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Petraeus scandal: a readers' guide to the clandestine soap opera and its cast Petraeus scandal: a readers' guide to the clandestine soap opera and its cast
(30 days later)
The scandal surrounding the resignation of former CIA director David Petraeus has turned from a merely unsettling news development into a bizarre and tawdry soap-operatic spectacle that has even the writers of Law & Order: SVU agog.The scandal surrounding the resignation of former CIA director David Petraeus has turned from a merely unsettling news development into a bizarre and tawdry soap-operatic spectacle that has even the writers of Law & Order: SVU agog.
It's also a story in which new details have emerged almost every hour, leaving many readers baffled and unable to keep up. Who is Jill Kelley? Why is Eric Cantor involved? 20,000 emails? How many generals was that, did you say?It's also a story in which new details have emerged almost every hour, leaving many readers baffled and unable to keep up. Who is Jill Kelley? Why is Eric Cantor involved? 20,000 emails? How many generals was that, did you say?
We've read all the stories and tried to piece together a timeline of what happened when. As more details come out in the case, these facts may be updated, so beware of taking any of the current picture as pure gospel. You should start with our comprehensive who's who to familiarize yourself with the main players.We've read all the stories and tried to piece together a timeline of what happened when. As more details come out in the case, these facts may be updated, so beware of taking any of the current picture as pure gospel. You should start with our comprehensive who's who to familiarize yourself with the main players.
Herewith, a guide to help you keep it all straight.Herewith, a guide to help you keep it all straight.
2002-20032002-2003
Jill and Scott Kelley, a well-to-do and highly social couple, either "move to Tampa", per the New York Times, or host an "extravagant evening of champagne, caviar and dinner" to "celebrate their decision to remain in Tampa", as Tampa Bay Magazine would have it.Jill and Scott Kelley, a well-to-do and highly social couple, either "move to Tampa", per the New York Times, or host an "extravagant evening of champagne, caviar and dinner" to "celebrate their decision to remain in Tampa", as Tampa Bay Magazine would have it.
The military is a huge presence in Tampa and, as a result, dominates the social scene. Over the next few years the Kelleys become "socialites" in Tampa. They will throw fundraisers for the military, endow a foundation to fund cancer research and become social fixtures. Jill Kelley will host military VIPs when they come through town. This fundraising work will apparently earn Jill Kelley the unpaid titles of "honorary consul" and "social liaison" to the local military. The Kelleys start what they call a cancer charity, although apparently its major costs are travel and entertainment, and only a small proportion of the money it raised appeared to go to research.The military is a huge presence in Tampa and, as a result, dominates the social scene. Over the next few years the Kelleys become "socialites" in Tampa. They will throw fundraisers for the military, endow a foundation to fund cancer research and become social fixtures. Jill Kelley will host military VIPs when they come through town. This fundraising work will apparently earn Jill Kelley the unpaid titles of "honorary consul" and "social liaison" to the local military. The Kelleys start what they call a cancer charity, although apparently its major costs are travel and entertainment, and only a small proportion of the money it raised appeared to go to research.
Jill Kelley and her twin sister, Natalie Khawam, tape an episode of a reality TV cooking show in 2003.Jill Kelley and her twin sister, Natalie Khawam, tape an episode of a reality TV cooking show in 2003.
20062006
Paula Broadwell, a West Point graduate, former army reserve officer, inveterate overachiever and married mother of two, meets General David Petraeus as he gives a talk at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where she is studying. Broadwell is both distractingly attractive – particularly in war zones, we are told – and extremely bright, at least enough to have been in intelligence herself. She is also an acolyte of Petraeus and goes on to write a biography of him, All In, that is later described as uncritical and flattering.Paula Broadwell, a West Point graduate, former army reserve officer, inveterate overachiever and married mother of two, meets General David Petraeus as he gives a talk at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where she is studying. Broadwell is both distractingly attractive – particularly in war zones, we are told – and extremely bright, at least enough to have been in intelligence herself. She is also an acolyte of Petraeus and goes on to write a biography of him, All In, that is later described as uncritical and flattering.
