Yes, Saladin had a huge military victory over the Crusaders in 1187. In addition, the Crusaders started squabbling among themselves, King Richard was abandoned by his allies, left in a very weak position, to negotiate with Saladin. Saladin had the power, at that point, to push the Crusaders entirely out of the Holy Land. Instead, he made a compromise peace, leaving them with their coastal cities.
Mahathir, in his speech, clearly is referring to the compromise peace, not the Battle of Hattin. His reference to Saladin is one of several he gives, from early Muslim history, of strategic retreats, generous peace treaties, compromises, and refusing battle. He lists all these examples, in order to support his preferred method for regaining Muslim power and honor:
<We must build up our strength in every field, not just in armed might. Our countries must be stable and well administered, must be economically and financially strong, industrially competent and technologically advanced. This will take time, but it can be done and it will be time well spent. We are enjoined by our religion to be patient.>
Message 19411912
And this isn't just rhetoric, this is exactly the way he has governed his own nation, making a priority of economic rather than military strength, for 22 years. |
