Rafik Hariri Center Commentary & Analysis

Our blogs feature thoughtful reflections and opinions on current events in the Middle East & North Africa.

MENASource

Nov 11, 2020

How the Biden administration will impact Middle East economies

By Amjad Ahmad

The Biden administration will not be a panacea for Middle East economies but will certainly have a positive impact.

Elections Middle East

MENASource

Oct 29, 2020

Middle East business leaders provide perspective on the economic impact of the upcoming US presidential election

By Middle East experts

In an empowerME survey conducted in the last thirty days, thirty-two Middle East business leaders shared their views on the possible economic impact of the 2020 US Presidential election. Atlantic Council experts Kirsten Fontenrose, Amjad Ahmad, Mohsin Khan, and Jean-Francois Seznec analyzed the data and provided the following key takeaways.

Education Elections

MENASource

Oct 26, 2020

Qatar Development Bank CEO: The “blockade didn’t stop us from growing” and “prepared us for other shocks” like COVID-19

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

On October 26, 2020, empowerME hosted Qatar Development Bank CEO Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al Khalifa for a conversation about Qatar’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship, diversify its economy, increase women’s economic participation, and prepare youth for the jobs of the future.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

MENASource

Oct 19, 2020

Soccer for peace in the Middle East and North Africa

By Rabah Arezki

Although uniting around sport might be mainly symbolic, it could also be a confidence-building effort that could reduce tension and increase integration in a region that would mightily benefit from both.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Oct 6, 2020

I survived Assad’s torture—here’s why I’m a proud advocate of the Caesar Act

By Omar Alshogre

The Caesar Act is not the solution, but an important tool that the US and the international community must use alongside others to end the killing in my homeland.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Sep 29, 2020

Absence of PhD programs contributes to weak research and development in the Gulf

By Omar Al-Ubaydli

The production of new knowledge is a very complex process and many factors contribute to the low levels of innovation exhibited by the Gulf countries. One factor that plays a role is the structure of tertiary education—particularly PhD programs.

Education Middle East

MENASource

Sep 21, 2020

The Middle East is a growing marketplace, not just a war zone

By Amjad Ahmad

The region is vast and complex, and outsiders who do not fully understand its nations or peoples overlook the nuances of the nearly twenty countries that make up the Middle East.

Entrepreneurship Middle East

MENASource

Sep 18, 2020

UAE-Israel accord will drive economic growth in the Middle East, says Emirati Minister of Economy

By Lucy Grathwohl

On September 16 empowerME Director Amjad Ahmad and Al Mari discussed how the historic signing of the Abraham Accords will facilitate the UAE and Israel to open their economies.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Sep 18, 2020

Liberalizing capital, trade, and labor markets are keys to accelerating post-pandemic recovery in Middle East

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

At a private CEO Dialogue on post-pandemic challenges and opportunities in the Middle East, there was agreement among participants that the region presents appealing demographics for economic growth and that the pandemic has underscored the need to accelerate economic diversification.

Coronavirus Entrepreneurship

MENASource

Aug 18, 2020

UN-backed tribunal: ‘no evidence’ of Hezbollah leadership involved in assassination of Rafik Hariri

By William F. Wechsler, Nicholas Blanford, Jomana Qaddour, Gissou Nia, Joze Pelayo

The Special Tribual for Lebanon announced its verdict after fifteen years. Atlantic Council experts react to the tribunal announcement and what it means for Lebanon.

Lebanon Middle East
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Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

The Atlantic Council’s work on social, economic and human development issues in the Middle East honors the legacy of Rafik Hariri and his life’s mission to unlock the human and economic potential of the Arab world.

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