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Tajiks Gain Power
At this time, the Tajiks, a minority group in Afghanistan, were in power. After this, the Pashtuns, the larger majority of the citizens, gained power. Since then, conflict between the two groups has existed. -
Mohammed Zahir Shah is In Power
Mohammed Zahir Shah is the last king of Afghanistan. -
The Book Begins
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Mohommed Daoud Khan Gains Power
Ousting his cousin, Mohommed Zahir Shah, from power, Mohommed Daoud Khan named himself the first president of Afghanistan. -
Nana Kills Herself
In the Spring of 1974, Laila returns home after she ran away from home to visit her father. On her return, she sees that her mother, Nana, had hung herself under the weeping willow tree. -
Rasheed and Miriam Get Married
A week after Nana died, Jalil sets up a marriage between Miriam and an older shoemaker named Rasheed. They move to Kabul, Afghanistan. -
Miriam's First Miscarriage
After being raped by Rasheed, Miriam becomes pregnant for the first time. However, after a couple months, she has a miscarriage in the fall of 1974. -
Saur Revolution
Saur Revolution DocThe People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, a socialist party, revolted against President Daoud Khan. Supported by the USSR, the PDP sets up a pro-communist government and sends in troops. Fighting agaisnt communism, the United States supports an anti-Soviet group known as the mujahedeen led by Osama bin Laden. -
Mir Akbar Khyber found Dead
About Mir Akbar KhyberMir Akbar Khyber, a prominent communist, was found murdered. President Daoud Khan is blamed for this murder. -
Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is Formed
Abdul Qader led a coup that killed Daud's loyalist forces and established the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. -
Laila is Born
On the night of the beginning of the Saur Revolution, Laila is born in Kabul, Afghanistan. -
Miriam's Seven Miscarriages
By 1978, Miriam has been married for four years. Also by this time, Miriam has went through seven miscarriages. -
Soviet-Afghan War Begins
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Noor and Ahmed Join the Jihad
Noor and Ahmed, Mami and Babi's sons, join the Jihad to fight the Soviets. -
Jalil Dies
After attempting to visit Laila at her home, Jalil passes away as a result of an unknown sickness. -
Noor and Ahmed Die
After fighting with the Jahid, Noor and Ahmed are killed. This causes serious depression within Mami, forcing Laila to take the mother position in their house. -
Peace Treaty Is Made
Soviets form a peace treaty at Geneva, stating that the Soviets will withdraw from Afghanistan. -
Soviet-Afghan War Ends
After over one million casualties, refugees fleeing to nearby countries, and violence within many cities (especially Kabul), the USSR withdraws. However, civil war continues within Afghanistan. -
Shari'a is Enforced
About the Shari'aAfter the Islamic State of Afghanistan is formed, the Shari'a is enacted, forcing women to obey strict conservative laws. -
Fighting between Pashtun Forces and Warlords
In June of 1992, heavy fighting between the Pashtun forces and the warlords exists. -
Mami and Babi Die
After their home is hit by a missile, Mami and Babi are killed. Laila survives and is pulled from the rubble by Rasheed. Shortly after, Laila marries Rasheed, thinking that Tariq is dead. -
Tariq Leaves Kabul
In August of 1992, Tariq and his family leave Kabul, Afghanistan to go to Peshawar, Pakistan. Before leaving, Tariq asked Laila to marry him. -
Taliban Gains Political Power
The Taliban, an Islamic group in Afghanistan, gained power during the early 1990's. They enforced anti-communism, strict religious laws, and extreme conservative behavior. Using laws specifically focused on women, the Taliban oppressed many members of Afghan society through their regime. -
Aziza is Born
Although married to Rasheed, Laila secretly has Tariq's baby who was conceived before Tariq left for Pakistan. Rasheed believes that this baby is his. -
Mujadeen Gains Power
After the Mujadeen gains power, there is heavy fighting and they are forcing young boys to join their forces. -
Miriam, Laila, and Aziza Attempt to Escape
Trying to escape the war and Rasheed, Miriam, Laila, and Aziza try to leave Afghanistan. However, a man tells forces about them, and they are brought to jail and back to Rasheed. Rasheed beat them and locked them up for days, depriving them of water and food. -
Zalmai is Born
After being rejected by male-only hospitals, Laila is forced to go to a run-down women's hospital. After pregnancy complications, Laila is forced to have a C-section without anesthetic. -
Rasheed Buys a TV
After Rasheed buys a TV during a drought, he continues extravagant spending. This causes serious financial problems and eventually causes them to give up Aziza to an orphanage. -
Aziza Goes to the Orphanage
Because their family can no longer support both of their children, Lalia and Rasheed decide to send her to an orphanage. Here, she is living in terrible conditions, but is fed and educated. -
Tariq Returns
After years of believing he was dead, Tariq returns to Kabul to meet with Laila. He was in a refugee camp and prison, but now lives in Pakistan with a goat. -
Al Qaida Orgainzes 9/11
About 9/11Led by Osama bin Laden, Al Qaida, an organization that acted within the Taliban, organized the attacks on the Twin Towers buildings in New York City. Reasoning behind this attack included revenge against the US for supporting anti-Islamic groups, for sending troops to Saudi Arabia, and other aggression against Islam. -
Tariq and Laila Return to Afghanistan
After moving to Tariq's home in Pakistan, Laila and Tariq stop at Herat and then move back to Kabul. -
Laila Teaches at Orphanage
After moving back to Kabult, Laila and Zaman renovate the orphanage. Laila becomes a teacher here.