Petraeus is a highly decorated general whose innocent childhood nickname – Peaches – and disciplined, Boy-Scout reputation have earned him both the ardor of the press and the respect of the national security community, although his ambition did not go unnoticed either by his peers or his underlings.Petraeus is a highly decorated general whose innocent childhood nickname – Peaches – and disciplined, Boy-Scout reputation have earned him both the ardor of the press and the respect of the national security community, although his ambition did not go unnoticed either by his peers or his underlings.
For the entirety of the life of this scandal, the achievements of these two people will stand in marked contrast to the tawdriness of the details that follow.For the entirety of the life of this scandal, the achievements of these two people will stand in marked contrast to the tawdriness of the details that follow.
20082008
Petraeus takes over and runs the US Central Command in Tampa. He nominates John Allen as his deputy. "Two of the first people [Petraeus] met," in Tampa, according to the Tampa Bay Tribune, are Jill and Scott Kelley, a couple that maintain close ties to the military and help with fundraisers. Petraeus and Allen become close with the Kelleys.Petraeus takes over and runs the US Central Command in Tampa. He nominates John Allen as his deputy. "Two of the first people [Petraeus] met," in Tampa, according to the Tampa Bay Tribune, are Jill and Scott Kelley, a couple that maintain close ties to the military and help with fundraisers. Petraeus and Allen become close with the Kelleys.
20092009
February to May: Petraeus is diagnosed with and treated for early stage prostate cancer. He spends four to five days a week in Washington at the time. He notifies "the president, vice-president, secretaries of state and defense and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff," about his illness, according to CNN.February to May: Petraeus is diagnosed with and treated for early stage prostate cancer. He spends four to five days a week in Washington at the time. He notifies "the president, vice-president, secretaries of state and defense and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff," about his illness, according to CNN.
Broadwell starts visiting Tampa often to see Petraeus to research her dissertation. In November 2012, Kelley will say that she has been friends with Petraeus for "more than five years", but it's hard to verify that.Broadwell starts visiting Tampa often to see Petraeus to research her dissertation. In November 2012, Kelley will say that she has been friends with Petraeus for "more than five years", but it's hard to verify that.
20102010
January: Kelley and her husband throw a party on their lawn for Tampa's annual Gasparilla pirate fest, a kind of mini-Mardi Gras. Petraeus reportedly shows up with "a 28-cop motorcycle escort". Kelley "collected generals", according to the Daily Beast, and even convinced a special forces admiral to allow her to do a parachute jump with elite commandos. "Do not ever bring that lady back here again," he is reproached.January: Kelley and her husband throw a party on their lawn for Tampa's annual Gasparilla pirate fest, a kind of mini-Mardi Gras. Petraeus reportedly shows up with "a 28-cop motorcycle escort". Kelley "collected generals", according to the Daily Beast, and even convinced a special forces admiral to allow her to do a parachute jump with elite commandos. "Do not ever bring that lady back here again," he is reproached.
June: General Stanley McChrystal is forced to resign as commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan. Petraeus is pulled out of Tampa to take over McChrystal's job.June: General Stanley McChrystal is forced to resign as commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan. Petraeus is pulled out of Tampa to take over McChrystal's job.
Mid-2010 to mid-2011: Petraeus is in Afghanistan. He trades "near-daily emails" with Jill Kelley, all platonic and through official accounts monitored by his staff. Paula Broadwell visits Petraeus "several times for extended stays" while he is in Afghanistan, according to the Washington Post. She draws attention for her unusual access to Petraeus. This is when she decides to turn her dissertation into a book about Petraeus. The book is now ranked #517 on Amazon.Mid-2010 to mid-2011: Petraeus is in Afghanistan. He trades "near-daily emails" with Jill Kelley, all platonic and through official accounts monitored by his staff. Paula Broadwell visits Petraeus "several times for extended stays" while he is in Afghanistan, according to the Washington Post. She draws attention for her unusual access to Petraeus. This is when she decides to turn her dissertation into a book about Petraeus. The book is now ranked #517 on Amazon.
