Thomas Watkins

Thomas Watkins

Washington Bureau Chief


Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park on Wednesday. AP
Kamala Harris says Donald Trump is 'unstable and dangerous'

The American people are 'exhausted' with former president, US Vice President tells Fox News

October 16, 2024
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris chats with Whoopi Goldberg and other hosts on ABC's The View on Tuesday. AP
Kamala Harris has a lot more work to do

Vice President's media blitz aims to counter criticism that Americans still don't know who she is

October 08, 2024
A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oilfields alongside an Iranian flag in July 2005. Reuters
Oil prices jump after Biden says US discussing possible Israeli strike on Iranian oil facilities

Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia says world would lose 12 million barrels a day if an 'energy war' were to start

October 03, 2024
Palestinians walk among the rubble of destroyed buildings in Al Ramal neighbourhood after an Israeli air strike in Gaza city. EPA
Gaza to play significant role in outcome of US presidential election

'If something is not done, Democrats could kiss Michigan goodbye,' pollster says

October 03, 2024
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz at Tuesday's debate. AFP
Middle East features prominently in US vice presidential debate

Tim Walz and JD Vance hold civilised and nuanced debate in stark contrast to presidential debates

October 02, 2024
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder holds a press briefing at the Pentagon, providing an update on the Iranian missile attack on Israel, saying that Israel intercepted most of the missiles. AFP
US military helped Israel to intercept Iranian missiles

American military co-ordinated closely with Israeli forces to help defend against attack, White House says

October 01, 2024
A US F-16 during a training mission. AFP
US to send thousands more troops to Middle East

Deployment will beef up air defence capabilities in the region as Israel reportedly nears launch of incursion into southern Lebanon

September 30, 2024
Coalition soldiers at the K1 Airbase near Kirkuk in northern Iraq. AFP
Iraq and US announce plan to end anti-ISIS International Coalition mission

Partial withdrawal comes as Washington and Baghdad seek to redefine relations

September 27, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden at the White House in July. EPA
Israeli government brushes off Biden team yet again

US-backed ceasefire proposal for Lebanon latest diplomatic effort to be cast aside by Israel

September 26, 2024
From left, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant with Lt Gen Herzi Halevi after telling troops to prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon. EPA
Israeli army chief says strikes on Lebanon prepare way for ground assault

The head of the military said there will be 'a very strong response' to a Hezbollah rocket attack on Tel Aviv

September 25, 2024
US President Joe Biden speaks during the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. EPA
Shadow of war looms over UN General Assembly

Israel appears increasingly isolated as world leaders lament situation in Middle East

September 25, 2024
Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold guns during a rally in Sanaa to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Reuters
US denies it has offered Houthis concessions to stop attacks

Special envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking says evidence shows Russia is seeking to arm Iran-backed rebels

September 18, 2024
Yemen's Houthis released this image of what they claimed was a hypersonic missile named Palestine 2. Reuters
Houthi missile that reached Israel was not hypersonic, Pentagon says

Weapon appeared to be a ballistic missile

September 17, 2024
A Palm Beach County Sheriff's official holds a photograph of the rifle and other items found near where the suspect was discovered. Getty / AFP
America struggles with 'who we are as a nation' after another attempted assassination

A second attempt on Donald Trump's life again underscores the profound risks facing America from within

September 16, 2024
Members of FBI are seen at the crime scene outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. AFP
Trump safe after apparent assassination attempt in Florida

AK-47 rifle with scope, GoPro camera and two backpacks found at scene of shooting

September 15, 2024