CNN -- Sebastian Junger found him crouched on a battlefield in Afghanistan, fighting to stay alive. 

Ahmad Shah Massoud, center in white shirt, leads his men in his beloved Afghan mountains. 

The Taliban had the man cornered and outnumbered. A sniper's bullet came so close to the man that it plucked dirt between his feet. But Junger watched him coolly orchestrate a cunning counterattack by his soldiers -- all while discussing his favorite poetry and international news. 

"He had tremendous magnetism," says Junger, a noted journalist and author who has written bestsellers like "The Perfect Storm," and "A Death in Belmont." 

"You didn't even need to speak his language to fall under his sway. That's the only time I've ever really felt that from another person." 

The man Junger met was Ahmad Shah Massoud, the "Lion of Panjshir." Today, Massoud is a national hero in Afghanistan, but he's also become something else: the prototype for the tough but enlightened leader Afghanistan desperately needs today, some Afghans say. Watch how images of Massoud are everywhere in Afghanistan » 

Massoud was assassinated two days before the September 11 terrorist attacks by agents linked to al Qaeda. Though he died eight years ago, his legacy looms over any would-be leader in Afghanistan, Afghans and scholars say. See current key players in Afghanistan » 

'He would have found bin Laden' 

Afghanistan's government has been accused of being corrupt and weak. Massoud had a reputation for integrity and strength, says Junger, who traveled to Afghanistan in 2000 to profile Massoud for his book, "Fire." 
What was Ahmad wearing?
Where does he live?
What is Junger's job?
Is Massoud alive?
How did he die?
What was his nickname?
Is he portrayed positively in Afghanistan?
Who would he have found if he was still alive?
What was the name of Junger's novel?
When did he travel to see him for the book?
What is another book he has written?
What's another?
What was the government accused of?
What traits did Massoud have?
a white shirt
Ahmad Shah Massoud, center in white shirt
Afghanistan,
 Sebastian Junger found him crouched on a battlefield in Afghanistan,
\journalist
Junger, a noted journalis
no
Massoud was assassinated two days
he was assassinated
Massoud was assassinated
Lion of Panjshir
Ahmad Shah Massoud, the "Lion of Panjshir
yes
Today, Massoud is a national hero in Afghanistan
bin Laden
'He would have found bin Laden' 
Fire
Junger, who traveled to Afghanistan in 2000 to profile Massoud for his book, "Fire." 
2000
Junger, who traveled to Afghanistan in 2000
he Perfect Storm
Junger, a noted journalist and author who has written bestsellers like "The Perfect Storm
A Death in Belmont
The Perfect Storm," and "A Death in Belmont." 
being corrupt and weak.
Afghanistan's government has been accused of being corrupt and weak.
integrity and strength
Massoud had a reputation for integrity and strength,