With an almost rock-star return, Mohamed El Baradei, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has come back home to Cairo, greeted by an estimated 500 supporters. The crowd was so large it prevented him from leaving the airport.

El Baradei, who led the atomic agency for nearly 12 years, is seen to be the most credible challenger for the presidency of Egypt, given his status and untainted reputation. –JCL

The BBC:

Hundreds have gathered outside Cairo’s airport to welcome home Mohammed ElBaradei, the former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mr ElBaradei has not lived in his homeland for decades but is considering running for the presidency in next year’s election.

Reports say Mr ElBaradei was unable to leave the VIP lounge at Cairo airport after his plane arrived.

Security forces had earlier warned his backers not to gather at the airport.

Read more

WAIT BEFORE YOU GO...

This year, the ground feels uncertain — facts are buried and those in power are working to keep them hidden. Now more than ever, independent journalism must go beneath the surface.

At Truthdig, we don’t just report what's happening — we investigate how and why. We follow the threads others leave behind and uncover the forces shaping our future.

Your tax-deductible donation fuels journalism that asks harder questions and digs where others won’t.

Don’t settle for surface-level coverage.

Unearth what matters. Help dig deeper.

Donate now.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG