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The Winter of 1975
This is the fateful winter in which Amir witnesses Hassan's rape. This events moves forward most of the events in the rest of the book, and is something Amir remembers even in his adulthood, as he says in the beginning of the book, "I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall..."(Hosseini 1). This quote shows this particular memory is important to Amir, as he still remembers this so far into the future. It is also foreshadowing the year 1975 and it's importance. -
The Kite Tournament
This is a very important event in the story. Baba recognizes Amir for the first time in this novel, and Hassan also says something important that will later again be used by Amir, "For you, a thousand times over!"(Hosseini 67). This saying by Hassan affects Amir deeply, as when Hassan says this, Amir describes this as the last time he sees Hassan smile his "Hassan smile". Amir remembers this saying at the end of the novel, repeating this very sentence to Hassan's son. -
Summer of Afghanistan
Amir, in his guilt, attempts to atone for watching Hassan get raped. He tries to make Hassan throw pomegranates at him, but Hassan does not, instead "He opened it and crushed it against his own forehead"(Hosseini 93). This is important because it further fuels Amir's guilt, as by this point all he yearns for is punishment, not to further hurt Hassan. -
Hassan and Ali Leave
It starts when Amir frames Hassan for thievery. Hassan takes the blame, even though its not him, however it seems that he had told Ali what had happened, and Ali decided that they had to go, saying ' "We don't work for you anymore" '(Hosseini 93). This shows that Baba, the strong characters suddenly has no control over Ali and Hassan. This is also important because this is the last time Amir sees Ali and Hassan in person again. -
The Soviet Invasion
Afghanistan, once a prosperous and peaceful country, is now riddled with violence and fear. It all started when the Soviets first parachuted into Kabul. There the Soviets stayed, changing the country into what it is now, as said by NYT, "Soviet troops stayed in the country for more than 9 years, fighting a conflict that cost them 15,000 lives and undisclosed billions of rubles, while undermining an image of the invincible Soviet army"(NYT). When the Soviets left, one group had gained control. -
The Escape from Kabul
The chapter starts out with Amir and Baba in a stuffy truck. They are making an escape from the Soviet-ridden Kabul. They had planned to go to a safe area in Pakistan, "He was taking us to Jalalabad..."(Hosseini 93). On the way, Baba would stand up to a drunk Soviet soldier and would save a young woman from being taken. this shows just how strong and powerful Baba's character still is, despite the situation. -
Fremont, California
Amir and Baba move to California, America. While Amir has an alright time in American school, Baba has a much more difficult time functioning as a gas station manager and even lashes out at a grocery store owner, saying ' "Almost two years we've bought his damn fruit and now he wants to see my license!" '(Hosseini 127). Baba is outraged at the difference in culture and misses Kabul. -
Amir and Sohraya
While Amir and Baba are at the market, Amir sees the General Taheri's daughter. He is attracted to her instantly and uses whatever chance he can get to talk to her. Then he attempts something risky and starts chatting with her, about the book she is reading, ' "It's a sad story" ' (Hosseini 147). In my opinion, this might be foreshadowing the novel itself and how it is also a sad story, and how sad stories still make good books. Anyway, this event is significant as their relationship starts now. -
Amir's Graduation
Amir graduates from High school the summer of 1983. Baba takes him out to celebrate and they end up bonding, Amir finally feeling closer than ever to Baba. He ends up buying Amir a new car too, and while they are driving around, Baba says something that stuns Amir, ' "I wish Hassan had been here with us today" '(Hosseini 131). Although Amir is happy, he still grimaces at Hassan's name and it is obviously not a good memory for him. -
Baba's Cancer
Amir hears Baba in the bathroom spitting out blood, Baba insists it is anything but Amir suspects something is up. A little while later, Baba starts losing weight. He face gets sunken in and it is obvious his health is failing. Then he has a seizure and is taken to the hospital where the doctor says ' "As you can see, the cancer's metasized" '(Hosseini 159). Baba refuses the treatment however and soon Amir's worry takes a toll on himself. -
Amir's proposal
Sohraya starts to tell Amir about a secret she had. She has=d once ran away with a man in Virginia. However she was dragged back and she deems running away with him a mistake. After the story, Sohraya is still sad, and Amir decides to propose, saying ' " I want us to marry" ' (Hosseini 165). -
The Withdrawl
The Us fights the Soviet Union. The Soviets soon prove useless. "After 1986, the Soviet Air Force was also rendered largely useless by advanced Stinger antiaircraft missiles supplied by the US to the rebels"(NYT). The Soviets leave February -
Taliban and Pakistan
Taliban power would have withered if not for the aid of their Pakistani neighbors. However, they also made some controversial and terrible choices because of the sudden power. Their strict control consisted of kicking women out of schools and one terrible decision; "Western diplomats say Al Qaeda helped persuade Mullah Omar to order the destruction of the 800 year-old Buddha statues at Bamiyan.."(NYT). -
The Taliban's Takeover
First starting as a student movement meant to purify the country, based from the Pashtuns. It started as a small group gathered by Mullah Omar, and by 1994, it had 12,000 followers and was defeating warlords. Of course, they support from neighbors as well. "As early as 1994, Pakistani intelligence officers began funneling arms, money, and supplies to Mullah Omar's men, as well as military advisers to help them in battle"(NYT). With strong support, they took Afghanistan and imposed strict rules. -
Taliban's Path Back to Power
The Taliban wage a guerilla warfare from a lawless, tribal, mountain area. They quickly regroup while the US is occupied and continue to influence the rest of Afghanistan. They had little trouble with the US in Iraq and profits from trades, "Their rise was assisted by a resurgent opium trade, which helped to fill the group's coffers"(NYT). -
The US Following 9/11
After the 9/11 attack, President Bush attempted to make the Taliban hand over Osama Bin Ladin. After their refusal, the US States joined with rebel groups and the Northern Alliance, driving the Taliban out of major Afghan cities by the end of the year. However, the Taliban still managed to escape. "Remnants of Al Qaeda and Taliban leadership retreated to Tora Bora in the mountains along the Pakistan border..."(NYT). -
Rahim Khan
Amir gets a call from Rahim Khan. Rahim tells Amir "There's a way to be good again"(Hosseini 1), and tells him to come visit him. Amir thinks over it, and decides to go. -
US 2001 Invasion
This was a US invasion done by the US in Afghanistan, as they had been involved with them for a quite a while. This invasion was supposed to dislodge Al Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. Unfortunately, this would not work out so well in the aftermath. "With American efforts focused on Iraq, the Taliban made a steady comeback, fueled by profits from the opium trade, and the dissatisfaction for the weak and oftenAfghan corrupt government, and the safe havens in Pakistan"(NYT). -
Hamid Karzai
He was a much liked leader in the White House and was leader for Afghanistan, unfortunately his reputation quickly deteriorated after he was blamed by the Afghan population for the lack of economic progress. In fact, he probably wouldn't have been leader if not for his relatives, "In December 2001, Hamid Karzai, a supporter and relative of Mohammid Zahir Shan, the exiled former king of Afghanistan..."(NYT). -
Obama's War
In 2009, Obama planned to widen US involvement in Afghanistan. He announced this to the public that he would be upping the Afghanistan war effort, saying "In a speech delivered Dec. 1 2009 at West Point, Obama announced his plan to deploy 30,000 additional troops"(NYT). -
A Continuation
Obama's administration changes it's strategies to convincing Afghans they will not stand down and continue to aggressively operate against them. However, plans are in place in case we are successful as well, "Administrations official's have acknowledged..."(NYT).
