Thousands rally in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain -- More than 10,000 demonstrators joined Bahrain's first public rally in months Saturday as the leader of the Gulf nation's main Shiite political party urged backers to press ahead with peaceful protests for greater political rights after fierce crackdowns by security forces.

The event carried twin messages in a nation wracked by unrest since February when protesters took to the streets, inspired by successful uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

The Sunni monarchy controlling Bahrain allowed the rally in a bid to ease tensions and open dialogue with Shiite-led groups. For opposition forces, the gathering was a chance to voice their demands and show resolve after facing relentless pressure from the Western-backed government, including martial law-style rules removed earlier this month.

"With our blood and soul, we sacrifice for Bahrain," the crowds chanted. They later cried "we are the winners" as security forces stayed back in a mostly Shiite area northwest of the capital, Manama. Police helicopters passed overhead. No clashes were reported.

The strategic island kingdom -- home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet -- has been in lockdown mode for months as Sunni rulers launched massive arrest sweeps and military patrols to quell the protests. The crackdown included bringing in a 1,500-story Saudi-led military force to back up Bahrain's embattled leadership, which claims that Shiite power Iran seeks to make gains by the unrest.

At least 31 people have died in the unrest since February. At the rally Saturday, demonstrators held a minute of silence for those killed.

The United States has condemned the violence in Bahrain, but has stopped short of any tangible punishments.

President Barack Obama met earlier last week with Bahrain's visiting crown prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. A White House statement said Obama urged Bahrain to respect the rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, but also reaffirmed America's strong commitment to the kingdom.