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http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/24/2953553/petraeus-bio-takes-a-close-look.html

Petraeus, war and a final mission - Charlotte’s Paula Broadwell , a counterterrorism expert, turns her dissertation into biography.

Charlotte Observer, The (NC) - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

By Pam Kelley

As her new biography of one of America’s best-known living generals goes on sale today, Charlotte’s Paula Broadwell adds another accomplishment to her resume - big-time writer.

Broadwell, a counterterrorism expert, is author of “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus.”

She lives in Dilworth with her husband, radiologist Scott Broadwell, and their sons, Landon and Lucien. For the next few weeks, however, you’re more likely to find her in the national media. She was scheduled today for an early-morning interview on “Fox and Friends.” In coming days, look for her on CNN, National Public Radio and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

They’ll be interviewing Broadwell about her insights into the man Admiral Mike Mullen has described as “one of the great battle captains of American history.” Petraeus, now CIA director, commanded troop surges in Iraq and Afghanistan when conflicts in both countries looked bleak.

Broadwell’s 400-page biography is a war chronicle that begins as Petraeus takes command of U.S. forces in the Afghanistan war in June 2010. It tracks the general over his yearlong command, as he directs efforts to take back Taliban-controlled territory, rebuild villages and ensure the safety of Afghan citizens.

“I was trying to portray the war through the commander’s eyes,” she says.

(snip)

The answer begins at West Point. Broadwell, who grew up in North Dakota, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, also Petraeus’s alma mater. She has worked in military intelligence, lived in multiple countries and specialized in counterinsurgency, counterterrorism and geopolitical analysis.

She met Petraeus in 2006 when he spoke at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where she was a graduate student. When she told him about her research interests, he handed her his card and offered his help. “He really cares about mentoring,” she says.

(snip)