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Germans built Hydro Plant for Afghanistan
While being smuggled over to Pakistan Amir takes notice of "Mahirpar Falls ... a high summit ... overlooking the hydro plant ... Baba and I had driven over the summit countless times on our way to Jalalabad" (Hosseini 111). This quote illustrates that the Germans were resourceful and sympathetic to the Afghans. Yet now they are one of the reasons many Afghans are fleeing their homes. -
Daoud Khan Overthrows Zahir Shah
Afghanistan was faced with a sleepless night as gunshots fired through the night. Hosseini describes Amir and Hassans experience as "A siren went off in the distance. Somewhere glass shattered and someone shouted ... Kabul awoke the next morning to find that the monarchy was a thing of the past" (Hosseini 35-36). This quote demonstrates how in one night, Afghanistan's future was going to change. This is significant because it shows the reader that this event marks the beginning of a fierce plot. -
Hassan gets Raped
Contemplating what to do, Amir thinks "I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan ... In the end, I ran ... Just like I pretended I hadn't seen the dark stain in the seat of his pants ... or those tiny drops that fell from between his legs and stained the snow black" (Hosseini 77-78). This quote demonstrates that not only does the rape erode Amir, but its the fact that he didn't do anything. Amir regrets the rape because of his lack of interference. -
Period: to
Afghanistan Events 1975-2017
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Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan
Afghanistan was a safe and peaceful, as well as controlled country, yet "The turmoil and extremism that have dominated its history since then can be traced to the 1979 invasion by the Soviet Union and the reaction both by the Afghans and by their allies in the United States and Pakistan" (New York Times). -
Amir and Baba leave Kabul
Baba and Amir have left Kabul with the help of a people smuggler. Hosseini indicates Amirs anxiousness when "Sitting with our suitcases between our legs, cramped with these strangers in ... an old Russian truck ... we'd left Kabul just after two in the morning" (Hosseini 110). This quote demonstrates how even the rich and respected have to take their leave. This shows us that matters in Kabul are becoming more serious, and even hotheaded men like Baba may need to back down. -
Baba Causes a Disruption
After arriving in California, Baba throws a small tantrum and states "'Almost two years we've bought his damn fruits and put money in his pocket and the son of a dog wants to see my license" (Hosseini 127)! This quote indicates that Baba is still not accustomed to living in America. In Afghanistan, he was respected and rich, yet now has less socioeconomic status, thus causing a mini fit with Baba, Amir, and the Nguyens. -
Amir Graduates from High School
Although he was the oldest amongst the seniors Amir "Graduate[s] from high school at the age of twenty ... [Baba] told the owner that his son was going to college in the fall" (Hosseini 131). This quote demonstrates how even though Baba wasn't always there for Amir back in Afghanistan, the two have grown a stronger relationship in the states. Amir graduating from high school proves that he is leading a successful academic career, and has support from his family. -
Baba gets Diagnosed with Cancer
Soon after Amir meets Soraya, Baba develops a cough, which turns into lung cancer. After many meetings with the doctor, Amir and Baba are informed that "Like Satan, cancer had many names. Baba's was called 'Oat Cell Carcinoma.' Advanced" (Hosseini 155-156). The quote demonstrates how problematic Baba's cancer is because it is advanced, and because it is compared to Satan. This shows us that something bad is bound to happen from this diagnosis. -
Soviet Unions Fight Begins to Weaken
The fight had a consequence of many lives, and "After 1986, the Soviet Air Force was also was also rendered largely useless by advanced Stinger antiaircraft missiles supplied by the United States to the rebels" (New York Times). -
Rahim Khan searches for Hassan
Rahim Khan explained to Amir that "Most of my friends or relatives had either been killed or had escaped the country ... it was getting harder for me to maintain the house. My knees and back were always aching" (Hosseini 204). This quote indicates that Rahim Khan is getting older and needs help. He cannot take care of a large estate by himself in his condition, and only has one person to possibly rely on. -
Amir Completes his First Story
Many months after Amir and Soraya's wedding, and Baba's death, Amir had finalized his book, "I finished my first novel, a father-son story set in Kabul ... I sent query letters to a dozen agencies" (Hosseini 182). This quote indicates how much Amir misses Baba. Although we are only given a few details, this book is about a father-son relationship that Amir had and/or wanted. -
Soviet Troops Leave Afghanistan
