Kite Runner & The History of Afghanistan

By 19shanleys23F

  • Amir's grandfather and King Nadir Shah hunted, and they eventually took a photo with "a dead deer" (Hosseini 5).

    The fact that Amir's grandfather was a friend of the king emphasizes his aristrocratic status in Afghanistan. It also shows the two with meat. When the Taliban came, they took everyone's rights and their good lives.

  • After Ali's parents were killed, Amir's grandfather "adopted him into his own household" (Hosseini 24).

    This shows that Amir's family has often been respected and kind. This also will eventually bring Amir and Hassan together.

  • Amir is born, and thus Sofia Akrami died. The year is given because "Hassan was born in the winter of 1964, just one year after [Amir's] mother died giving birth to [him]" (Hosseini 6).

    This is important because it shows the birth of the main protaganist. It also shows how Hassan and Amir are connected in several ways, such as their season of birth.

  • Sanaubar gave birth to Hassan "in the winter of 1964" (Hosseini 6)

    This is important because Hassan is born. It seems rather uneventful until the plot twist that Baba is Hassan's father arrives. Both Amir and Hassan have similar birthdays, which demonstrates the bond they share.
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    This is the approximate range that Amir gives with his birth that tells when "Baba decided to build an orphanage" (Hosseini 13).

    Baba building an orphanage shows how nice he is to other people. It also talks about how he got skeptics to believe in him, demonstrating his authority in Afghanistan.

  • Baba went to Tehran to watch the World Cup, "[taking] a break from the construction of the orphanage" (Hosseini 20)._

    Baba shows a large interest in soccer, as seen here and when he talks to Assef. It is one of the things he likes that his son does not, guilting Amir.

  • Daoud Khan gained control of Afghanistan "with a bloodless coup" (Hosseini 36).

    This is the first time Amir sees a power shift in Afghanistan. It changes his perspective forever.

  • Assef meddles with Amir and Hassan for the first time, until being threatened with "Hassan's slingshot" (Hosseini 41).

    This sets up the main antagonist of the book. He remembers the occasion, and tries to torment Hassan and Amir later.

  • Hassan and Amir won the kite tournament, but Assef beat up Hassan while Hassan was getting the opposing kite. Because of this, it was the last time "Hassan [ran] a kite" (Hosseini 55).

    This places a moral dilemma on Amir. He is unsure if Hassan's pain was necessary to win Baba's love.

  • The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan

    They invade at the request of Babrak Karmal.

  • Amir and Baba were driven "out of the Shorawi-occupied Kabul to the relative safety of Pakistan" (Hosseini 111).

    This is the second power shift in the book. Amir and Baba leave behind their luxurious life as well as Ali and Hassan.

  • Baba and Amir go to America, which "Baba loved the idea of" (Hosseini 124).

    Baba and Amir believe that their future will be okay. However, many issues happen in America, including Baba's demise.

  • Soviet aircraft are less effective due to the United States' new antiaircraft missiles

  • Soviets withdraw from Afghanistan.

    However, the country was left in ruin and became vulnerable to the introduction of terror groups.

  • The control of Afghanistan was divided between warlords.

  • Mullah Omar, leader of the Taliban, has 12,000 followers

  • bin Laden arrives at Afghanistan

    He is protected by the Taliban.

  • Taliban gains control of Afghanistan

    The Taliban are able to gain control due to the weakness in the country caused by civil war.

  • Amir got the message that "'Rahim Khan is very sick'", so he goes to see him (Hosseini 191).

    Everyone important in Amir's life in Afghanistan is dead or dying. His past seeks him in order to atone for the past.

  • Amir has his "reunion with Rahim Khan" (Hosseini 197).

    Rahim Khan unveils the final power shift towards the Taliban. He also discloses to Amir that Baba is also Hassan's father.

  • Amir meets Assef again while "looking for [Sohrab]" during the appointment (Hosseini 278).

    Amir is ready to confront his oppressor to save his half-nephew. Amir intends to atone for his sins with his developed morals.

  • September 11 Attacks

    The Islamic terrorist group al Qaeda uses hijacked planes to destroy the United States' Twin Towers, killing many people and worrying the public.

  • Amir and Sohrab are kite-fighting in America, and Sohrab showed "[a] smile" (Hosseini 370).

    Amir sees Hassan in Sohrab, and thus his atonement for his past. Sohrab's smile suggests that things will get better, and that he can forgive Amir for retracting on the promise.
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    Hamid Karzai is president.

    He has a five year term.

  • Obama announces his plan to deploy troops to Afghanistan.