Iraq War and occupation
In March through May of 2003, the outskirts of Basra were the scene of heavy fighting in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. British forces, led by units of 7th Armoured Brigade, took the city on 6 April 2003. On 21 April 2004, a series of bomb blasts ripped through the city, killing scores of people. This city was the first stop for the United States and the United Kingdom, during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. The Multi-National Division (South East), under British Command, is currently engaged in Security and Stabilization missions in Basra Governorate and surrounding areas.

Post-war Basra
By the first half of 2005, Basra had become noted as a focal point for confrontations between secular Iraqi culture and Shi'ite Islam supporters [1]. In March 2005, a group of students were beaten to death for playing music, and for engaging in unconstrained interaction between males and females. Militia members armed with rifles killed at least two, shot several, and beat one young woman severely enough so that she lost her sight. Senior al-Sadr supporters praised the militia's actions [2]. The playing of music and music stores are frequently a target from Shi'ite groups who hold that music is against the teaching of Islam. Several music stores have been bombed [3].

Political groups and their ideology which are strong in Basra are reported to have close links with political parties already in power in the Iraqi government, despite opposition from Iraqi Sunnis and the more secular Kurds. January 2005 elections saw several radical politicians gain office, supported by religious parties.

Workers in Basra's oil industry have been involved in extensive organization and labor conflict. They held a two-day strike in August 2003, and formed the nucleus of the independent General Union of Oil Employees (GUOE) in June 2004. The union held a one-day strike in July 2005, and publicly opposes plans for privatizing the industry.