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

Jun 9, 2023

Saudi Arabia is requiring companies to establish headquarters in the kingdom. That strategy may pay off. 

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Saudi Arabia’s goal is to get 480 companies to open regional headquarters by 2030 to grow the Saudi economy.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

May 31, 2023

Time to double down: ICC arrest warrants in Libya are a great start but Libyans deserve more

By Christopher "Kip" Hale

While these ICC arrest warrants may be the accountability spark Libya desperately needs, the country will require more to be uprooted.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

May 25, 2023

Developing countries need a loss and damage fund for climate change. How can COP28 make it happen?

By Lama El Hatow

A L&D fund is the last lifeboat for these countries after decades of struggle to achieve some form of global climate justice.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

May 18, 2023

How the international community can help Libya’s political deadlock, according to local civil society actors

By Ali Alaspli, Farah Ali, and Mohamed Salem

In this piece, three Libyan civil society representatives give their take on the international community’s role in Libya.

Human Rights Libya

MENASource

May 5, 2023

There’s a gendered brain drain in MENA. It’s because women are unrecognized and underestimated.

By Britt Gronemeyer

The feminization of migration flowing out of MENA can be attributed to the limited career opportunities available to women at home.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

May 3, 2023

Modernizing MENA education: How to close the career success gap

By Nibras Basitkey

The education systems in the MENA region are failing to keep pace with the rapidly evolving labor market, which is increasingly characterized by emerging technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Civil Society Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2023

Is Saudi-Iran reconciliation threatening the future of Israeli normalization?

By Sarah Zaaimi

The recent rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran could signal a sea change in Arab-Iranian relations and pose practical hindrances to Arab-Israeli normalization.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 30, 2023

I was part of the Israeli National Security Council. Climate change has been an important security challenge for years.

By Efrat Minivitzki Thein

Israel’s experience of addressing climate change as a national security challenge is also an approach that bears sharing with its regional partners.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Mar 23, 2023

Qahwa with Saudi women entrepreneurs from the WIn fellowship

By Nour Dabboussi and Mahnaz Vahdati

On March 2, 2023, the Atlantic Council's empowerME Initiative hosted a Twitter Space conversation with the WIn Fellows cohort.

Middle East Resilience & Society

MENASource

Mar 16, 2023

I was once denied an education in Iraq. This is why the Taliban’s prohibition on female education matters.

By Nibras Basitkey

As an Iraqi refugee who understands the importance of education, I recognize that achieving gender parity in education is critical for Afghanistan’s long-term economic growth and prosperity.

Afghanistan Education