Syria's new interim prime minister takes office with rebel support

Syria's new interim prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has taken charge with support from former rebels who recently overthrew President Bashar al-Assad. He plans to lead until March 1 and aims to transfer government responsibilities. In Damascus, banks and shops have reopened, and security forces are replacing rebel fighters in the city. The U.S. supports Syria's political transition but has not changed its stance on the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Shams, which remains designated as a terrorist organization. Israel has conducted airstrikes on Syrian military bases, claiming to target strategic weapons. Meanwhile, Russia has granted asylum to Assad, complicating the new administration's security challenges.