Article updated: 2/1/2013 9:33 AM

Freedom returns to the storied city of Timbuktu

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A man and a woman walk together, which would not be allowed under the rule of Islamic militants who ruled the city until French troops took control, in Timbuktu, Mali, Thursday Jan. 31, 2013. Men and women were not allowed to interact in public under the rule of Islamic militants. Many things have changed in Timbuktu since French troops parachuted in several days ago to take control of the area from Islamic militants, and now there is a growing sense of freedom.

Associated Press

Women dance openly in front of a photographer as they walk along a street in Timbuktu, Mali, Thursday Jan. 31, 2013. Many things have changed in Timbuktu since the Islamic militants ceased to enforce their law and relinquished power to French special forces who parachuted in several days ago, liberating this storied city, and now there is a growing sense of freedom.

Associated Press

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On the morning French commandos parachuted onto the sand just north of this storied city and ended 10 months of Islamic rule, Hawi Traore folded up her veil. On the next day, she wore heels. On the day after, she put on her sparkly earrings. Finally on Thursday, the 12-year-old girl dared to dance in the streets, celebrating freedom from the draconian rules that were imposed by the al-Qaida-linked militants on this desert capital for much of the past year.