In typical Afghan habit, the men dominate over their wives lives, controlling each and every aspect the woman participates in. He does this by telling Laila if she ever tries to escape from Rasheeds controlling grasp again, he will find her and possibly kill her. In this quote, Rasheed, Laila’s husband, shows the authority he has over Laila’s life by threatening her and two other women’s lives. You understand me? I’ll make you watch (Hosseini 243). To Mariam first, then to her, and you last. And if I do, there isn’t a court in this godforsaken country that will hold me accountable for what I still do. I swear on the Prophet’s name that I will find you. Rasheed exhibits this suppression of women by this quote said in the novel, You try this again and I will find you.

This image is shown in the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns, when Laila and Mariam’s late husband, Rasheed, demonstrates his power over his wives by treating them as if they have no dignity or worth. In Afghanistan, it is typical for the man to have complete control and power over their women. Throughout the novel, this demonstration of power is shown through the man’s superiority and women’s oppression. This idea of power and war has been shown through treatment in society as well as societal ideals. In A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini, the idea of power and war against women has directly affected females in foreign countries like Afghanistan. There have been many novels throughout the course of history that have discussed many issues in current society.

Under a thousand splendid suns