THE MIDDLE EAST STUDIES ASSOCIATION (MESA) IS A NON-PROFIT ASSOCIATION THAT FOSTERS THE STUDY OF THE MIDDLE EAST, PROMOTES HIGH STANDARDS OF SCHOLARSHIP AND TEACHING, AND ENCOURAGES PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE REGION AND ITS PEOPLES THROUGH PROGRAMS, PUBLICATIONS AND SERVICES THAT ENHANCE EDUCATION, FURTHER INTELLECTUAL EXCHANGE, RECOGNIZE PROFESSIONAL DISTINCTION, AND DEFEND ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN A…