World News Briefs -- May 11, 2011

Violence In Syria; 2 Soldier Deaths Reported -- CNN

Two Syrian soldiers died and five others were injured Wednesday as security forces cranked up operations against "armed terrorist groups" in the restive cities of Homs and Daraa, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency said.

A resident of Homs told CNN that gunfire crackled and ambulance sirens wailed as security forces fired shells through the industrial city.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria: fresh onslaught launched in Dera'a. Syrian military shells suburb, killing nine. Report: Syrian troops shelling residential areas.

Humbled Iranian president faces tough final years.

Spying trial of 3 Americans in Iran postponed.

Yemen-based al-Qaida to revenge on U.S. interests for killing bin Laden.

Yemeni opposition activists rally as Gulf leaders discuss stalemate.

ASIA

Osama bin Laden: Pakistan politicians mourn al-Qaeda leader. Uproar Over bin Laden hideout strains US-Pakistan relations.

Afghan FM says bin Laden death may speed up talks with Taliban.

Debate rages about food aid to North Korea.

Thai lawmaker shot, fueling election violence fear.

AFRICA

Libya: Nato doesn't know if Col Gaddafi is dead or alive. Libya: Col Gaddafi targeted in series of precision strikes. Libyan rebels corner Gaddafi troops.

Mubarak detention extended; former tourism minister gets 5 years. Egypt to keep Mubarak's sons detained.

Ugandan opposition leader barred from flight. Ugandan opposition leader is barred.

Crisis group: Sudan at 'tipping point' over Abyei clashes.

EUROPE

European banks face tough new stress tests.

Greece shuts up shop in one-day austerity strike. Greeks protest against austerity as debt storm rages.

Lithuania jails Soviet commando for Medininkai shooting.

Thousands flee Rome amid earthquake prophecy. Quakes hit Italy, but none in Rome despite myth.

AMERICAS

Flooded river taking aim at Mississippi Delta.

FARC files show ties with Venezuela's Chavez and Ecuador's Correa. Colombian Farc rebels' links to Venezuela detailed.

Guatemalan court acquits ex-president on corruption charges.

Cuba reform may permit foreign travel.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Anwar Al-Awlaki is just a big mouth, says his father.

Al-Qaida likely to elevate No. 2, or name no one.

Osama bin Laden son 'disappeared during compound raid'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google's advertising system under US investigation.

Forbes predicts the U.S. will return to the gold standard in 5 years.

US trade deficit widens in March on pricier oil.