United Nations, Sept 22 (ZEENEWS.COM) Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned yesterday of increased "Islamophobia" in Western countries, days after the pope sparked outrage across the Muslim world with comments about the Prophet Mohammed.

"We remain deeply concerned at the increased incidence of Islamophobia in the West. This trend does not bode well for the cause of building understanding and cooperation across civilisations," he said, addressing the United Nations.

"As a Muslim nation, Afghanistan is committed not only to safeguarding the interests of our holy faith but also to building bridges of understanding and friendship among followers of all faiths," he added.

In a speech in his native Germany last week, Pope Benedict XVI quoted a medieval text criticizing some teachings of the Prophet Mohammed as "evil and inhuman," sparking several days of protests in Muslim countries.

On Sunday, Benedict said he was "deeply sorry" his remarks had caused offense and today said that worldwide Muslim anger over his speech was the result of an "unfortunate misunderstanding."

The September 11, 2001 attacks, carried out by al-Qaeda militants, and ensuing US-led military operations in Muslim Afghanistan and Iraq, have left deep and enduring rifts between Muslim nations and notably the United States.

US support for Israel in its conflicts with the Palestinians and the Lebanon-based militia Hezbollah, together with Washington's leading stance against Iran, have further led critics to accuse the united states of waging a "crusade" against Islamic states.