Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, said such efforts to improve ties with other nations were necessary because «the Muslim world is not an island, it is part of the (larger) world.» Zahid Hamid, Pakistan's Minister of Privatization and Investment, said a widening ideological chasm between the West and the Islamic world has resulted in Muslims «paying the highest price for being caught in the clash between extremism and moderation.» Islamic countries increasingly feel «the overwhelming majority of Muslims ... are being demonized for the actions of a small minority,» he said, adding that frustrations have grown because of persistent conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestinian territories.
