The Syrian army’s repression of civilian protests continues to dominate Middle East related coverage in the UK media today. The Financial Times has a piece suggesting that the Syrian regime will survive unless determined international action is taken against it. Sky News Online notes the silence of Arab governments with regard to events in Syria. The Financial Times also reports on the central role being played by Maher Assad, brother of the Syrian president, in the repression. The Guardian, BBC Online, Times and Sky News Online note the arrest of an alleged ‘Israeli spy’ in Egypt. The Scotsman, the Independent and the Financial Times report on the formation of a new Cabinet in Lebanon. The Financial Times notes that the board of the International Monetary Fund has blocked the candidacy of Bank of Israel Chairman Stanley Fischer for the IMF chairmanship, because Fischer is over the age limit . The paper also has a letter from Israeli Ambassador to the UK Ron Prosor, arguing against Palestinian unilateralism. BBC Online notes very high unemployment levels in Gaza. Metro-London reports on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The Guardian notes reports of an attack by demonstrators on Jordanian King Abdullah.

In the Israeli media, all papers note the blocking of Stanley Fischer’s candidacy for the IMF chairmanship. Haaretz has details of a new EU initiative in the Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic process. The paper also notes Israeli preparations for possible Palestinian riots following the bid for UN recognition of a Palestinian state in September. All papers report on the arrest of an alleged Israeli spy in Egypt. The Jerusalem Post notes a statement by Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby warning Iran not to interfere in Gulf states. Ynetnews, meanwhile, notes that 10,000 Syrians have fled the country. Ynetnews also reports the arrest of a suspected Palestinian terrorist by Israeli security forces.