Latest News in the Middle East (Aug. 18, 2021)

Taliban chief takes charge as militants vow ‘no revenge, respect for women’

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1912636/world

* See Trilingual Epic 'The Tale of LiveDog in Afghanistan'

Zarif holds talks with China’s special envoy on Afghanistan

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/464108/Zarif-holds-talks-with-China-s-special-envoy-on-Afghanistan

Turkey bracing for Afghan refugee crisis after fall of Kabul

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1912341/middle-east

Germany sends top diplomat to Doha for talks with Taliban

https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/germany-sends-top-diplomat-to-doha-for-talks-with-taliban

US reportedly freezes Afghan govt reserves in American banks

https://www.dailysabah.com/business/finance/us-reportedly-freezes-afghan-govt-reserves-in-american-banks

Taliban to give Al Qaeda covert, not overt support — analysts

http://jordantimes.com/news/region/taliban-give-al-qaeda-covert-not-overt-support-%E2%80%94-analysts

Ravaged Lebanon in complete darkness as electricity grid disintegrates

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1912006/middle-east

Iran accelerates enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade, IAEA says

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1912756/middle-east

Islamic Development Bank Group to host private sector forum in Tashkent

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1912841/saudi-arabia

Kuwait plans spending cuts on medical treatment and wage subsidies

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1912551/business-economy