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

US Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 8, 2019

The United States needs Middle East partnerships, former US commander argues

By David A. Wemer

The United States must continue to build its systems of alliances and partnerships across the Middle East, but Washington's change of policy toward the Syrian Kurds "will make it more difficult to build partnership in the future," General Joseph Votel said.

Maritime Security Middle East

Report

Oct 8, 2019

The MENA region: A great power competition

By Karim Mezran and Arturo Varvelli

The idea of a ‘Russian resurgence' in the Middle East set against a perceived American withdrawal has captured the attention of policymakers and scholars alike, warranting further examination.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 7, 2019

Trump withdraws US troops from northern Syria

By Middle East experts

An October 6 phone call between US President Donald J. Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan resulted in a partial withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria and Trump’s endorsement of Turkish plans to send their own military forces into the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

SyriaSource

Oct 3, 2019

In solidarity with Sudan: Syria’s graffiti movement

By Rana Riziq

Within this project, local volunteers planned and organized graffiti murals, based off of London artist and social commentator Banksy, reflecting on current events while tying in the Syrian conflict.

Civil Society Resilience & Society

MENASource

Sep 27, 2019

Teachers’ protest challenges Jordanian status quo

By Tuqa Nusairat

Teachers in Jordan are starting the third week of one of the longest strikes by educators in the region’s history. Negotiations with the government have stalled, and there is no end in sight.

Civil Society Economy & Business

In the News

Sep 26, 2019

Dagres joins The Monocle to discuss Rouhani’s UNGA speech

By Atlantic Council

International Organizations Iran

SyriaSource

Sep 20, 2019

Samantha Power’s uneasy legacy on Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

It is the memoir of someone who is anything but a time server; someone who truly cares about things and who has tried—often successfully—to make a difference for the better.

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

SyriaSource

Sep 12, 2019

War and art: The graffiti movement in Syria

By Rana Riziq

A local Syrian civil society organization, Kesh Malek, is focused on supplying humanitarian aid and services to Syrians throughout Syria. One of its successful media campaigns this year is the Syria Banksy project.

Civil Society Syria

In the News

Sep 6, 2019

Slavin quoted in JNS on the possibility of US-Iran negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

MENASource

Aug 30, 2019

Climate-resilient small farming communities vital to MENA food security

By Amal A. Kandeel

Small farmers play a major role in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s food security. They produce the bulk of the region’s domestic supply of staples. However, small farm holders are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in the region.

Climate Change & Climate Action Middle East