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

Leadership

Subscribe to get the latest analysis straight to your inbox

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

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict Economy & Business

Experts react

Oct 26, 2024

Experts react: Israel has hit back at Iran with airstrikes. Is this the road to war or an off-ramp?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on what Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran could mean for the prospect of further Israeli-Iranian escalation.

Conflict Crisis Management

Report

Oct 22, 2024

The economic and social costs of the war in Gaza

By Perrihan Al-Riffai

After a year of war, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and neighboring countries need a permanent ceasefire. But with development gains erased, billions of dollars in infrastructure damaged, and skyrocketing unemployment, the Middle East also urgently needs a solid reconstruction plan.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 16, 2024

Vision 2030 has done wonders for women. But there’s still room to enhance their economic roles in Saudi Arabia.

By Beata Polok and Maha Akeel

Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030 is impressive, but the journey is not yet over.

Civil Society Economy & Business

Event Recap

Sep 19, 2024

Senator Joni Ernst on how to expand cooperation among US allies in the Middle East

By Emily Milliken

Event recap of the N7 Initiative's public event with Senator Joni Ernst

Economic Sanctions Israel

In the News

Sep 5, 2024

Charai in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The Hostages

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Sep 1, 2024

Damon joins CNN to discuss humanitarian aid in Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Human Rights

In the News

Aug 29, 2024

McCord quoted in BNN Bloomberg on Trump’s revised indictment claims

By Atlantic Council

Elections United States and Canada

In the News

Aug 28, 2024

Asat quoted in Nikkei Asia on UN HCR urging China to review Xinjiang policies tied to rights abuses

By Atlantic Council

China Human Rights

In the News

Aug 28, 2024

Asat quoted in VOA News on China’s willingness to engage with UN human rights body in Xinjiang

By Atlantic Council

China Human Rights