A former head of the Anglican Church has upset British Muslims with an unprecedented attack on their religion.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey's provocative comments about underachieving and authoritarian Islam practiced in backward countries ruled by despots is the front page splash in the conservative Daily Telegraph newspaper.

British Muslim leaders say they are saddened by the tone of his speech, which comes at a time when Prime Minister Tony Blair has met Libya's President Muammar Gaddafi and at a time when the country is being told to prepare for attacks from Al Qaeda fanatics led by Osama bin Laden.

'I am saddened' by Dr Carey's comments said Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain. 'He should be well aware that mainstream Muslim organisations have consistently condemned terrorist attacks, but their statements are often ignored by the media. Dr Carey is trampling on a very sensitive area by referring to the Koran and the traditions of the Prophet.'

In his comments, delivered as part of a lecture in Rome, Dr Carey said: 'Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, we find authoritarian regimes with deeply entrenched leadership, some of which rose to power at the point of gun and are retained in power by massive investment in security forces.

'Although we owe much to Islam...it is sad to relate that no great invention has come for many hundred years from Muslim countries. This is a puzzle because Muslim peoples are not bereft of brilliant minds. They have much to contribute to the human family and we look forward to the close co-operation that might make this possible.

'Sadly, apart from a few courageous examples, very few Muslim leaders condemn clearly and unconditionally the evil of suicide bombers who kill innocent people.'