[Timmay]

i was honestly thinking about that myself. I wasn't completely sure who was who; i know that the two people are in afganistan, hence the TRUE title of the poem, panjishir IV (a military operation in the Afgan Soviet war.)

Thinking about it, the soviets, (or russians, whichever) are a semi-godless people, where as the afganis, i believe, are much more... godly (not in the sence of divinity, but more along the lines of "God is part of their life.") So i guess the main character is an afgani.

but in all honesty, nationality doesnt matter, nor did you ask a question about nationality. you asked who the real hero is, and i guess that's up to you to deside. If you were the sniper, after all your training, after a people invaded your homeland, would you pull the trigger on someone who finally figured it out?

I understand your question, and its completely legit, but i can't answer it. I think it's up to you to deside who the hero is; the one protecting his country, or the one who figured it all out