Guys, looking back at the post on the top of page 4, I really think that we should leave relgion out of this and simply concentrate on Economic or Political figures. Otherwise it will effectively turn into a relgious clash which will begin to get nasty. I don't really think that you can compare with religious leaders.
How about "Diamond" Pitt, the East India company merchant in the 17th (or is it 18th) century who practically begun the British domination of India after he was granted land by the Mugal Emperor. India thereafter became a firm power base that allowed Britain to subject its influence over Asia, and the middle east. As well as creating a cold-war situation with the Czarist Russian empire.
...And naturally Julius Caesar- the first Roman Emperor who pulled rome out of Democracy and subjected Gaul to Roman power.