Petraeus in the Running to Head CIA

David Petraeus's stint as commander in Afghanistan is set to end by early fall, and his next stop just might be Langley. Government officials tell NPR that Petraeus is being seriously considered as the next head of the CIA, and that he’d accept the position if offered. Current CIA Director Leon Panetta, meanwhile, is considered a top candidate for defense secretary once Robert Gates steps down.

Until now, Petraeus has been considered a shoe-in to replace James Stavridis as the top commander of NATO. But sources say he’s not interested in that gig anymore, and there are few other top military jobs available. Meanwhile, Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen, one of the top architects of the “Sunni Awakening” in Anbar Province, is considered the favorite to replace Petraeus in Afghanistan. (More David Petraeus stories.)