MEF Dispatch: AI a Path to Normalize Israel-Saudi Ties; No ISIS Gangs in Gaza; Iran's Water Mafia

Artificial Intelligence a Path to Normalize Israel-Saudi Ties; No ISIS Gangs in Gaza; Iran's Water Mafia

By Winfield Myers ● Jun 09, 2025

Smart Brevity® count: 8 mins...2079 words

Can artificial intelligence (AI) help strengthen Israel-Saudi relations? In a Middle East Quarterly article, co-authors argue that complimentary strengths and needs mean the answer is “yes.” As for whether there exist any ISIS-affiliated gangs hired by Israel to counter Hamas, however, Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi writes that such claims reflect politics, not reality.

Michael Rubin advises the U.S. to “learn, not lecture” Israel and Ukraine, both of which have shown remarkable adaptability and innovation in their respective wars. Iran’s “water mafia” is real—and destructive—and President Trump was right to call them out last month, write Alireza Nader and Nik Kowsar. Now’s the time, they say, to follow his comments with action.

Finally, journalist Yuval David warns members of the LGBTQ+ community that aligning with Islamist terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and others is “a dangerous and increasingly lethal contradiction” given such groups’ homicidal hostility toward that community.

ICYMY: “The Future of Hezbollah” with Michael Rubin

For many years, the Lebanese Hezbollah organization was widely seen as the most powerful non-state military force in the world. Hezbollah’s ascent from a militia to a dominant political and military force in Lebanon captivated the world. But after entering the war with Israel on October 8, 2023, the organization suffered a series of devastating blows, leaving it severely diminished. The Middle East remains a crucible of global tensions, and Hezbollah’s trajectory—from Iranian-backed insurgency, to emergence as a regional power broker and now to decline and reduced status—offer critical lessons. How did Hezbollah’s alliances, ideology, and missteps shape its rise and fall? What does its collapse mean for Lebanon, Iran, and the broader geopolitical landscape?

Michael Rubin is director of research at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in Middle Eastern countries, particularly Iran and Turkey. His career includes time as a Pentagon official, with field experiences in Iran, Yemen, and Iraq, as well as engagements with the Taliban prior to 9/11. Mr. Rubin has also contributed to military education, teaching U.S. Navy and Marine units about regional conflicts and terrorism. His scholarly work includes several key publications, such as Dancing with the Devil and Eternal Iran. Rubin earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in history and a B.S. in biology from Yale University.

To watch the full podcast episode, click here.

Peace Through Strength Webinar Series - “U.S. Global Leadership: Middle East Part III” - with special guest Gregg Roman

The American Security Council Foundation is proud to host Middle East Forum executive director Gregg Roman in this conversation examining regional stability and American interests in the Middle East. Mr. Roman will provide expert analysis of this consequential diplomatic journey, offering insights that go beyond the headlines to reveal the strategic calculations shaping U.S. policy in the region.

The discussion will explore if Saudi Arabia's evolving role represents a genuine transformation or calculated positioning. Mr. Roman will examine how Syria's complex landscape factors into American strategic planning. Particular attention will be given to Qatar's dual role as both partner and concern, analyzing how this small but influential nation continues to play multiple sides while hosting critical American military assets.

The conversation will also illuminate Oman's often-overlooked but increasingly vital position as a diplomatic bridge between adversaries, particularly regarding its potential role in expanding the Abraham Accords framework.

This timely discussion promises to deliver the kind of analysis that policymakers, business leaders, and informed citizens need to understand the rapidly evolving Middle Eastern landscape. Roman's unique position at the intersection of research and policy implementation ensures listeners will gain not just theoretical insights but practical understanding of how these diplomatic moves translate into real-world consequences for American interests, Israeli security, and regional stability.

To register for this webinar, click here.

Artificial Intelligence as a Pathway to Normalization Between Israel and Saudi Arabia: Post-Gaza War Prospects

Amid the global race for AI dominance, Israel and Saudi Arabia are uniquely positioned to leverage their respective strengths in technology and policy to foster regional cooperation.

