The Princeton Middle East Society (PMES), founded in 1983, consists of the academic, business, religious and diplomatic communities in the Princeton area. Through education, cultural events, publicity and political action, PMES strives to broaden understanding of the Middle East.

We believe that an informed public is necessary to help the American government frame responsible foreign policy in the Middle East and that lasting peace cannot be imposed wither by military force or by the systematic denial of the rights of any state or people. Finally, we believe that an informed people will respect the historical, political and human rights of all people in the region and will reject simplistic solutions to its complicated issues.

PMES is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, fully accredited by the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

Board of Directors

• Micaela DeLignerolles, President
• Nora Whisnant, Vice-president
• Marianne Farrin, Secretary
• John Frederick, Treasurer

Other members of the Board are: Ray Close, Hope Cobb, Noelle Partridge, Samia Saigh, Letitia Ufford, Hannah Paczynski. Letitia Ufford--PMES newsletter, editor.

History

The PMES was founded in 1983 following a successful fund-raising effort for the American Hospital in Beirut at the time of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Its founders included a former U.N. official, a Peace Corps director, an ex-CIA operative, and others with long-term experience in the Middle East.

Over the years its membership has expanded, its meetings have come to take place on a monthly basis and a newsletter has been regularly published. Since 2000, the International Center of Princeton University has co-sponsored its talks on the university campus. The Institute for the Transregional Study of the Contemporary Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, as well as the Program in Near Eastern Studies have also co-sponsored talks. Other activities of the Society have included courses at the Princeton Adult School, participation in Communiversity, and exhibits at the Princeton Public Library.

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