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Kite Runner & The History of Afganistan
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Amir Wins the Kite Flying Contest
In search of Baba's approval, Amir participates in a kite running contest. Following his win, Amir could see Baba "hollering and clapping" (Hosseini 66). Though winning a competition does not demonstrate the confidence that Baba yearns for Amir, the victory signifies a turning point in their relationship. Following the triumph, Baba seems to make amends with who Amir is, and appreciate the qualities he possesses. -
Hassan Runs Kite for the Last Time
Right before the kite competition, Amir oddly claims that Hassan ran "a kite for the last time" (Hosseini 55). This quote foreshadows Hassan's rape following Amir's victory in the competition. The sentiment also symbolizes that the rape stripped Hassan of his ability to run free, as following the assualt his outlook upon the world changed dramatically. -
Genghis Khan Killed in Communist Coup, Nur Mohammad Taraki Takes Control (1978)
"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" (PBS NewsHour). -
USSR Invades Afganistan; Protesting Communist Government (1979)
After the murder of the US Ambassador, the USSR invades Afghanistan on Dec. 24 to bolster the faltering communist regime. On Dec. 27, Amin and many of his followers are executed. Deputy Prime Minister Babrak Karmal becomes prime minister. Widespread opposition to Karmal and the Soviets spawns violent public demonstrations" (PBS NewsHour). -
Hassan and Baba Leave Kabul
Amir feel nauseous after departing from Kabul, but the driver tells him that "we are too close to Kabul...have a good stomach" (Hosseini 111). Perhaps the nausea and eventual barfing represent Amir's cleansing prior to arriving in America. Since Hassan's rape, he has attempted to find ways to expressing his guilt, and many strategies he now regrets. Amir wishes to start fresh in America; a new life with new possibilities. -
2.8 Afgans Flee War, Entering Pakistan and Iran (1982)
Due to the war, "some 2.8 million Afghans have fled from the war to Pakistan, and another 1.5 million have fled to Iran. Afghan guerrillas gain control of rural areas, and Soviet troops hold urban areas" (PBS NewsHour). -
Baba Struggles with American Culture
After being accused of stealing items for a nearby store, Baba reckons that in America "no one trusts anybody!" (Hosseini 128). The competition that Americans value so dearly may be challenging for foreigners to get used to, especially coming from Baba's previous life of fame and riches. Baba must now start from the bottom of the status levels again, as he regains the trust and appreciation of his neighbors. -
Baba Stands Up for Woman on the Way to America
A Russian soldier demands the turning over of a woman in Baba and Amir's car to Pakistan. Evidently, they want to use the woman for their sexual pleasure. Upon hearing what the Russians want, Baba immediately stands up, wanting to ask the soldier "where his shame is" (Hossieni 115). Baba's standing up for the woman is significant because Amir lacked the courage to stand up for Hassan. Amir continues to yearn Baba's approval, but seeing Baba put his life at risk seems too big of a task for Amir. -
Soraya Informs Amir of Her 'Illegitimacy'
Before Amir and Soraya marry, Soraya feels the urge to inform Amir about a mistake she made. A few years back, Soraya ran away with an Afghan man, therefore making her 'illegitimate' in the Afghan culture. When her father rescued her, Soraya was "Screaming. Saying I hated him" (Hosseini 164). Despite the fact that Soraya tells Amir her greatest sin, Amir will not Soraya about Hassan. This scene is significant because Soraya has the courage and humility to tell the truth, while Amir does not. -
Baba Consults General Taheri About Amir Marrying Soraya
Soon after being discharged from the hospital, Baba travels to General Taheri's house to perform the ceremony in which the father groom seeks approval from the bride. After Amir dropped Baba off, he could see Baba "hobbling up the Taheri's driveway" (Hosseini 163). Even though Baba is still sick, he still goes to the Taheri's house. This action is Baba's way of redemption towards Amir; setting up Amir's life for success after not helping him very much during childhood. -
Osama bin Laden Makes First Trip to Aid Anti-Soviet Fighters
Although his account is different, "Saudi Islamist Osama bin Laden makes his first documented trip to Afghanistan to aid anti-Soviet fighters.
