The role of women in the lead-up to the March 7 polls -- and the roles they will attain in the next government -- are a barometer of the direction Iraq is heading as it struggles to end violence and create stability ahead of a U.S. withdrawal. Iraq's next parliament will have at least 82 female members -- but only, most would argue, because the constitution drafted under U.S. influence in 2005 guarantees them a quarter of seats.