In the UK and international press today, the Telegraph carries an opinion piece on Qatar and the powerful role it plays in the Arab League. BBC Online and the Telegraph note that world powers have agreed a draft resolution that expresses “increasing concern” over Iran’s nuclear programme. The Guardian carries a piece by Jonathan Steele calling for mediation in Syria by the international community and not to push the country into the brink of civil war. The Independent covers a blog by an Israeli army reservist that reports on the number of attacks on IDF forces by Jewish settlers.  Meanwhile, the Telegraph reports that US President Barack Obama said that he plans to shift the focus of the US from the Middle East to Asia Pacific.

In the Israeli front pages today, all papers report on the on going medical strikes in Israel and the the High Court decision to give medical residents three days to resume talks with the finance ministry. The Jerusalem Post notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors agreed to a resolution to condemn Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

The Jerusalem Post and Ynetnews note that US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told reporters yesterday that a strike on Iran’s nuclear sites would affect the world economy. Panetta will meet with Defence Minister Ehud Barak today to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. Both news outlets also note that in anticipation of defence budget cuts, the IDF plan to discharge 1,000 permanent service personnel. Haaretz notes that Hamas are demanding millions in tax revenues and fines from banking institutes in Gaza, for refusing to accept Hamas’ taxing powers. The papers note that Arab and European countries have agreed to back a draft UN resolution condemning the violence in Syria by government forces.