Bahraini people protest against the nation’s monarchy in Diraz, near Manama

Bahraini anti-government protesters, waving and wearing national flags, participate in a march in Diraz, Bahrain, just west of the capital of Manama, on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. The theme of the march, written on sign at top, is “impossible for us to turn back.” Headband on woman at center reads: “My darling Bahrain.” Thousands of protesters in Bahrain are demonstrating against the Gulf nation’s monarchy, less than a week before planned talks aimed at easing a 2-year political crisis.

A Bahraini anti-government protester carries a sign in English and Arabic supporting jailed opposition leaders during a march in Diraz, Bahrain, just west of the capital of Manama, on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. <AP Photo/Hasan Jamali>