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The Kite Runner and the History of Afghanistan
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Soviet Union Helps Afghanistan
In the article it is mentioned that "Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agrees to help Afghanistan, and the two countries become close allies." -
Hassan and Amir run into Aseef
In an alley, Hassan and Amur run into Assef, who "Born to a German mother and Afghan father, the blond, blue-eyed Assef towered over the other kids. His well-earned reputation for savagery preceded him on the streets." (38) This quote introduces Assef and foreshadows him as a major character in the story. This quote also foreshadows Assef as someone who will torment Hassan and Amir and cause them a lot of pain. -
Mohammed Daoud Khan Becomes King
The article states that "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." -
Hassan and Amir win the tournament
As they win the tournament, Amir says "then I saw Baba on our roof. He was standing on the edge, pumping both of his fists. Hollering and clapping. And that right there was the single greatest moment of my twelve years of life, seeing Baba on that roof, proud of me at last." (66). This quote signifies why Amir does whatever he does, for Baba's approval. This quote also foreshadows Amir's actions later in the book in order to seek Baba's approval once more. -
Hassan gets raped by Assef
When Amir finds Hassan he says that "Assef knelt behind behind Hassan, put his hand on Hassan's hips and lifted his bare buttocks" (75). This quote uses imagery to describe Assef raping Hassan in the alleyway. This quote is a major turning point in the book because Amir and Hassan's relationship is never the same. This quote is significant because of how it will affect Hassan, Amir and their relationship for the rest of the book. -
Baba cries as Ali and Hassan leave
As Hassan and Ali leave Amir mentions that "Then I saw Baba do something I had never seen him do before: He cried. It scared me a little, seeing a grown man sob. Fathers weren’t supposed to cry. ‘Please,’ Baba was saying, but Ali had already turned to the door, Hassan trailing him. I’ll never forget the way Baba said that, the pain in his plea, the fear." (107) This quote describes how Ali and Hassan feel like they have to leave Baba. This quote also shows how much Baba cares and how sad he is. -
Mohammed Khan is Killed in a Communist Coup
PBS states that "Khan is killed in a communist coup. Nur Mohammad Taraki, one of the founding members of the Afghan Communist Party, takes control of the country as president, and Babrak Karmal is named deputy prime minister. They proclaim independence from Soviet influence, and declare their policies to be based on Islamic principles, Afghan nationalism and socioeconomic justice. Taraki signs a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union. -
Baba and Amir leave Kabul for America
Once they are in the truck, Amir mentions that "[his] innards had been rolling since they departed Kabul just after two in the morning." (110) This quote uses distinct imagery to describe how Amir is feeling after Hassan leaves them and he and Baba leave the only home he has ever known. This quote also foreshadows how the journey will be, based off of the very beginning and how America will be a main location for the majority of the rest of the book. -
Baba and Amir arrive in America
After the long journey from Pakistan, Amir mentions that "Baba loved the idea of America. It was living in America that gave him an ulcer." (125). This quote introduces the new setting for Amir and Baba. This quote shows how America is very interesting to people outside of the country. On top of this, this quote shows how Baba is scared of not only living in America, but living somewhere that isn't Afghanistan, especially where he has a lot less power. -
Amir Graduates High School
One of Amir's earliest memories in America is that "[he] graduates high school at the age of twenty," (131). This quote describes the importance of graduating high school to Amir because of how it is one of the first things he remembers of America. This is so significant to Amir because he is on the way to becoming a writer like he always dreamed of, and something that would earn Baba's respect. -
Baba is diagnosed with cancer
After many tests with many different doctors, Baba was diagnosed with ""Oat Cell Carcinoma."'(156). This quote describes Baba's cancer. After the diagnosis, the doctor mentions that it is "'grave"' (156) meaning Baba will die. This quote shows the significance of this disease and the fact that Baba will die soon. This is significant because soon Amir will be on his own in America, and there will no longer someone for Amir to constantly seek the approval of. -
Amir meets Soraya for the first time
While scavenging for money with Baba, Amir meets General Taheri's "'daughter, Soraya jan.'" (141). This quote introduces a new character, Soraya, who catches Amir's attention. This quote is significant because of the role Soraya plays for the rest of the novel, and how long Amir is stuck thinking about her, longing to see her again. -
Amir and Soraya get engaged
After the diagnosis, Amir calls Soraya's father for permission and asks Soraya '"Nothing you said changes anything. I want us to marry.'" (165). This quote introduces the engagement of Amir and Soraya and how elated Amir is with it. This is a very significant event because after Baba's inevitable death, Amir won't be alone in America, he will be with someone he loves. -
Baba passes away.
