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

Oct 30, 2019

Iran’s not the only country all over Iraq

By Daniel J. Samet

Iraq joins China's Belt and Road Initiative, though few notice.

China
Iraq

In the News

Oct 28, 2019

El-Gamal joins France24 to discuss what’s next for Islamic State group after US raid

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
National Security

In the News

Oct 28, 2019

Wechsler quoted in Vox on Baghdadi raid

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Middle East

In the News

Oct 27, 2019

Wechsler quoted in The Washington Post on ISIS and US policy

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
National Security

In the News

Oct 24, 2019

Itani quoted in the Petroleum Economist on oil and trouble in the Gulf

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

SyriaSource

Oct 23, 2019

What the Turkish-Russian deal in Syria means for Vladimir Putin

By Frederic C. Hof

The Kremlin stands to reap significant rewards from its agreement with Turkey on Syria.

Politics & Diplomacy
Syria

In the News

Oct 22, 2019

Khoury in Arab Center Washington: Radical Reform or Total Chaos for Lebanon?

By Atlantic Council

Corruption
Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 21, 2019

Itani joins Foreign Policy ProvCast to discuss Chaos for the Kurds Amidst US Withdrawal

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 19, 2019

Hof mentioned in Bard News on his possibility of a bipartisan solution to the Syrian crisis

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy
Syria

SyriaSource

Oct 18, 2019

Turkey’s “pause” in Syria: Will the US tourniquet stop the bleeding?

By Frederic C. Hof

Time will tell whether the United States can take advantage of a pause in Turkish military operations to broker a diplomatic solution to the Northeast Syria crisis.

Politics & Diplomacy
Syria