Former US Pres. Bill Clinton talks to the audience at the American University of Dubai, UAE, 04 Nov 2009Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has addressed extremism in the Middle East, drawing a parallel between suicide bombers and a lack of opportunity.

In an address to the American University in Dubai Wednesday, Mr. Clinton asked rhetorically, "What leads to suicide bombing?" It is the belief, he said, that there is more to gain in the next world than this one.

In his speech, the former president addressed the plight of the Palestinians. He said that if they believe tomorrow will be like yesterday, then there will be what he called "dire consequences."

Mr. Clinton's visit to the United Arab Emirates, which has been largely spared extremist violence, coincides with a stopover in Cairo by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Mrs. Clinton met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. She insisted the Obama administration is determined to push for a creation of a Palestinian state and does not accept the legitimacy of Israel's West Bank settlements.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.