Jill Kelley and John Allen begin their ill-fated email correspondence.Jill Kelley and John Allen begin their ill-fated email correspondence.
20112011
April: Petraeus is announced as the new director of the CIA as Leon Panetta moves to take over the Department of Defense. There are questions about whether Petraeus will adapt to the CIA's unique culture, in which the "free spirits of the clandestine service" don't take kindly to military hierarchies.April: Petraeus is announced as the new director of the CIA as Leon Panetta moves to take over the Department of Defense. There are questions about whether Petraeus will adapt to the CIA's unique culture, in which the "free spirits of the clandestine service" don't take kindly to military hierarchies.
July: Allen is promoted to general and succeeds Petraeus as the top American commander in Afghanistan. He apparently maintains his flirtatious correspondence with Jill Kelley.July: Allen is promoted to general and succeeds Petraeus as the top American commander in Afghanistan. He apparently maintains his flirtatious correspondence with Jill Kelley.
September: Petraeus starts as director of the CIA. True to expectation, he is an awkward fit there; he doesn't like living in obscurity compared to his previous high profile, and the independent CIA operatives didn't like being bossed around. He has one major ally: deputy director Michael Morrell.September: Petraeus starts as director of the CIA. True to expectation, he is an awkward fit there; he doesn't like living in obscurity compared to his previous high profile, and the independent CIA operatives didn't like being bossed around. He has one major ally: deputy director Michael Morrell.
November: Petraeus and Broadwell begin their affair, according to associates of Petraeus. They set up a complicated system of communicating through a shared Gmail account. They drop messages into the "drafts" folder to avoid detection.November: Petraeus and Broadwell begin their affair, according to associates of Petraeus. They set up a complicated system of communicating through a shared Gmail account. They drop messages into the "drafts" folder to avoid detection.
20122012
April: Natalie Khawam, the twin sister of Jill Kelley, declares bankruptcy with debts of $3.6m, according to the Telegraph.April: Natalie Khawam, the twin sister of Jill Kelley, declares bankruptcy with debts of $3.6m, according to the Telegraph.
Spring: Five to 10 anonymous, harassing emails appear in Jill Kelley's shared email account with her husband. According to the Wall Street Journal – reporting in November – the emails ask Kelley if her husband was aware of her actions, and claimed to have seen her touching "him" under a table. The table and the man are not identified, and neither is the sender. Disparaging emails about Kelley, from the Gmail alias "KelleyPatrol", also appear in the inboxes of Petraeus's friends and military associates including Allen. "KelleyPatrol" is later determined to be an alias of Paula Broadwell.Spring: Five to 10 anonymous, harassing emails appear in Jill Kelley's shared email account with her husband. According to the Wall Street Journal – reporting in November – the emails ask Kelley if her husband was aware of her actions, and claimed to have seen her touching "him" under a table. The table and the man are not identified, and neither is the sender. Disparaging emails about Kelley, from the Gmail alias "KelleyPatrol", also appear in the inboxes of Petraeus's friends and military associates including Allen. "KelleyPatrol" is later determined to be an alias of Paula Broadwell.
May: Jill Kelley reaches out to an FBI agent she knows from a previous investigation. Sometime during their acquaintance, the FBI agent became besotted enough with her to send shirtless pictures of himself. Surprisingly, this brand of courting seemed not to work. However, the agent, hearing about Kelley's harassment problem, sends it to the FBI's cyber crimes unit.May: Jill Kelley reaches out to an FBI agent she knows from a previous investigation. Sometime during their acquaintance, the FBI agent became besotted enough with her to send shirtless pictures of himself. Surprisingly, this brand of courting seemed not to work. However, the agent, hearing about Kelley's harassment problem, sends it to the FBI's cyber crimes unit.