After havoc in the country, "Eventually, after peace talks moderated by the United Nations, the last Soviet troops left Afghanistan in February 1989, in what was in effect a unilateral withdrawal" (New York Times). -
Saunabar Returns
After discovering her in front of the house, Saunabar tells Hassan "'I have walked long and far to see if you are as beautiful in the flesh as you are in my dreams. And you are ... And I wouldn't even hold you. Allah forgive me" (Hosseini 210). This quote illustrates how even though it has been over twenty years, Saunabar still seeked redemption. This quote is significant because it shows us that anyone can fix things from however far back they were in the past. -
Sohrab is Born
Rahim Khan tells Amir of when Farzana, Hassan wife, gave birth for the second time. He tells him that "I remember Saunabar came out of the hut holding her grandson, had him wrapped in a wool blanket ... He was a beautiful little boy" (Hosseini 211). This quote demonstrates Rahim Khans love for Sohrab. This shows us that Amir never really knew what had happened to Hassan for over ten years, and that he led a life very different from their past. -
Northern Alliance causes Complication in Kabul
Rahim Khan informs Amir that "When the Northern Alliance took over Kabul ... different factions claimed different parts of Kabul. 'If you went ... to buy a carpet, you risked getting shot by a sniper or getting blown up by a rocket'" (Hosseini 199). This quote demonstrates how dangerous Kabul has become. In the span of a few years since Amir left, Kabul has rapidly changed negatively. -
Anarchy Established and Power Distributed
With a country wrecked in devastation, too much power was distributed among too many people, "Soviet forces departed, Afghanistan descended into vicious internecine strife; by the summer of 1994, power was anarchically divided among competing warlords and individual fiefdoms" (New York Times). -
Afghan Fighters Receiving Help from Neighboring Pakistani Officers
Civilians began to fight back and "As early as 1994, 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" (New York Times). -
Mullah Omar Gains Support
Taking a stand proved incredibly helpful for the country and "By the end of 1994 Mullah Omar had nearly 12,000 ... With the promise of restoring the centrality of Islam to daily life" (New York Times). -
Taliban Gained Control of Afghanistan
"The United States had been militarily involved in Afghanistan since 2001, when it led an invasion after the Sept. 11 attacks by Al-Qaeda. The group had been given safe haven in the country by the Taliban, the extremist Islamic group that had seized control in 1996 after years of civil war" (New York Times). -
Taliban Arrive
The Taliban have overtaken the Russians and brought joy to the Pashtuns. Yet the Hazaras are worried, and for good reason. Hosseini illustrates this when Hassan states "'God help the Hazaras now, Rahim Khan sahib'" (Hosseini 213). This quote demonstrates that even though they are liberated by the Russians, there is still more to fear, for others have discriminating beliefs. This quote foreshadows the fact that religion and race play a key role if you are to escape the grasp of the Taliban. -
U.S. Invasion
"The 2001 invasion succeeded in dislodging Al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power, but not eradicating either group" (New York Times). -
Influence on Southern Afghanistan
With too many wars breaking out, it proved opportunity for extremists to gain more supporters, "As the American military focus was diverted to the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the Taliban regrouped and began to extend its influence in the southern part of Afghanistan" (New York Times). -
Hamid Karzai Becomes a Leader
Without a strengthened government, the country needed a leader in this time of trouble, "In December 2001, Hamid Karzai, a supporter and relative of Mohammad Zahir Shah, the exiled former king of Afghanistan, was named chairman of an interim government that replaced the defeated Taliban, making him leader of the country" (New York Times). -
Amir visits Rahim Khan
While meeting Rahim Khan, Hosseini states that "Rahim Khan talked some more. Much of it I knew already, some not ... He told me how knocked holes in the walls of their homes so they could bypass the dangerous streets" (Hosseini 199). This quote demonstrates how not only is this meeting a way to see each other again, but also to gather more information about Afghanistan. This scene is important because while it seems to be about Amir and his new life, Rahim Khan is expanding upon his dying wish. -
Amir Receives a Call
Many years after leaving Afghanistan, Amir receives a call from a very old acquaintance "One day last summer, my friend Rahim Khan called from Pakistan. He asked me to some see him. Standing in the kitchen with the receiver to my ear, I knew it wasn't just Rahim Khan on the line. It was my past of unatoned sins" (Hosseini 1). This quote demonstrates how with a simple conversation, memories from his past have reappeared. Amir knows the visit to Rahim Khan isn't pointless and anticipates his trip.