Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)

In Alistair Cooke's last letter, he considers how the war in Iraq is a key element in the run-up to the US Presidential Election.

Alistair Cooke recalls how slimming became fashionable during the food shortages that followed the First World War.

Alistair Cooke looks at the meaning of 'intelligence' and recounts how he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.

Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.

Alistair Cooke remembers the days before specialisation when doctors in the USA used to make house calls.

Alistair Cooke thinks back to a winter in Palm Beach, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.

Alistair Cooke refuses to join the throng of commentators writing themselves into exhaustion about the presidential candidates.

With the New Year unfolding, Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.

As the United States enters an election year, Alistair Cooke describes how congressmen will be trying to secure re-appointment.

Alistair Cooke recalls the circumstances that led to the creation of Charles Dickens' most famous story.

If in doubt, find an anniversary! Alistair Cooke remembers when the centenary of Queen Victoria receiving the Koh-I-Noor diamond helped him out of a tricky situation.

Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.

Alistair Cooke looks back at the history of Thanksgiving in the light of modern concerns about healthy eating.

Alistair Cooke compares tariffs set on Chinese imports with similar attempts to protect America's home economy with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff during the great depression.

In anticipation of George Bush's visit to Europe, Alistair Cooke examines how the announcement of casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.

Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White, amongst them Madison Square Gardens.

Forty years on Alistair Cooke examines the knock on effect of the destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station.

Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in an increasingly secular society.

Alistair Cooke was unable to give his talk. In this repeat, from October 1998, Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America and England.

Alistair Cooke contemplates the result of the Californian Election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.

Alistair Cooke examines the roles Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield have played in American state affairs over the past four decades, including JF Kenndy's speech "Ich bin ein Berliner".

Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq and seizes the launch of a four-bladed razor to analyse the process of shaving.

Alistair Cooke tells us two stories because in times of great stress - and waiting for hurricane Isabel is stressful - people have told stories.

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golfing correspondent and commentator Henry Longhurst.

Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with that in Iraq and bemoans the lack of sports stars who can put their troubles in perspective.

Alistair Cooke examines why how tennis at Wimbledon and across the globe reconciles traditional values with the modern world.

Alistair Cooke contemplates the importance of electricity in the light of recent power cuts in New York and Baghdad.

Upon receiving a letter containing a Winston Churchill legend, Alistair Cooke remembers some more myths surrounding other famous characters.

Given the failure to reach consensus at the UN on how to tackle terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his letter of 1998 discussing Bill Clinton's failure to get his way at the UN.

Following the death of two centenarians, Alistair Cooke discusses Bob Hope and Lord Shawcross and how their longevity relates to the pensions crisis.

Alistair Cooke rejects the thought of retirement but contemplates the pastime of golf in the light of recent scientific studies.

Alistair Cooke examines the power of the catchphrase whether it be "uranium from Africa"; "winds of change"or "I was brainwashed".

Alistair Cooke reflects on why Americans seem to trust Tony Blair more than their own president, George Bush.

Alistair Cooke remembers meeting Ronald Colman and Katherine Hepburn.

Alistair Cooke asks whether the invasion of Iraq was based on a false premise: the existence of hidden weapons.

Alistair Cooke examines tyrants who commit mass murder and compares Stalin with Hitler.

Alistair Cooke contemplates how some political decisions change the entire course of world history by examining Saddam Hussain's decision to invade Kuwait.

Alistair Cooke asks how we can police the world in a time of modern terrorist conflict since America's founding fathers never legislated for an "undeclared" war.

Alistair Cooke questions how much confidence people should have in the military, the President, and in Congress.

Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the life and work of "the Oracle" Mark McCormack.

Alistair Cooke contemplates how to prevent Iraq from descending into anarchy.

Alistair Cooke explains how Leo Szilard, a little know Hungarian refugee, helped stop World War II.

Alistair Cooke reflects on how the desert town of Las Vegas became the biggest tourist honey trap.

Unions, strikes and last minute negotiation talks blot out world catastrophes for Alistair Cooke.

Alistair Cooke considers how people can become desensitised to the horrifying images of war, using Winston Churchill's Potsdam experience for reference.

Alistair Cooke considers how to grow old successfully and pays tribute Dr. Carlo Urbani, the man who pioneered Doctors Without Borders.

Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the brilliant and eccentric former senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Alistair Cooke reflects of the casualties of war and losing friendships to time.

36 hours into the war with Iraq, Alistair Cooke considers the public and political support for the war and George Bush's lack of diplomacy.

Alistair Cooke considers the ineffectiveness of the UN as an enforcing power and retells the history of Washington DC.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the lives of three extraordinary men; Sir Alexander Cadogan, Philip Larkin and Mister Rogers.