Kabul mosque attack, US, Taiwan talk trade, Weisselberg’s expected plea

On August 18, 2022, a bombing on a Kabul mosque has killed at least 21 people, Taiwan will enter trade talks with the U.S. this fall despite China’s strong opposition, and the Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg is expected to take a deal in court that would require him to plead guilty to tax violations and testify against the Trump Organization.

Deadly Kabul mosque bombing –21 people have died and at least 33 others are injured after a bombing at a Mosque in Kabul Wednesday night. A prominent cleric is among those who died in the attack and several children are wounded. No one initially claimed responsibility. ISIS has stepped up attacks targeting the Taliban in the past year. The bombing also comes just days after the Taliban marked a year in power following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Taiwan and U.S. to enter trade talks – The U.S. and Taiwan have agreed to begin trade talks this fall. The news has been heavily criticized by China. China has claimed Taiwan has no right to foreign relations because the island is not recognized as its own territory. China’s latest warning comes as Taiwan’s military held a drill with missiles and cannons simulating a response to any potential Chinese missile attack. Beijing warned on Thursday it will take action if necessary to “safeguard its sovereignty.”

Weisselberg expected to plead guilty – Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg is expected to plead guilty to tax violations in court today. If he takes the deal, it would reportedly require him to testify about alleged illicit practices at the organization. However, the testimony would not include cooperation with the government against former President Donald Trump or any members of the Trump family according to two Fox News sources. Weisselberg is likely to serve 100 days in prison if he takes the plea deal.

In a separate investigation, a judge will hear arguments today on whether to unseal the affidavit used in last week’s FBI raid of Trump’s Mar a Lago residence. The Department of Justice is against the release while President Trump has said he is for it.