The decision comes in the wake of a wave of violence in Pakistan surrounding last month's elections.

BBC: Australia postpone Pakistan tour

Politicians in Europe and beyond have been harshly criticized and, in some cases, forced out of office in the wake of a wave of economic woes, including governments and banks' role in contributing to debt and other crises.

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Democrats admit that in the wake of the 2009 McDonnell wave, the Washington area is no gimme.

CNN: Election could swing in swingy D.C. suburbs