News Analysis India

Tag: White House

  • Not Too Many More Vibrant Democracies In The World Than India: White House | world news

    Washington: Applauding the people of India for exercising their right to vote, the White House on Friday said there are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India.

    “Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India. And we applaud the Indian people for exercising, you know, their ability to vote, and to have a voice in their future government. And we wish them well throughout the process, of course,” White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here.

    Kirby was responding to a question on the ongoing Indian elections, wherein over 969 million people are exercising their right to franchise at one million polling stations to elect 545 members of parliament from thousands of candidates representing as many as 2,660 registered political parties.

    Responding to another question, Kirby said the India-US relationship has strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular during the last three years of the Biden administration. “Our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer,” he said.

    “You saw it on a State visit (last visit). We launched all kinds of new initiatives, working on critical emerging technologies together, and bolstering and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific quad, of course, which India is a part of. And then, just the people to people exchanges, and the military that we share with India,” Kirby said.

    “It’s a very vibrant, very active partnership. We are grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” said the White House official.

    When asked if President Joe Biden believes that India and Japan are xenophobic countries, he replied in the negative and said the president was recently making a broader point.

    “I mean, the president was making a broader point here about the vibrancy of our own democracy, here in the United States, and how inclusive and participatory it is,” Kirby said.

  • ET Roundtable I EAM Jaishankar counters Biden’s ‘India Xenophobic’ remarks – The Economic Times Video

    US President Joe Biden faced criticism from around the world after he referred to Japan and India as ‘xenophobic’ and grouped India and Japan together with Russia and China as countries that ‘don’t want immigrants’. In response to these claims of xenophobia and concerns about the Indian economy, EAM S Jaishankar addressed these issues during the ET Roundtable on May 5, 2024.

  • US To Impose New Sanctions Against Iran Following Attack On Israel | world news

    Washington: White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that the US will impose new sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programs and new sanctions against entities backing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Defense Ministry in the coming days.

    In a statement, Sullivan said, “Following Iran’s unprecedented air attack against Israel, President Biden is coordinating with allies and partners, including the G7, and with bipartisan leaders in Congress, on a comprehensive response.”

    “In the coming days, the United States will impose new sanctions targeting Iran, including its missile and drone program as well as new sanctions against entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Defense Ministry,” he added.

    Jake Sullivan said that the US also expects its allies and partners to impose sanctions against Iran. He said that the US continues to work to further strengthen and expand the successful integration of air and missile defense and early warning systems across the Middle East to further erode the effectiveness of Iran’s missile and UAV capabilities.

    Sullivan said, “We anticipate that our allies and partners will soon be following with their own sanctions. In addition, we continue to work through the Department of Defense and US Central Command to further strengthen and expand the successful integration of air and missile defense and early warning systems across the Middle East to further erode the effectiveness of Iran’s missile and UAV capabilities.”

    He noted that the new sanctions and other measures will continue a “steady drumbeat of pressure” to contain and degrade Iran’s military capacity and effectiveness and confront the full range of its problematic behaviours. He recalled that the US, in the past three years, in addition to missile and drone-related sanctions, has imposed sanctions against more than 600 individuals and entities connected to terrorism.

    Jake Sullivan said, “Over the last three years, in addition to missile and drone-related sanctions, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities connected to terrorism, terrorist financing and other forms of illicit trade, horrific human rights abuses, and Support for proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah.

    “We will not hesitate to continue to take action, in coordination with allies and partners around the world, and with Congress, to hold the Iranian government accountable for its malicious and destabilizing actions,” he added.

    On April 14, US President Joe Biden met with the national security team for updates on Iran’s attacks against Israel, calling its commitment to Israel’s security against threats from proxies and Iran “ironclad.”

    In the wake of Iranian drone strikes on Israel on Saturday, Biden held a meeting with his national security team. In a post on

    Earlier on Saturday, Iran launched several drones and missiles toward Israel in retaliation for the alleged Israeli air strike on its consulate in Syria that resulted in the killing of Iran’s three top generals, The Times of Israel reported.

    On Sunday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also said that 99 per cent of the 300 or so projectiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight were intercepted by air defenses. “The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, combined with a strong fighting coalition, which together intercepted the vast majority of the threats,” Hagari said. In addition, Hagari said that Iran fired 120 ballistic missiles at Israel. “As you can see now, the base is functioning and continues to perform its tasks. In the picture, you can see the runway at Nevatim,” he said, showing live footage from the airbase.”