Shortly after the wedding, Amir and Soraya help Baba go to bed but, "Baba never woke up." (173). This event is important because Baba is no longer with Amir in America. Throughout the book, Amir has constantly longed for Baba's respect, which he earned very soon before. Baba has helped Amir through everything, and has been one of three people Amir has every truly loved. -
Amir and Soraya get married
Very shprtly after engagement, Amir and Soraya get married before Baba passes away. Amir mentions that this was "the moment [he had] been waiting for." (168). This quote is significant in many ways. For one, Amir has only ever loved two people, Baba and Hassan, as much as Soraya. Also, this quote gives Amir someone to be with once Baba dies. This also shows how soon Baba will die, because they got married as quickly as possible. -
Osama Bin Laden forms the group al-Qaeda
PBS states that "In September, Osama bin Laden and 15 other Islamists form the group al-Qaida, or “the base”, to continue their jihad, or holy war, against the Soviets and other who they say oppose their goal of a pure nation governed by Islam. With their belief that the Soviet’s faltering war in Afghanistan was directly attributable to their fighting, they claim victory in their first battle, but also begin to shift their focus to America." -
The Taliban comes to power in Afghanistan
The article says that "Newly formed Islamic militia, the Taliban, rises to power on promises of peace. Most Afghans, exhausted by years of drought, famine and war, approve of the Taliban for upholding traditional Islamic values. The Taliban outlaw cultivation of poppies for the opium trade, crack down on crime, and curtail the education and employment of women. Women are required to be fully veiled and are not allowed outside alone. Islamic law is enforced via public executions and amputations." -
The Execution of Najibullah
PBS mentions that "The Taliban publicly executes Najibullah.
Ethnic groups in the north, under Masood’s Northern Alliance, and the south, aided in part by Hamid Karzai, continue to battle the Taliban for control of the country." -
President Clinton fights back towards al-Qaeda
The article mentions "Following al-Qaida’s bombings of two American embassies in Africa, President Clinton orders cruise missile attacks against bin Laden’s training camps in Afghanistan. The attacks miss the Saudi and other leaders of the terrorist group" -
Hassan is murdered by the Taliban
Rahim Khan talks to Amir about everything he missed, including the fact that "[The Taliban] massacred the Hazaras in Mazar-i-Sharif." (213). This event is significant because Hassan was Amir's best friend and the main plot line of the story is centered around Hassan. When Amir learns that Hassan is dead, it destroys him because he can never see his friend again, but he also comes to the realization that there is no longer a real chance for atonement. -
Bin Laden recognized as a national terrorist
The article states that "By now considered an international terrorist, bin Laden is widely believed to be hiding in Afghanistan, where he is cultivating thousands of followers in terrorist training camps. The United States demands that bin Laden be extradited to stand trial for the embassy bombings. The Taliban decline to extradite him. The United Nations punishes Afghanistan with sanctions restricting trade and economic development." -
Rahim Khan calls Amir, telling him to come to Pakistan
Just like how it mentioned in the beginning of the book, Rahim Khan calls Amir, causing him '"to go to Pakistan."' (191). This is significant because it is mentioned at the very beginning of the book. Rahim Khan has always been close with Amir and now he is sick just like Baba was. This is also significant to Amir because Rahim Khan says "there is a way to be good again." (192). This is significant because Rahim hints at an opportunity for atonement. -
Amir and Soraya adopt Sohrab in America
After rescuing Sohrab form the Taliban and flying with him back to America, Soraya picks them up at the airport and says "'Salaam, Sohrab jan, I'm your Khala Soraya. we've all been waiting for you." (358). This is a significant event because Amir and Soraya are finally able to have a child but also, Amir is partially able to atone for his sins. Even though he could not save Hassan, Amir was able to atone by saving the last part of Hassan, his son Sohrab. -
Masood is assasinated
The article notes that "Masood, still head of the Northern Alliance and the nation’s top insurgent, is killed by assassins posing as journalists." -
The Attacks of 9-11
The article says that "Hijackers commandeer four commercial airplanes and crash them into the World Trade Center Towers in New York, the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania field, killing thousands. Days later, U.S. officials say bin Laden, the Saudi exile believed to be hiding in Afghanistan, is the prime suspect in the attack."
