How is Hakim (Babi) characterised as not only a good father, but a wise, fair minded character who gives us an insight into Afghanistan's problems?

“The most important thing In his life, after her safety, was her schooling.” He cares a lot about Laila He is a good father He cares about her just as much as himself As long as she is safe and educated he will be happy Shows that he is wise and respects women

“He wouldn’t beat them with rulers, like other teachers did “He wouldn’t beat them with rulers, like other teachers did. They respected him you see, because he respected them.” Hakim has a lot of respect for the people around him He sticks to what he thinks is right Others respect him He is different from others this makes him stand out

“But it broke me too, the boys dying. I miss them too “But it broke me too, the boys dying. I miss them too. Not a day passes that I… It’s very hard, Laila so very hard.” Mammy unfairly blamed Babi for their deaths She went back to isolating herself Neglecting her role of a mother Babi doesn’t show that he is grieving like mammy It also affected him Hes trying to be strong for both of Laila and Mammy

“Laila my love the only enemy an afghan can not defeat is himself.” Shows hakim is wise Trying to show Laila that the hardest enemy to defeat is an afghans self.