Affectionate and at times adoring letters addressed to George Bush written by a variety of powerful world and business leaders have been leaked to the media by an undisclosed White House insider.

The letters, written over the last five years, since Bush has been president give an intriguing insight into the relationships between the world's most powerful men. A number of writers are national leaders and their words display a surprising degree of affection for the American president.

Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, in a letter dated 22nd February 2003, writes, "I find it hard to forget you George. I used to think you were a conservative, namby-pamby who only achieved power through nepotism. But now, I know you are a wonderful, brilliant man. Oh let's go to war in Iraq together. Let's change the world together, you and I. Yes let's!"

Australian Prime Minister, John Howard's letters contain similar adoring language. "Oh George, when I think of how this world once was, with all those liberal progressive thinkers controlling power I shudder. I thank God daily that he has blessed us with such a wondrous leader as you. I thought I was conservative until I met you. You have given the term new meaning."

However, Howard's letters at times also reflect frustration and jealousy. In a letter dated, 4th April 2003, he writes, "Oh George, why oh why do you ignore me. Why do you call Tony (Blair) every day to consult him on the war and forget about me? He is just a neo-liberal, fly by night, trying to gain the trust of big business. Whereas me, I have always believed in what you believe. I have always looked after the better people like you. Call me... Call me as soon as you get this, and tell me what you are thinking. Tell me about the war and what you're doing on the ranch (it seems so long since I was there). Don't forsake me. Please!"

However, not all world leaders were quite so affectionate. Former French president Jacque Chirac wrote, "I despise you and your measly American culture. You are unfit to lick the behind of my pet poodle, Serge." Though in the same letter, Chirac promised to drop in for French toast and coffee when next he was in Washington DC.

Perhaps the harshest letter writer of all was, not surprisingly, Saddam Hussein while he was still leader of Iraq. In August, 2002, months before the US invasion, he writes, "You are a pansy, a little wussy boy, like your father. Come on, invade us, I dare you. Naaa Naaa... You're chicken... Come over here if you're so tough. I'll show you who's a real man. My weapons of mass destruction are bigger than yours!"

The White House has issued a statement asking for the letters to be returned and for the President's feelings to be respected. "These are personal letters from friends and peers, and it upsets him dearly to see them read by so many."

Other world leaders whose writings have received such unexpected exposure are yet to make any official response, though John Howard did blush profusely then run from the room in tears mumbling, "I don't want to talk about it," when the subject was brought up by opposition politicians in parliament.