The Soviet-Afghan War The Soviet-Afghan War started in 1979 and lasted until 1989, and it was a part of the Cold War. This war was fought between Afghan forces that were led by Soviets and multi-national groups called the Mujahideens. The invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviets led to the death and fleeing of millions of Afghans. Many foreign nations like the United States, Pakistan, and others sent money and aid to help the Afghan citizens. During the ten year period that the war was going on the Soviets were in complete control of Afghanistan. While they were in control they killed many of the local people for no reason at all. In 1989 the final troops were taken out of Afghanistan, but it did not return to normal. Afghanistan is still recovering and rebuilding from this devastating war that left millions killed and displaced. Knowing this information can better help you understand the book because it will allow you to know why Amir and Baba had to leave their home and flee their country. They had to flee because they could have been killed by the Soviets if they stayed. It will also make it easier to understand why Sohrab's parents were killed, and why it was so hard for Amir to find Sohrab when he was looking for him in Afghanistan. Sohrab's parents were killed because the Soviets had no mercy for the civilians living in Afghanistan while the Soviets were in control. It was hard for him to find Sohrab because his parents were killed, and he was in orphanages during the madness that was occurring in Afghanistan at the time. |   |
