About the center

The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East examines the barriers preventing many people in the region from reaching their fullest potential. Our work also highlights success stories of individuals and institutions who overcame significant challenges in pursuit of social, economic, and political progress. Inspired by these examples, we delineate practical and implementable policy recommendations that policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East can implement to unleash the region’s economic and human potential.

Featured commentary & analysis

Featured in-depth research & reports

Experts

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

The Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) provides policymakers fresh insights into core US national security interests by leveraging its expertise, networks, and on-the-ground programs to develop unique and holistic assessments on the future of the most pressing strategic, political, and security challenges and opportunities in the Middle East. 

Events

We convene the most important stakeholders on issues of primary concern to the transatlantic community when it comes the Middle East and North Africa, from senior US and Middle East government officials to civil society activists and budding entrepreneurs.

Past events

Content

In the News

Apr 15, 2024

Charai in the National Interest: Iran Strikes Israel: What’s Next?

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Apr 12, 2024

Abercrombie-Winstanley mentioned in National Review on new Biden DEI chief

By Atlantic Council

Americas Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Apr 10, 2024

Four ways Iran could retaliate against Israel’s latest strike

By Jonathan Panikoff

The question is whether Iran most wants to meaningfully deter Israel or to avoid regional escalation—because Tehran probably cannot do both.

Conflict Crisis Management

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2024

Launching the Syria Strategy Project

By JP Reppeto and Charles Johnson

On March 18, 2024, the Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, the Middle East Institute’s Syria Program, the European Institute of Peace, and Madaniya Civil Society Network launched the Syria Strategy, an intensive process of engagement with subject matter experts and policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to develop a holistic strategy to […]

Civil Society Conflict

Event Recap

Mar 1, 2024

Integrating AI innovations into the SME industry in the UAE 

By JP Reppeto

Event Recap for the Win Fellowship discussion on the potential of AI-driven business solutions for SME businesswomen in the UAE and the MENA region more broadly.

Artificial Intelligence Education

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Damon joins News Nation to discuss Palestinians killed in hostage rescue

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Damon joins CBC News to discuss reporting from war zones

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Farrand quoted in Al-Monitor on Algerian-German gas partnership

By Atlantic Council

Africa Energy & Environment

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Dijksal quoted in Middle East Monitor on European Court of Human Rights case against Egypt and France

By Atlantic Council

Africa Human Rights

Event Recap

Feb 23, 2024

Driving change: women shaping an inclusive financial future in UAE

By JP Reppeto

Event recap on building a more sustainable and inclusive finance system in UAE.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation