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

May 20, 2024

Dagres joins CNN to discuss what could come next for Iran after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

In the News

May 18, 2024

Kadhim joins Alhurra TV to discuss US Ambassador in Baghdad’s speech before the Foreign Relations Committee

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Iraq

MENASource

May 15, 2024

Saudi women are learning financial literacy and it’s helping the country grow

By Hanaa Almoaibed

Since the launch of Vision 2030, economic developments have pushed women to be more independent and in control of their finances.

Civil Society
Economy & Business

Event Recap

May 13, 2024

Gender parity in MENA diplomacy and its impact on peace

By Charles Johnson

Event recap of WIn Fellowship Roadshow 2024 public event on Arab women in diplomacy

Conflict
Economy & Business

Event Recap

May 13, 2024

How AI is reshaping the global business arena

By JP Reppeto

On April 25th, the Atlantic Council’s WIn Fellowship held a panel discussion exploring the projected impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global business landscape, highlighting how AI-driven strategies are revolutionizing industries worldwide. The panel, which was moderated by Stefanie Falconi, Emerging Technologies Advisor at USAID, featured four experts working at the forefront of artificial […]

Economy & Business
Future of Work

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi quoted in Raseef22 on Israel-Iran escalation

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Conflict

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi joins Syria TV to discuss Biden’s obstruction of Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Economic Sanctions

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi quoted in Arabi 21 on Biden’s obstruction of Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Economic Sanctions

In the News

May 2, 2024

Idlbi interviewed in Al Jumhuriyah to discuss the Syria Strategy Project

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Middle East

In the News

Apr 19, 2024

Idlbi quoted in Arabi 21 on new US captagon law

By Atlantic Council

Corruption
Middle East