Responses
I'm on chapter 2.
It seems to be a fictional setting, and while it might be based on true events, I don't believe that Morvein or Lira exists.
The dude's press lanyard thing has 1996 on it, so I think its set in 1980-1996.
The author is probably withholding information for the plot. Just keep reading and it should clear up eventually.
What war is this supposed to take place during?