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

Experts

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

The Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) provides policymakers fresh insights into core US national security interests by leveraging its expertise, networks, and on-the-ground programs to develop unique and holistic assessments on the future of the most pressing strategic, political, and security challenges and opportunities in the Middle East. 

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

Feb 28, 2024

Damon joins News Nation to discuss Palestinians killed in hostage rescue

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Damon joins CBC News to discuss reporting from war zones

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Farrand quoted in Al-Monitor on Algerian-German gas partnership

By Atlantic Council

Africa Energy & Environment

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Dijksal quoted in Middle East Monitor on European Court of Human Rights case against Egypt and France

By Atlantic Council

Africa Human Rights

Event Recap

Feb 23, 2024

Driving change: women shaping an inclusive financial future in UAE

By JP Reppeto

Event recap on building a more sustainable and inclusive finance system in UAE.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Nia in front of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Wechsler joins NPR Morning Edition to discuss Biden’s diplomatic and military actions

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Panikoff quoted in Financial Times on Axis of Resistance motives

By Atlantic Council

Iran Maritime Security

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Pavia joins i24 to discuss Algeria-Palestinian Authority relations

By Atlantic Council

Africa North & West Africa

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Damon joins Al Jazeera Listening Post to discuss targeting of journalists in Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Israel