A Thousand Splendid Suns By: khaled hosseini An introduction to life in Afghanistan – *images are hyperlinked to give credit to the owner

Map of Afghanistan

This is the story of two brave women . . . Mariam Laila …whose lives are destined to cross – and they change each other, forever.

A brief history of Afghanistan rule (1933-1973) Afghanistan has been a country that has been subject to many different take-overs and countries in power. (we’ll just review the timelines in the book) The beginning of the novel is marked by a monarchy - Mohammad Zahir Shah took the throne in 1933 and reigned until 1973. Most notable for his “experiment in democracy” – 1/3 of the king’s deputies would be chosen by the people However, lead to the creation of extremists on both 1962 at the Faculty of Medicine in Kabul Zahir Shah with JFK

Kabul 1960s

A brief history of Afghanistan rule (1973- 1978) In 1973, the king’s cousin and brother-in-law, Mohammed Daoud Khan, seized power in a non-violent coup and abolished the monarchy and set up The Republic of Afghanistan (with himself as President and Prime Minister) In 1978, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) overthrew the government in a bloody military coup and lead the country in a Lenin/Marxist agenda Most of the Afghan nation did not agree with these new laws (because of the suppression of religion) and there was unrest and civil war until the Soviets withdrew from the country The United States supported the removal of the Soviets and assisted with refugee camps The 10-year Soviet occupation resulted in the deaths of between 850,000 and 1,500,000 Afghan civilians.

War with Russia- 1978-1989 The Soviet Union gained influence with the Afghan president by supporting the financial needs of the military. The Soviet Union installed new president and tried to establish communism The Mujahideen (people fighting a holy war) sought to restore Afghan society to Islam War began in 1979. 1989-Over 1 million afghans died, one third of the population fled, and Afghanistan was in ruins. The Mujahideen turned on each other for power and financial gain. Lawlessness abounded.

Life under Soviet Influence Men obligated to cut beards Women no longer allowed to wear chadors (similar to burquas) Mosques were off limits Equal opportunities for women (especially in regards to education) Banned forced marriages Women had the right to vote A move to promote atheism Built many hospitals, roads, schools, etc. Laila’s father tells her it is the best time to be a woman in Afghanistan

Civil War- 1989-1994 Soviets lose war. Various groups in the Mujahideen seek to take power for themselves. Civil war engulfs the nation resulting in: fighting between warlords; the destruction of much of what remains of Kabul; unlawfulness marked by ethnic and religious killing increased corruption as warlords abuse their positions.

Rise of the Taliban- 1994-2001 Group of Islamic students sought to challenge the Mujahideen. They called themselves the Taliban, which translates to “God’s students” in Arabic. The Taliban students began attacking highway bandits and freed the countryside from crime. Then they forced the corrupt officials to leave and took over the towns. Little by little they gained control of almost all of Afghanistan. Taliban’s purpose: Restore law and order under Islamic Law. In 1994, the Taliban came into power – opposing the war lord rule - the Taliban did not take over Kabul until 1996 and declared the country: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Life under Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan All must pray 5 times a day Men must grow out their beards to at least a fist length below chin Boys will wear turbans Singing, dancing, playing games, flying kites, writing books, watching films, and painting pictures are forbidden Birds (as pets) will be killed and you punished Stealing – cut off hand, then foot If you are not Muslim, do not practice in public (beaten and imprisoned) or try to convert others (executed) Women must stay inside at all times – must be accompanied by a male relative Women may not show face – wear a burqa when outside No cosmetics or jewelry Women are forbidden from attending schools and working Any woman found guilty of adultery will be stoned to death * The government did not interfere in the business of the household

The End of the Taliban In December of 2001 – Taliban rule was toppled by US/British forces and a new Afghan government was formed Today the country is still in a place of unrest and turmoil