The Shirtless FBI Agent appears obsessed with the case, so he is barred from working on it or inquiring about it.The Shirtless FBI Agent appears obsessed with the case, so he is barred from working on it or inquiring about it.
Summer: The relationship between Petraeus and Broadwell "intensifies", according to the Wall Street Journal.Summer: The relationship between Petraeus and Broadwell "intensifies", according to the Wall Street Journal.
August/late summer: The relationship between Petraeus and Broadwell ends, according to Tampa Bay online, quoting a former army spokesman. (The Telegraph reported that the relationship ended in July.) Petraeus tells the spokesman that the decision was mutual. "It is my understanding that it was determined by both of them that this was not the right thing to be doing," the spokesman is quoted saying in Tampa Bay Online.August/late summer: The relationship between Petraeus and Broadwell ends, according to Tampa Bay online, quoting a former army spokesman. (The Telegraph reported that the relationship ended in July.) Petraeus tells the spokesman that the decision was mutual. "It is my understanding that it was determined by both of them that this was not the right thing to be doing," the spokesman is quoted saying in Tampa Bay Online.
The FBI investigators discover the link between Broadwell and Petraeus and tell US attorney general Eric Holder and senior officials at the FBI. They start talking about what kinds of charges, if any, could be brought against Broadwell or Petraeus.The FBI investigators discover the link between Broadwell and Petraeus and tell US attorney general Eric Holder and senior officials at the FBI. They start talking about what kinds of charges, if any, could be brought against Broadwell or Petraeus.
September 11: Libyan militants attack the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Ambassador Chris Stevens dies. At first the attack is blamed on an inflammatory anti-Muslim video, but later the causes become more obscure. The State Department, which usually protects US foreign missions, and the CIA, which used the consulate as a center of operations, have internal fights about responsibility for the security of the consulate.September 11: Libyan militants attack the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Ambassador Chris Stevens dies. At first the attack is blamed on an inflammatory anti-Muslim video, but later the causes become more obscure. The State Department, which usually protects US foreign missions, and the CIA, which used the consulate as a center of operations, have internal fights about responsibility for the security of the consulate.
September 20-22: Petraeus and Allen write letters of support for Natalie Khawam, Jill Kelley's twin, in her bitter divorce battle. They use their military titles and official letterhead.September 20-22: Petraeus and Allen write letters of support for Natalie Khawam, Jill Kelley's twin, in her bitter divorce battle. They use their military titles and official letterhead.
Late September: Broadwell turns over her computer to FBI agents and submits to interviews with FBI agents.Late September: Broadwell turns over her computer to FBI agents and submits to interviews with FBI agents.
October: The FBI finds classified documents on Paula Broadwell's computer. She denies getting them from Petraeus. The FBI is casting around for a crime and seems unwilling to press charges.October: The FBI finds classified documents on Paula Broadwell's computer. She denies getting them from Petraeus. The FBI is casting around for a crime and seems unwilling to press charges.
October 26: Broadwell gives a speech at the University of Denver and drops into the speech the tidbit that the US consulate in Bengahzi may have been attacked because the CIA was keeping Libyan militants detained there, and other militants were trying to break their comrades out. The CIA denies it, since detentions have been against Obama administration policy since 2009. "Some critics", according to the Wall Street Journal, consider it a potential breach of classified information, which is bizarre because not only was a version of it was reported by Fox News earlier that day, but also because of a logical inconsistency: if the information were false, and there were no detainees, how could it also be classified?October 26: Broadwell gives a speech at the University of Denver and drops into the speech the tidbit that the US consulate in Bengahzi may have been attacked because the CIA was keeping Libyan militants detained there, and other militants were trying to break their comrades out. The CIA denies it, since detentions have been against Obama administration policy since 2009. "Some critics", according to the Wall Street Journal, consider it a potential breach of classified information, which is bizarre because not only was a version of it was reported by Fox News earlier that day, but also because of a logical inconsistency: if the information were false, and there were no detainees, how could it also be classified?
