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

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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

MENASource

Aug 5, 2024

Imane Khelif is a woman, contrary to what the internet says

By Yaseen Rashed

By denying Khelif’s womanhood and leveraging her win to disseminate miseducated narratives that fuel anti-LGBTQI sentiments, critics are essentializing the definition of gender and perpetuating the stigma surrounding hyperandrogenism

Middle East North Africa

Experts react

Jul 31, 2024

Experts react: Two top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have been killed. What’s next for Israel, Iran, and the war in Gaza?

By Atlantic Council experts

What will these two assassinations mean for the broader regional conflict in the Middle East? Our experts delve into the possibilities.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

Policy memo: What will it take to make the MENA region a renewable energy powerhouse?

By Shihab Elborai, Anthony Yammine, and Pavel Popikov

The Middle East and North Africa region is well placed to become not just a major source of renewable energy, but also a central and indispensable player in the global energy transition, uniquely able to balance supply and demand for all types of energy, both hydrocarbons and renewables.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

May 20, 2024

Dagres joins CNN to discuss what could come next for Iran after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 15, 2024

Saudi women are learning financial literacy and it’s helping the country grow

By Hanaa Almoaibed

Since the launch of Vision 2030, economic developments have pushed women to be more independent and in control of their finances.

Civil Society Economy & Business

Event Recap

May 13, 2024

Gender parity in MENA diplomacy and its impact on peace

By Charles Johnson

Event recap of WIn Fellowship Roadshow 2024 public event on Arab women in diplomacy

Conflict Economy & Business

Event Recap

May 13, 2024

How AI is reshaping the global business arena

By JP Reppeto

On April 25th, the Atlantic Council’s WIn Fellowship held a panel discussion exploring the projected impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global business landscape, highlighting how AI-driven strategies are revolutionizing industries worldwide. The panel, which was moderated by Stefanie Falconi, Emerging Technologies Advisor at USAID, featured four experts working at the forefront of artificial […]

Economy & Business Future of Work

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi quoted in Raseef22 on Israel-Iran escalation

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Conflict

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi joins Syria TV to discuss Biden’s obstruction of Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Economic Sanctions

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi quoted in Arabi 21 on Biden’s obstruction of Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Economic Sanctions