Quantum computing, bio-technologies, and machine learning have defined a new era of autonomous systems, where artificial intelligence (AI) ushers to reshape the nature of both military and human domains. AI-enabled technologies divulged swathes of data to the digital infrastructure, providing insights into a paradoxical area of operation. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region embraced the new technology as a potential in contributing to problem-solving, predictive policing, counter-terrorism, and border management. AI bolstered interstate competition within the MENA region. It offered myriads of opportunities in data collection, situational awareness, and enhanced performance within the intertwining elements of national power. The widespread use of machine learning systems introduced the cognitive age to both, the defense and security realms. It facilitated the decision-making process by optimizing a fraught of predictive courses of action bereft of human interference. The MENA’s state and non-state actors, marred with unchartered policies and strategies, shaped the new technology to reinforce mass data collection and targeted surveillance. The process infringed on legal and ethical considerations and served as a tool to deprive societies of their personal liberties while abusing their human rights. The spyware market boomed and writhed as a mere appendage to anchor autocracies’ rule within the region. The automated AI systems leaned, in their computing process, on variables of data infused into their algorithms. Prominently biased data and Deepfake could trigger false assumptions and predictions, leading to non-mitigated risks, contested with second and third-order consequences. An automated system, as flawless as it could be in its design, would hardly fiddle in a dehumanized decision-making process ignoramus to accountability, ethicality, and legal imperatives.