The "cycle of suspicion and discord" between the United States and the Muslim world must end, U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday in Cairo.
In a highly anticipated speech delivered at Cairo University, Obama urged Muslims to enter with the United States into a "new beginning."
The tensions between the U.S. and Muslims around the world are "rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate," Obama said.
"The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and co-operation, but also conflict and religious wars," he said.
Islamist extremists and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. have led some "to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust," he said.
"This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," he said.
"America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition," he said. "Instead, they overlap, and share common principles" of justice, tolerance and dignity.
Obama is hoping to usher in a new era in U.S. relationships with Muslims.
The speech is directed at building mutual understanding but also to bluntly urges Muslims to embrace democracy, women's rights and economic opportunity.
The president wants to build coalitions with Muslim governments as part of reviving stalled Middle East peace talks and U.S. efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program.
Obama has vowed to chart a new path in the U.S. relations with the Muslim world after policies under the Bush administration had alienated allies in the Middle East.
Obama acknowledged that a single speech won't resolve the long-standing challenges in the region. But a way must be found to move forward in a constructive way, he said.
Violent extremism must be confronted, the president said, who discussed the influence of the Sept. 11 attacks on the American psyche, the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq.
But America is not at war with Islam, Obama said.
"We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children."
Islam is not the problem, he said, "it is an important part of promoting peace."
Palestinian suffering 'intolerable'
Many in the Muslim world had been waiting to hear from Obama speak regarding a Palestinian state.
Speaking in a domed lecture hall draped in red, Obama said U.S. ties with Israel are unbreakable. But the Jewish pursuit of a homeland has caused suffering for Palestinians, Muslims and Christians, he acknowledged.
"They endure the daily humiliations вЂ" large and small вЂ" that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own," he said.
But the Palestinians need to change their approach, he said. "Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist."
Israel must also acknowledge Palestine's right to exist, he said, adding the U.S. "does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."
The only resolution will be for Israelis and Palestinians both to live in peace and security, Obama said.
"That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest," he said.
He added that the U.S. will align its policies with those who pursue peace.
Obama's words have the potential to be instrumental in reversing some of the rifts between the U.S. and the Middle East, said Abdel Monem Said Ali, an Egyptian political analyst.
Obama arrived in Cairo after visiting Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The tour is Obama's first visit to the Middle East since being sworn in as president.
With files from The Associated Press