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

In the News

May 13, 2022

Shapiro quoted in Jewish Insider on the impacts of President Biden’s nomination of US-Saudi ambassador

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Israel

In the News

May 13, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera on the diplomatic implications of US blacklisting of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on US-Iran nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Economic Sanctions Iran

In the News

May 13, 2022

Nia quoted in the Middle East Eye on legal accountability mechanisms for Shireen Abu Akleh

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights International Norms

MENASource

May 11, 2022

Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

By Amjad Ahmad

A US economic slowdown or a recession couldn’t come at a worse time for emerging markets, particularly those in MENA, where most are fighting chronic unemployment, slowing growth, and higher debt levels.

Economy & Business Middle East

In the News

May 10, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al Monitor on developing Iran-Saudi relations and it’s impact on nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Economic Sanctions Iran

In the News

May 9, 2022

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss Russian foreign policy plans in the future and Russian interests in Middle Eastern resources

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

May 9, 2022

Ferziger mentioned in Jewish Insider Daily Kickoff on global food shortage trends in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Economy & Business

In the News

May 9, 2022

Blanford quoted in France24 on the implications of expat Lebanese votes for parliamentary elections

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

May 8, 2022

Nia quoted in Bloomberg on the implications of Elon Musk’s overtaking of Twitter for activists and companies

By Atlantic Council

Digital Policy Internet

In the News

May 7, 2022

Israel Initiative’s event with Ambassador Nides mentioned in Mondoweiss

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East