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

IranSource

Jul 18, 2019

Trump’s Iran policy is undermining Gulf oil security

By Hadi Fathallah

How many oil tankers laden with Saudi or Emirati oil need to be attacked around the Strait of Hormuz for the US to use force in the Gulf? That is not an American problem, according to US President Donald Trump.

Iran Saudi Arabia

SyriaSource

Jul 17, 2019

Getting out – again?

By Frederic C. Hof

Will allies and partners be certain of American steadfastness? Can American officials genuinely claim to know the commander-in-chief’s intent? President Trump may not wish to make Iran’s day by gifting northeastern Syria to it, Russia, and the Assad regime.

Syria

In the News

Jul 17, 2019

Duclos interviewed in France24 on the Syrian conflict

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Syria

MENASource

Jul 16, 2019

A shift in Iraqi politics: An opposition emerges

By Rend al-Rahim

Since 2003, the principle of multi-party consensus has defined Iraq’s political system. This formula was deemed best for Iraq during a transition period, and it relied on the existence of broad sectarian and ethnic coalitions.

Iraq
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani visiting an oil refinery in Bandar Abbas (Photo: baorco.ir)

IranSource

Jul 16, 2019

Iran’s crude oil exports: what minimum is enough to stay afloat?

By Mohsen Tavakol

With the US aiming to bring Iran’s petroleum exports to a complete stop through imposed sanctions, and Iran’s dependence on petroleum revenues, the Iranian government will do its utmost to secure the minimum required oil exports. But, what is that minimum? In order to perhaps find an answer, one needs to understand current Iranian macroeconomics.

Economy & Business Iran

In the News

Jul 12, 2019

Hellyer quoted in Religion News Service on religious freedom

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East

IranSource

Jul 11, 2019

Iran’s strategy to tackle sanctions: pre-selling oil

By Sara Vakhshouri

Iran’s vice president, Eshaq Jahangiri, announced July 8 that any powerful country that is willing to work with Iran can pre-purchase Iranian oil. Iran is actively trying to convince its traditional costumers to purchase its oil for future deliveries in return for investment, goods or services in advance.

Iran

SyriaSource

Jul 11, 2019

The conflict has torn apart Syrian tribes, but they remain an important player

By Khalifa al-Khuder

Despite the lack of focus on the Syrian Arab tribes’ social and political roles, they continue to be an important player between the conflicting parties in Syria, especially the Euphrates region and in northern Syria.

Syria

In the News

Jul 10, 2019

Itani quoted in Homeland 411 on declining support for the US in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Jul 9, 2019

Iran’s troubled quest for food self-sufficiency

By David Michel

Modern Iran has been shaped by a long history of chronic food insecurity. In 1917-1918, during World War I, drought ravaged harvests while occupying British, Ottoman, and Russian troops requisitioned much of remaining food supplies.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment