-
Amir's Family History
While describing his palace (at least in Afgan standards), Amir tells of a "grainy photo of [his] grandfather and King Nadir Shan taken in 1931" (Hosseini 5) that resides on the fireplace. This single picture gives us a perspective on just how powerful Amir's family is in Afghanistan. Power has always been in their hands due to their high socioeconomic status. -
Hassan's Birth
Unfortunately, many of Hassan's deep insecurities began the day "Hassan's mother, Sanaubar, gave birth to him" (Hosseini 6). Only a couple days later, she ran away with a dance troupe becuase, in large part, she was disgusted by the physical abnormality her son possessed. Such stories about his mother caused great unsureness in Hassan, and, ultimately caused him to long for the approval of others. This is primarily evident in the way Hassan worships Amir . -
Baba's Gift to Hassan
Though Hassan's birthday in the winter of 1974 was the last time he would receive a gift from Baba, Baba promised that "this present [would] last [Hassan] forever" (Hosseini 46). Baba had given Hassan a procedure that would fix his cleft lift, and ultimately reveal the love between the two. Unfortunately, Hassan was never able to utilize his new, perfect smile because of his raping in the winter of 1975. Consequently, Hassan was never able to fully show his love back to Baba through smiling. -
Hassan's Rape
It was a on a cold day in the winter of 1975 when Amir "became what [he is] today" (Hosseini 1). After witnessing his best friend, Hassan, get raped, Amir's life rapidly fills with guilt and hatred. Eventually, these emotions cause Amir to confront the power dynamic of his relationship with Hassan, and also the possibility of atonement. -
Amir's 13th Birthday: Growing Animosity Between Baba and Amir
Though birthdays often mark a time of positive change in one's life, Amir's 13th is marred by the fact that the "things between Baba and [him] were already cooling off again" (Hosseini 93). It is negative realizations like these that ruined Amir's view on his childhood and Afghanistan. However, such negativity in the beginning of his life allowed Amir to later fully appreciate happiness like when him Baba developed there relationship at the flea market. -
Soviet "Support"
In the midst of a coup headed by Babrak Karmal, "the first Soviet troops parachuted into Kabul on December 27, 1979" (NYT). -
Escape From Kabul
After the Russian takeover of Kabul, Amir tells of his and Baba's escape "in the tarpaulin-covered cab of an old Russian truck" (Hosseini 110). It is in this very moment that life as they know it will be completely altered for the two. Accompanying this change will be shifts in the dynamics of Baba and Amir's relationship, along with new socieconomic complications for Baba. -
Rahim Khan in Baba's House
When Amir returns to Kabul, it is revealed that Rahim Khan "had lived in Baba's house since 1981" (Hosseini 199). Khan had claimed he did so because he was compelled by the loyalty that had always existed between himself and Baba. Ultimately, it was this feeling of loyalty that caused Khan to summon Amir back to atone. Because Khan had so much respect for Baba, he felt it was necessary to even commit acts of goodness for his (Baba's) children. -
Amir Graduates From High School
After much hard work, Amir "graduated from high school at the age of twenty" in the summer of 1983. Ultimately, it is this single event that changes the course of Amir's entire life. Amir now has access to knowledge (so also money), which earns him both Baba's respect along with higher socioeconomic status. -
Happy Ending?
While reflecting upon the situation with Sohrab, Amir's recall the day on which he learned that "in America, you don't reveal the ending of the movie" (Hosseini 357). This lesson, specifically, helps Amir realize that in life it is impossible to control the ending to produce a positive one. Life is too complicated to have one happy like a Hindi movie, so accepting pain along the way is a great way to develop resiliency. -
Development of Baba and Amir's Relationship
After a couple years in America, "Baba sold his Buick and bought a dilapidated '71 Volkwagen bus for $550" (Hosseini 136-7). Though the purchase seems irresponsible, the adventures that occur in the bus blossom into a relationship filled with love between Baba and Amir. Baba's humanizing of himself by purchasing the old truck alows Amir to not fear him as much anymore. Soon, the duo begin to respect each other and forget the disappointment they previously felt in their relationship. -
Amir Finishes His First Novel
After much diligent work as an aspiring writer, Amir finishes his first novel, "a father-son story set in Kabul" (Hosseini 182). Not only is this an official sign that he has "made it" in America, but the event also hints at the possible confrontation of Amir's relationship with his father. The book's topic demonstrates that Amir is still troubled by his relationship with Baba in Kabul, and that the writing of this novel allowed Amir to achieve closure on the subject. -
Finally... The Soviets Leave Afghanistan!
