R&D: Salman Taseer’s Death Puts Pakistan on Edge, States Pursue Immigration Measures, and Turkey Flexes New Muscle in Iraq

Here is your R&D for December 5th:

Pakistan braces for turmoil ahead of Salman Taseer funeral from the Guardian
Salman Taseer, a moderate Pakistani provincial governor, was shot dead by a bodyguard yesterday for opposing the nation’s blasphemy laws.  Some fear that his death demonstrates the growth of radical Islam within Pakistan.

Factbox: State immigration measures from Reuters
Feeling that the federal government has failed to control immigration, states are beginning to take their own steps to deal with the issue.  This factbox article breaks down the moves by several states to target illegal immigrants and workers.

Resurgent Turkey Flexes Its Muscles Around Iraq from the New York Times
Turkey’s influence in the Middle East is on the rise and it is making headway in Iraq with business, cultural, and educational contacts.

Bolivia Revokes Decree Ending Fuel Subsidies from the Latin American Herald Tribune
In a move that shows that “people power” can be used against populist leaders, Bolivian President Evo Morales revoked a decree that ended fuel subsidies.  The move prompted protests after fuel prices increased by 82%.

A power grab Democrats should avoid from the Washington Post
In this op-ed piece, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticizes a move by Senate Democrats to change the rules for filibusters.  A piece worth having in files as a quick reference for speeches on this issue.