MENASource

Jun 8, 2022

Trade trumps strategic competition in the Middle East

By Jonathan Fulton

Washington would do well to understand that many outside the US have a different view of China, and very few are interested in being a theater of strategic competition. 

China Economy & Business

MENASource

May 19, 2022

The Gulf is lagging behind on gender equality. Here’s how it can catch up. 

By Salwa Balla and Iman Mohamed

The dialogue for gender parity in the workforce is still ongoing, but GCC nations have the advantage of prioritizing female employment in tandem with economic diversification.

Education Middle East

MENASource

May 19, 2022

In Israel’s domestic political theater, the plot thickens

By Shalom Lipner

The tenuous prospects of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s ruling coalition are fanning speculation from critics that its box office run will be cut short. 

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 11, 2022

Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

By Amjad Ahmad

A US economic slowdown or a recession couldn’t come at a worse time for emerging markets, particularly those in MENA, where most are fighting chronic unemployment, slowing growth, and higher debt levels.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Apr 13, 2022

Israel won’t stick out its neck for Ukraine. It’s because of Russia.

By David Daoud

Over the last decade, regional developments have forced Israel to balance its moral sense regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict against its vital national interests.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Mar 29, 2022

Europe needs a new energy option that isn’t Russia. It should turn to North Africa.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

North Africa has the potential to play an even more substantial role in Europe’s energy mix, especially because of its massive solar resources.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Mar 11, 2022

North Africa’s transatlantic relations: How the US can engage its European allies in North Africa

By Salwa Balla

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, US and European partnership and collaboration in North Africa becomes imperative to protecting shared values across the region.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Mar 10, 2022

Fintech is opening new doors in MENA for inclusive finance

By Allison Holle

On March 1, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, in partnership with ABANA, held a virtual event to discuss the opportunities for inclusive finance that the financial technology (Fintech) sector presents to the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) population.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Mar 7, 2022

Turkey and the UAE are getting close again. But why now?

By Amjad Ahmad, Defne Arslan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s February 14 visit to the UAE indicates that rapprochement is well underway. Strategic and economic factors are behind this shift and many benefits can come from closer ties.

Economy & Business Middle East

Event Recap

Feb 14, 2022

Moving the Arab population from ‘job seekers’ to ‘job creators’: How governments are promoting and supporting entrepreneurship

By Hezha Barzani

On February 7, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on “Developing ecosystems: How Middle East governments drive entrepreneurship.”

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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.