What is the significance of The Kite Runner and the historical backround--social and political.

Khaled Hosseini's novel, The Kite
Runner, remains as socially relevant today as it did upon its initial
publication in 2003. The novel is considered the first ever released by an Afghani
author writing in English. It relates to everyday life and events in Afghanistan during
the late 1970s and early 1980s, culminating in the Russian takeover of the country.
After the flight of the main characters (Amir and his father, Baba) to California, the
story resumes with the new lives they have made for themselves in the U. S. When Amir
decides to return to his native soil in the early 2000s, Afghanistan is held by the
Taliban, who gained control after the departure of the Russians. The novel is still
relevant today due to America's continuing military presence
in Afghanistan.

Socially, the novel gives the reader a
glimpse of the class system in Afghanistan: Amir's father is a wealthy, pro-American
businessman; Baba's old friend, Hassan, is poor and illiterate of the lowest social
class. Other characters appear, representing the strict religious views of the nation as
well as the emerging Taliban influence.