The Impact of the Soviet War

Examines the long shadow of the Soviet occupation on the characters, especially Fariba and her sons.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Ahmad and Noor Go to Jihad

A Mother's Blessing and Curse The Departure Ahmad and Noor, Laila's brothers, leave to join the Mujahideen. Fariba supports them, but she is terrified. They are her pride. The War They fight in Panjshir under Massoud. They are killed in 1987. Fariba receives the news from a messenger. She never recovers. The Cost Fariba's grief consumes her. She neglects Laila. The war takes her sons and her spirit. The Soviet war is the catalyst for her descent.

The Soviet Withdrawal and Its Aftermath

A Hollow Victory The Geneva Accords In 1988, the Soviets agree to withdraw. Laila's father Hakim is optimistic. But the Mujahideen factions soon turn on each other. Fariba's Disappointment Fariba had hoped for peace. Instead, Kabul is destroyed by infighting. Her sons' sacrifice seems in vain. The Civil War Without the Soviets, the Mujahideen become warlords. The war is worse than before. The Soviet legacy is a devastated country.

1980, when the Soviet war intensifies

1989-1992, the end of the Soviet occupation