Was Saladin overly harsh to his enemies?
The Franks were misguided, their invasion a blight upon the lands. However, to paint them all as devils would be an error. While the sword is a necessary tool for defense and liberation, mercy is the seal of victory. After the recapture of Jerusalem, I offered terms of surrender, allowing many to depart with their lives and possessions, rather than enacting widespread slaughter. My actions were guided by Islamic principles, which command justice and restraint even in victory.