Izetbegovic is leader of the Muslim Party of Democratic Action (SDA). He has been President of Bosnia since 20 December 1990. He serves as part of a collective presidency of Bosnia (which also includes Ejup Ganic).

He is often seen as indecisive and reclusive, though a devout Muslim. In December 1994 he agreed to a four-month ceasefire negotiated by former President Jimmy Carter. The Serbs also agreed to the ceasefire when Radovan Karadic signed the accord in Pale (picture).

In September 1996 he was elected as the first of the three-person rotating Presidency of Bosnia (two year term) established by the Dayton Peace Accords.

After Dayton there have been some delays in implementing the Agreement. In August, 1997 Richard Holbrooke visited Izetbegovic to try and speed up the return of refugees.