Why it matters: By combining Israel's tech innovation with Saudi Arabia's policy prowess, both countries can accelerate their AI capabilities, driving economic growth and strategic influence.

Israel excels in AI-driven tech innovation and startups, ranking 7th globally in AI commercial activity.

Saudi Arabia leads in formulating a comprehensive national AI strategy, aimed at positioning itself among the top AI leaders.

What's new: The normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia offers a strategic collaboration opportunity, especially with the ongoing geopolitical shifts in the Middle East.

This partnership could serve as a catalyst to accelerate full normalization between the nations.

Collaboration could enhance both countries' influence and establish them as tech leaders in the region.

The intrigue: The U.S. administration's renewed focus on AI leadership presents an opportunity for these nations to align with U.S. strategic objectives, potentially enhancing regional stability and economic prosperity.

President Trump's second term aims to revitalize the normalization process stalled in recent years.

The U.S. seeks to establish superiority in AI and advanced technologies against geopolitical rivals.

What's next: The two countries should explore how the integration of AI into joint projects such as Neom could open new business opportunities across the Gulf states and beyond.

Israeli technology could play a key role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.

This cooperation could stimulate economic growth and innovation across the region.

To read the full MEQ article, click here.

WATCH: Speakers and Panels from MEF Policy Conference 2025

We’re pleased to announce that video recordings from our third annual Middle East Forum Policy Conference are now available for viewing.
This year’s gathering in Washington brought together nearly 200 policy experts, diplomats, and thought leaders under the theme “Statecraft Reimagined.” The discussions yielded concrete policy proposals that promise to influence America’s Middle East strategy in the coming years.

The conference opened with a remarkable keynote by Masih Alinejad, who defied medical advice following recent surgery to deliver her message. Her journey—from a child chanting “Death to America” in revolutionary Iran to a woman now targeted for assassination by that same regime—exemplifies the transformation possible when freedom prevails. Her message was unequivocal: the path forward demands an end to negotiations, concessions, and any form of legitimacy for terrorist regimes. The fantasy that Iran’s rulers can be moderated must be abandoned.

Our panels assembled an exceptional range of expertise. Sessions explored topics including the westward migration of Islamist movements, Syria’s post-Assad landscape, and how American taxpayer funds inadvertently support adversaries. The caliber of participation—including Congressman Randy Fine, diplomats from Oman, the Netherlands, France, Greece, and Cyprus, alongside senior intelligence officials—underscored MEF’s distinctive role in translating research into policy action.

To view the full lineup of panels and keynotes from the conference, click here.

‘ISIS-Affiliated Gangs’ in Gaza?

The controversy over Israel allegedly supporting "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-affiliated gangs" in Gaza lacks substantial evidence and is largely driven by political discourse.

Why it matters: Such unsubstantiated claims mislead public opinion and distort the geopolitical narrative.

The “Popular Forces” group, labeled as an ISIS affiliate, uses nationalist imagery, which contradicts Islamic State's principles.

Islamic State has consistently emphasized that fighting or operating under nationalist banners constitutes a forbidden deviation from the true way of war against Israel embodied in Islamic monotheism and framing the conflict exclusively in religious terms.

The big picture: The narrative appears to be fueled by political maneuvering and amplified on social media without thorough investigation.

Critics point to "guilt by association" due to clan dynamics in the region, but these links are tenuous and speculative at best.

What’s next: The notion of some sort of Islamic State-Israel collaboration to counter Hamas is not supported by good evidence.

While the Islamic State broadly prioritizes dismantling “apostate” entities that surround Israel, the group has also repeatedly called for attacks on Jews and Israelis worldwide in a bid to show support for Gaza and Palestine.

To read the full article, click here.

U.S. Should Learn, Not Lecture: Israel & Ukraine Show Tactical Brilliance

The U.S. continues to dictate military strategies from afar, ignoring the on-ground realities and innovations demonstrated by Israel and Ukraine.

Why it matters: This "6,000-mile screwdriver" approach undermines long-term stability, as seen with the chaotic outcomes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Israel shocked the United States with its sabotage of Hezbollah beepers.

Israel's assassination of Hamas leaders highlights the effectiveness of local strategies over distant directives.

