U.S. President Barack Obama has extended best wishes to Muslims as they begin Islam's holy month of Ramadan.
In a video address posted on the White House web site Friday, Mr. Obama said the U.S. is committed to building a more peaceful and secure world.
He said that work includes isolating extremists in places such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and ending the war in Iraq. Mr. Obama added that he wants to reiterate his commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. It marks the time more than 1,400 years ago when Muslims believe the words of Islam's holy book, the Koran, were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.