The fact it was not a shooting conflict for the most part should not blind us to its global nature. The Soviet Union intended to defeat the West and plant socialism every where it could. It did so in Eastern Europe and Afghanistan and client regimes did it in Indochina and Cuba. Today that threat is gone but a far more potent and deadlier one has appeared in its place.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus