Alistair Cooke analyses the consequence of Saddam Hussain's decision to invade Kuwait.
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Dramatic Turns of History
The Maddest and Most Criminal of Tyrants
Alistair Cooke examines tyrants who commit mass murder and compares Stalin with Hitler.
Were We Misled into War?
Alistair Cooke asks whether the invasion of Iraq was based on a false premise.
Meeting the Stars
Alistair Cooke remembers meeting Ronald Colman and Katherine Hepburn.
Americans Choose Tony Blair
Alistair Cooke reflects on why Americans seem to trust Tony Blair.
The Power of a Phrase
Alistair Cooke examines the power of the catchphrase "winds of change".
It's Dangerous for Journalists to Retire
Nonagenarian Alistair Cooke rejects any idea of retiring.
The Original Fast Talker
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Bob Hope and Lord Shawcross.
Healing the Alliance Against Terrorism
After a debate on tackling terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his opinion of the UN.
Some Colourful Legends are Based in Fact
Alistair Cooke recalls some intriguing myths about Winston Churchill.
It Seemed like Doomsday at the Time
After recent power cuts, Alistair Cooke reflects on the importance of electricity.
The Drastic Social Change in a Once Genteel Game
Alistair Cooke muses on Wimbledon's ability to reconcile historic tradition and modernity.
A Million Iraqis Will Get the Message
Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with the troubles in Iraq.
In Memory of Henry Longhurst
Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golf commentator Henry Longhurst.
A Category Five Hurricane
Whilst waiting for hurricane Isabel, Alistair Cooke tells a few tales.
Why it Costs so Much to Rebuild Iraq
Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq.
I am a Jelly Doughnut
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield.
The California Election
Alistair Cooke contemplates Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.
Separated by Language
Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America and England.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in a secular society.
Towering Glass and Steel
Forty years on, Alistair Cooke examines the effect of destroying the Pennsylvania Station.
Social Lion and Remarkable Architect
Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White.
The Appetite for War
Alistair Cooke examines how casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.
Chinese Textile Tariffs
Alistair Cooke compares Chinese import tax with the great depression Smoot-Hawley Tariff.
Healthy Eating
In light of new concerns about healthy eating, Alistair Cooke reflects on Thanksgiving.
Why the War Couldn't Wait
Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.
Looking for an Anniversary
An anniversary gets Alistair Cooke out from a sticky broadcasting situation.
Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale
Charles Dickens’ Scrooge reminds Alistair Cooke of the uniting force of Christmas.
Pork Barrel Politics
Alistair Cooke examines how congressmen secure re-appointments during an election year.
The Problem with Sport
Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.
Not Worth Talking About
Alistair Cooke refuses to exhaust himself describing all the presidential candidates.
Temperatures Drop
Alistair Cooke remembers a Palm Beach winter, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.
The Day of the GP is Over
Alistair Cooke remembers when doctors used to make house calls.
Was Saddam a Threat or Not?
Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.
Encounters with Intelligence
Alistair Cooke remembers the time he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.
How WWI turned slimming into a fashion
How slimming became fashionable during the food shortages of the First World War.
Alistair Cooke's Last Letter
In his last letter, Alistair Cooke examines Iraq’s influence on the Presidential Election.
Groucho Marx and Bing Crosby
Profiles of entertainers Groucho Marx (1898-1977) and Bing Crosby (1903-1977).
How ice cream changed America
A profile of Reuben Mattus (1912-1994), the co-founder of Haagen-Dazs.
Kennedy's rocking chair
The secret ailments of President John F Kennedy.
Atlanta and Augusta
A history of the Augusta National Golf Club from its formation in 1777.
Rudolph Valentino
The life of Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926).
The atom bomb warning of 1939
How two refugees warned Roosevelt of the German nuclear threat.
The 1970s
1970s USA rediscovered through lost recordings of Alistair Cooke's Letter From America.