1. POLITICS A Thousand Splendid Suns

2. The Political backdrop • The political backdrop of A Thousand Splendid Suns is extremely important. The book begins in Herat, Afghanistan in 1964 and ends in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2003. Within that period, there was the era of King Zahir Shah, Mohammed Daoud Khan's Republic, communist rule, mujahideen conflict after Soviet troops left, the arrival of the Taliban, and the interim presidency of Hamid Karzai. • The violence and oppression the people of Afghanistan, women in particular, endured directly related to politics plays a major role in determining the courses Mariam's and Laila's stories twist and turn. Often, the political violence and oppression is mirrored in the interactions between characters on a personal level as well. The aftermath of 9/11 from the view of citizens of Afghanistan is also included within the novel.  While the novel is ultimately a story about people, not politics, the political backdrop and the violence and devastation the characters go through because of it are an essential part of Hosseini's story

3. Chapters 1-12 • Mariam and Nana’s relationship. • Mariam and Jalil’s relationship

4. The Taliban • You have two minutes to write down as many words as you can think of that come to mind when you see the word above.

5. The Taliban • They Taliban ruled in Kabul from 1996 to 2001. It is an Islamic fundamentalist militant movement, that it enforced strict interpretation of Sharia Law, that they were known for oppression of women. • You’ll now watch a section of National Geographic’s Inside the Taliban. • Inside the Taliban

6. Journal • You have five minutes to journal about problems the characters have in Chapters 1-12. What have they already faced and what, of these problems, stems from politics?

7. Politics Activity • Party name • Three social changes you’ll implement • 2-3 spokespeople • 5 minutes to speak • 2 minutes to defend your position • Winners: 5 extra points on summative grade

8. Debate reflection • Write 1-1.5 pages reflecting on the debate • What did you learn? • Did you like the activity? Why or why not? • Was the debate important to understanding the text? • What was the debate relevant to our lives?