Bahrain opposition rally draws more than 10,000

More than 10,000 demonstrators have joined Bahrain's first public rally in months as the Gulf nation's main Shiite political party shows its resolve after fierce crackdowns on protests for greater political rights.

Security forces stayed back from the crowds in a mostly Shiite area northwest of the capital Manama. Police helicopters passed overhead. There were no reports of clashes.

Bahrain's Sunni leaders allowed the rally today less than two weeks after lifting martial law-style rules imposed to crush protests by Bahrain's majority Shiites. At least 31 people have died in the unrest since February.