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

Mar 11, 2022

Lipner quoted in Zing News on Israel and Turkey’s evolving relations with Russia

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 11, 2022

Israel Initiative’s Abraham Accords Caucus event covered by the Jewish News Syndicate

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society
Education

In the News

Mar 11, 2022

Slavin joins Voice of America to discuss Russia’s role in impeding Iran nuclear talks in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Iran

MENASource

Mar 11, 2022

North Africa’s transatlantic relations: How the US can engage its European allies in North Africa

By Salwa Balla

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, US and European partnership and collaboration in North Africa becomes imperative to protecting shared values across the region.

Middle East
North Africa

In the News

Mar 11, 2022

Zais joins Al Hurra to discuss the impacts of the Russian invasion on Ukraine on global oil prices and alternatives to Russian oil

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Conflict

In the News

Mar 10, 2022

Daoud in the Haaretz: Opinion | Why Iran and Hezbollah Are Quietly Applauding Putin’s War on Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Mar 10, 2022

Fintech is opening new doors in MENA for inclusive finance

By Allison Holle

On March 1, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, in partnership with ABANA, held a virtual event to discuss the opportunities for inclusive finance that the financial technology (Fintech) sector presents to the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) population.

Economy & Business
Middle East

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al-Monitor on US-Iran nuclear talks in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Katz joins the Gulf International Forum to discuss the implications of Ukraine crisis on the Gulf region

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control
Conflict

MENASource

Mar 7, 2022

Turkey and the UAE are getting close again. But why now?

By Amjad Ahmad, Defne Arslan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s February 14 visit to the UAE indicates that rapprochement is well underway. Strategic and economic factors are behind this shift and many benefits can come from closer ties.

Economy & Business
Middle East