Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

The Iraq Initiative is driving policy-oriented programs and analysis that advance Iraq’s stability and sovereignty, regional integration, and democratic and economic development. It also aims to promote a strengthened US-Iraq partnership.

The MENA Futures Lab, a flagship initiative of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, is dedicated to harnessing innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital to build a more prosperous future for the Middle East.

The North Africa Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East analyzes the strategic, political, and economic importance of the region for the United States and its allies. Since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, North Africa has undergone political and economic transformations that have impacted stability and security in the region. With its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, North Africa continues to be an integral partner in addressing shared interests and concerns.

The Project for Middle East Integration is helping policymakers leverage a dynamic moment to foster greater political and economic integration between all the countries of the Middle East.

The Realign for Palestine project is committed to challenging violent extremism, divisive narratives, and hatred by elevating common-sense approaches through policy and action.

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

The Strategic Litigation Project injects fresh thinking into how government and practitioners can apply legal tools to advance human rights and accountability around the world.

Our work on Syria sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Syrians to fulfill their desire for democratic self-governance as the United States and the international community grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, millions of refugees across the Middle East and Europe, and ongoing security and political challenges spilling over Syria’s borders.

The Rafik Hariri Center’s Transatlantic Project aims at strengthening US-European cooperation on the most critical opportunities and challenges facing the Middle East and North Africa.