Thomas Watkins

Thomas Watkins

Washington Bureau Chief
Thomas Watkins is Washington bureau chief at The National. He has more than 20 years' experience as a journalist and has lived across the US, Europe and South Asia. He has reported from 30 countries, primarily for Agence France-Presse.

Articles

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, 8:17 PM
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, 4:54 PM
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, 7:06 PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, Russia. EPA
Russia starts Kursk counter-attack and warns West about long-range missiles

This would 'change the very essence, the very nature of the conflict,' Russian President Vladimir Putin says

September 12, 2024, 8:54 PM
Donald Trump speaks to journalists after the presidential debate with Kamala Harris. AFP
Trump must wish he was still running against Biden

Harris has been accused of giving 'word salad' responses, but it was the Republican who wilted last night

September 11, 2024, 5:06 AM
Afghans prepare to board a US military plane at Kabul airport on August 21, 2021, amid the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Getty Images
US Republicans blame Biden administration for Afghanistan withdrawal chaos

Report focuses on previous findings about the 2021 pull-out and ISIS attack that killed 13 US soldiers

September 09, 2024, 3:56 PM
Mosul's Al Nuri mosque was destroyed in the war against ISIS but is currently undergoing restoration work. AFP
US troops likely to remain in Iraq after coalition ends

Timeline for withdrawal still being finalised

September 06, 2024, 6:59 PM
The USS Abraham Lincoln during exercises off Japan in 2022. US Navy / AP
Pentagon sends fighter squadron to Middle East as part of force posture adjustment

US Navy will maintain a carrier strike group in the region and bring in additional missile defence capabilities

August 02, 2024, 5:40 PM
The PMF said their forces had been hit by an explosion 'whose nature was unknown, resulting in a number of martyrs and the injury of others'. EPA
US conducts 'defensive' strike in Iraq

Operation follows resumption of Islamic Resistance in Iraq rocket attacks on US military bases in the region

July 30, 2024, 10:17 PM
A screen grab taken from a Houthi video purportedly shows the drone they used to attack Tel Aviv on July 19, 2024. EPA
Stopping Houthis will take more than military action, Pentagon says

Yemen's Houthi leader, Abdul Malik Al Houthi, warns of further escalation

July 25, 2024, 6:52 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the joint meeting of Congress. AFP
Netanyahu trolls Gaza war critics in reality-bending speech to Congress

Practically no civilians have been killed in Rafah, Israeli Prime Minister tells Congress

July 25, 2024, 3:38 AM
A handover from US-led coalition troops to Iraqi security forces at Camp Taji, Iraq, in 2020. Reuters
US and Iraq close in on troop withdrawal deal

One sticking point is an airbase in Erbil the US says it needs to fight ISIS in Syria

July 23, 2024, 10:06 PM
US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks in Wilmington, Delaware. AFP
Kamala Harris sharpens attack lines against Donald Trump

Democrats' presumptive nominee pulls ahead in shock poll as she focuses on Trump's felony convictions and legal liabilities

July 23, 2024, 5:23 PM
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. AP
Kamala Harris on course to secure presidential nomination

Vice President's selection as the Democratic Party's nominee to challenge Donald Trump appears to be inevitable

July 22, 2024, 6:29 PM
Displays in New York show Sunday's stunning headline. Bloomberg
Biden stepping aside gives Democrats the jolt they need

Donald Trump is suddenly the oldest person in American history to seek the presidency

July 22, 2024, 12:01 AM