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

Jul 13, 2021

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: What does its closure mean for Lebanon?

By Nicholas Blanford, David Daoud, Gissou Nia, Reem Salahi

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is set to cease operations at the end of July due to lack of funds as Beirut sinks deeper into economic and political crisis. Atlantic Council experts react to what the closure means for Lebanon.

Lebanon Middle East

In the News

Jun 29, 2021

Saudi Gazette covered empowerME’s Igniting Women’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Saudi Arabia workshop

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

MENASource

Jun 28, 2021

Princess Reema tells Saudi women entrepreneurs to dream big

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

On June 23, 2021 the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a workshop featuring a keynote fireside chat with Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, which was moderated by US Embassy Riyadh Chargé D’Affaires Martina Strong, and a panel discussion with Endeavor Saudi Arabia Managing Director Lateefa Alwaalan, 500 Startups MENA Partner Amal Dokhan, S&P Global Chief Public & Government Affairs Officer Courtney Geduldig, and UPS Vice President for Community Relations Esther Ndichu, which was moderated by empowerME Director and Resident Senior Fellow Amjad Ahmad.

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

Insights & Impact

Jun 14, 2021

Qaddour joins The Good, The Rights and The Ugly to discuss how Middle East elections will impact the region

By Atlantic Council

Elections Middle East

Issue briefs and reports

Jun 14, 2021

What choices remain for the United States in Syria?

By Nate Rosenblatt and Jomana Qaddour

In a new issue brief Nate Rosenblatt and Jomana Qaddour describe the challenges the United States faces in Syria, including Russia's attempt to expand the UN Strategic Framework as well the struggle to keep the UN humanitarian border crossings open in northern Syria.

Human Rights International Organizations

Issue Brief

Jun 4, 2021

Syrian lives in peril: The fight to preserve Syria’s last humanitarian border crossing

By Salman Husain, Yasmine Chawaf

A new Atlantic Council report, “Syrian Lives in Peril: The Fight to Preserve Syria’s Last Humanitarian Border Crossing,” places humanitarian considerations at the forefront of the cross-border debate. In addition to examining the devastating impacts of losing Bab al-Hawa, this report explores the limitations of cross-line operations (from government-held areas of Syria to areas outside of its control), which are presented as feasible alternatives.

Middle East Migration

Insights & Impact

May 26, 2021

Qaddour joins CNN to discuss Syrian elections

By Atlantic Council

Elections Middle East

In the News

May 26, 2021

Qaddour quoted in KCTV 5 (CBS) on Syrian presidential election

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Elections

Insights & Impact

May 24, 2021

Badi in War on the Rocks: “To advance its own interests, Turkey should now help stabilize Libya”

By Atlantic Council

Libya Middle East

Insights & Impact

May 18, 2021

Arbit quoted in The Week on the Democrats’ stance on Israel

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East