    Lauding Israeli forces for intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Sunday that it was an “incredible military achievement” by Israel.

    In his remarks at the NBC News ‘Meet The Press’, Kirby said that the action taken by Israel demonstrates an extraordinary example of military superiority. He stated that the action shows that Israel has friends. He said that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself.

    Asked about the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement that 99 per cent of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israeli and US forces, Kirby responded, “Where things stand this morning is just an incredible military achievement by Israel and quite frankly the United States and other partners that helped Israel defend itself against more than three hundred drones and missiles. I mean, it’s just an extraordinary example of military superiority that Israel demonstrated to the whole world last night.”

    “And I think Israel also demonstrated that it has friends, that it’s not standing alone. That it’s not isolated on the world stage. Now, whether and how the Israelis will respond? That’s going to be up to them. We understand and respect that. But, the President’s been very clear: We’re not looking for escalation here.

  •  President Biden, wife to host ‘Ted Lasso’ cast to promote mental health

    By Associated Press

    WILMINGTON: President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host the cast of the TV series “Ted Lasso” at the White House on Monday to promote mental health and well-being.

    President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Jason Sudeikis (Photo | IANS)

    Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character — an American coaching a soccer team in London — and other members of the cast will meet with the Bidens “to discuss the importance of addressing your mental health to promote overall wellbeing,” the White House said. The third season of the Emmy-winning, feel-good Apple TV+ series began streaming last week.

    A White House official said the Bidens had seen some of the show and are familiar with its “message of positivity, hope, kindness, and empathy.” Cast members expected to be in attendance include Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Toheeb Jimoh, Cristo Fernandez, Kola Bokinni, Billy Harris, and James Lance.

    Brett Goldstein, from left, Toheeb Jimoh, Hannah Waddingham, Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, all members of the cast of “Ted Lasso,” pose for a portrait at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles on March 6, 2023. (File Photo | AP)

    Biden has previously called on lawmakers in both parties to expand resources to fight the “mental health crisis” in the nation as part of his “ unity agenda.” His administration has surged funding to bolster the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and expand school-based mental health professionals.

    WILMINGTON: President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host the cast of the TV series “Ted Lasso” at the White House on Monday to promote mental health and well-being.

    President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Jason Sudeikis (Photo | IANS)

    Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character — an American coaching a soccer team in London — and other members of the cast will meet with the Bidens “to discuss the importance of addressing your mental health to promote overall wellbeing,” the White House said. The third season of the Emmy-winning, feel-good Apple TV+ series began streaming last week.

    A White House official said the Bidens had seen some of the show and are familiar with its “message of positivity, hope, kindness, and empathy.” Cast members expected to be in attendance include Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, Toheeb Jimoh, Cristo Fernandez, Kola Bokinni, Billy Harris, and James Lance.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Brett Goldstein, from left, Toheeb Jimoh, Hannah Waddingham, Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, all members of the cast of “Ted Lasso,” pose for a portrait at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles on March 6, 2023. (File Photo | AP)

    Biden has previously called on lawmakers in both parties to expand resources to fight the “mental health crisis” in the nation as part of his “ unity agenda.” His administration has surged funding to bolster the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and expand school-based mental health professionals.

  • Actor McConaughey calls for gun legislation at White House

    By Associated Press

    WASHINGTON: Academy Award–winning actor Matthew McConaughey made an appearance at the White House on Tuesday to call on Congress to “reach a higher ground” and pass gun control legislation in honour of the children and teachers killed in last month’s shooting rampage at an elementary school in his hometown of Uvalde, Texas.

    In a highly personal 22-minute speech, McConaughey exhorted a gridlocked Congress to pass gun reforms that can save lives without infringing on Second Amendment rights.

    McConaughey, a gun owner himself, used his star power to make an argument for legislation in a fashion that the Biden administration has not been able to muster, offering a clear connection to the small Texas town and vividly detailing the sheer loss of the 19 children and two teachers in the second-worst mass school shooting in US history.

    He specifically called on Congress to bolster background checks for gun purchases and raise the minimum age to purchase an AR-15-style rifle to 21 from 18.

    “We want secure and safe schools and we want gun laws that won’t make it so easy for the bad guys to get the damn guns,” McConaughey said.

    McConaughey, who earlier this year considered a run for governor of Texas before taking a pass, met briefly in private with President Joe Biden before addressing the White House press corps from the James Brady briefing room.

    McConaughey has also met with key lawmakers this week, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that handles gun legislation, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, and the panel’s ranking Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa.