The week of October 28 to November 3: The FBI interviews Petraeus, who also denies giving Broadwell any classified documents. He is also reportedly "shocked" at Broadwell's harassing, anonymous emails to Kelley. Although he now knows the FBI is aware of the affair, he hopes it will not become public and that he will be able to keep his job as CIA director, reports the Washington Post.The week of October 28 to November 3: The FBI interviews Petraeus, who also denies giving Broadwell any classified documents. He is also reportedly "shocked" at Broadwell's harassing, anonymous emails to Kelley. Although he now knows the FBI is aware of the affair, he hopes it will not become public and that he will be able to keep his job as CIA director, reports the Washington Post.
This same week, Shirtless FBI Agent becomes convinced that the case is going nowhere within the FBI and is being hushed up to help Barack Obama win re-election. He approaches congressman David Reichert, who refers him to congressman Eric Cantor, well-known as an adversary of the Obama administration. On October 31, Cantor calls FBI director Robert Mueller and informs him of the investigation. While this doesn't affect the investigation, FBI sources tell reporters, it does make it clear that the affair will become public and that Petraeus has no chance of keeping it quiet.This same week, Shirtless FBI Agent becomes convinced that the case is going nowhere within the FBI and is being hushed up to help Barack Obama win re-election. He approaches congressman David Reichert, who refers him to congressman Eric Cantor, well-known as an adversary of the Obama administration. On October 31, Cantor calls FBI director Robert Mueller and informs him of the investigation. While this doesn't affect the investigation, FBI sources tell reporters, it does make it clear that the affair will become public and that Petraeus has no chance of keeping it quiet.
November 6: Election day. James Clapper, director of national intelligence, urges Petraeus to resign from the CIA.November 6: Election day. James Clapper, director of national intelligence, urges Petraeus to resign from the CIA.
November 7: Obama is told about the Petraeus issue. He is "surprised" and wants to think about it overnight.November 7: Obama is told about the Petraeus issue. He is "surprised" and wants to think about it overnight.
November 9: MSNBC reports that Petraeus has resigned. This is the first the public has heard of the scandal. It is also the first that Congress has heard of it. Members of Congress are livid at being kept out of the loop.November 9: MSNBC reports that Petraeus has resigned. This is the first the public has heard of the scandal. It is also the first that Congress has heard of it. Members of Congress are livid at being kept out of the loop.
November 10: Kelley calls 911 to report prowlers on her property, trying to push their way through the door. She suggests to the operator that she may have "diplomatic inviolability" because of her honorary consul title, which she also advertises on the license plate on her Mercedes. A retired colonel explains to the Fox affiliate in Tampa that an honorary consul is a courtesy title with no official benefits, like an honorary doctorate.November 10: Kelley calls 911 to report prowlers on her property, trying to push their way through the door. She suggests to the operator that she may have "diplomatic inviolability" because of her honorary consul title, which she also advertises on the license plate on her Mercedes. A retired colonel explains to the Fox affiliate in Tampa that an honorary consul is a courtesy title with no official benefits, like an honorary doctorate.
