World News Briefs -- June 1, 2009

President Barack Obama speaks about General Motors and the auto industry, Monday, June 1, 2009, in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

GM Files for Bankruptcy Protection -- Wall Street Journal

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy early Monday, marking the humbling of an American icon that once dominated the global car industry and setting up a high-stakes gamble for U.S. taxpayers. (See the Chapter 11 filing.)

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran officials fret over rise in violence. Iran closes border with Pakistan.

Israel stages biggest-ever war drill.

Palestinian tensions flare in deadly shoot-out.

Kurdish oil begins flowing to international market.

ASIA

Officials: mass abduction by Taliban in Pakistan.

4 US troops killed in IED strikes in Afghanistan, among 28 killed from unrest.

UN did not underestimate Sri Lanka death toll: Ban.

South Korea, ASEAN condemn North Korean nuclear test.

AFRICA

Robert Mugabe's thugs chanted: 'We will eat your children'.

Nigeria: Mulade urges youths to shut down militant camps.

Setback for Nigerian UK hostage.

UN: South Sudan violence more deadly than Darfur.

EUROPE

Air France flight vanishes after multiple breakdowns.

UK Treasury chief denies expenses abuses.

South Ossetians elect Parliament.

AMERICAS

U.S. committed to new approach for Western Hemisphere.

Border traffic moves easily with stricter ID code.

Salvadoran pres puts wife, ex-guerrilla in Cabinet.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Canada: Quagmire seen as PM plans to let terror victims sue.

First Guantanamo hearing of Obama era.

What to do with the detainee photos?

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Geithner to reassure China U.S. will control deficits.

General Motors files for bankruptcy protection.

FEDS may end up owning CITIGROUP...