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Zahir Shah started his reign; Baba was born
When giving facts about his father (Baba) Amir states, "In 1933, the year Baba was born and the year Zahir Shah began his 40-year reign of Afghanistan," (Hosseini 24). Although Shah does not seem crucial to the story, and Afghanistan's history, he was because almost as soon as he left, Russia gained control. -
Amir was born
When reflecting back on his life, Amir thinks, "I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975," (Hosseini 1). This is a significant time because it was the year when Amir was born. Amir is crucial to the plot of the book, being the main character. -
Hassan is born
When giving the reader a little information about his past and the pasts of those close to him, he remembers, "it was there, in that little shack, that Hassan was born in the winter of 1964," (Hosseini 6). Although it is not Hassans fault, Amirs failure to help Hassan becomes one of the biggest conflicts in the story. -
Assef reveals himself as bully, but Hassan saves the day
When describing the event that took place near his favorite pomegranate tree, Amir says, "I turned and came face to face with Hassan's slingshot," (Hosseini 41). Hassan had pointed his slingshot at Assef as soon as he had taken out his infamous brass knuckles. Although this put him at greater risk in the future, he sacrificed himself for Amir. -
Amir Worsens Relationship with Baba
In the early Spring of 1975, Amir says, "Baba, have you ever thought about getting new servants?" (Hosseini 89). Although it didn't seem bad to him at the moment, Amir immediately realizes it was a big mistake. Baba gets mad, therefore damaging their relationship. -
Hassan gets his cleft lip fixed
Dr. Kumar, the surgeon explained, "my job is to fix things on people's bodies. Sometimes their faces," (Hosseini 45). This is a moment that hints at something that is not revealed until much later. The great care demonstrated by Baba towards Hassan hints at the fact that Hassan is actually Babas son. -
Period: to
Timespan
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Amir wins kite tournament but loses his integrity
Amir, regretting his past remembers, "in the end I ran. I ran because i was a coward," (Hosseini 77). This is a monumental moment in the story because it is what shapes most of the plot from then on out. -
Amir's Birthday Party
During Amir's birthday party, Amir thinks, "It was my birthday, but I knew who the real star of the show was," (Hosseini 94). This quote reveals that Amir is jealous of Baba's socioeconomic status. Later this will change after Baba becomes less powerful in America. -
Ali and Hassan Leave Kabul
After hearing about how Amir has been treating Hassan, Ali is fed up. Amir feel guilty, which the offer present by writing, "Baba's car pulled away from the curb, taking with it the person whose first spoken word had been my name," (Hosseini 109). This guilt festers in Amir for a long time, and eventually build up to an unbearable level, prompting him the look for Sohrab, Amir's son. -
Mohammed Doud overthrown in Pro-Soviet Coup
In 1978 after attempts to pay off the USSR, "General Daud is overthrown and killed in a pro-Soviet coup," (BBC News). -
Russia Invades
In December of 1979, the "Soviet Army invades and props up communist government," (BBC News). -
Amir and Baba Flee Afghanistan
When talking about the destination, Amir said, "he was taking us to Jalalabad, about 170 kilometers southeast of Kabul," (Hosseini 111). This is a significant event because it is when Amir abandons his childhood home and everyone in it. This move ends up with him in America. -
Amir Marries Soraya
Amir is ecstatic to finally be getting married. He expresses this by saying, "Every night of the week became a yelda," (Hosseini 143). This is significant because yelda is one of the most important and exciting nights of the year in Afghan culture. It is the night one looks forward to the season to come. -
Mujahideen is formed
After war has swept through the land killing and displacing many, "Mujahideen come together in Pakistan to form alliance against Soviet forces," (BBC News). -
Amir Visits Rahim Kahn
When talking about searching for Rahim Kahn, Amir notes, "it took very little searching- all I had to do was ask a few questions in Bamiyan," (Hosseini 204). This is an important event because it leads to the chain of events that eventually result in Amir adopting Sohrab. -
Peace Treaty is Signed
In 1988, "Afghanistan, USSR, the US and Pakistan sign peace accords and Soviet Union begins pulling out troops," (BBC News). -
Taliban Seize Control
When the Taliban seize control, they " introduce hard-line version of Islam, banning women from work, and introducing Islamic punishments, which include stoning to death and amputations," (BBC News). -
U.S. Impose an Embargo
In 1999, the UN " imposes an air embargo and financial sanctions to force Afghanistan to hand over Osama bin Laden for trial," (BBC News). -
U.S. fights back
Following attacks on the U.S."US-led bombing of Afghanistan begins," (BBC News). -
Ahmad Shah Masood assasinated
Ahmad Shah Masood, leader of the main opposition to the Taliban - the Northern Alliance - is assassinated -
Amir runs for kite
On this day, Amir finally feels free of his guilt. He expressed this by "running with a swarm of screaming children," (Hosseini 371). This is important because it is what Hassan once did for Amir, and now Amir is doing it for Sohrab. -
New Constitution
In 2004, president Loya Jirga "adopts new constitution which provides for strong presidency," (BBC News). -
U.S. plans for countering terrorism
Barak Obama comes up with a new plan for countering terrorist groups. It involves, "an extra 4,000 US personnel [training] and bolster[ing] the Afghan army and police and there will be support for civilian development," (BBC News).