    Also on Tuesday, the son of Ruth Whitfield, an 86-year-old woman killed when a gunman opened fire in a racist attack on Black shoppers in Buffalo, New York, last month, called on Congress to act against the “cancer of white supremacy” and the nation’s epidemic of gun violence.

    “Is there nothing that you personally are willing to do to stop the cancer of white supremacy and the domestic terrorism it inspires?” Garnell Whitfield Jr. asked members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    McConaughey, who declined to take questions, spoke of his own connections to the town. He said his mother taught kindergarten less than a mile from Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School, the site of the May 24 shooting. He also noted that Uvalde was the place where he was taught about the responsibilities that come with gun ownership.

    “Uvalde is where I was taught to revere the power and the capability of the tool that we call a gun,” he said.

    McConaughey said he and his wife drove back to Uvalde on the day after the shooting and spent time with the families of some of the victims and others directly affected by the rampage. He said every parent he spoke to expressed that “they want their children’s dreams to live on.”

    “They want to make their loss of life matter,” McConaughey said.

    He related the personal stories of a number of the victims.

    He told the story of Maite Rodriguez, an aspiring marine biologist. McConaughey’s wife, Camila, sitting nearby, held Maite’s green Converse sneakers, which had a red heart on the right toe to represent her love of nature.

    “These are the same green Converse, on her feet, that turned out to be the only clear evidence that could identify her after the shooting,” McConaughey said.

    He held up artwork from Alithia Ramirez, who dreamed of attending art school in Paris. And then there was Eliahna “Ellie” Garcia, who loved dancing and church and already knew how to drive tractors. Ellie was looking forward to reading a Bible verse at an upcoming church service when she was killed.

    McConaughey acknowledged that gun legislation would not end mass shootings but suggested that steps can be taken to lessen the chances of such tragedies happening so frequently.

    “We need to invest in mental healthcare. We need safer schools. We need to restrain sensationalized media coverage. We need to restore our family values. We need to restore our American values and we need responsible gun ownership,” McConaughey said.

    “Is this a cure-all? Hell no, but people are hurting.”

  • Situation in Ukraine “very worrisome”: PM Modi at virtual meeting with President Biden

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: President Joe Biden on Monday said the US and India will continue consultations to cope with the “destabilising” effects of the Russian war in Ukraine during a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who highlighted the need for direct talks between President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart to resolve the crisis.

    In his televised opening remarks, Modi called the situation in Ukraine “very worrisome” and hoped that the ongoing dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv will lead to peace.

    A readout by the White House said Modi and Biden discussed the “destabilising impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a particular focus on global food supply”.

    In his remarks, Modi said the recent reports of killings of innocent civilians in Bucha city were very concerning and that India immediately condemned it and demanded a fair investigation.

    The prime minister referred to his phone conversations with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents and said he suggested to Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart.

    The virtual meeting came in the midst of some disquiet in Washington over India’s position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.

    In his remarks Biden talked about the strong India-US defence partnership, stressing that both the countries are going to “continue our close consultation on how to manage the destabilizing effects of this Russian war”.

    “Our today’s talks are taking place at a time when the situation in Ukraine remains very worrisome. Till a few weeks ago, more than 20,000 Indians were stranded in Ukraine. And most of these were young students,” Modi said.

    The prime minister also noted that an Indian student lost his life in Ukraine. “After a lot of hard work, we were able to get them out of there safely, although one student lost his life. Throughout this development, I spoke on the phone several times with the Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia,” he said.

    “Not only did I appeal for peace, but I also suggested President Putin to have direct talks with the President of Ukraine. The subject of Ukraine has been discussed in great detail in our Parliament as well,” Modi added.

    The Modi-Biden meeting took place ahead of the fourth India-US ‘2+2’ dialogue in Washington which will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the Indian side and their US counterparts, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony J Blinken.

    Singh, Jaishankar, Austin and Blinken were at the White House during the Modi-Biden talks.

    “The two leaders had an extensive exchange of views on several regional and global issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic recovery, climate action, recent developments in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, and the situation in Ukraine,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

    It said Modi and Biden also took stock of the significant progress made in bilateral relations in recent years.

    “Both leaders agreed that further strengthening of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership would be of tremendous benefit to the two countries, and would also contribute to global peace, prosperity and stability,” it said.

    In his remarks, Biden said continued consultation and dialogue between India and the US are key to ensuring that the relationship keeps growing “deeper and stronger delivering our people and our global good that we all are seeking to manage particularly in your part of the world.”

