ATSS Context

Question 1

Polygamy - stereotypes around wives

Answer 1

• Mohammed - ‘It is ethical and virtuous to marry a second time’
• Anti-Soviet Mujahideen guerrillas and the Taliban collected wives as a symbol of power and strength
• Groom pays dowry for wives - 10,000 Afghanis or livestock

Question 2

Mujahideen/Taliban

Answer 2

• Fought the Soviets in Afghanistan; supported by the US before turning against them
• The 1970s and 1980s - arose out of local military led by Massoud - Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union

Question 3

The Taliban

Answer 3

• Emerged in 1994 and supported by Pashtuns - toppled after US invasion in 2001
• Diplomatic, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE recognised the Taliban in power in mid-1990s-2001
• Herat captured in 1995, 1998 in control of 90% of Afghanistan

Question 4

Austere rule

Answer 4

• Promise to restore peace and security and instill Sharia, the Islamic Laws
• Introduced and supported Islam punishments; public execution and amputations for those guilty of theft
• Supported by ethnic Pashtuns
• Disapproved of girls over 10 going to school

Question 5

Women and the Taliban

Answer 5

• Bear children, satisfy male sexual needs and housework
• Bans for women for work outside home, going out alone, going to school
• Had to wear a burqa
• Public whipping and stoning of women common

Question 6

Hosseini as a feminist

Answer 6

-Hosseini is making a political statement towards inequality and injustice
- Goodwill Envoy to the United Nations Refugees Agency
- Khaled Hosseini foundation - provided humanitarian assistance

Question 7

Hosseini

Answer 7

Born in Kabul in 1965, Diplomat father and teacher mother - progressive household views

Question 8

Herat

Answer 8

• 3rd largest city in Afghanistan - rich state and fought over
• Ancient silk road - links land and sea - damaged in Soviet Afghan War in 1980

Question 9

Kabul

Answer 9

• Largest city and capital of Afghanistan
• 3,500 years old
• British occupied in the early 19th century
• Soviet occupied in 1979
• Civil War in 1990s destroyed the city

Question 10

Honour Killings

Answer 10

• Killing of women for sexual misconduct
• ‘Namus’ or honour must be upheld
• 50% of Afghan girls married by the age of 12