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

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

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Damon quoted in Fars News on the process of medical evacuation of Palestinian children

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management
Human Rights

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Damon joins CBS News to discuss the regional response to Trump’s Gaza plan

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Crisis Management