[Ingtar]

Perhaps they are calculating in the probability that it will go nuclear? Some schools of thought hold that we would never have devestated the world over Cuba.

[swarthyguy]

But we'll never know that for sure because Khrushchev backed down, albeit with a backroom deal that made the US take its missiles out of Turkey.

[Ingtar]

And not as a racial statement - the invective and saber rattling makes this sound more likely. And they are fighting over what they both believe is part of their country... this makes a large difference.

[gcruse]

 Some schools of thought hold that we would never have
devestated the world over Cuba.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff ordered the ships maintaining
the picket line to sink the Russian ship that was approaching
them ostensibly to breach the line.  Had the ship not stopped,
we would have sunk her.  Does that answer your question?