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Afghanistan's King is Overthrowned
When growing up, Amir and Hassan lived happy lives, but one night "The night Zahir Shah's cousin overthrew him; I remembered gunfire and the shy lighting up silver - Ali had taken me and Hassan in his arms, told us not to be afraid..." (Hosseini 365). The king of Afghanistan was clearly removed by force and people such as Zahir's cousin felt a need for change. The event was dangerous and was a potential harm to children like Amir and Hassan, hence Ali tried to protect them from potential harm. -
Period: to
Afghanistan
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1975-1977 Khan's Proposition
A new constitution is proposed by Khan that grants works to be modernized over the communist state and allows women to have rights. While doing this, "Khan has also cracked down on his opponents", making it so that he could force people who did not support him out the government. -
Amir Wins the Winter Kite Tournament
During the annual winter kite battling tournament, Amir undergoes tons of pressure as he is flying his kite, but in the end wins, resulting in Baba cheering for him, making him feel "that right there was the single greatest moment of my twelve years of life, seeing Baba on that roof, proud of me at last" (Hosseini 66). This event brought Amir and his father closer together and plays an important role in their relationship. It is also detailed to the idea that Amir finally, won over his father. -
Hassan's Rape
Early on into the story, a boy around Amir's and Hassan's age named Assef, has a dispute with the two of them, this later lead to " Assef knelt behind Hassan, put his hands on Hassan's hips and lifted his bare buttocks" (Hosseini 75). In the novel, it is clearly expressed that Assef wanted to make Hassan feel not only shame, but pain and the sense of impurity. In a sense, Assef did this as revenge for their dispute and to leave an everlasting scar in Hassan's mind. -
Amir's 13th Birthday
According to the novel, Amir turns age 13 and has party of a large scale, which is revealed as he "Kissed hundreds of cheeks, hugged total strangers, and thanked them for their gifts. My face ached from the strain of my plastered smile" (Hosseini 95). The excerpt clearly reveals that his father is well known and that many are friends or respect his family very well. It is also very apparent, that Amir was not to happy at his party, as he essentially forced a smile and was being polite to guests. -
Ali and Hassan Leave
In the summer of 1976, Amir tries to get rid of Hassan, he then created an issue that made Hassan and his father Ali leave. The day the two were supposed to leave was described as "It rained the afternoon Baba took Ali and Hassan to the bus station. Thunderheads rolled in, painted the sky iron gray" (Hosseini 108). The event appears to be on of the traumatic events in Amir's and Baba's life as it will drastically change their lifestyles. It is also said, that the weather reflects the atmosphere. -
The Soviet Union Offers Troops and Personnel
During this time period, PDPA leaders had a power struggle as a countryside revolt was arising. Later, "The Soviet Union offers military aid and personnel to the government" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
The Soviet Union Takes Control of Afghanistan
The Soviet Union officially topples the Afghanistan government. Due to the Soviets taking control, "Their occupation lasts nearly a decade" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
Assef is put into Jail, tortured, and starts to Lose a Sane Mentality
During Assef's reunion with Amir, he tells of his past and what had happened to him, transitioning into his story, in which he states" They dragged me out and started kicking me... He got mad and hit me harder, and the harder he kicked me, the harder I laughed" (Hosseini 283-284). While, Assef tells of his past experience in Afghanistan and being tortured, it slowly becomes apparent that he had some of his mind when being kicked. It can also be said that Assef later becomes Taliban due to this. -
Insurrection Against the Soviets
On the first day of the year of 1983, there is an insurrection against the Soviets occupying the country. The events of insurrection lead to later affects, leading to "The insurrection against the Soviet Union attracts young Muslim idealists from the Arab world to Afghanistan. These include Osama bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri, who later found al Qaeda network" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
Baba is Diagnosed with Oat Cell Carcinoma
Throughout the novel, Baba (Amir's father) plays a crucial role in Amir's life and has affected many others in good ways. However, after taking CAT scan he was diagnosed with a cancer known as Oat Cell Carcinoma which was "Advanced. Inoperable.... Dr. Amani bit his lip, used the word "grave'" (Hosseini 156). Based on context clues, it can be assumed that his condition is fatal and that he is nearing his end. At the time, this put Amir in a situation of worry and stress for his father's health. -
Amir and Soraya get Married
After one fateful day, in which Baba suddenly collapses, Amir asks him to ask General Taheri for his daughter's hand in marriage for him. The general and his family agreed to this, leading to the wedding in which General Taheri states to Amir "I welcome you to my home as a son, as the husband of my daughter who is the noor of my eye. Your pain will be our pain, your joy our joy" (Hosseini 168). The general essentially accepts the marriage. In the end, Amir finally marries Soraya, with much joy. -
The Soviet Union Withdraws from Afghanistan
