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

President Bush withdraws the US diplomatic recognition of the Cambodian guerrilla coalition due to the human rights record of the regime.

With the World Cup drawing to a close, Alistair Cooke looks forward to 1994 when the USA will hold the tournament and examines the American interest in soccer.

A French insight in to Independence Day, the British stereotype of American pastimes, and a travel guide for tourists visiting New York State, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Nelson Mandela's 1990 visit to the United States, the ANC's reluctance to renounce violence, and the conflict between pro and anti-abortionists, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Charles de Gaulle's 1967 speech calling for an independent Quebec, healthcare and gun control in Canada, and the American view of their neighbour to the north.

Following the emergence of Diane Feinstein as Democratic nomination for the Governor of California, Alistair Cooke profiles the politician, and details Proposition 111.

The spontaneous walkabouts of Mr Gorbachev, and an aborted attempt on the life of President Kennedy by Richard Paul Pavlik in Palm Beach, Florida in December 1960.

In the week of Memorial Day, Alistair Cooke looks at the effect that an upcoming holiday has on Congress and examines the legislation affecting the arms and tobacco industries.

The death of Greta Garbo, the way in which television is prolonging the life of movies, and a eulogy for puppeteer Jim Henson, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The controversy surrounding an exhibition by Robert Mapplethorpe, the conservative nature of Cincinnati, and the work of Judge Wolsey to bring Joyce's Ulysses to the US.

Alistair Cooke muses on the end of the Reagan era and a collective shift away from the greed of the 'me' decade.

With Earth Day approaching, Alistair Cooke discusses acid rain, the Clean Air act, and a selection of books that have shifted our opinions about the environment.

Roosevelt's mission to unify a diverse people under the English language, and America's many Christians sects, as explored by Alistair Cooke.

Alistair Cooke details the life and career of the labor leader, Harry Bridges, who initiated a general strike in San Francisco in 1934.

Presidential press conferences, the lobbyist system, George Bush's dislike of broccoli, and the power of food as a political tool.

The Japanese peace envoys visiting the White House during the Pearl Harbour attacks, the use of Biblical language by modern-day Americans and the fall in church attendance.

A proclamation by the head of a fringe religious group that the World is going to end on St George's Day leads Alistair Cooke to investigate the realm of apocalyptic cults.

The final flight of the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, the Russian capture of an American pilot in 1960 and the cuts in the American public spending budgets.

With Daniel Ortega voted out of power in Nicaragua, Alistair Cooke details the turbulent relationship between Nicaragua and the United States.

Peggy Noonan's revelations on writing speeches for Reagan and Bush, and how a great speech can shape the public persona of a politician.