Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Bush Sr Years (1989-1992)

Examining Anita Hill's sexual harassment allegations against President Bush's new choice for the Supreme Court, Judge Clarence Thomas, and defining sexual harassment in US law.

President Bush's attempts to reform US education, the impossibility of defining an average American family, and sexuality among schoolchildren.

A look at the strained relations between Israel and the US, the plight of refugees in the Middle East, and the global misconception about the state of US finances.

The trial of former Marine Colonel, Oliver North, over the sale of arms to Iran which resulted in the 1986 Iran-Contra scandal, shows how key witness immunity can devastate cases.

An orgy of tv trials awaiting the American public and the surrogate trials that go under the name of Congressional Committee hearings are discussed.

President George H W Bush's ratings for re-election are boosted by the Gorbachev coup. Cooke compares his invulnerability with that of Winston Churchill.

After the Soviet coup to overpower Gorbachev, America is now wondering who is in charge of the nuclear arsenal.

Gennady Yanayev and the Gang of Eight grab for power in the 1991 August coup against Gorbachev. Cooke explores how the popularity of Boris Yeltsin inevitably caused their downfall.

Could the United Nations' economic sanctions have crippled Saddam Hussein? Plus, how personal boycotts enable consumers to become socially responsible.

Mayor of New York City, David Dinkins, opens his doors to the public to hear their solutions to social problems such as drugs, homelessness and crime.

Is President George H W Bush unbeatable in the next election? Alistair Cooke considers his Desert Storm glory verses chronic social problems at home.

The Bank of Credit and Commerce International scandal is heightened when Mr Major dares Mr Kinnock to use the word "liar" in the House of Commons.

How commentators around the world now view Mr Gorbachev, and his attendence of the 17th G7 summit held in London.

American 'know how' and the rise of stress related illnesses in both America and Britain are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

How Serbian Gavrilo Princip, the murderer of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary, destroyed the empire and instigated the First World War in one shot.

Nude dancing in the state of Indiana causes the American Supreme Court to question the violation of the 1st Amendment, and the obscenity of publicly exhibiting genitalia.

Yeltsin's visit contrasts to one he made in '89 when the US favoured Gorbachev. A bizarre encounter with Senator William Cohen of Maine, and an end to the trials of Oliver North.

Michael Weiss' research into zip codes can determine the books you read, the car you drive and how you like your eggs in the morning. Alistair Cooke finds out how.

The American Department of Defence's publication of Iraqi casualties from the Gulf War leads Alistair Cooke to explore the uses and abuses of the Freedom of Information Act.

The social injustice which sparked riots in Tompkins Square Park in 1988, and how the social acceptibilty of homelessness has changed over the years.