Obama Islam speech: US-Muslim reaction

Mr Obama called for a 'new beginning' in US-Muslim relations

Readers from the US and a number of countries with large Islamic populations have been reacting to President Obama's speech to the Muslim world in Cairo.

Mr Obama called for an end to the "cycle of suspicion and discord" between his nation and the Muslim world.

Below is a selection of readers' comments.

USA

Can Obama improve ties with Muslims? Yes he can if extremist die-hard Arabs and Muslims open their minds. It is up to them to live in peace with Israel and the rest of the world. But no one can force them to do so. The BBC should also ask: Can the Arabs improve ties with Israel and the rest of the world?
Samson D, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

When Bush was president, I was ashamed to be American. He created nothing but hatred toward America. Obama has the ability to accomplish peace goals because he will listen rather than dictate. The anticipation that was generated ahead of this speech shows just how much hope Obama has generated around the world. One gets the sense that these lofty goals can be realised.
Shawn Irwin, Tempe, USA

Finally a president that is showing respect towards another culture and religion. That in itself is refreshing to the Muslim world. I have a great sense of relief that we finally have someone engaging in dialogue and not actions of aggression. No more of that playground bully mentality that other administrations have shown. So in my opinion, yes Obama can improve ties if he keeps up this positive approach. But the blind support of Israel will have to end.
Muhammad, Washington DC, USA

Obama can improve relations with Muslims if he is allowed to do so. He is not a miracle worker, and he will certainly not put the interests of Muslim countries above the interests of the US. It seems that many Muslims, and many others besides, expect him to drastically alter the way the US conducts its affairs, and that will not happen. Some change is certainly necessary, but it will be measured, slow, and always done with American, and not necessarily Muslim, interests in mind.
Stephen Fisher, San Francisco, USA

I hope that most people in the Islamic world realise the risk Mr Obama is taking to push his agenda in the Middle East. The Israelis are in a quandary because they cannot count on the US government to acquiesce to whatever they decide to do. This is a huge and absolutely necessary break with the past. This is wonderful. But by doing this he is making some very clever and vicious enemies. They will fight to see he is not re-elected.
Samuel Pettis, Seattle , USA

President Obama's mission is difficult but he can articulate an action plan to bring the whole of humanity together. He should announce that there is no need for a Palestinian state since Israel can be one country with Jews, Muslims, Christians and other ethnic people living together in peace and prosperity, with mutual respect and the right to vote. Make Israel and Palestine one country and all problems are solved.
Yusuf, San Jose, California, USA

I don't think America needs to show the Muslim world that we're serious about living in a peaceful, tolerant world. I think it's the Muslims who need to prove that they are serious about it.
Jason Harris, Dallas, Texas, USA

PAKISTAN

Obama should have a golden chance for creating peace in the Middle East but what his advisers fail to understand is that all his efforts are useless if the US continues to support Israel, as it has for years.
Syed Muhammad Zeeshan-ul-Haq, Karachi, Pakistan

The only solution to Middle East peace is a recognition of Palestine as separate state. If Obama can convince Israel to accept Palestine as separate state, peace can be achieved in 24 hours.
Syed A Mateen, Karachi, Pakistan

INDONESIA

President Obama can improve ties with the Muslim world. But he also need to guarantee that his entire administration will work to make real changes. I don't want Obama to be like JFK - a person with great charisma and great speeches, but on the other hand approving a shameful action like the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
Bambang Sasangka, Indonesia

AFRICA

Give President Obama a break. He was against the war from the start and he is trying at the moment to bring people together. He really gets it and he doesn't need advisors to tell him what is the truth. Thank you, President Obama.
Ali, Berbera, Somalia

We are expecting nothing from President Obama, other than to stop the USA and its ally Israel from launching attacks on the Muslim world, mainly Palestine, and let us live in peace. Then the Muslim world will respect President Obama and will support his effort to establish new ties with the Muslims, even without hearing his speech in Cairo, because we are in an urgent need to see deeds, not speeches. Is that too complicated President Obama? It is not necessary even to come here, just make the right decisions in Washington DC.
Moussa Hichau, Berkane, Morocco

It is a very good move. Everything has its beginning, let's hope that this is the beginning of what we have waited for for a long time - peace in the world. If America can extend the hand of friendship to others I do not see why Muslims should not extend theirs. I am glad Obama has shown the courage to be the first to shout, hoping many will follow.
Hafidh Nassor, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

I think President Obama is on the right track. Talking to the Islamic world on the pathway to peace must be commended. No past president has done this, not even the Arab leaders themselves. We all must be optimistic. It's a long process, but it begins with a step, and he has taken that step. Both Arabs and the US should be optimistic.
Caleb Oguche, Lagos, Nigeria

BBC readers' reaction from the Middle East