Dean spoke today at the Robonexus convention in Santa Clara. While I didn't hear it (I can't stand most of his speeches), my mother did, and this is what she told me:
While Dean was waiting to give his speech at Nationals this year, Ariel Sharon (yes, that's the PM of Israel) called him and told him that he wanted to discuss bringing FIRST to the Middle East.
Dean and Sharon met sometime after this, and Sharon told him that teaching children about history had obviously not worked--fighting still continues, the same mistakes are made, and that he wants students to learn about science and technology, the ways of the future.
Apparently Dean suggested something about a regional in Tel Aviv, but Sharon said he wanted it to be a Middle East regional, not an Israeli regional (ie: Palestinians and Israeli's)
I believe she also said that all 14 teams were from Israel, and no US teams would be able to attend, but I may just have heard that from someone else.
I think it's extremely awesome that they want to make this a truly Middle East regional, and try to break down some of the barriers between the Israeli's and the Palestinians. I also heard (elsewhere, this is 100% unconfirmed) talk of a Palestinian team.
I didn't hear this with my own ears, so if my mother turns out to be a massive liar, it isn't my fault
Cory