War with Iran, will the UK help

[Inchante]

Bluff I think, is a bit of a misnomer, Sil. Deterrent and bargaining tool are probably the most accurate descriptions that a person could give to nuclear weapons.

And, Fred is right to some extent. There are real identifiable threats stemming from nuclear weapons. For the most part, these concern nongovernmental organizations, terrorists, getting their hands on them. Given security issues in the former U.S.S.R., it is a real possibility. But, you are right. It would take a great deal of insanity for a government to decide to use a nuclear weapon.

I don't think it is all together a matter of the United States wanting to become a "watchdog", as you describe it, Sil. I think it was a matter of it also being foisted upon the United States. It has occupied that roll since the beginning of its involvement in WWII, and the world (at least the western world) has preferred that situation . . . probably more than the American people have.