ENG3U

The Kite Runner Mini Research Assignment

This task will have you conduct brief research on the history of Afghanistan and the
Muslim religion. Your research should help you gain a stronger understanding of the
political and religious background of the story.

You may conduct your research any way you like (google, wikipedia, encyclopedia etc)
but be sure you have notes on each of the following topics.
I have included some questions to guide you in your research, be sure your notes, at the
least, answer these questions.

Research Topics:

Afghanistan

 Geography: capital city, neighboring countries, population, primary economy

 Brief History: select 8-10 important historical events that occurred between 1975-
2002
 Health and Education: Literacy rate, life expectancy
 Women’s Rights

Hazaras & Pashtuns

 Differences: highlight the differences in religion, history, social economic class

 Conflicts: Outline conflicts these two groups have had, mainly post 1975

Taliban (Mujahedin)

 Background: how were they formed, what group initially supported them, how is
this group related/connected to the Mujahedin
 Conflict: what conflicts has this group been involved in,
 Purpose: what was the Taliban’s purpose in 1975, purpose in late 1980s and
purpose today

Northern Alliance

 Background: how were they formed, what was their purpose, what conflict were
they involved in