As Amu marks its second anniversary, we look back at the 10 most-read stories published between May 3, 2024, and May 3, 2025. From ground-shifting political developments to historic sports milestones, these reports reflect the critical moments that shaped the past year.
1. Taliban minister declares women’s voices forbidden — even among women
By Ahmad Azizi | October 26, 2024
The Taliban’s minister for the promotion of virtue, Khalid Hanafi, declared it impermissible for adult women to let their voices be heard by other women, expanding an already sweeping crackdown on women’s rights.
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2. Taliban remain silent after Trump calls for reclaiming US military equipment
By Milad Sayar | January 23, 2025
Five days after former US President Donald Trump urged the return of military equipment left in Afghanistan, the Taliban had yet to respond, maintaining official silence.
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3. US lawmakers claim $40 million per week still flows to Afghanistan
By Bais Hayat | February 26, 2025 | Washington
Two members of Congress, Tim Burchett and Marjorie Taylor Greene, asserted that $40 million in US funding continues to reach Afghanistan weekly — a flow they say benefits the Taliban.
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4. Trump sidesteps Afghanistan question at Netanyahu press conference
By Milad Sayar | February 5, 2025
At a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former President Trump avoided a direct answer when asked about his potential policy on Afghanistan and Taliban recognition.
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5. Trump suspends refugee admissions program for 90 days
By Yasin Shayan | January 21, 2025
Citing national security concerns, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the US Refugee Admissions Program for at least 90 days, raising fresh uncertainty for displaced Afghans.
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6. Rahmat Shah scores record 231 in Test comeback
By Siyar Sirat | October 29, 2024
Rahmat Shah delivered a historic performance with an unbeaten 231 against Zimbabwe, marking Afghanistan’s highest individual score in Test cricket and leading a dramatic third-day recovery.
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7. USAID has provided $109 billion to Afghanistan, but future aid uncertain
By Bais Hayat | February 3, 2025
The US Agency for International Development has disbursed more than $109 billion to Afghanistan since 2001. Now, with the Trump administration planning to curtail foreign assistance, that future is in question.
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8. Pakistani cleric killed in blast at pro-Taliban seminary
By Habib Mohammadi | February 28, 2025
Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, head of a prominent religious party, was killed in a suicide bombing at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Pakistan — a seminary known for its ties to the Taliban.
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9. Taliban ban women from attending medical institutes
By Siyar Sirat | December 2, 2024 | Kabul
In one of its latest restrictions on women’s education, the Taliban barred female students from enrolling in medical and technical institutes, effectively eliminating their access to higher education in health fields.
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10. Taliban stage military parade at Bagram using US equipment
By Amu Desk | August 14, 2024 | Kabul
In a symbolic show of power, the Taliban held a parade at the former US airbase in Bagram, displaying American military equipment left behind after the 2021 withdrawal.
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