The Tragic Fate of General Karim: When Trade Outweighed Freedom

It is said that when Che Guevara was captured due to the betrayal of a shepherd, a soldier in astonishment asked the shepherd—
“How could you betray a man who fought his whole life for your rights and freedom?”
The shepherd replied indifferently—
“His war used to frighten my sheep.”

Years earlier, in Egypt, the great commander Mohammad Karim had fought bravely against Napoleon’s French army. Eventually, he was captured and sentenced to death. But Napoleon said—
“I do not wish to kill a hero who courageously defended his homeland. History must not remember me as a slayer of heroes. Therefore, I will spare your life if you can compensate my army with ten thousand gold coins.”

Karim smiled and said—
“I do not have such wealth. But the merchants owe me more than a hundred thousand gold coins.”

Napoleon granted him time. Bound in chains and under guard, Karim was taken to the marketplace in hope that those for whom he had sacrificed would step forward. But not a single merchant came to help. Instead, they accused him, claiming that he was responsible for the destruction of Alexandria and their suffering.

A broken-hearted Karim returned to Napoleon, who then declared—
“I will not kill you because you fought against us, but because you gave your life for a cowardly nation—one that values trade more than freedom.”