Despite a life-long journey marked by many successes and well-earned fame, Mohamed elBaradei, the former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, started only recently to gain unprecedented popularity, topping news headlines across the world, and particularly in Egyptian papers, following news of his decision to run for presidential elections in the country, set for 2011.
In light of the nationwide debate over whether Dr Mohamed is eligible for such post or not, whether he’s up to the challenge he’s poised for to pull the country from deep grime or not, I thought may be authoring an inclusive biography covering the life journey of the now highly pursued public figure is due.
His work at the International Atomic Energy Agency, contrary to what claimed by those who are against his running for the Egyptian Presidency, has equipped him with a great deal of knowledge and skills in political maneuvering, earning him a good share of mind talent to deal with international organizations and policy makers, ranging from Presidents of various countries, with all sorts of communicated and hidden agendas, to heads of world bodies and a variety of political echelons. This, in my opinion, stands as a well needed and fundamental asset to his presidential initiative, that will enable him put right a lot of wrongs in the country, wrongs that have indeed turned life in Egypt into a chaotic battlefield between the business powers in all their suits, including corrupt ministers on one hand, and the starved section of the society fighting for equality and basic needs.
Once news of Dr elBaradei’s presidential candidacy found its way to the press, the country was split into two, those who new presidential elects and whose who support him wholeheartedly, seeing in him as a long-awaited Change. Division was also among the opposition parties. The controversy was may be a result of elBaradei’s silence that kept people speculating what does his plan entail? And whether he’d be able to handle the country’s future properly, especially after the chaos that has reaped through each and every sector, field and aspect of life. But elBaradei decided recently to put an end to his silence, not as a result of pressure but rather time has come to break his silence according to a tactful plan he’s got. He spoke of his intentions and reason to run for presidency and the outcome is the lately announcement the National Institution for Change that’s lobbying massive number of elBaradei supporters from all ages, social standards and calibers.
Personal Life
Born in Cairo in June 17 1942, Mohamed elBaradei, son of Mustafa ElBaradei, once a lawyer and former President of the Egyptian Bar Association, was raised in his homeland, witnessing many of his country ‘schallenges, changes, and need for change. He was born, raised and educated in Egypt, before he embarks on 10s of years long journey of education and career in International agencies and other diplomatic services. He is married to Aida elkashef, and is a father to a daughter and a son, both live in the UK. He’s been living in Geneva, where his post at the IAEA required permanent presence, and his wife accompanied him all the way through the years he served the international agency. Now having retired his IAEA post and currently running for presidency, Dr elBaradei has moved to Egypt for a permanent settlement (whether he becomes or fails to become the upcoming President of Egypt), to be interrupted with occasional travels abroad given his involvement in other international programs.
Education
elBaradei graduated from the Faculty of Law, Cairo University in 1962, to acquire a DEA degree in International Law at the HEI in Geneva, followed by a PhD degree in International Law from New York University School of Law in 1974.
Career Timeline
- 1974- 1978: Special Assistant for Egypt’s Foreign Minister
- 1980 witnessed a new phase in Dr elBaradei’s career life, marking his first inception to the UN programs, paving the way for a final settlement in the IAEA. He was selected to head the International Law Program at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research
- 1981-1987: elBaradei was chosen to act as an Adjunct Professor of International Law at New York University School of Law
- 1984- 1993: Dr elBaradei was appointed as the Legal Adviser of the International Atomic Energy Agency after first being hired as a senior staff member of the agency
- 1993-1997: Dr elBaradei was promoted to fill in the position of Assistant Director General for External Relations
- 1997: Finally appointed as the Head of the IAEA, a position he occupied for nearly 12 years
And currently, Dr elBaradei is a member of the International Law Association and the American Society of International Law.
Awards
- Noble Prize in 2005 for his direct intervention to successfully “prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way.” The price was jointly awarded to him and the IAEA.
- International Four Freedoms Award from the Roosevelt Institute
- James Park Morton Interfaith Award
- “Peace Building Award” from EastWest Institute
- The Golden Plate Award from the Academy of Achievement.
- Honorary Doctorate Degree in Laws from New York University
- The International Seville NODO Prize for Peace, Security and Inter-Cultural Dialogue
- Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace - The Greatest Nile Collar – the highest Egyptian civil decoration.
- Human Security Award from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
- Also the Delta Prize for Global Understanding, from the University of Georgia and Delta Airlines
Whether elBaradei will rise to the Presidential post, all depends on the outcome of the current efforts to ensure fair elections and polling process. Whether he’s eligible or not, I will not re-impose my opinion again, but only time will tell and the nation-wide endorsement of his campaign, that hasn’t fully taken shape, which, I assume, hasn’t sprouted out of the blues. elBaradei does have a plan to transit the nation into a fully-fledged democracy, but a team of good players remain a cruciality.
Time has come for a change, and time is indeed due to submit to the nation’s will.
