Topics for discussion (you may pick one or multiple topics): Since neither side wanted war, why did war almost occur? How important was it, that the USA and USSR had full diplomatic relations with each other, and could communicate directly with each other (in contrast, Israel and Iran, and the USA and Iran, for example, do not have diplomatic relations; could they resolve a similar crisis, if Iran acquired nuclear weapons?) What were Kennedy's strengths and weaknesses as a President in the midst of this crisis? What is your evaluation of him? What characteristics do we need in a President, to effectively handle a crisis that threatens the nation?