On the origin of the diffuse gamma-ray background radiation

We show that inverse Compton scattering of cosmic-microwave-background and starlight photons by cosmic-ray electrons in the interstellar and intergalactic space explains well the spectrum and intensity of the diffuse gamma-ray background radiation (GBR), which was measured by EGRET aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) in directions away from the Galactic disk and centre. The Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) will be able to separate the Galactic foreground from the extragalactic gamma-rays, and to provide stringent tests of the theory.