Gary Bunt

Digitally distracted Professor. Researcher/author on Islam, Muslims and the internet. Emoji-free zone. RT does not imply endorsement, etc. #HashtagIslam #Islam

[Gary Bunt @garybunt]

Another) Commercial Break:

The ‘#Islamic Algorithms: Online Influence in the #Muslim Metaverse’ paperback is out now @BloomsburyAcad

If you want to tap into my research on cyber-Islamic environments and AI, this is the place to start. More info: https://t.co/6OdDwGIqbj

[Gary Bunt @garybunt]

I was pleased to see this timely @EmpirePodUK announcement from @DalrympleWill (didn't see it on BlueSky).

Also, ‘The Combined Works of William Dalrymple‘ were Si King's chosen reading on Desert Island Discs recently, quite a voluminous choice for desert island life.

[William Dalrymple @DalrympleWill]

A new mega series begins today from @EmpirePodUK
THE ARAB-ISRAELI WARS
Part One: Israel, Palestine, Suez & Closing The Straits of Tiran

[Gary Bunt @garybunt]

My colleague @DrAnnaGrasso has had an article based on our archival work for the @digitislam project published in Digital Muslim Review, showing some initial findings from the research period. I was a Co-Investigator for this project.

https://t.co/s4uNyiCqZT

[Gary Bunt @garybunt]

from @wired camera hacking overview

https://t.co/XyqXUF6HLe

[UN Special Procedures @UN_SPExperts]

UN experts condemn the unlawful military attacks launched by the #USA and #Israel against #Iran, express serious concern over Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf & broader Middle East and call for de-escalation and accountability.

https://t.co/SwDAlKkH39

[الباروميتر العربي /Arab Barometer @ArabBarometer]

Arab Barometer's report painted a bleak picture of #food_insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa as #Ramadan approached. It showed the issue is higher in #Syria at 65%, #Tunisia at 62%, #Jordan at 61%, and #Egypt at 61% but lower in #Iraq at 47% and #Lebanon at 28%.

[Phillip Smyth @PhillipSmyth]

Harakat Hizballah al-Nujaba (Iraqi Shia militia controlled by IRGC) released this more direct (not just via front group-It's ops are usually claimed through them) threat to more directly attack US forces. Note: Nujaba is part of the Iraqi gov approved Hashd al-Sha'abi (PMFs).

[Maha Yahya @mahamyahya]

Speaks for itself… what is happening is not a “crossing”, or an “incursion” - it is a military invasion of #Lebanese territory #Israel #Lebanon

[BBC Radio 4 PM @BBCPM]

"You can now say this is a global conflict."

Labour peer Admiral Lord West, former First Sea Lord, discusses the news that a US submarine has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean using a torpedo.

[Brian Allen @allenanalysis]

🚨 Iran just closed the Strait of Hormuz to everyone except China.

Let that sink in.

The waterway that carries 20% of the world’s oil supply — gone. Controlled by Iran. Reserved for China.
Remember what we said about the petrodollar?

This is it. This is the moment.

Gulf states already pausing LNG supplies. AI investment drying up. And now China just secured exclusive access to the most strategically vital shipping lane on earth — while America’s bases lie in ruins and six soldiers are dead.

Trump started an unauthorized war built on lies to distract from Epstein.

China just won it without firing a single shot.

[Bahar | بهار @BGhandehari]

A journalist in Tehran:

“The continuation of the internet shutdown in Iran has created a black market for VPNs... People who are under bombs and missiles, amid the extreme rise in food prices, must also pay money to VPN mafias just to stay informed about the situation. The cycle of misery.”

[Al Arabiya English @AlArabiya_Eng]

A camera angle reveals the route and shows how Israel monitored Khamenei’s movements before his assassination.

#Iran #Khamenei

[Gary Bunt @garybunt]

I was on BBC Wales' "All Things Considered" to discuss AI and Islam as part of a broader exploration of faith and AI. It's available on BBC Sounds via the link below. I have plenty more to discuss on this theme ...

https://t.co/Bl2VVz3RbU

[NetBlocks @netblocks]

⚠️ Update: #Iran's internet blackout has entered its fourth day, with the national censorship measure now in place for over 72 hours.

The silencing of authentic Iranian voices is fueling a surge in misinformation as pro-regime accounts fill the void with their own narrative.

[Flightradar24 @flightradar24]

Airspace clearing after strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran.

[Jon Sopel @jonsopel]

What’s striking is how similar the arguments are to George W Bush in 2003, and the imminent threat of Iraq’s WMD.
That in turn led to American fatigue with the ‘forever wars’
Which, in turn, led to Trump’s 2016 victory and a promise to end US military adventurism
And yet, here we are again.
This isn’t what Trump’s base voted for

[Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office @FCDOGovUK]

Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place.

Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.

[Thomas Keith @iwasnevrhere_]

Videos from Abu Dhabi a short while ago.

[NetBlocks @netblocks]

⚠️ Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% or ordinary levels. The incident comes amid US and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year's war with Israel.

[NetBlocks @netblocks]

⚠️ Update: #Iran's internet blackout continues through its 18th day, obscuring the extent of a deadly crackdown on civilians.

Meanwhile, gaps in the filternet are being tightened to limit circumvention while whitelisted regime accounts promote the Islamic Republic's narrative.

[Gary Bunt @garybunt]

Review of ‘Islamic Algorithms' @BloomsburyAcad by Mohamed Taher (Middle East Librarians Association): "It is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in digital presence of Islam, and digital culture both in theory and practice."
https://t.co/x5ZgKkDle0