I'm very competitive by nature. And I like to be the underdog - It's the best way to win. To come from behind and win is a great feeling!
We go on and on about our differences. But, you know, our differences are less important than our similarities. People have a lot in common with one another, whether they see that or not.
Likewise the leader of any state has to do the same, he has to enforce Shariah firmly, for he will be held in account later in the afterlife if he fails.