The Soviet Union starts to withdraw from Afghanistan. As The soviet Union withdraws, "Afghanistan falls into civil war between tribes and mujahideen" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
Sanaubar's Return
At an early, Sanaubar (Hassan's mother) left him and his Father Ali. However, as time passed by, when Rahim Khan, Hassan, and his family were taking care of Baba's old house, an old woman revealed to be Sanaubar arrives there suddenly. She later states to Hassan "You smiled coming out of me, Did anyone tell you that... Allah forgive me, I wouldn't even hold you. This shows her regret and wish of forgiveness. It can also be said that she specifically wants Hassan's acceptance. -
Taliban comes into Power
The Taliban comes into power, allowing them to make harsher changes to the society and country. After the Taliban came into power "They institute a severe version of Shariah Law, requiring men to grow beards and women to fully veil themselves. Those who disobey are punished" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
Hassan's and his Wife's Death
The Taliban, a power hungry group of people that constantly threatened civilians, during the time Hassan was watching over the house, did not like that he was living in a nice area, so "They took him to the street... and ordered him to kneel... and shot him in the back of the head... Farzana came screaming and attacked them... shot her too. Self-defense they claimed later" (Hosseini 219). Hassan and his wife were brutally murdered. Their deaths were in cold blood, due to the Taliban's hatred. -
Rahim Khan's Phone Call
Throughout the story, Rahim Khan is a character who has mostly been there for Amir and has always stayed as a friendly character. One day however, Amir an ominous phone call, delivering bad news, Amir then stated "I have to go to Pakistan'... Rahim Khan is very sick.' A fist clenched inside me with those words" (Hosseini 191). To Amir this information was very devastating and made Amir need to see him. It is noticeable that Amir cares deeply for Rahim and willing to the length for his wishes. -
Amir Finds out Hassan was His Half-Brother
During a heated conversation with Rahim Khan, Amir finds out a truth that had been kept from him and Hassan. Amir then stormed out of the room after stating "I'm thirty-eight years old and I've just found out my whole life is one big... lie! What can you possibly say to make things better? Nothing" (Hosseini 223). The truth that Amir had learnt was mind-blowing to him and felt as if something had been stolen from him. Furthermore, Amir was shocked that Baba kept it a secret from him and Hassan. -
Amir Starts his Journey to Find His Nephew Sohrab
After Hassan and his wife's deaths, Rahim Khan tells Amir of their son Sohrab who is his nephew. This lead Amir to think and later state "With a little boy. An orphan. Hassan's son. Somewhere in Kabul... Then I told him I was going to Kabul" (Hosseini 237). Amir's thoughts and later action proves that he actually does care about Hassan and his bloodline, and feels as if he should be the one to go and help his nephew. It is also inferred that Amir intends to help his nephew to a safe place. -
Amir fights Assef (A Taliban Official)
After holding a meeting with a Taliban official, later revealed to be Assef and that he has Sohrab, Amir and Assef have another dispute. The dispute leading to a statement that is "In a moment, I'm going to close the door. Then he and I are going to finish an old bit of business. No matter what you hear, don't come in" (Hosseini 287). In the statement, it is clear that only one of them will win and that the battle is for something important. It is also hinted that the winner will take Sohrab. -
Amir brings Sohrab to America with him
As Amir and Sohrab enter America, Soraya the now adoptive mother of Sohrab greets him with 'salaam, Sohrab jan, I'm your Khala Soraya. We've all been waiting for you" (Hosseini 358). When the two finally arrive back in America, Soraya states that "we", meaning multiple people have been awaiting for their arrival, especially young Sohrab who definitely needed a new home. It is also clear that in this statement, that many people are eager to meet the young man that Amir has insisted on taking in. -
America and British Forces Start their Airstrikes
After the September 11 attack on the Twin Towers, the Taliban refuses to turn in Osama Bin Laden who was linked to the bombing. The results of this, lead to "British and American forces begin air strikes in Afghanistan and take Kabul" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
The Taliban Rule Ends
In December of 2001, the last Taliban stronghold located in Kandahar falls. Thus the, "Taliban rule ends as U.S. and British forces sweep across Afghanistan" (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/women-war-and-peace/uncategorized/timeline-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/). -
Osama Bin Laden Dies
In morning of May 2, 2001 Osama Bin Laden was killed by the US Forces during a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan. It was later revealed that "In the last 5-10 minutes of the firefight, bin Laden is killed by a gunshot wound to the head, above the left eye" (http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/09/world/death-of-osama-bin-laden-fast-facts/index.html). -
Taliban and Afghans hold Informal Peace Talks
The Taliban and the Afghans hold informal peace talks in the area known as Qatar. It was later decided that "Both sides agree to continue the talks at a later date, though the Taliban insist they will not stop fighting until all foreign troops leave the country" (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12024253).