I have a deep admiration for those who fought Islam. Two of my favorites are Charles "the Hammer" Martel and the Knights of St.John of Jerusalem (the hospitallars) and in particular the leadership of Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette. His defense of Malta many historians say probably saved Europe.
The Crusades were a counter attack and without them, Chris would have never received financing to find a way around the Silk Road and the New World would not have been discovered so soon....