Iraq's main entryway to the Persian Gulf shares a coastline with Iran and Kuwait, steadfastly supporting the country's economy through fragile political tension and threats. Its long history of intellectual renown interwoven with violent upheaval is worth delving into when exploring its spiritual shrines and bazaars. But it's on mashoof excursions through the Basra Marshes or along the Shatt al-Arab waterway that you'll perceive Al Başrah's underlying currents of peace.