Since the 1960s and 70s, and during the time "A Thousand Splendid Suns", Afghanistan underwent many changes. When she arrives at Kabul, Merriam sees many leaders fall in and out of power, changing the atmosphere of the country every time that happens.
When Merriam sees Kabul with Rasheed, it is under the Republic of Afghanistan. This government is fairly open and doesn't have strict rules. In one of the rich neighborhoods, she sees women wearing makeup and sunglasses. "The women in this part of Kabul were a different breed than the ones in the poorer neighborhoods."These women make her feel low with their fancy handbags and painted nails. She imagines they have university degrees and their own desks at glamorous jobs."These women mystified Merriam." At this time, Afghanistan was actually very similar to North America. But after the communist takeover, it would be a long time until Afghan women would look like this.
In 1978, the PDPA, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, attacked the royal palace and took control of the country. They executed the former government and made major social change. They preached equality and the abolishment of social classes. It meant education and healthcare, even if you couldn't, as well as other benefits for the lower class. But as the PDPA started to rule with power and intimidation, stripping the people of many rights, citizens felt more oppressed than included. This caused rebel to start resisting and fighting the government, including Laila's brothers, Ahmed and Noor. Eventually these rebel, the Taliban, would prevail and the people celebrated, But the celebration stopped after the Taliban started implementing their strict laws and brutal consequences.
Like the PDPA, the Taliban used fear to rule their country. The laws they implied were very strict and and Talibs patrolling the streets would beat anyone who broke them. These laws promoted Islamic beliefs, saying men had to grow beards and women couldn't show their faces, or even laugh. Only men could go to school or work, and women were to stay in their houses unless accompanied by a man. The Taliban destroyed museums, universities, and cinemas. Rasheed is actually satisfied with the Taliban, but Merriam and Laila feel bullied and alone. Despite the initial thoughts, the Taliban takeover is definitely not the best thing for Afghanistan.
Near the end of the book, Merriam sacrifices herself to the Taliban for Laila and her family after Rasheed is killed. The Taliban excetued her for murder and Laila flees to pakistan. The Taliban eventually fall ut of power and she and Tariq return with their children to live a good life in their homeland. But the aftermath of 30 years of war and conflict is a slow rebuild.
When Merriam sees Kabul with Rasheed, it is under the Republic of Afghanistan. This government is fairly open and doesn't have strict rules. In one of the rich neighborhoods, she sees women wearing makeup and sunglasses. "The women in this part of Kabul were a different breed than the ones in the poorer neighborhoods."These women make her feel low with their fancy handbags and painted nails. She imagines they have university degrees and their own desks at glamorous jobs."These women mystified Merriam." At this time, Afghanistan was actually very similar to North America. But after the communist takeover, it would be a long time until Afghan women would look like this.
In 1978, the PDPA, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, attacked the royal palace and took control of the country. They executed the former government and made major social change. They preached equality and the abolishment of social classes. It meant education and healthcare, even if you couldn't, as well as other benefits for the lower class. But as the PDPA started to rule with power and intimidation, stripping the people of many rights, citizens felt more oppressed than included. This caused rebel to start resisting and fighting the government, including Laila's brothers, Ahmed and Noor. Eventually these rebel, the Taliban, would prevail and the people celebrated, But the celebration stopped after the Taliban started implementing their strict laws and brutal consequences.
Like the PDPA, the Taliban used fear to rule their country. The laws they implied were very strict and and Talibs patrolling the streets would beat anyone who broke them. These laws promoted Islamic beliefs, saying men had to grow beards and women couldn't show their faces, or even laugh. Only men could go to school or work, and women were to stay in their houses unless accompanied by a man. The Taliban destroyed museums, universities, and cinemas. Rasheed is actually satisfied with the Taliban, but Merriam and Laila feel bullied and alone. Despite the initial thoughts, the Taliban takeover is definitely not the best thing for Afghanistan.
Near the end of the book, Merriam sacrifices herself to the Taliban for Laila and her family after Rasheed is killed. The Taliban excetued her for murder and Laila flees to pakistan. The Taliban eventually fall ut of power and she and Tariq return with their children to live a good life in their homeland. But the aftermath of 30 years of war and conflict is a slow rebuild.