    “I want to welcome India’s humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine who are suffering the horrific assault including a tragic shelling on a train station last week that killed dozens of innocent children, women and civilians attempting to flee the violence,” Biden said.

    “The root of our partnership is a deep connection between our people, ties of family, of friendship and of shared values,” the US president said.

    At the meeting, Modi also talked about India’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

    “We have also placed importance on the safety of civilian people in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them and which you have just mentioned in the beginning,” Modi said.

    “On our behalf, we have sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. And on the demand of Ukraine we are sending another consignment of medicines very soon,” he said.

    The prime minister also referred to Biden’s slogan at the very beginning of his that ‘democracies can deliver’. “The success of India-US partnership is the best way to make this slogan meaningful,” he said.

    Referring to the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, Modi said he was confident that India-US friendship will be an integral part of India’s development journey for the next 25 years.

    “In September last year, when I came to Washington, and which you have just mentioned, you said that the India-US partnership can contribute to resolving many global problems. I completely agree with you,” Modi said. “As the world’s two largest and oldest democracies, we are natural partners,” he said.

    The White House said the two leaders committed to strengthening the US-India relationship through cooperation on clean energy, technology and military cooperation, and expanded economic and people-to-people ties.

    “They also committed to continuing cooperation — bilaterally and multilaterally — on ending the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening global health security, advancing global food security, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it said.

    “They emphasized their shared commitment, as leaders of the world’s largest democracies, to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” the White House said.

    Unlike its Quad partner countries, India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it abstained from the votes at the UN platforms on the Russian aggression.

    India has been pressing for an immediate cessation of violence in Ukraine and seeking a resolution of the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.

    Modi has held phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, March 2 and March 7. He had also spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice.

    In a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on April 1, Modi conveyed that India stands ready to contribute in any way to the peace efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

  • Netflix announces new murder-mystery series The Residence

    By Express News Service

    Netflix has announced the murder-mystery series The Residence and it will be executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. The series is described is set in the White House and it will be based on the 2015 book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower, and the season will consist of eight episodes. According to reports, the series will also feature an eccentric detective, but there’s no word on who will be playing it.

    Rhimes will executive produce the series through her Shondaland production company. She is well-known for creating ABC’s medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Her other recent work includes Inventing Anna and Bridgerton for Netflix. Paul William Davies will be the showrunner for The Residence.

    Apart from this, Rhimes is also working on a limited series that will serve as a prequel to Bridgerton. In addition to the prequel, Netflix has also ordered a third and fourth season of Bridgerton. In 2021, Rhimes renewed her deal with Netflix to continue making series for the streaming service. No official release date has been announced for when The Residence will premiere on Netflix.  

  • PM Narendra Modi departs for three-day visit to US

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day visit to the United States on Wednesday where he will address the UN General Assembly and attend the Quad Summit as well as hold a bilateral meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House.

    Biden will host PM Modi at the White House on September 24, this is going to be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.

    As per the statement issued by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, PM Modi and President Biden are expected to discuss ways to stem radicalisation and combat terrorism. They are also expected to discuss ways to bolster defence, trade ties, security collaborations and clean energy partnership among others,”

    ALSO READ| UNGA address will focus on COVID, need to combat terrorism: PM Modi

    PM Modi and Biden will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan. PM Modi will also hold business interactions during his US visit from September 22-25.

    Prime Minister Modi will attend the first in-person summit of the Quad hosted by the US President on Friday, which will be attended by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia.

    PM Modi will address the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of 76th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25 in New York.

    The theme for this year’s general debate is building resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainability, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalise the United Nations.

    ALSO WATCH |

    While addressing the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister will dwell on the important issues, including the regional situation, cross border terrorism, global efforts to combat COVID-19 and climate change and the need to reform multilateral institutions.

    Another element of the Prime Minister’s visit would be bilateral meetings with our close partners Japan and Australia where he will hold several bilateral meetings including with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

    PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials including Shringla. This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

  • White House ‘offered a call’ to Nicki Minaj to answer queries about her COVID-19 vaccine concerns

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: The White House has offered to answer Grammy-nominated rapper Nicki Minaj’s questions about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

    The 38-year-old artist took to Twitter on Wednesday and said that she had been invited to the White House after she posted controversial tweets earlier this week about vaccine side effects.

    “The White House has invited me & I think it’s a step in the right direction,” she tweeted.