The big picture: Ukraine's unexpected military successes against Russia underscore the power of its ingenuity, rooted in a history of innovation and strategic brilliance.

The destruction of Russia's Black Sea fleet and groundbreaking drone tactics reveal the depth of Ukrainian military acumen.

What’s next: The U.S. must pivot from dictating terms to listening and learning from frontline democracies.

Adopting the innovative strategies of Israel and Ukraine could revitalize U.S. military effectiveness and adaptability.

To read the full article, click here.

The ‘Water Mafia’ Is Real—and It’s Draining Iran Dry

In a pointed critique, President Donald Trump exposed the Iranian regime's environmental exploitation during his speech in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the engineered water crisis.

Why it matters: Iran’s water scarcity is not a natural calamity but a product of institutional corruption, with dire consequences for millions.

Trump's spotlight on the "water mafia"—a network of corrupt officials and contractors—reveals how they profit from unsustainable projects while ignoring ecological oversight.

A region on the brink: Nowhere is the collapse more symbolic—or more tragic—than in Isfahan.

Once the capital of a flourishing empire, and long revered as a center of architecture, art, and commerce, Isfahan now faces a slow-motion death.

As land subsidence worsens and infrastructure weakens, Isfahan risks becoming literally uninhabitable—victim to a creeping disaster often called a “silent earthquake.” A city that once defined Iranian civilization may soon be reduced to ruin.

The big picture: Unregulated dam constructions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and mismanagement have led to severe droughts, land subsidence, and ecological collapse, pushing regions like Isfahan to the brink.

The crisis is exacerbated by political favoritism and the diversion of water to elite projects, leaving rural communities devastated.

What's next: Trump's call for targeted sanctions aims to hit the corrupt elites and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked contractors hard, pressing for transparency and reform.

By empowering local solutions like efficient farming and groundwater recovery, the U.S. can aid Iranians in building resilience, curbing migration, and fostering stability.

This is “America First” done right: Stop the next refugee wave, weaken the regime’s grip, and let Iranians reclaim their future.

To read the full article, click here.

LGBTQ+ Activists Must Not Support Islamist Terror

Segments of the LGBTQ+ community are aligning with Islamist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which actively persecute LGBTQ+ individuals.

Why it matters: Supporting organizations that fundamentally oppose LGBTQ+ rights endangers the community and contradicts advocacy for human rights.

In Gaza, under Hamas control, LGBTQ+ individuals face severe punishment, including imprisonment and death, for their sexual orientation.

The big picture: While solidarity with oppressed groups is vital, aligning with those that violate LGBTQ+ rights undermines the community's safety and principles.

Recent Pride parades saw slogans like "Queers for Hamas," ignoring the harsh reality of LGBTQ+ persecution in territories controlled by these groups.

What’s next: In Israel, LGBTQ+ individuals have legal protection, social acceptance, and community support, but these are absent in Gaza and Palestinian territories.

The alliance between segments of the LGBTQ+ community and Islamist terrorist organizations is a dangerous and increasingly lethal contradiction.

To read the full article, click here.

Further Reading:

The Gaza Passion Play and the Mythmakers of Revolution
By: Hussein Aboubakr Mansour
How Western intellectuals construct deadly fantasies.

Trump Goes Big in the Gulf — But Can Business Really Guarantee Israel’s Long-Term Security?
By: Amine Ayoub
With over $2 trillion in investment commitments announced, Trump’s approach marks a seismic shift in American foreign policy.

Why Qatar Cozies up to Iran’s Clerical Regime
By: Dalga Khatinoglu and Mardo Soghom
Iran’s regime has been unable to properly develop its share of a critical natural gas field—and that’s good for Qatar.

Turkey Leverages Foreign Wars to Boost Conventional Arms Production and Profit
By: Abdullah Bozkurt
The state-owned arms manufacturer reported $1.2 billion in revenue last year.

We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Dispatch. If you found it helpful in understanding the Middle East and Islamism, please share it with a friend, encourage them to subscribe to the Middle East Forum’s mailing list, and feel free to share your feedback with us. Another issue will land in your inbox soon.

Thank you,

Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch

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