World News Briefs -- June 10, 2011

In this Feb. 14 photo, The National Debt Clock hangs from a building near Times Square in New York. Reuters

China Ratings House Says US Defaulting: Report -- Yahoo News/AFP

A Chinese ratings house has accused the United States of defaulting on its massive debt, state media said Friday, a day after Beijing urged Washington to put its fiscal house in order.

"In our opinion, the United States has already been defaulting," Guan Jianzhong, president of Dagong Global Credit Rating Co. Ltd., the only Chinese agency that gives sovereign ratings, was quoted by the Global Times saying.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army 'moves on Jisr al-Shughour'. Syria forces kill 2 protesters, swoop on border town.

Yemen protesters demand wounded leader's ouster.

Iraq militia claims attack on U.S. troops.

Israeli police, Palestinian protesters clash at Jerusalem holy site.

Iran caught 10 times trying to send arms to terrorists. Diplomats: Iran not breaking int'l law.

Hamas leaders open Facebook pages in attempt to woo Palestinian public.

ASIA

Vietnam to hold live-fire drill as China rift grows. Vietnam plans live-fire drill amid South China Sea row.

Karzai says Taliban deal a must to end Afghan war.

Shooting video another blow to Pakistan's security forces.

India Maoists kill 10 police in Chhattisgarh mine blast.

AFRICA

NATO official: Gadhafi a legitimate target. NATO denies helicopter shot down in Libya.

Sudanese border battles put thousands on the run. UN says up to 146,000 displaced by Sudan clashes.

Nigeria gunmen kidnap volunteers in Delta oil region.

Egypt’s economy slows to a crawl; Revolt is tested.

EUROPE

Georgia threatens to abandon Russia talks.

Gates: NATO is risking 'dismal failure'.

Germany: Sprouts did cause deadly E. coli outbreak.

Russia halves Belarus power supply over unpaid bills.

AMERICAS

Mexico drugs war: Corruption grows on US border.

Ash cloud closes Argentina airports for a second day.

Panetta expected to be confirmed as Pentagon chief.

Americans' equity in their homes near a record low.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Panetta says Yemen still cooperating in counterterror.

US kills AQAP leaders in airstrike in southern Yemen: report.

Tahawwur Rana convicted of aiding Mumbai attack group.

Europeans ask U.S. not to seek death penalty in Cole bombing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Supreme Court rules against Microsoft in i4i patent case.

Lagarde rival says appointment "done deal": Report.

Hillary Clinton 'wants to quit to run World Bank'. Exclusive: Clinton in talks over possible move to World Bank.

Oil drops as Saudis act unilaterally to increase supply.