The S&P 500 rose 42.36 points, or 0.7%, to 5,886.55.

Small groups of women gathered recently at the Sayyida Zeinab courtyard, chatting among themselves in what appeared to be a quiet atmosphere. Among them was Kamla Mohamed.Early in the war, Mohamed said, her son was kidnapped more than a decade ago by anti-government rebels for serving in the military. The last time she saw him, she added, was on a video where he appeared with a bruised face.

When Assad fell, Mohamed feared for her family.Those fears were fueled by the later eruption of violence in Syria’s coastal region, where a counteroffensive killed many Alawite civilians — members of thefrom which Assad hails and drew support as he ruled over a Sunni majority. Human rights groups reported

against Alawites; the new authorities said they were“We were scared that people would come to us and kill us,” Mohamed said, clutching a prayer bead. “Our life has become full of fear.”

Another Syrian Shiite shrine visitor said she’s been feeling on edge. She spoke on condition she only be identified as Umm Ahmed, or mother of Ahmed, as is traditional, for fear of reprisals against her or her family.

She said, speaking shortly after the coastal violence in March, that she’s thought of leaving the country, but added that there isn’t enough money and she worries that her home would be stolen if she did. Still, “one’s life is the most precious,” she said.“I’ll be able to take a little advice from him so it’s been good,” Ward said.

For his part, Levis said he had plenty of time before the April draft to get used to the idea of Tennessee using theat his position. That helped ease the shock of Ward being taken. Levis still has to deal with a new challenge of likely being the backup if Tennessee doesn’t trade him before the opener.

“Anyone who’s ever been in my situation can agree that it (stinks),” Levis said. “Just trying to do everything I can to not let it affect me. Just being just the same dude every day in the building and being here for the guys however I can and just trying to get better every day.”Callahan said he can see real improvement out of Levis after the quarterback worked this offseason with Jordan Palmer in California on his footwork, base and ability to control the ball.