What political allusions in the novel show how the past affects the present and perspective?

The Taliban took over as the Russians left. The absence of the Russians created a power vacuum in Afghanistan that the Taliban were quickly able to fill. They are portrayed as ruthless people bent on enforcing a narrow interpretation of the Koran. The Taliban are portrayed as being responsible for unspeakable tragedies (rape, murder....) through the story. You can check out more on the background below.