Khaled Hosseini, the writer of “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” explores different aspects of Afghanistan and its people – men, women, and children. In his book, he presents a comprehensive portrayal of Afghanistan from the 1970s to the present day, revealing problems like government corruption, an undeveloped economy, and notably emphasizing the challenges faced by women in terms of their rights. The nation confronts extensive poverty as numerous individuals reside in modest homes with dirt floors and limited resources.
Only the wealthy individuals in this nation have access to modern luxuries such as cars, well-constructed houses, and servants. The protagonist of the book, Mariam, symbolizes a girl who has endured a life of poverty and severe violations of her human rights.
In Afghanistan, women were at a significant disadvantage as they were forced into marriages with strangers, subjected to unwarranted abuse, and treated as slaves. They were expected to fulfill numerous roles including shopping for food, cooking, cleaning, engaging in sexual activity, and bearing children.
The United States policy towards Afghanistan is flawed in many ways, as exemplified by Mariam being forced to chew on rocks and breaking her teeth due to six miscarriages she had while trying to have Rasheed’s baby. Additionally, the food she cooked for Rasheed was apparently unappetizing. The US is overly focused on winning the war against Al-Qaeda, neglecting the numerous atrocities occurring in Afghanistan, particularly towards women, carried out by the Taliban and the surrounding community.
The US is presently aiding Afghanistan in the establishment of a new constitution and democratic government. It is crucial to also tackle human and female rights in the nation, despite cultural arguments for their ingrained nature. Since the early 1990s, Afghanistan has confronted significant levels of violence. This violence is portrayed in Hosseini’s novel when Laila is compelled to abandon her education due to unsafe streets and frequent bombings, resulting tragically in the death of her friend Giti.
An enforced curfew during the night should be implemented in all areas of Afghanistan where US troops are present. This measure would enable the troops to meticulously inspect any location for potential dangers, such as suspicious actions and explosive devices. Another approach to address the violence in Afghanistan is to expand the training of a larger police force that would vigilantly patrol a wide region, ensuring the safety of the civilian population by remaining wary of any threats. Additionally, deploying a significant number of US troops could potentially have a significant impact. It is crucial to prioritize the human rights and safety of innocent Afghani individuals, ensuring they are safeguarded rather than disregarded.
