Syrians feel sense of relief as government removes Damascus roadblocks

The Damascenes in recent days have started to feel sense of normalcy in their daily lives, after the government started removing roadblocks on key streets in the capital.
People in the capital no longer have to take long turns or other routes to reach their destinations now that the government has lifted many roadblocks, initially set up near key security headquarters that had previously been targeted by explosions in the heart of the capital.
The roadblocks have largely contributed to heavy traffic jams over the past couple of years, making driving cars in the capital' s streets during the day intolerable.
Government officials said the aim behind removing some of the major roadblocks in Damascus is to lower the pressure on the southern rim of the capital, especially with the presence of too many checkpoints there.
"It's been awhile since I drove my car to the Ummayad Square directly from the al-Thawra street without having to go all the way to al-Mazzeh district to return back to the square," Amal, a 26-year-old lawyer said, reflecting the sense of relief of the capital's residences.
Even taxi drivers have also welcomed the government's move as they were the most affected by the widespread roadblocks.
"Believe it or not, there was a time when I thought that my work as a driver was the most horrible occupation of all times," Abu Jassem said, driving a KIA taxicab.
"After the government opened key roads for drivers, things have become much better... you can say that the traffic jam inside the capital has largely dropped," he said.
Another taxi driver, Samer, said the move is positive but should be backed up with similar moves in order to enhance the traffic situation in Syria.
"They must remove many more roadblocks and checkpoints from the heart of Damascus and place them on its outskirts to protect the entrance of the city without causing suffocating traffic jams," he demanded.
Many believe that the roadblocks' removal came after the Syrian army's recent advancement against the rebels in the countryside of Damascus, which has largely contributed to bringing down the explosions rate inside the capital to almost none since the beginning of this year.
The recent military progress has left positive repercussions on the general atmosphere in the capital, where people now have started staying out late till midnight during the holy month of Ramadan.
People have also started packing restaurants again during the breakfast of Ramadan. The majority of restaurants now demand previous reservations.
Cafe shops are also jam-packed with people during the night, especially now during the World Cup season as all of the Damascus cafes receive the football fans to watch the Brazil games on large LCD televisions.
Still, many people from the opposition played down the government's removal of roadblocks, saying the move is "cosmetic" and aim to enhance the image of the Syrian administration ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of President Bashar al-Assad, expected to take place later this month.