Kite Runner & the History of Afghanistan

British in the wake of World War I

1921

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.

Zahir Shah becomes King

1933

Zahir Shah becomes king. The new king brings a semblance of stability to the country and he rules for the next 40 years.

Britain withdraws from India

1947

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.

Soviet Premier and Afghanistan becomes allies

1956

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agrees to help Afghanistan, and the two countries become close allies.

Woman''s New Privilege

1957

As part of Daoud’s reforms, women are allowed to attend university and enter the workforce.

The Orphange

1960

In the late 1960's Baba decided to build an orphanage, "Baba had drew the blueprints himself despite the fact that he'd had no architectural experience at all."(pg.13) This quote is interesting because it shows how much effort Baba put in to and how important it is to him.

Hassan was Born

1964

In 1964, Hassan was born in the little shack in winter season." Just one year after my mother died giving birth to me"(pg.6) and this is important because it shows a relationship between Hassan and Amir and it also shows how Hassan was born.

Khan overthrows last King

1973

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.

Shooting

Jul 17, 1973

At that day, people started shooting ducks but at that night (we) noticed "they weren't shooting ducks after all."(pg.36) But the good thing is they did not harm anyone and this is one event in 1973, it also tells something is happening as the book goes on.

A Special Birthday Present For Hassan

1974

It was Hassan's birthday and Baba decided to give Hassan something special, "(my) job is to fix things on people's bodies. Sometimes their faces."(pg.45) What Baba gave Hassan a chance on fixing the cleft lip on his face and this shoes Baba are treated equally to Amir and Hassan.

Hassan runs the kite for the last time

1975

In the winter of 1975 it is when Amir saw" Hassan run the kite for the last time"(pg.55) This event shows something big will happen later on.

Amir turned Thirteen

1976

Amir turned thirteen and Baba celebrated his birthday with a huge birthday party, saying, "invite the whole world or it's not a party."(pg.93) also celebrating he won the Kite racing with Hassan.

Hassan Leaving

1976

During 1976 Hassan and Ali is leaving to Hazarajat where there cousins our because Hassan got raped and Amir saw it and didn't do anything so they are leaving. Before they'd made this decision"They both cried."(pg.105) This shows how much they love the orphanage and their life their.

Give Woman Rights & Jobs

1977

Khan proposes a new constitution that grants women rights and works to modernize the largely communist state. He also cracks down on opponents, forcing many suspected of not supporting Khan out of the government.

Adolph Dubs is killed

1979

American Ambassador Adolph Dubs is killed. The United States cuts off assistance to Afghanistan. A power struggle between Taraki and Deputy Prime Minister Hafizullah Amin begins. Taraki is killed on Sept. 14 in a confrontation with Amin supporters.
The USSR invades Afghanistan on Dec. 24 to bolster the faltering communist regime. On Dec. 27, Amin and many of his followers are executed. Deputy Prime Minister Babrak Karmal becomes prime minister.

There Life In America

1980

During 1980's Amir and Baba is living in America but Baba had a hard time adjusting because he did not have any power and has his own point of view about it. When Baba went to the store and want to give him a check because he did not bring any cash, Mr.Nguyen asked for his ID card, Baba said, "He wants to see my licence and Amir said it is not personal."(pg.127) This is one example of Baba not used to America's life.

Amir and Baba went to America

1981

In 1981 they were heading to America to escape the war but Amir got carsick multiple times during that trip. But there was also a lot of struggles and at the end of the trip Kamal's father yelling, "My boy! He won't breathe! Allah, help him breathe!"(pg.124) But Kamal's lifeless body laying in his father's killed himself because Kamal is not breathing.

Amir Graduated From High school

1983

During the summer of 1983 Amir graduated high school at the age of twenty and the "oldest senior on the football field.":(pg.131) This is the year Amir finally graduated and thinking what should he do next.

Going to the Garage Sale

1984

During this period of time, "Baba bought a $550 bus from an old Afghan acquaintance who'd been a science teacher in Kabul."(pg.137) So they can buy things in the garage sale and put the things in the bus.

Amir asking the General for his Daughter's hand

1984

When Baba have cancer Amir decide to ask the general for his daughter's hand so Baba can see their wedding if he says yes, and finally in the phone Baba said, "The general accepted."(pg.163)

Human Rights Violations

1984

Although he claims to have traveled to Afghanistan immediately after the Soviet invasion, Saudi Islamist Osama bin Laden makes his first documented trip to Afghanistan to aid anti-Soviet fighters.
The United Nations investigates reported human rights violations in Afghanistan.

First Time Meeting Soraya

1984

This year is also the first time Soraya and Amir met. When Amir first saw Soraya with"an open thermos and Styrofoam cup in her hand. I blinked, my heart quickening."(pg.140) it was in the bus and the first eye Amir saw her he fell in love.

Baba having Cancer

1984

During this year because baba has cancer but did not get cure so one day, "Baba's hands and legs were jerking and had white foam coming out of his mouth." This shows Baba cannot wait longer and needed to get cure.

Baba Died

1985

In this year 1985 Baba has cancer and a month after Amir's wedding Amir and Soraya helped Baba on bed and Baba said, "There is no pain tonight."(pg.173)Baba never woke up but he was happy he did not miss Amir's wedding.

Mujaheddin

1986

The Mujaheddin are receiving arms from the United States, Britain and China via Pakistan.