Having two female narrators in the first part of  Sand Queen provides varying insight to the same problems. It helped me understand both sides of the story.  The varying insight has also led me to believe that many of the problems are a source of miscommunication.
Kate's narrative  shows the miscommunication between the chain of command and their soldiers. It also shows what female soldiers go through in the military.
Naema's narrative provides insight to the Iraqi lifestyle and thought process.
Both females have a misconception of the other based upon their previous interactions with individuals with similar characteristics.
In a way, both of their misconceptions make sense in that if they were to ,in Kate's case be polite, could end in death or risk her fellow soldiers' lives because she wanted to give water to thirsty children.  For Naema, she does not fully understand the intention of the American soldiers as so far, all the soldiers have done for her and her family is destroy her home and prevented the country from growing.  Both females have reasons to distrust the other as it is imperative for their survivor and livelihood.