Ahmed Shah Massoud vs Sarath Fonseka

Massoud led mujahideen forces in the Panjshir Valley against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He used guerrilla tactics to resist Soviet offensives, earning the nickname 'Lion of Panjshir'. His resistance became a symbol of Afghan defiance.

Massoud formed the Northern Alliance to resist the Taliban after they captured Kabul. He led a coalition of anti-Taliban forces from his base in the Panjshir Valley. The alliance controlled about 10% of Afghanistan.

Massoud was assassinated by two suicide bombers posing as journalists. The attack was carried out by Al-Qaeda operatives two days before the 9/11 attacks. His death weakened the Northern Alliance but galvanized international support.

As Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Fonseka led the military campaign that defeated the LTTE in May 2009, ending the 26-year civil war. He oversaw the final offensive in the Vanni region, which resulted in the death of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the collapse of the separatist movement.

Following the military victory over the LTTE, Fonseka was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. This position made him the highest-ranking military officer, but he resigned within months to enter politics.

After contesting the 2010 presidential election against Mahinda Rajapaksa and losing, Fonseka was arrested by the military on charges of corruption and engaging in politics while in uniform. He was sentenced to three years in prison, sparking domestic and international criticism.

After being released from prison, Fonseka was elected to Parliament in the 2015 general election as a member of the United National Party (UNP). He served as a Member of Parliament until 2020, representing the Colombo District.