PERSONNEL NEWS – AT 9:04 P.M. ET:  When star-studded names move around, political minds come alive.  The subject at hand is General David Petraeus.  From The New York Post:

Gen. David Petraeus, the most celebrated American soldier of his generation, is to leave his post as commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, The (London) Times reported Tuesday.

The Times reported that the Pentagon aims to replace Petraeus, who was appointed less than eight months ago, by the end of the year.

Sources have confirmed that the search for a new commander in Kabul is under way. It forms part of a sweeping reorganization of top American officials in Afghanistan, which the Obama administration hopes to present as proof that its strategy does not depend on the towering reputation of one man.

Unless that man is Barack Obama.

The news that the general himself would be leaving Kabul stunned close observers of US strategy, but the Pentagon insisted Tuesday it was a natural development, given the demands of running the war and Washington's need for fresh blood in a crucial role.

Fresh blood?  He never seemed tired to me.

Lionized as the hero of Iraq and now of Afghanistan, the general will be a natural contender to become Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- both posts fall vacant this year.

General Petraeus has consistently ruled out running for President, but as one of the most admired US generals since Dwight D. Eisenhower he has been urged to consider an attempt for the White House since leading the successful Iraq surge in 2007.

His return to Washington this year would make possible a bid for the Republican nomination, although a former adviser told The Times: "He may find the idea flattering and even attractive, but I don't think that sort of work really speaks to him."

COMMENT:  You can be sure that this story will get Republican tongues wagging, but Petraeus, undoubtedly an outstanding officer, is not Eisenhower.  Eisenhower won a clean victory in a world war, and, in 1952, was running against Adlai Stevenson, the little-known governor Illinois.  Petraeus's successes are murkier, and he would have to run against his current commander-in-chief, which Americans may see as an act of disloyalty.  ("If you thought he was making mistakes, you should have resigned.")

I'd imagine Petraeus will be given Mike Mullen's post.  Or, he could be made chief of staff of the Army.  It's hard to see him in politics.

February 15, 2011