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BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

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The man some call the rock-star commander of his generation -- isn’t going anywhere.

That according to denials from the Pentagon -- after rumors swirl General David Petraeus was quitting his post as head of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. (Video: Al Jazeera)

“He's been leading U.S. Forces in Afghanistan for eight months. Tonight - reports that General David Petraeus is stepping down.” (WFXT)

It all started with a front page article in the Times of London -- who -- behind a pay wall reported -- the search was already “on” for the general’s successor.

That prompted the Pentagon to issue a firm denial.

“The Pentagon confirmed Petraeus will eventually leave his command, but said there are no firm plans.” (WEWS)

Did we say “firm” denial? According to The Atlantic Wire’s Ray Gustini -- it was anything but -- saying the Pentagon’s words...

“...leave room for interpretation. Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell tells Reuters that ‘General Petraeus is not quitting,’ before hastening to add ‘nor does he plan to stay in Afghanistan forever.’ In other words, stay tuned.”

And it ain’t over ‘till the headlines say it is, right? Despite the Pentagon’s rebuttal -- his career obit is still being written:

From Forbes: “Why History will Forget David Petraeus”

And The Australian writes: “The US Warrior Scholar will be a Hard Act to Follow”

The U.S. military’s independent news source -- The Stars and Stripes -- notes the rumors -- and denials -- all happened within the span of a few hours.

“...it highlights the speculation already gaming out behind the scenes about what Petraeus will do when his time is up in Afghanistan.”

Analysts have speculated Petraeus would make a run for the presidency - likely as a Republican candidate. Others point to his likelihood as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs -- following Admiral Michael Mullen’s upcoming retirement.

But a guest tells FOX News’ Martha MacCallum -- all the speculation surrounding Petraeus’ departure could mean bad news for Afghanistan.

“If that's not where he's going, if he's either retiring, which means he's quitting, or being retired, which means he's being let go, I think that spells a lot of other problems, that means Afghanistan is not going well and it's not likely to get better.”

Finally - Wired’s Spencer Ackerman says - give it a rest already.

“[Petraeus’] letter to NATO troops last month sidestepped any talk of drawdowns in 2011, so it’s only fitting that the commander would want to see things through.”

General Petraeus formally took command in Afghanistan in July of 2010 -- when President Obama fired Stanley McChrystal after he made disparaging remarks about the administration in a Rolling Stone article.

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