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Amir and Hassan were born
Amir and Hassan lived under the same roof since they were born, creating "a kinship that not even time could break" (Kite Runner 11). Although Hassan is a hazara and Amir is not, they act like brothers without knowing it, until Amir learns about it later on. They even spoke their first words together, signifying the close bond between the two at such a young age. -
Hassan gets raped
After the kite competition, Hassan gets raped by Assef, who had "the look of [a] lamb" (Kite Runner 76). This is the turning point where Hassan feels abandoned by Amir, who ran from the scene. As the book progresses, Amir attempts to atone for this. -
The Kite Competition
When Amir had won the kite competition, "Hassan was screaming and his arm was wrapped around my neck" (Kite Runner 66). Although it doesn't seem to affect the plotline tremendously, it does illustrate the bond between Amir and Hassan even more. The cooperation and motivation between the two boys were the keys to success for their victory. -
The Soviet Invasion
In order to assist Babrak Karmal, a new president at the time, "...Soviet troops parachuted into Kabul..." (The New York Times 2). -
Hassan leaves Amir and Baba
Hassan and Ali leave Amir and Baba, only catching "one final blurry glimpse of Hassan slumped in the backseat..." (Kite Runner 109). This is a deep moment for Amir, since they had been so close for many years. The bond that they had, broken because of who they were. -
Amir and Baba Go to America
Amir and Baba smuggle their way out of "Shorawi-occupied Kabul to the relative safetry of Pakistan" (Kite Runner 111). Since there is no way to get to America through Afghanistan, they have to smuggle themselves through Pakistan. However, the hardships caused by Soviet occupation makes it harder. -
Amir and Soraya Get Married
Amir and Soraya get married, following the wish of Baba, where Amir "'[asked] General Taheri for his daughter's hand'" (Kite Runner 161). This newfound marraige signals a new life for Amir. Even though he had lost Hassan, he now has another important person in his life. -
Baba Dies
After many months of battling cancer, "Baba never woke up" (Kite Runner 173). Baba was definitely a huge factor in Amir's life. He supported him with gifts and also helped him transition into a new place. However, everyone must die someday, and it just happened to be the day Baba dies. -
Soviet Troops Completely Removed From Afghanistan
Soviet troops were removed from Afghanistan "...after peace talks moderated by the United Nations.." (The New York Times 2). -
Taliban Recieves Help from Pakistan
The Taliban were able to stay in power because "...Pakistani intelligence officers began funneling arms, money and supplies to Mullah Omar's men, as well as military advisers to help guide them in battle" (The New York Times 3). -
Taliban Grows Enormously
Mullah Omar, a large figure in the Taliban, "...had nearly 12,000 followers and was rolling up the warlords to the north east. -
Fighting Over Afghanistan Begins
When the Soviet Union left, "...power was anarchically divided among competing warlords and individual fiefdoms" (NYT 2). -
Taliban Take Control of Afghanistan
With help from Pakistan, "the Taliban...had taken control of Afghanistan..." (NYT 2). -
Amir returns to the Middle East
Amir returns to the Middle East because "'Rahim Khan is very sick...'" (Kite Runner 191). This is the first time Amir has been back to his homeland in ages. He hears about the Taliban rule, foreshadowing what he is about to expect in Kabul. -
Amir reunites with Hassan
He drove to Hazarajat, "[but], with the grace of God, [he] found him there" (Kite Runner 204). Amir finally reconnects a bond broken by the outside world and harsh conditions. However, this is the final time he will see Hassan, and will never be able to atone to Hassan while he's alive. -
After 9/11, US Begins to Intervene in Afghanistan
When the Taliban refused to give away Osama bin Laden, "...the United States joined rebel groups that have never accepted Taliban rule..." (NYT 3). -
Amir Arrives in Kabul
Amir arrives in the place of his child, except it is all now "[rubble] and beggars" (Kite Runner 245). Due to the Taliban power, Afghanistan became more corrupted by a militaristic government insane with power. Everyone became poor and all of their property were in ruins. -
Amir Fights Assef
Amir fights Assef when he finds Sohrab, and it "...was the first time [he had] fought anyone" (Kite Runner 288). This is his atonement for Hassan. He is not fighting for his dignity, but rather to protect Sohrab, who is Hassan's son. -
Sohrab Attempts Suicide
After hearing that he might have to go back to the orphanage, he cuts himself with "...the blood-soaked razor sitting on the toilet tank..." (Kite Runner 347-348). Sohrab went through rough times at the orphanage, but most prominently was being abused by the Taliban. What made it even worse was the fact that he was a Hazara. -
Hamid Karzai Becomes Leader of Afghanistan
After the Taliban were defeated, "Hamid Karzai...[became] leader of the country" (The New York Times 3). -
Sohrab Arrives in America
Sohrab is now in America, but "[he] moved as if not to stir the air around him" (Kite Runner 361). Although he should be happy to be safe from the Taliban, he is still depressed about what had happened in Afghanistan. This inclines him to seclude himself from everyone else. -
The Kite Gathering
At the gathering of kites, Amir showed Sohrab how to run a kite, and from Sohrab, he gets "...only a smile..." (Kite Runner 371). This smile is recognition of the fact that he likes life like this. There's hope for the future for all of them from just that one smile. -
General Petraeus Allies with US Military
General Petraeus was an Iraq commander who took "charge of United States Central Command...[and had the] responsibility for military operations in Iraq..." (NYT 4) -
Obama Sends More Troops
Obama reinforced those in Afghanistan by "...deploy[ing] 30,000 additional troops" (NYT 4).