Obama praises democratic transition in Pakistan

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is praising Pakistanis for upholding what he calls their commitment to democratic rule by successfully completing parliamentary elections.

With the weekend vote, the parliament was able to complete its term and transfer power in democratic elections for the first time since Pakistan's founding in 1947.

Obama hails "this historic peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power."

The president says Pakistanis ran competitive campaigns and persevered despite "intimidation by violent extremists."

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seems ready to return to power for a third term.

He's expected to be more nationalistic and protective of state sovereignty than the outgoing government.

But U.S.-Pakistan relations aren't expected to change radically. Pakistan's army plays a dominant role in foreign policy and isn't eager to lose millions in U.S. military aid.

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Another Democratic Senator Flips on Gay Marriage

Another Senate Democrat has come out in support of same-sex marriage, which leaves six Senate Democratic holdouts who have yet to embrace marriage equality. Today, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., flipped and announced that he now supported same-sex marriage.

The senator made the announcement during an interview today with the Tampa Bay Times, saying, "It is generally accepted in American law and U.S. society today … that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that. The civil rights and responsibilities for one must pertain to all," he told the Tampa Bay Times.

Nelson later confirmed his switch to ABC News.

READ MORE: Majority of Senate Backs Same-Sex Marriage

This marks the ninth Senate Democrat since last week to reverse course and now embrace same-sex marriage. The six Senate Democrats who continue to oppose marriage equality in some way are are Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Tim Johnson of South Dakota.

Two Republican senators have endorsed same-sex marriage: Rob Portman of Ohio and Mark Kirk of Illinois.

READ MORE: Republicans Predict Fraud, Bestiality if Gay Marriage is Legal

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