Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

The Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs are leading the way in providing a forum for informing and galvanizing the transatlantic community to shape a stable and prosperous Middle East and North Africa. We have been at the vanguard of promoting peace and security and unlocking the region’s economic and human potential through the ideas we publish, the solutions we generate, and the communities we influence.

Events Commentary Reports
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Featured Initiatives

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Sep 21, 2020

MENA Futures Lab

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 and North Africa.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Oct 24, 2022

N7 Initiative

The N7 Initiative is dedicated to advancing US interests by strengthening relations among key partners and allies in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Feb 20, 2025

Realign For Palestine

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 project believes in promoting nonviolence and the two-nation solution as the only credible, humane path forward for peace between the Palestinian and Israeli people.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Dec 4, 2020

Strategic Litigation Project

The initiative injects fresh thinking into how governments and practitioners can apply legal tools to advance human rights and accountability around the world.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Aug 26, 2019

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. 
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Jul 29, 2025

Transatlantic Project

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 (MENA).

Regions in focus

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Jan 18, 2023

Iran Strategy Project

The Iran Strategy Project is designed to synchronize and bring together the Atlantic Council’s policy and analytical efforts on Iran under a single banner, reflecting the unprecedented level of discord and uncertainty in Iran.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Jan 12, 2026

Iraq Initiative

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.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Aug 21, 2019

The Gulf

The North Africa region holds strategic and political importance for the US and Europe because of its geographical location in a critically strategic position at the crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The region has witnessed tumultuous uprisings, rising autocratic regimes, and glimmers of economic and political progress that warrant closer study.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Sep 5, 2019

Syria Project

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.
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Apr 14, 2022

Perspectives on North Africa

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.

commentary & analysis

Our online publications feature thoughtful reflections and opinions on current events in the Middle East & North Africa.

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

MENASource Aug 29, 2025

Is the cautious China-Iran military cooperation at a turning point?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

With a new war between Iran and Israel still an immediate threat, China might need to ask itself: Is cooperation with Iran worth risking its diplomacy model in the Gulf?
China Iran
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

MENASource Aug 28, 2025

The Gulf’s dark horse: Why Oman can seize a global trade realignment

By Nic Adams

While economic uncertainty is gripping many countries around the world, Oman has remained a steadfast defense and economic partner of the United States.
Defense Industry Defense Policy
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

MENASource Aug 25, 2025

Dispatch from Syria’s Christian strongholds: A new government, a full political spectrum

By Gregory Waters

The conditions of Christian communities across the country remain varied, with the opinions of religious and community leaders deeply mixed.
Civil Society Democratic Transitions
all commentary & analysis

In-depth research & reports

Our reports feature policy-relevant analysis that focuses on transatlantic priorities while centering the concerns of citizens in the Middle East.

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Report Aug 27, 2025

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: Connectivity in an era of geopolitical uncertainty

By Afaq Hussain and Nicholas Shafer

Weeks before the war in Gaza broke out, India, Europe, the US, and Gulf nations announced plans for an economic corridor linking the EU and India through the Gulf via rail, fiber optic cable, and pipelines. We ran the cost-benefit numbers and they’re clear: Washington should put the IMEC back on the global agenda this year.
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Issue Brief Aug 7, 2025

Regenerative farming in Iraq: Challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Despite the challenges and limitations in the current agricultural policies in Iraq, there are significant opportunities for policy intervention to promote regenerative agriculture.
Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs

Report Jun 2, 2025

The fall of Assad has opened a door. But can Syria seize the moment?

By Qutaiba Idlbi, Charles Lister, and Marie Forestier

This report presents a realistic and holistic vision for Syria’s transition, recovery, and its reintegration into the international system.
Civil Society Crisis Management
all in-depth research

Podcasts

Guns for Hire by the North Africa Initiative

Guns for hire

The Guns for Hire podcast is a production of the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative. Taking Libya as its starting point, it examines the causes and implications of the growing use of mercenaries in armed conflict and what it means for the future of the international system

Explore the podcast
China-MENA Podcast by the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

China-MENA Podcast

The China-MENA podcast is created by the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative and features conversations with academics, government leaders, academics, and the policy community. The podcast sheds light on the growing role that China is playing in the Middle East, and it will be of particular relevance to the US policy community.

Explore the podcast

Explore our online publications

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

Our inspiration

The Atlantic Council’s work on social, economic and human development issues in the Middle East honors the legacy of Rafik Hariri and his life’s mission to unlock the human and economic potential of the Arab world.

The Atlantic Council’s work on Middle East security honors the legacy of Brent Scowcroft and his tireless efforts to build a new security architecture for the region.

Leadership

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East

Staff

Gissou Nia

Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Corruption

Staff

Jonathan Panikoff

Senior Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Staff

Emilia Pierce

Deputy Director, Operations and Finance

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Conflict

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Karim Mezran

Director, Resident Senior Fellow, North Africa Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Staff

Allison Minor

Director, Project for Middle East Integration

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Sarah Zaaimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Ahmed F. Alkhatib

Resident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Conflict
ALl middle east staff

Upcoming 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.

Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Past events

Public Event Thu, September 11, 2025 • 8:00 am ET

US-Iraq security partnership after Operation Inherent Resolve
Iraq Security & Defense
Online Event Tue, October 8, 2024 • 1:30 am ET

The future of US strategy toward Iran: A bipartisan roadmap for the next administration
Iran Middle East
Public Event Wed, March 6, 2024 • 9:00 am ET

The International Women’s Day forum: How women are tackling global challenges
Africa Americas Europe & Eurasia Israel
Online Event Tue, June 13, 2023 • 3:00 pm ET

The mechanisms of corruption in Iran
Civil Society Democratic Transitions Economy & Business Iran
Public Event Tue, May 23, 2023 • 9:00 am ET

Cybersecurity creates new horizons for Abraham Accords
Cybersecurity Defense Technologies Disinformation Intelligence
Online Event Mon, May 1, 2023 • 9:00 am ET

20-year retrospective: Reflecting on the ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech and its aftermath
Conflict Democratic Transitions Iraq Middle East
Online Event Wed, April 19, 2023 • 2:00 pm ET

Insight from the field: The double crisis for Syrian earthquake survivors in Turkey
Civil Society Middle East Migration Resilience
Public Event Mon, April 24, 2023 • 3:00 pm ET

Reimagining a way forward: Iraq’s economy and energy sector in the post-invasion era
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
Public Event Mon, March 20, 2023 • 9:00 am ET

Trajectories of Iraqi youth two decades after the 2003 Invasion
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Iraq Middle East
Public Event Thu, March 2, 2023 • 10:00 am ET

Saudi Arabia’s new economic force: Women entrepreneurs
Economy & Business Middle East Saudi Arabia Women
ALL EVENTS

Stay Updated

Content

Issue Brief

Nov 20, 2017

Partners or competitors? The future of the Iran-Russia power tandem in the Middle East

By John Herbst

Ambassador John Herbst, director of the Atlantic Council’s Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, writes in a new issue brief entitled Partners or Competitors? The Future of the Iran-Russia Power Tandem in the Middle East that Russia and Iran are currently drawn into partnership over common regional interests and anti-American policies and sentiments despite centuries of historical […]

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

Issue Brief

Nov 9, 2017

Iran’s bottom line in Afghanistan

By Alex Vatanka

Due to proximity and historical ties, no other country is as well placed as Iran to play a dominant role in Afghan society, as Middle East Institute senior fellow Alex Vatanka shows in his new paper, Iran’s Bottom Line in Afghanistan. However, Tehran is focused on short-term tactical gains at the expense of a sustainable, […]

Afghanistan Iran

Uncategorized

Nov 8, 2017

About Rebuilding Syria

About The Rafik Hariri Center’s Rebuilding Syria project, directed by Senior Fellow Faysal Itani, aims to inform and advance transatlantic policy to foster a transition toward legitimate public order in Syria through economic reconstruction. As the two-year project comes to a close, the Hariri Center has pooled expertise from multiple specialists to cover the many […]

Issue Brief

Nov 2, 2017

Turkey: Managing tensions and options to engage

By Aaron Stein

This new issue brief argues that the United States should craft a realistic Turkey policy, given the current state of tensions over regional policy and the entrenchment of authoritarianism and illiberalism in Turkey. The piece contends that the trajectory of the relationship between the United States and Turkey suggests a need for the United States […]

Politics & Diplomacy Turkey

Issue Brief

Nov 2, 2017

Turkey: Managing tensions and options to engage

By Aaron Stein

This new issue brief argues that the United States should craft a realistic Turkey policy, given the current state of tensions over regional policy and the entrenchment of authoritarianism and illiberalism in Turkey.

Politics & Diplomacy Turkey

In the News

Nov 1, 2017

Slavin Quoted in Carnegie Middle East Center on International Companies’ Reactions to US Warnings of Termination of Business With Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Oct 31, 2017

Slavin Joins Carnegie to Discuss US Policy Towards Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Watch the full discussion here.

Iran

Issue Brief

Oct 31, 2017

Tehran stands atop the Syria-Iran alliance

By Danielle Pletka

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has managed to hold onto power through the civil war and has the determined support of Iran to thank for his position. In Tehran Stands Atop the Syria-Iran Alliance, author Danielle Pletka examines ties between Syria and Iran, the power relationship that has emerged, and the legacy it leaves for the […]

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 30, 2017

Slavin Joins Arab Center Washington DC to Discuss US Gulf Relations and US Policy in the Arabian Gulf

By Barbara Slavin

Watch the full discussion here.

Iran

In the News

Oct 25, 2017

Alfoneh in Middle East Institute: An Obstacle to Riyadh’s Outreach to Baghdad: Iraqi Interior Minister’s Ties with I.R.G.C.

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

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