[HPsquared]

The answer is always going to be "maybe", but hopefully enough of a maybe to deter hostile actions. That puts everything in an uncomfortable state of uncertainty.

[bornfreddy]

Better uncomfortable state of uncertainty than comfortable state of war. Nuclear or conventional.

[hilbert42]

"…comfortable state of war."

No war is "comfortable", it's a distaster for all involved participants—even the victors.