Dr. Ayman al Zawahiri (June 9, 1951 - ) was a former leader of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, and leader of Al Qaeda. Zawahiri had great influence on Osama bin Laden, helping steer Osama and Al Qaeda in a more radical direction.[1]
Ayman al Zawahiri came from a highly privileged and influential family in al-Sharqiyyah, Egypt. In 1974, al Zawahiri qualified as a physician. In 1979, al Zawahiri married a Cairo University student.[1]
At age 15, al Zawahiri joined an Islamic organization. He has built up lengthy experience in clandestine operations and running terrorist organizations, including Egyptian Islamic Jihad.[1] He was suspected in the assassination of President Anwar Sadat, put on trial, and then acquitted. In 1985, he left for Pakistan where he met bin Laden. al Zawahiri came to "review funding for the Afghan jihad and treat injured mujahidin". Many suggest that al Zawahiri was largely responsible for radicalizing Osama bin Laden.[2]