The United Nations investigates reported human rights violations in Afghanistan" (PBS NewsHour). -
Osama bin Laden Forms Al Queda ("the base")
Seeking to spread his theology, "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" (PBS NewsHour). -
Peace Accords Signed, Making Afganistan Independent
The Soviet Union, the US, Afghanistan and Pakistan sign an agreement in Geneva "guaranteeing Afghan independence and the withdrawal of 100,000 Soviet troops. Following Soviet withdrawal, the Mujahadeen continue their resistance against the Soviet-backed regime of communist president Dr. Mohammad Najibullah, who had been elected president of the puppet Soviet state in 1986" (PBS NewsHour). -
Taliban RIses to Power, Promising Peace
The Taliban, a new militia "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" (PBS NewsHour). -
Amir is Summoned by Rahim Khan
In June 2001, Rahim Khan calls Amir to inform him that he is "very sick" (Hosseini 191). Amir travels to Pakistan; a land reduced to rubble during the wars. The visit to Baba's business partner symbolizes Amir once again facing his childhood sins, something he has tried hard to dismiss in America. -
Amir Learns of Hassan's Life and Murder
Rahim Khan summons Amir to Pakistan to rescue Hassan's orphaned son. Sohrab lost his both his parents when Hassan was "shot in the back of the head" by the Taliban and his mother tried to stop it (Hosseini 219). Rahim Khan knows that Amir ran away when Hassan was raped by Assef. Due to the dramatic event, Amir has always regretted Hassan's purity. However, the news that Hassan gave his life in an attempt to protect Baba's house only magnifies the guilt. -
Hijackers Crash Planes into The World Trade Center, Pentagon
On September 11, 2001, "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" (PBS NewsHour -
Amir Sees Kabul for the First Time since the War
Farid continues to warn Amir of Kabul's dramatically changed state, but Amir thinks he is exaggerating. Yet seeing Kabul for the first time since the war made Amir think Farid had made "a wrong turn somewhere" (Hosseini 244). The fallen buildings and torn streets did not resemble the Kabul Amir grew up in. Even though Amir grew up with wealth, such poverty and destruction was unprecedented. The surprise Amir experiences angers Farid, a man who was unable to flee to America during the war. -
Amir Visits His Childhood Home
When Amir sees his childhood home for the first time since the war, the once "sprawling white mansion...had faded to a ghostly gray" (Hosseini 262). The now run-down home represents Amir's loss of innocence. The cowardice and aggressiveness he demonstrated toward Hassan eradicated Amir's chances of sustaining his 'angelness' and his purity. Moreover, he fact that he abandoned his home in a time of struggle illustrates his lack of devotion to his homeland. -
Amir Witness a Taliban Public Execution
In order find Hassan's son, Amir must find a Talib at a soccer game. He finds the Talib publicly executing an adulterer during halftime. After the massacre, the victim "was...a mangled mess of blood" (Hosseini 271). Prior to to execution, Amir struggled with whether or not to leave. Therefore, the cowardice that Baba complained about and Amir demonstrated in the raping of Hassan was still present. In rescuing Sohrab, Amir will have to stand up to his cowardice to achieve what he wants. -
Amir is Attacked by Assef
In order to gain custody of Sohrab, Amir must first fight Assef to 'finish unfinished business'. But, despite the gruesome attacks by Assef, Amir "laughed" (Hosseini 289). Amir feels that the beating is his method of atonement for what he had done to Hassan. Therefore, the pain is well deserved and he should appreciate the opportunity he is getting to atone. Ironically, laughter during a beating was the reason Assef decided to join the Taliban. -
The Caldwell Orphanage isn't Real!
Rahim Khan tells him that he will deliver Sohrab to Thomas and Betty Caldwell, a family with an orphanage in Peshawar. But, Farid soon discovers that the Caldwells "aren't in Peshawar" (Hosseini 308). Rahim Khan created the lie to motivate Amir to venture to Afghanistan. However, he is actually giving Amir the perfect way to atone for his sins: adopt Sohrab as his son. With Sohrab under his care, Amir can make true all the traits Hassan described to his son. -
Amir Runs the Kite for Sohrab
At a festival for the Afghan New Year, Amir purchases a kite for the still 'mute' Sohrab. After Sohrab takes the kite with a grin, Amir "turned and ran" (Hosseini 371). Amir running the kite for Hassan's son symbolizes that Amir's atonement process is complete. The kite's presence throughout the story symbolizes the 'journey' that takes place throughout in Amir's atonement for his actions to Hassan. Moreover, the kite is the beginning and conclusion of the story. -
US Forces Kill Osama Bin Laden
After years of searching, "U.S. forces overtake a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and kill al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden" (PBS NewsHour).