If elected, Barack Obama will visit a major Islamic capital during the first 12 months of his presidency, as part of his strategy to more actively engage with the Middle East, his national security adviser, Greg Craig, revealed Wednesday.

Mr Craig, who was senior adviser to secretary of state Madeleine Albright, and assistant to former president Bill Clinton, talked about Senator Obama's plans for the region during a seminar attended by Democratic Party delegates and academics.

The visit would underscore the new approach that the Obama administration plans to bring the Middle East, including engagement with America's enemies as well as its friends. (MORE)