Politically , Changez is surprised by his own reaction to the September 11th attacks . " Yes , despicable as it may sound , my initial reaction was to be remarkably pleased " , he tells the American . He observes the air of suspicion towards Pakistanis . Changez , due to his privileged position in society , is not among those detained or otherwise abused , but he notices a change in his treatment in public . To express solidarity with his countrymen after his trip to Chile , he starts to grow a beard . After the 2001 Indian Parliament attack , India and Pakistan mobilize leading to a standoff . Noticing the US response to this situation , he has an epiphany that his country is being used as a pawn . With no job , an expiring visa and no reason to stay in the United States , he moves back to Lahore
2001 Indian Parliament attack
2001 Indian Parliament attack
The Reluctant Fundamentalist