Who is he?:
An Egyptian diplomat and scholar, previously best known in the Iranian nuclear development crisis as head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international governmental organization under the auspices of the United Nations, but returned to Cairo from Vienna at the beginning of 2011 protests against the rule of President Hosni Mubarak to establish himself as an opposition leader. A Nobel Peace Prize recipient, along with the IAEA, in 2005.
Birthdate:
June 17, 1942, in Cairo, the son of the head of the Egyptian Bar Association. Raised in a household, with four siblings, that supported democratic rights and press freedom. Schooled at the University of Cairo, and earned his law degree at the New York University School of Law in 1974.
Personal life:
Married to Aida Elkachef, an early-childhood teacher. Has a daughter, Laila, who is a lawyer in London and married to an investment banker, and a son, Mostafa, a studio director with a television network. Has one granddaughter, Maya.
Political affiliation:
Though not political by nature, ElBaradei and allies formed the National Association for Change in 2010 to push for reforms in a unified opposition movement against Mubarak's rule. The movement advocates for democracy and social justice. He has advocated for the Muslim Brotherhood being able to be a part of democracy in Egypt. His name has been floated as a possible presidential candidate, though some are skeptical of how he'd fare in a vote with Egyptians because he's spent so much time living outside the country.
Career:
ElBaradei started in the Egyptian Diplomatic Service in 1964, representing his country at the United Nations in New York and Geneva. He served as a special assistant in the Foreign Ministry, but left in 1980 to work at the United Nations. He also taught international law at his alma mater in New York. In 1984 he began work at the IAEA, and succeeded Hans Blix as the agency's director in 1997. He served three terms through 2009, during which time he countered the U.S. WMD explanation for the invasion of Iraq and came under criticism for Iran's continued drive forward with its nuclear program.
Future:
When ElBaradei returned to Egypt at the beginning of the mass protests, he declared himself ready to lead a transitional government if need be. He made the media rounds to outline a plan for after Mubarak, who said he wouldn't seek re-election in September 2011, steps down, which ElBaradei sought sooner than later. If ElBaradei doesn't come forward as a presidential candidate, he will likely make his presence known as instrumental in a transition to a democratic government. He is regarded with suspicion by some, though, because of his support from the Muslim Brotherhood, which drives toward an Islamist state.
Quote:
"The best I can do is act as an agent for change. Naturally I want to play a part in the future, but who stands in the election, that's really not so important at the moment." (Feb. 2011)