November 12: FBI agents raid the upscale home of Paula Broadwell, carrying out her Mac and boxes of documents. (Fun fact: Broadwell lives in the same area as Rielle Hunter, the former mistress of senator John Edwards.) Broadwell hires Robert F Muse as her lawyer, according to the Washington Post. Muse is, per ABC News, a former Watergate lawyer and skilled in espionage cases. USA Today reports that Kelley has also hired a lawyer, Abbe Lowell, who defended Bill Clinton in his impeachment trial, along with a public relations person, Judy Smith, who represented Monica Lewinsky. Given the legal and crisis heavyweights in play here, it is likely the scandal has the potential to grow even bigger than we currently know. Indeed, Paula Broadwell's father, Jerry Kranz, tells the Daily News that "this is about something else entirely, and the truth will come out".November 12: FBI agents raid the upscale home of Paula Broadwell, carrying out her Mac and boxes of documents. (Fun fact: Broadwell lives in the same area as Rielle Hunter, the former mistress of senator John Edwards.) Broadwell hires Robert F Muse as her lawyer, according to the Washington Post. Muse is, per ABC News, a former Watergate lawyer and skilled in espionage cases. USA Today reports that Kelley has also hired a lawyer, Abbe Lowell, who defended Bill Clinton in his impeachment trial, along with a public relations person, Judy Smith, who represented Monica Lewinsky. Given the legal and crisis heavyweights in play here, it is likely the scandal has the potential to grow even bigger than we currently know. Indeed, Paula Broadwell's father, Jerry Kranz, tells the Daily News that "this is about something else entirely, and the truth will come out".
November 13: Defense secretary Leon Panetta says Allen is under investigation for his emails to Kelly, which are described as "flirtatious" and "the email equivalent of phone sex". An unnamed official quoted in news stories suggests there were 20,000 to 30,000 emails shared between Allen and Jill Kelley.November 13: Defense secretary Leon Panetta says Allen is under investigation for his emails to Kelly, which are described as "flirtatious" and "the email equivalent of phone sex". An unnamed official quoted in news stories suggests there were 20,000 to 30,000 emails shared between Allen and Jill Kelley.
Allen's expected promotion to head of Nato forces is delayed, though someone else is being promoted into his old job. A White House press conference reveals that the president "thinks very highly of Allen and his service to country", which, to untrained ears, sounds like the thing you say to someone to soften the blow before breaking up with him.Allen's expected promotion to head of Nato forces is delayed, though someone else is being promoted into his old job. A White House press conference reveals that the president "thinks very highly of Allen and his service to country", which, to untrained ears, sounds like the thing you say to someone to soften the blow before breaking up with him.
The scandal, now too complicated for most people to follow, starts to require visual explainers, most littered with arrows.The scandal, now too complicated for most people to follow, starts to require visual explainers, most littered with arrows.
It is revealed that Jill Kelley and her husband have millions in debt, including a house that is near foreclosure.It is revealed that Jill Kelley and her husband have millions in debt, including a house that is near foreclosure.
November 14: Panetta says he is committed to giving Allen "the benefit of the doubt" about the alleged inappropriate emails with Kelley, and sources indicate to the Wall Street Journal that Allen's confirmation may yet go through.November 14: Panetta says he is committed to giving Allen "the benefit of the doubt" about the alleged inappropriate emails with Kelley, and sources indicate to the Wall Street Journal that Allen's confirmation may yet go through.
A congressional briefing on Benghazi and, now, the Petraeus affair is scheduled. Representatives will be briefed by FBI deputy director Sean Joyce and acting CIA director Michael Morell.A congressional briefing on Benghazi and, now, the Petraeus affair is scheduled. Representatives will be briefed by FBI deputy director Sean Joyce and acting CIA director Michael Morell.
November 15: A previously scheduled hearing of both the House and Senate intelligence committees on Benghazi. Petraeus was scheduled to testify, although now that job will be taken by acting CIA director Michael Morell.November 15: A previously scheduled hearing of both the House and Senate intelligence committees on Benghazi. Petraeus was scheduled to testify, although now that job will be taken by acting CIA director Michael Morell.
Now that you're caught up, take the Guardian's Petraeus scandal quiz to test your knowledge. Familiarity of the trivia of this case will be useful at dinner parties for months to come.Now that you're caught up, take the Guardian's Petraeus scandal quiz to test your knowledge. Familiarity of the trivia of this case will be useful at dinner parties for months to come.
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