Clinton book: Bergdahl release always sought

Source: AP-Excite

By MATTHEW LEE and KEN THOMAS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton writes in her new book that the Obama administration demanded the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in every discussion it ever held with the Taliban about prisoners.

The former secretary of state also says in the book, "Hard Choices," to be released Tuesday, that she recommended that President Barack Obama end the decades-long U.S. embargo on Cuba to force Fidel and Raul Castro into democratic change.

CBS News, which obtained a copy of the book, reports that Clinton says there wouldn't be any agreement about releasing Taliban prisoners without Bergdahl's release. The swap of Bergdahl for five Taliban prisoners has drawn criticism in Congress from lawmakers who say they weren't properly notified.

In excerpts obtained by The Associated Press, Clinton says that congressional lawmakers opposing a restoration of full ties with Cuba are bent on maintaining a "deep freeze" that is not sustainable or reasonable. She says she believed that "people-to-people engagement was the best way to encourage reform in Cuba."

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Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140606/hillary_clinton-39ca05232a.html

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FILE -This May 6, 2014 file photo shows Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaking in National Harbor, Md. Clinton says she knows she has a decision to make about running to be the first female president, and believes "we need to break down that highest, hardest glass ceiling in American politics." But for now, the former first lady tells People Magazine, she wants to enjoy the moment as she considers, "what I think is right for me." The interview comes a few days ahead of the release of Clinton's new book on her days as President Barack Obama's secretary of state. She tells People Magazine that she remains "concerned about what I see happening in the country and the world." (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)