bid to become the first woman elected to the White House.