Basra's Back in Business

Women throng the streets of Basra and are taking an increasingly active role in politics
Abbie Trayler-Smith/Panos for TIME

Veiled Threats
The militias intimidated women into staying home. Now they throng the streets of Basra and are taking an increasingly active role in politics. There were close to 4,000 female candidates in Iraqi regional elections held on Jan. 31.

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.