Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)

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.