Comment More Than Just a Nuclear Deterrent (Score 1) 705
Nuclear weapons continue to exist not just to deter nuclear war, but major wars in general. Too many conventional war scenarios lead to nuclear war with disastrous consequences; the very idea has taken war between the major powers off the table. They are the reason for why there have been no major European wars since WWII and why China was restrained during the mad years of Mao.
Conventional weapons can provide the same deterrence, assuming everyone, every where destroys their nukes, but only a massive increase in conventional forces. No one believes Obama or the public in the US or Europe would be willing to make the sacrifice.
Barring unicorns springing forth and the seas turning to lemonade, the threat of war will be with us always. If you want peace, or at least avoid another world war, nukes are the cost effective deterrent.