After ten conflict-filled years, "peace talks moderated by the United Nations" resulted in "the last Soviet troops [leaving] Afghanistan in February 1989" (NYT). -
The Start of the Taliban
Mullah Omar, a Pushtan who believed in Islam and the initial leader of the Taliban, "had nearly 12,000 followers and was rolling up the warlord to the north and east" (NYT) by the end of 1994. -
Osama bin Laden Arrives
Because Taliban ruled Afghanistan was a safe haven for terrorists, Osama bin Laden "arrived by chartered jet at Jalalabad Airport in May 1996" (NYT). The politcal climate of Afghanistan allowed Al Qaeda to flourish. -
Hazara Massacre
When Amir returns back to the MiddleI East to visit Rahim Khan, he discovers that the Taliban had "massacred the Hazaras" (Hosseini 213). Unfortunately, it was on this day that Hassan was killed and Sohrab became an orphan. However, some good came out of this atrocity, because Amir is now compelled to finally atone to Hassan, and Sohrab gives him a way to achieve this. It is evident in this situation that in life one can only atone when they are thrust into it and don't ask for it. -
A Call From Rahim Khan
During June of 2001, Amir gets a call from his long time friend, Rahim Khan, who promises that "there is a way to be good again" (Hosseini 2). This mysterious phrase takes Amir back to his past life in Afghanstan and sets him on a journey of chaos and danger. However, it is ultimately these choice words that Khan utters that gives gives Amir hope that there is a way to atone for his actions during the winter of 1975. -
Sohrab Arrives In America
After Sohrab's arrival in America, Soraya is able to have "a glimpse of the mother she might have been" (Hosseini 358). Though this event appears to be positive at first, many old insecurites resurface when Sohrab enters a state of depression. Soraya, who's main goal in life was to raise a happy and healthy child, is consequently also affected by emotions of sadness because she feels like she has failed at her one true goal. -
9/11/01: The Beginning of USA Involvement
Though not directly in Afghanistan, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade center had disasterous consequences in the Islamic country. President George W. Bush responded by sending troops into Afghanistan. The US's invasion of the country "succeeded in dislodging Al Qaeda and removing the Taliban from power, but not in eradicating either group" (NYT). -
An Interim Government: Hamid Karzai
After defeating the Taliban, "Hamid Karzai, a supporter and relative of Mohammad Zahir Shah, the exiled former king of Afghanistan, was named the chairman of the interim government" (NYT). This put him in the role of leader of Afghanistan. -
Sohrab Smiles
Though Amir and Sohrab's relationship seems to be in ruins due to Sohrab's depression, on the day of Aghan New Year in 2002, "a smile" (Hosseini 370) was fianlly present on Hassan's lips. This little gesture eludes to the happiness that will hopefully resurface in the two's relationship. Fortunately, this flicker of goodness is just enough to let Amir know that Hassan appreciates him. -
Hamid Karzai Is (Sort of) the President
Hamid Karzai "took office as iterim president in June of 2002" (NYT). He claimed that he hoped to bring security and peace to Afghnaistan. -
Hamid Karzai 4 Prez
In early 2004, Hamid Karzai was "elected to a five-year term" (NYT), but throughout his time as president his popularity, locally and abroad, rapidly decreased. Karzai began his term with hopes of securing peace in Afghanistan; however, soon his cabinet was infested with corruption. -
Not Over, Yet: Obama Deploys More Troops Into Afghanistan
On December 1, 2009, President Obama announced his decision to "deploy 30,000 additional troops" (NYT) into Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern nations. -
Obama Plans to Move Out of Afghanistan
After postponing the deadline to end troop interaction in Afghanistan, Obama said "the United States willl have forces in the country until at least the end of 2014" (NYT).
