In Afghanistan, conflict is inevitable and expected and has always been like this. Afghanistan has historically been split by wars, being colonised and invaded and as a result the people of the country have learnt to become stronger by dealing with this constant conflict. Najaf Mazari writes about the hardships and conflict faced when he has to flee his country for his own safety to Australia and the trauma and stress he, and other people like himself, have to deal with once they arrive in Australia and are sent to a camp to be considered to be freed. The audience is invited to like Najafs character and feel empathy for him and other asylum seekers. The basis of the novel represents society and especially Australia, when considering humanity towards asylum seekers and protecting the countries boarders (especially with the September 11 attacks regarding terrorism). In 2001, John Howard and his party were deemed inhumane and unsympathetic towards asylum seekers by sending them to detention centres on islands (including woomera mentioned in the novel. Najaf juxtaposes Howards approach to refugee arrivals with his heart wrenching story. Najaf is depicted as humble, caring and selfless to encourage the reader to empathise and to believe that the Australian government needs to be more humane regarding refugees.
Afghanistan is a place that is constantly at war and involved in conflict. The people there are used to it and it cannot be controlled or escaped. Najaf tells the viewpoint of foreign invaders and also of the people who live there. He also compares it to natural disasters- pushing forward the point that conflict and wars cannot be controlled. Afghanistan’s ethnicity is very diverse which a cause of conflict amongst its people is also. Najaf explains that although the country is divided within itself, its people will unite to fight against a common enemy yet will still remain divided.
In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to take over its