In my forthcoming book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades (Regnery) — or whatever they’re going to call it, as the artwork at Amazon shows a different title — I discuss how the Byzantine Emperor John VI Cantacuzenes appealed to Muslims for help in a dynastic dispute. They came into Europe, and stayed there. John VI was not the first Christian ruler to make alliances with Muslims; nor was he the first to pay for doing so. But his alliance may have had the worst long-lasting effects.
Unfortunately, the short-sightedness of modern Western rulers makes them all liable to be the next John VI Cantacuzenes. The Uzbek jihadists are trying to cast Vladimir Putin in that role now. From Axis News (no direct link; scroll down) with thanks to M.A.:
Antigovernment riots continue in Andijan, one of the largest cities of Fergana Valley, situated in the eastern part of Uzbekistan. This outbreak started yesterday evening, provoked by followers of the Islamic sect “Aqramia”. Last night there were several attacks on the military base, prison and the office of security services, that are situated inside the city and in its suburbs. Russian internet sites hostile to Uzbek government published the statement of rebels’ leaders. It is said there: “We appeal to Russian leadership, and to Vladimir Putin personally, asking them to interfere in the situation. We ask Russia to be a mediator in our negotiations with the authorities”.