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It was long the seat of Saddam Hussein's iron-fisted rule, then a sealed-off symbol of US occupation and, more recently, out-of-touch politicians. On Tuesday, Baghdad's emblematic «Green Zone» fully reopens. The move is yet another signal that IraAfter years, Baghdad's emblematic 'Green Zone' reopens
It was long the seat of Saddam Hussein's iron-fisted rule, then a sealed-off symbol of US occupation and, more recently, out-of-touch politicians. On Tuesday, Baghdad's emblematic «Green Zone» fully reopens. The move is yet another signal that Iraq is getting back on its feet after decades of conflict - and that its government is searching for political capital to head off summertime protests. The high-security zone in the centre of Baghdad had been totally inaccessible for a vast majority of Iraqis since the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. Since coming to power last year, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi has ordered the gradual shedding of concrete blast walls and checkpoints around the area, and opened a few routes to through traffic during set windows. Starting Tuesday, a holiday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, all main roads criss-crossing the enclave will be open around the clock. «It's great news,» bellowed Abu Majed, a 49-year-old taxi driver caught behind the wheel in one of Baghdad's notorious traffic jams. He hadn't seen the inside of the Green Zone since 2003. For him, the most important impact would be practical. "There... Read more