-
Period: to
Afghanistan Timeline
-
Amir wins the kite contest
During this event, the authors tell us "I was throwing my free arm around Hassan and we were hopping up and down, both of us laughing, both of us weeping 'You won Amir agha! You won!' (Hosseini 66). This quote shows us the happiness and exhilaration that both Hassan and Amir felt when he won the contest. It also shows us one of the most happy parts of this story. -
Hassan’s rape
During this event, Hassan gets raped by Assef, while Amir watches in silence and does nothing to protect his "friend". A quote that describes this event, "I bit my fist, and shut my eyes." (Hosseini 73) In this quote, Amir is describing how he basically just watched his friend get attacked and does nothing. This quote shows Amir's cowardliness and betrayal. -
Hassan and Ali leave
In this event, Amir plants money under Hassan's mattress to frame him so that he would have to leave. As he feels regret he does nothing, again showing his cowardliness. A quote that shows this, "I was sorry, but I didn't cry and I didn't chase the car." (Hosseini 109) This quote shows us that although Amir felt sorry he didn't regret his actions. This also shows us that Amir is yet again a coward for not being a true friend. -
Soviet Invasion
Soviet Army invades and starts Communist government. -
Baba and Amir leave Afghanistan
As the invasion of Russia becomes too intense Amir and Baba start their trip to leave Afghanistan. A quote that shows this, "...Kamal's father shoved the barrel in his own mouth." (Hosseini 124) This quote shows us that the power of death and fear effects people in many ways. It also shows us why people often flee their countries due to fear. -
Amir and Baba come to San Francisco
As Amir and Baba finally escape the middle east they began to start a new, positive life. A quote from the text, "Baba loved the idea of America." (Hosseini 125) This quote shows us that the idea of America to many people from upset countries is a beautiful, fresh start. It also shows us how Amir and Baba feel about their new adventure. -
Amir graduates from high school
As Amir finally gets his high school diploma, he starts to notice the aging his father is facing and he begins to question time. This is shown, "Baba's beard was graying" (Hosseini 130) This quote shows us how Amir is starting to realize that Baba is starting to become very old and that he may be running out of time. It also shows us how special time is and how we must live to the fullest. -
Amir meets Soraya
Amir meets not only the girl of his dreams but also his future wife, Soraya. A quote during this event, "My heart shuttered at the thought of her." (Hosseini 142) This quote shows us how love struck Amir was when he met Soraya. This also shows us how even people who go through the most traumatic events can find happiness and love. -
Amir and Soraya marry
Amir met the person of his dreams then married her, Soraya. A quote during this event, "I whispered for the first time that I loved her." (Hosseini 171) This quote shows us that Amir found another person to love, as Baba is starting to die and the loss of Hassan, he is truly happy. This quote also shows us that Amir found the one he will love forever. -
Baba dies
As Amir"s father dies, he was able to die in peace surrounded by love and happiness. A quote during this event, "Baba never woke up." (Hosseini 173) This quote shows us that instead of most of the people in Amir's life, Baba died happily and harmlessly. It also shows us how Baba was able to choose his death instead of have it chosen by someone else. -
Rahim Khan goes to find Hassan
As Rahim Khan searches for Hassan after Ali was killed, he not only finds him but his new lifestyle including his wife. A quote that shows this event, " You would have recognized him Amir jan, I am sure of it." (Hosseini 205) This quote shows us how Rahim Khan is explaining his discovery of Hassan, and he emphasizes how he knew Amir should be there too. -
Russia Pulls out Troops
Afghanistan, USSR, the US and Pakistan sign peace accords and Soviet Union begins pulling out troops. -
Civil War continues
Last Soviet troops leave, but civil war continues as mujahideen push to overthrow Najibullah. -
Najibullah's government fails, civil war follows
Najibullah's government was a diaster, but a civil war follows. -
Taliban Seize Control
Taliban seize control of Kabul and change Islam to a world of upset, banning women from work, and introducing Islamic punishments, which include stoning to death and amputations. -
Taliban take control
Taliban recognised as legitimate rulers by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They now control about two-thirds of country. -
Masood is assassinated
Ahmad Shah Masood, leader of the main opposition to the Taliban - the Northern Alliance - is assassinated. -
Amir gets phone call from Rahim Khan asking him to come to Pakistan
As Rahim Khan gets sick he informs Amir. Amir decided to travel to Pakistan. A quote that shows this event , "I have to go to Pakistan." (Hosseini 191) This quote describes how urgent Amir is to find someone he loved and lost. It shows us that maybe Amir is trying to redeem himself for his regretful youth. -
Amir in Pakistan/ Afghanistan
As Amir travels back into the middle east he notices how powerful the control of the Taliban was and how much it has affected its people. A quote that shows the intensity of Pakistan, "When it was all over the bloodied bodies had been thrown back into the red pickup trucks." (Hosseini 272) In this quote, the author explains the view of Amir after two people are stoned to death. This quote shows us how shocking Pakistan and the Taliban are. -
Sohrab tries to commit suicide
As Sohrab finds out that he wold have to go back to an orphanage he gets overwhelmed by his potential future and attempts suicide. A quote that shows this event, "They said I was still screaming when the ambulance arrived." (Hosseini 343) This quote shows us how Amir thinks that he yet again might have lost the most important person in his life. As he sees Sohrab's bloody self he realizes he has yet again let someone down. -
Nato intervenes
Nato seizes security in Kabul, its first ever operational commitment outside Europe. -
Amir and Sohrab fly the kite. Amir runs the kite for him.
As Sohrab survives his attempted suicide he goes into a mute kind of trans for two years, as finally he starts to look happy for once, when Amir wins the Kite Contest. A quote from this event, "A smile. Barely there. But there." This quote shows us that Amir has connected with Sohrab and has finally helped him and himself. -
Bush sends in more troops
US President George Bush sends an extra 4,500 US troops to Afghanistan. -
Obama sends in more troops
US President Barack Obama sends an extra 4,000 US personnel to the Afghan army and police and there will be support for civilian development