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

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

After proxies and nuclear program threats, Iran may turn to terror abroad

By Alex Plitsas

Iran could turn to transnational terrorism as threats mount of Israeli strike on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, after a weakening of its numerous proxies since the Gaza war.

English Iran

Issue Brief

Mar 20, 2025

A lifeline under threat: Why the Suez Canal’s security matters for the world

By Racha Helwa, Perrihan Al-Riffai

The Suez Canal is both a maritime choke point and vital waterway for global trade and energy security. Given its strategic role as the fastest sea route between Asia and Europe, any disruption to the Suez Canal can have outsized impacts on global commerce and energy markets, as have occurred in recent years.

Economy & Business International Markets

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English Iraq

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Trump’s military cudgel in Yemen will not achieve US regional objectives

By Jacob Ware and Amir Asmar

Donald Trump risks falling into US pattern of short-sighted military action at the expense of constructing a sustainable plan for Yemen.

Defense Policy Middle East

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Chamlou joins Iran International to discuss the consequences of the tariffs imposed by the US

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Farsi

MENASource

Mar 18, 2025

Landmark SDF-Damascus deal presents opportunity, and uncertainty, for Turkey

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Despite positive signals, critical ambiguities remain in agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

English Middle East

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Wechsler quoted in Haaretz on the dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu ahead of negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Wechsler quoted in Reuters on Trump’s strategy in Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Wechsler quoted in the Irish Examiner on Trump’s negotiations on Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Wechsler quoted in Asharq Al-Awsat on Trump’s approach to Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management