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Amir is Born
Amir is born but sadly, his mother dies while giving birth to him, “There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood. (28).” This shows that not every child in Afghanistan has a good childhood. -
Mohammed Daud Resigns as Prime Minister
Mohammed Daud is forced to resign as prime minister. "It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...(36).” This shows that small actions can lead to big consequences. -
Hassan is Born
Hassan is born, but soon to be rejected by his mother for his cleft lip. "Sanaubar had taken one glance at the baby in Ali's arms, seen the cleft lip, and barked a bitter laughter. ( 30)" This Shows that Sanaubar was cruel and didn't accept Ali. -
A New Constitution is Ratified
A new constitution was ratified which instituted a democratic legislature.“Time can be greedy, sometimes it steals the details for itself. (47)" This shows that time passes by quickly. -
Mohammed Daud seizes power in a coup and declares a republic.
Mohammed Daud seizes power in a coup and declares a republic. He then tries to play off USSR against Western powers. “A boy who won’t stand up for himself becomes a man who can’t stand up to anything (89).” This shows that you cannot become something without learning from your mistakes. -
Hassan has Surgery to Fix his Cleft Lip
Hassan's cleft lip is fixed through surgery. “That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years (58).” This shows that you can't look back on the past as a guide for the future. -
Babrak Karmal is Installed as Ruler
Babrak Karmal installed is as ruler. But the opposition intensifies with various mujahideen groups fighting against the Soviet forces. “Huddled together in the dining room and waiting for the sun to rise, none of us had any notion that a way of life had ended (36).” This shows that during the war, people had little hope for their survival. -
The Russian Empire Invades Afghanistan
The Russian empire invades Afghanistan, forcing Baba and Amir to leave. “My body was broken—just how badly I wouldn’t find out until later—but I felt healed. Healed at last. I laughed (289).” This shows that it takes time for certain things to sink in. -
Amir and Baba Start Selling Things at the Flea Market
Amir and baba start selling things at the flea market. Amir then soon finds Soraya. "What was the old saying about the bad penny? My past was like that, always turning up (289)." This shows that bad luck can strike at any time. -
The Mujahideen come together in Pakistan to form an alliance against the Soviet forces.
Mujahideen come together in Pakistan to form alliance against Soviet forces. Half of the Afghan population now estimated to be displaced by war, with many fleeing to neighboring Iran or Pakistan. “It hurts to say that. But better to get hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie (58).” This shows that you can show feelings with a little discomfort
