One of the most glaring examples of power being abused in The Kite Runner is the Taliban's actions at Ghazi Stadium. Consistent with actual accounts from Afghanistan in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Taliban leaders participated in public executions at the stadium to scare and manipulate the citizens of Afghanistan. Amir and Farid witness a stoning at the stadium. Throughout history (and the novel) the Taliban abused their power in other ways such as the massacre at Mazar-i-Sharif.

A less violent and disturbing abuse of power comes early in the story when Amir abuses his power over Hassan. As the son of a wealthy man and a member of the dominant ethnic group, Amir abuses his power over Hassan by making him commit pranks such as firing a rock via slingshot at a helpless dog. Amir also pelts Hassan with pomegranates in an attempt to satisfy his own feelings of guilt.

Another obvious abuse of power is when Assef rapes Hassan early in the story. Using power derived from his age, size, and ethnic status, Assef enlists the help of two other bullies to rape Hassan after the dramatic kite fighting tournament. This foreshadows Assef's abuse of Sohrab later in the story.