Op Reis Met Hillary Clinton (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
An intriguing story, from a very unique perspective. I occasionally found the language to be a bit flat and repetitive. I can’t tell you the number of times I read “pants suit” in this book or noted a particular word used more than once in the same paragraph. Still, it’s unlikely that you’ll find another truly inside look at the complex world of foreign relations and Hillary Clinton’s role as Secretary of State. Wow. Thanks to Gret for suggesting this read! Amazing perspective from the author, Kim, who traveled with Hillary around the world for four years as a reporter in Hillary's traveling press corp. Kim writes for the BBC. She was born in Beirut and offers a unique perspective.I purposely do not keep up with world news and politics. You never get the whole story and I refuse to form opinions based on half truths and incomplete information. I learned a lot about what has happened in the world between 2008 and 2012 from this book! Seriously! I learned a lot about Washington making foreign policy and the relentless tasks always at hand for those involved. Author, Kim, validated my thoughts that people are so often disappointed with the US because of their unrealistic expectations as to what the US can and should do. I have a much better understanding of the world leaders and the relationships among the countries.I loved this quote: "The people can never understand why the president does not use his supposedly great power to make 'em behave," President Harry Truman had once complained, "Well, all the President is, is a glorified public relations man who spends his time flattering, kissing and kicking people to get them to do what they are supposed to do anyway."And this one too "This is the irony here," an American official complained to me. "On the one hand, we're being accused of dominating everything and dictating everything. On the other hand, we're being accused of not dictating everything and dominating everything."Foreign policy is complicated and many choices appear to be based on whether the national security of the States is going to be affected or not. It's tricky business and not one I would want a hand in. Hillary is deeply rooted in human rights.I don't care whether you hate Hillary, or you love her, you should read this book. This is an unbiased, written as she (Kim) saw and interacted with Hillary, kind of book. That woman (Hillary) is a hard worker and she knows how to build relationships with key people in other countries. She worked her tail off as Secretary of State, there's no doubt about that. And she comes across as sincere, concerned, personable and frank. I would love to meet her.Very well written, I loved every word of it. I feel inspired and educated for having read it. While we get an insider's peek into Hillary and all the work she did with her team and all the foreign leaders they dealt with, the underlying reason for the book is for the author to learn what exactly happened while she was living in Beirut. She wanted to know why the US had abandoned Lebanon in 1984 and the years to follow. It is a learning process for her as she asks questions and finds answers and gets her own peek into foreign policy making, in the making!
What do You think about Op Reis Met Hillary Clinton (2013)?
Really enjoyed the perspective of the Lebanese author on American foreign policy.
—Steven
More of a memoir of the author, Kim Ghattas, vs. what was going on with Hillary.
—coomer73
great view of the world leaders and how american diplomacy works.
—frog01
Made me like and respect Hillary even more.
—Bekah10
