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british lose the british afghan war
The British, beleaguered in the wake of World War I, are defeated in the Third British-Afghan War (1919-21), and Afghanistan becomes an independent nation. Concerned that Afghanistan has fallen behind the rest of the world, Amir Amanullah Khan begins a rigorous campaign of socioeconomic reform. -
zahir shah becomes king
Zahir Shah becomes king. The new king brings a semblance of stability to the country and he rules for the next 40 years -
afghanistan is formally recognized by the us
The United States formally recognizes Afghanistan -
britain withdrawals from india
Britain withdraws from India, creating the predominantly Hindu but secular state of India and the Islamic state of Pakistan. The nation of Pakistan includes a long, largely uncontrollable, border with Afghanistan. -
women get more rights
As part of Daoud’s reforms, women are allowed to attend university and enter the workforce. -
baba builds orphanage in afghanistan
Amir recalls earlier in his life, "In the late 1960's, when I was 5 or 6, Baba decided to build an orphanage" (13). This event is significant because it shows how loving and caring of a person baba truly is, regardless of how hard he is on Amir. Also, I think that it shows how due to the amount of power Baba has in Afghanistan, he can do essentially whatever he wants. -
Amir shows emotion to baba
when Baba takes Amir to the Buzkashi tournament, Amir says "I began to cry, I cried all the way back home. I remember how Baba's hands clenched around the steering wheel" (21). THis is significant because it shows how Baba struggles to how any sympathy for Amir, although he does love him. Although Baba is hard on Amir, he still loves him and cares for him. -
Baba loves soccer
Amir recalls how Baba is passionate about soccer, and says "Now that was something he was passionate about. In 1970, Baba took a break from the construction of the orphanage and flew to Tehran for a month to watch the world cup games" (20). This is significant because it is something that Baba really loves and cares about, but because Amir is more interested in reading and writing, it drifts them apart. Also, it shows how Baba does care about some things, even though he is hard on Amir. -
zahir khan is overthrown
Khan overthrows the last king, Mohammed Zahir Shah, in a military coup. Khan’s regime, the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, comes to power. Khan abolishes the monarchy and names himself president. The Republic of Afghanistan is established with firm ties to the USSR. -
Amir's friends and family are all gone
Amir says that "Baba, Rahim Khan, Ali, and I huddled around Hassan's bed, watched him examine his lip in a handheld mirror. Everyone in that room was either dead or dying" (219). THis is significant because it shows how Amir will be alone soon, and he needs to appreciate his life, rather than feeling sorry for himself for not being Baba's favorite. Also, it shows how since Amir was fortunate to come to America, he was able to live a safe life, unlike Hassan, who died because he was shot. -
Amiris too afraid to help Hassan
When Hassan is being raped he says "In the end, I ran. I ran because I was a coward" (77). This is significant because it shows how Amir is not only a coward, but he is also a bad friend because he isn't willing to help Hassan. It shows how Hassan treats Amir more like a friend than Amir does for Hassan. -
Amir thinks Baba sees him as weak
When fleeing Kabul, Amir says how Baba "saw my car sickness as yet another weakness" (110). This is significant because it shows how Amir is self conscious as to what he does around Baba because he is always looking for his approval. Also, it shows how critical Baba is of Amir, he sees him as weak for being carsick. -
Baba's anger takes over
When Baba realizes that him and Amir cannot be taken any further out of Kabul, he attacks the man driving the car, " [wrapping] his hands around his neck" (118). This is significant because it shows how Baba can be forceful when he really wants to. It also shows how his anger can be extreme if he is provoked in a certain way. -
Amir sees the disappointment Baba is feeling towards him
While still in the car, "Baba grumbled something under his breath...", and Amir wanted to tell him he was sorry for being carsick (111). This is significant because it shows how Baba truly expects a lot from Amir, and when he doesn't meet his expectations, he is disappointed. It also shows how Amir lets Baba's judgements affect him. -
war leads to millions of afghans fleeing
Some 2.8 million Afghans have fled from the war to Pakistan, and another 1.5 million have fled to Iran. Afghan guerrillas gain control of rural areas, and Soviet troops hold urban areas. -
Amir graduates high school
Amir graduates high school, and Baba shows pride about Amir, "I am Moftakhir, Amir", meaning proud (131). This event is significant because it is one of the only times Baba shows the only thing Amir truly wants towards him. Also, it starts the next chapter of Amir's life, and kind of becomes a man from that point on. -
Baba and Amir have less money in America than they did back home
In america, Baba buys "a dilapidated '71 volkswagen bus for $550" (137). This is significant because in afghanistan, they had lots of money and could afford fancy cars, but in america they drive an old, very cheap car. Driving the old car is embarrassing for them, because they are used to expensive cars. -
Baba is dying, but Amir is there to love and care for him
When Baba begins to fade away, Amir says "I'm here. Your son is here" (159). This event is significant because although Baba never showed Amir any type of affection, Amir still loves his father and aids him when he is ill. Also, it shows how Amir is caring too, although he didn't help Hassan so many years ago. -
al qaeda begins thanking more about america
In September, Osama bin Laden and 15 other Islamists form the group al-Qaida, or “the base”, to continue their jihad, or holy war, against the Soviets and other who they say oppose their goal of a pure nation governed by Islam. -
Amir's first book is published
Amir sends his book to a publisher, and "A month later, Martin called and informed me that I was going to be a published novelist" (183). This event is important because it shows how all of Amir's hard work has payed off. All of the years of Baba not liking Amir because he liked books not sports were meaningful. -
Amir becomes a celebrity
Once Amir's book is published, he receives some recognition, "The publisher sent me on a five city book tour. I became a minor celebrity in the afghan community" (183). This event is significant because it shows how Amir is again receiving the recognition he deserves after so many years of living with his father who didn't like him for his interests. Also, it shows that Amir is working hard, and it pays off. -
Amir feels he has truly atoned for his sins
Amir goes to save Sohrab, and he is beaten up by assef. He thinks "My body was broken - just how badly i wouldn't find out until later - but I felt healed" (289). This is significant because it shows how Amir has finally atoned for the extreme guilt he has felt all of these years. It also shows that Amir clings to the past, and his guilt follows him into adulthood, but he finally gets rid of it. -
Amir flies a kite with Sohrab, and Sohrab smiles
When Amir comes to America with Sohrab, he flies a kite with him, and says "'Do you want me to run that kite for you?' ... 'For you, a thousand times over,' I heard myself say. Then I turned and ran. It was only a smile, nothing more" (371). This is significant because Sohrab smiles after being depressed for so long, meaning he is feeling happiness with Amir. He is flying a kite with Amir like Amir did with Sohrab's father, Hassan, and it makes them both happy. -
osama bin laden is killed
U.S. forces overtake a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and kill al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden on May 2 local time. -
9/11
Hijackers commandeer four commercial airplanes and crash them into the World Trade Center Towers in New York, the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania field, killing thousands. Days later, U.S. officials say bin Laden, the Saudi exile believed to be hiding in Afghanistan, is the prime suspect in the attack.
