Kite Runner & The History of Afghanistan

  • Kite Runner

    In the novel, Amir describes how in the "winter of 1975... and changed everything" (2). This date is important to the book because readers have to keep this in mind and they will figure out what eventually happens in the winter of 1975. Also it says in the novel that this year changed Amir's life.
  • Kite Runner

    When Amir framed Hassan and Ali for stealing his things, Ali told Baba that he and Hassan had to leave because "life [there was] impossible for [them]" (106). Because Amir had stowed his belongings under Hassan and Ali's pillows, this shows the turning point of how jealous he had become of Baba and Hassan's close relationship. So in order to win Baba for himself he decided to frame Ali and Hassan.
  • NYT Article

    During the year of 1979 Afghanistan "has known little peace... [since] the Soviet Union invaded" (1). This shows that Afghanistan has never been a really free country because of the many people invading/watching over them. They were never a peaceful country because they were always under someone's suspicion.
  • Kite Runner

    In the 1980's, Amir and Baba moved to California because they wanted a better life and "Baba loved the idea of America" (125). This shows that although America is a great place to have a better or start a new life, Baba liked the idea but never thought to move there. He only moved to America so that Amir could have a better life there than for them to be stuck in Afghanistan where it isn't safe.
  • Kite Runner

    During the summer of 1983, Amir had "graduated from high school" (131). This shows that because of Amir and Baba moving to America, he had the opportunity to finish high school and go to college. If they had stayed in Afghanistan, Amir might not have had the chance to go to college and if he did, he would be leaving Baba behind in a dangerous environment.
  • Kite Runner

    While living in America, Baba started becoming dangerously ill so they went to the hospital. They later found out it was cancer and Baba was saying "no chemo medication for [him]" (156). This shows that Baba isn't afraid of dying and he believes that his time is up. But this is hard on Amir because he doesn't know what he will do without Baba by his side.
  • NYT Article

    In Afghanistan, when the Soviets left the "Taliban by 1996 had taken control of Afghanistan" (3). Because many people have watched over or taken over Afghanistan, this illustrates that Afghanistan isn't a safe place. It could be a safe place if people hadn't made so many accusations or helped them get rid of those who terrorize innocent people living in Afghanistan.
  • NYT Article

    In the article, it states that the U.S. military was involved with Afghanistan because "it led an invasion after the Sept. 11 attacks by Al Qaeda" (1). This illustrates that the U.S felt threatened by Afghanistan. In order to keep themselves and the citizens at ease, they kept a close eye on Afghanistan in order to ensure their safety.
  • NYT Article

    After 9/11 had occurred, President George W. Bush "gave the Taliban an ultimatum to hand over Mr. bin Laden" (3). This shows that after the tragedy, the President wanted to ensure that no more innocent lives would be lost. Therefore, he wanted to execute Osama bin Laden so that the Taliban wouldn't have a leader anymore and that it would show that if they were ever to come back, we would be ready.
  • NYT Article

    During 2009, President Obama "vowed to start bringing American forces home from Afghanistan" (4). This shows that President Obama can no longer take that his soldiers are still out there is that dangerous environment. So he wants to bring them home and keep them safe.