Afghanistan Pashtuns & Hazaras Research Inspired by The Kite Runner

Afghanistan’s Population The population may be divided into four main ethnic groups. Two of the groups: The Pashtuns (Pathans), meaning true Afghans, make up over 40% of the total population Other large groups include Hazaras and Uzbeks (close to 10% each) About 80% of the people live and work in rural areas, and many still lead a nomadic life.

Map of Ethnic Groups ographic.com/landinc risis/ethnic.html

Pashtuns umc.org/honduras/photos/Afghan%20Refugees/Quetta%20Hazara%2 0refugee%20girl%20face%20m.jpg

Hazaras supposedly look more like Mongols (which Pashtuns hold against them) m/files?file=image007_5.jpg s/wallpapers/2007/mongol/mongol jpg Pashtuns

A Pashtun and Hazara Boy Two Afghan boys, the one on the left probably an ethnic Pashtun and the one on the right an ethnic Hazara. The Differences? Rounder eyes Darker skin

How does the book explain Hassan?

So why do Hazaras and Pashtuns not get along? Well, it seems to be about the two things wars are almost always about: 1.Power 2.Religion

Power The Pashtuns are the largest group and they want to dominate Most members of the Taliban are Pashtun Over the past several thousand years, Afghanistan has been in war. This breaks a country down. The Pashtuns fought for Afghanistan’s independence and kept the power.

Religion Islam All believe in one God – Allah They believe Muhammad is his prophet They believe in the Five Pillars of Islam: Recitation, Prayer, Charity, Fasting during Ramadan, Pilgrimage The differences between Shia and Sunni’s happened after Muhammad’s death

Shi and Sunni Shia also called Shi’ites – 15% (Hazaras) Shia’s believe Muhammad’s direct descendants are the only legitimate leaders of the Muslim world. Sunni – 84% (Pashtuns) Accept leaders other than Muhammad’s direct descendants

War Ongoing The war is still going Now more countries are involved The taliban still exists America is fighting there now Barack Obama has asked for more troops to enter Afghanistan