Amos,

The problem with the whole idea of MAD is that it only works when all sides are sane.

When any one of those who have the capability to use nuclear weapons is willing to die, and have his own citizens die, to inflict damage upon another country, the system INSURES the use of nuclear weapons by all parties who have the capability.

But that seems to be preferable to the prevention of posession of nuclear weapons, such as attempted in Iraq and ( by the UN) in Iran, according to many here.

I would far rather see a conventional war than the use of nuclear weapons by any side- the first use will be justification for further use by all sides.