It is usual now in Yemen to see streets blocked here or there, or even in the capital Sana'a. Some streets are closed by thugs, others by rebels and some by security forces; the reason is variable, but the result is the same.

For many years now, a street in the city of Sana'a has been closed for security reasons, as the US embassy located there and it was threatened several times by terrorist groups. The author was once almost arrested for walking on that street. He was let free after pledging not to repeat the offense.

In the downtown, the revolution had also its share. Some fifteen months ago, youths took to streets to protest against a regime which has been already ousted. Though, the revolutionary youths are still camping in one of the most important streets in the Yemeni capital.

Similarly, an opposing imitation was staged at the heart of Sana'a City. Continually residing at Tahreer Square, these are demanding funds and jobs for leaving the area.

In Aden, besides freedom and change squares, protesters – armed ones this time – blocked a street that was reopened only one week ago. Other main cities are also witnessing the same with different degrees.

On Wednesday, a lane of another street in Sana'a was closed. It is immediately behind the UK embassy. One of the soldiers said the reason was that there were construction works. However, the British mission was threatened the day before, also by Qaeda-linked militants. But the ones at direct risk are Yemeni troops and civilians.

Though this must not be at the cost of alertness by security troops, there should be concrete steps in normalizing the life on ground, if Yemeni people are to feel calm.