assad says his country is under what he called a media attack but he says his forces are, quote, strong other the ground. 55 syrians died sunday in an army attack in homs and other cities. intelligent services in russia claim to have stopped assassination plot against vladimir put. putin is expected to win in russian elections on march 4th. sunday, more than 30,000 russians protested against putin joining hands to form a ring around boss cow. in canada three railroad engineers died in a derailment. more than 30 passengers were also injured in the accident when a look motive and passenger cars went off the track and flipped onto their sides. and former south african president nelson mandela left the hospital on sunday. he's resting comfortably at home. the 93-year-old underwent minor surgery over the weekend. and now here is your "first look" at wall street. the dow opens at 12,982 after