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

Jun 18, 2024

McCord joins Prosecuting Donald Trump to discuss Florida documents case

By Mary McCord

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

Uncategorized

Jun 18, 2024

Aboudouh joins China-Global South Project to discuss China’s diplomatic surge in the Persian Gulf

By Atlantic Council

China Middle East

In the News

Jun 18, 2024

Özkizilcik quoted in Media Line on Turkey’s ambitions for European jets after US F-16 fighter jet deal

By Atlantic Council

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Jun 15, 2024

Nia quoted in New York Times on Swedish-Iranian prisoner swap

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 11, 2024

Özkizilcik quoted in Middle East Eye on Erdoğan’s relations with NATO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

By Atlantic Council

China Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

Policy memo: What will it take to make the MENA region a renewable energy powerhouse?

By Shihab Elborai, Anthony Yammine, and Pavel Popikov

The Middle East and North Africa region is well placed to become not just a major source of renewable energy, but also a central and indispensable player in the global energy transition, uniquely able to balance supply and demand for all types of energy, both hydrocarbons and renewables.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jun 1, 2024

Svetlova in Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Hidden Discord in the Russia-Iran Alliance

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

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