A Window of Relief

Alistair Cooke examines the political split over the attitude of Ariel Sharon.

• 15 mins

The Catholic Church and Child Sex Abuse

Alistair Cooke on the scandals of child sex abuse by clergy in the Roman Catholic Church.

• 15 mins

New York: How are you Doing?

Alistair Cooke considers the psychological damage of the 9/11 attacks on school children.

• 15 mins

Princes of the Church Live as Princes of the World

Alistair Cooke explores how the Roman Catholic Church uses canon law to defend its clergy.

• 15 mins

Joy and Sorrow for the Libertarians

Alistair Cooke analyses why China's newfound capitalism is fully sanctioned by Marx.

• 15 mins

Secret of Eternal Youth

Alistair Cooke examines the alleged forewarnings of 9/11, and the new elixir of life.

• 15 mins

Fountains and Trade Wars

Alistair Cooke examines George Bush's visit to Europe in the midst of a trade war.

• 15 mins

A Ruin Running to the Horizon

Alistair Cooke reflects on the removal of the Twin Towers debris from Ground Zero.

• 15 mins

The Last of the Old Time Gangsters

Alistair Cooke remembers the life and death of infamous American Mafia boss John Gotti.

• 15 mins

Goldfinger is Still Alive and Well

Alistair Cooke remembers Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the second Gulf War.

• 15 mins

American Policy has One Main Aim

A letter from a student leads Alistair Cooke to consider anti-semitism in New York.

• 15 mins

The Old West

Alistair Cooke considers the argument that sweat shop work is good for the employees.

• 15 mins

Don't Name it, Cure it

Alistair Cooke examines what President Bush is doing about fraudulent financial deals.

• 15 mins

The Avenues to Express Greed had Grown

Alistair Cooke considers the language used by Alan Greenspan to calm the stock markets

• 15 mins

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

Alistair Cooke reflects on the generosity of Andrew Carnegie.

• 15 mins

Dead Cat Bounce

After news of a double-dip recession, Alistair Cooke discusses Pope John Paul II’s visit.

• 15 mins

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Alistair Cooke considers Europe’s reliance on the UN for dealing with Saddam Hussein.

• 15 mins

Cool it, Man!

Floods in Europe remind Alistair Cooke of the damage done to Dresden during WWII.

• 15 mins

If in Doubt, Find an Anniversary

Alistair Cooke explores the weird and wonderful anniversaries of 1902.

• 15 mins

Fireworks over Manhattan

Alistair Cooke reflects on the tribute to 9/11 heroes at the US Open.

• 15 mins

President Bush II has never been busier, 2002

Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's workload during the Iraq crisis.

• 15 mins

It's Been Hard Convincing Allies that it's War

On first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Alistair Cooke muses on a new type of warfare.

• 15 mins

President Kennedy had Just had a Nasty Shock

Alistair Cooke remembers the Cuban missile crisis and Nixon's golf club scandal.

• 15 mins

Watch out for Isidore

It’s all in the name for Alistair Cooke as he ponders hurricane titles and biblical names.

• 15 mins

What the American People Want

Alistair Cooke reflects on the opinion poll discoveries of George H Gallup.

• 15 mins

Protest for Peace

On hearing anti-war protests, Alistair Cooke recalls the American Civil War drafting riot.

• 15 mins

Heaven on the Half Shell

Alistair Cooke reflects on the historical connection between China and California.

• 15 mins

Implement Me No Directives!

Alistair Cooke judges the language used by the Old Testament, Churchill and UN treaties.

• 15 mins

All Politics is Local

Alistair Cooke recalls his very odd introduction to American politics.

• 15 mins

When the Miraculous Computer Fails

Alistair Cooke reveals the consequences of a polling computer crash.

• 15 mins