1990: Mohamed Atta Joins Muslim Brotherhood Linked Group

A young Mohamed Atta with his father. [Source: Getty images]In 1990, after finishing his studies in architecture, Atta joins what is called an “engineering syndicate,” a professional or trade group. Like the school that trained many of its engineers, the syndicate serves as an unofficial base for the Muslim Brotherhood, where the organization recruits new operatives and spreads its ideology. Other members of the 9/11 plot will also have connections to the Muslim Brotherhood at various points in their lives. [Washington Post, 9/22/2001; Observer, 9/23/2001; Newsweek, 12/31/2001]