The Florida Society for Middle East Studies (FSMES) is an independent, privately-financed, tax-exempt organization associated with Florida Atlantic University. The mission of the organization is to generate and utilize funds for the following purposes: to foster a better understanding of the Middle East within and outside the university community, to educate the public about various aspects of the region, including geopolitical, cultural, religious, ethnic, economic, historical, military, terrorism and its effect on our national security, and to encourage the development of a multi- disciplinary program of Middle East studies at the university.