The transfer marks the end of an era when Russia played an arguably oversized role in determining which countries could operate in Syria’s contested airspace.

The toppling of Bashar Assad has raised tentative hopes that Syrians might live peacefully and as equals after a half century of authoritarian rule.

The Taliban outlasted both the U.S.-led coalition and the Afghan National Army. It is now the de facto government of Afghanistan. Whether the West likes it or not, a terrorist group we spent decades fighting against now controls the political and economic destiny of at least 43 million people.

Assad said he went to the Russian base in Latakia province to "oversee combat ... The Assad family ruled Syria with an iron grip, locking up those who dared to question their rule.

Russia’s scorched-earth intervention on behalf of former Syrian President Bashar Assad once turned the tide of the Syrian civil war.

By bnm Gulf bureau Opposition fighters set fire to the mausoleum of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in his ancestral hometown of Qardaha on December 11, marking a symbolic blow to the Assad family's half-century legacy of rule.

Russia has begun withdrawing a large amount of military equipment and troops from Syria following the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, according to two US officials and a western official familiar with the intelligence.

Ahmed al-Shara stressed diplomacy in an interview but criticized Israel’s advance into Syrian territory. A statement said to be from Bashar al-Assad, the ousted leader, defended his decision to leave for Russia.

Syria's main ports are working normally after days of disruptions, maritime officials said on Monday, and Ukraine said it was in touch with the interim government about delivering staple foods.

Syria’s new transitional government says there is no place for Russian presence in Syria a week after the country’s long-time President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown. The new government also says it is open to engage in contacts with all countries to pave Syria’s new future.