In the Pale Moonlight
 

In the Pale Moonlight

So, the Federation are just like all the others in the galaxy when it comes down to winning at all costs.

Would Picard have done the same if he was in Sisko's place?

One of my favorite episodes turns out to be the darkest one out of the whole lot. I doubt this episode would of been in line with Gene Roddenberry's vision let alone half of DS9.