    She added, “Yes, I’m going. I’ll be dressed in all pink like Legally Blonde so they know I mean business. I’ll ask questions on behalf of the ppl who have been made fun of for simply being human.”

    The White House has invited me & I think it’s a step in the right direction. Yes, I’m going. I’ll be dressed in all pink like Legally Blonde so they know I mean business. I’ll ask questions on behalf of the ppl who have been made fun of for simply being human. #BallGate day 3 https://t.co/PSa3WcEjH3
    — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 15, 2021
    However, despite Minaj’s tweet about a meeting, a White House official told People magazine that the administration reached out to her for public health education over the phone.

    “As we have with others, we offered a call with Nicki Minaj and one of our doctors to answer questions she has about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine,” the official said.

    On Monday, Minaj had said that she would not be attending the Met Gala 2021 because of the fashion event’s vaccine requirement to attend.

    “They want you to get vaccinated for the Met,” she tweeted.

    “if I get vaccinated it won’t [be] for the Met. It’ll be once I feel I’ve done enough research. I’m working on that now. In the meantime my loves, be safe. Wear the mask with 2 strings that grips your head & face. Not that loose one,” she added.

    She followed up the tweet by sharing a story about a family member’s friend who she claimed “became impotent” after getting vaccinated.

    “My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent. His testicles became swollen,” she wrote.

    She added in her tweet, “His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding. So just pray on it & make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied.”

    However, the health minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Terrence Deyalsingh, denied Minaj’s claim that her cousin’s friend developed swollen testicles and became impotent from a COVID-19 vaccine after he spent the day clarifying if it was possible.

    As per People magazine, in a press conference, Dr Deyalsingh apologised for his delay in responding to Minaj’s claims, explaining that they “had to check and make sure that what she was claiming was either true or false.”

    “We unfortunately wasted so much time yesterday running down this false claim. As far as we know, at this point in time, there has been no such reported either side effect or adverse effect,” Deyalsingh said.

    “As we stand now, there is absolutely no reported such side effect or adverse event of testicular swelling in Trinidad or … anywhere. None that we know of anywhere else in the world,” he added.

    Deyalsingh also expressed his frustration that he had to investigate Minaj’s claim.

    “What was sad about this, is that it wasted our time yesterday, trying to track [it] down. Because we take all these claims seriously, whether it’s on social media or mainstream media,” he said.

    Minaj also said on Monday that she had contracted COVID-19 while working on a music video shoot. While telling a follower that she recommends vaccination for those who need it for their jobs, she added that she’ll probably get the vaccine herself in order to go on tour.

    Minaj faced backlash following her comments on the vaccine, resulting in additional heated Twitter responses to former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan, and Meghan McCain.

  • Hillary Clinton to co-write thriller on state of terror, here are the details!

    By PTI
    NEW YORK: Former US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and her long-time friend Louise Penny will come out with a novel “State of Terror” which will be published on October 12 by Pan Macmillan India.

    The story follows a novice Secretary of State who has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage.

    A series of terrorist attacks throws the global order into disarray, and the Secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy, a scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in the places where it counts the most.

    This high-stakes thriller of international intrigue features behind-the-scenes global drama informed by details only an insider could know, the publishers said.

    “When it was suggested my friend Hillary and I write a political thriller together, I could not say yes fast enough,” says Penny.

    “What an incredible experience, to get inside the State Department. Inside the White House. Inside the mind of the Secretary of State as high stake crises explode. Before we started, we talked about her time as Secretary of State. What was her worst nightmare? ‘State of Terror’ is the answer,” she says.

    Clinton adds, “Writing a thriller with Louise is a dream come true. I’ve relished every one of her books and their characters, as well as her friendship. Now we’re joining our experiences to explore the complex world of high stakes diplomacy and treachery. All is not as it first appears.”

    Jeremy Trevathan, Pan Macmillan publisher, says the “scope, ingenuity and ambition reflect the strength of the creative chemistry” that exists between Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny.

    “It’s a unique pairing of global real life experience at the highest level and brilliantly honed narrative craft.

    The characters, their nuanced backstories and the tense, all-too-believable plot leap off the page.

    ” Hillary Clinton, the first woman in US history to become the presidential nominee of a major political party, served as the 67th Secretary of State after nearly four decades in public service advocating on behalf of children and families as an attorney, First Lady, and US Senator.

    Penny’s “Chief Inspector Armand Gamache” novels have been translated into several languages.

    In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture.