>>Use of chemical warfare was the major selling point for the Irak war.
>
>I remember chem as talking point in the Iran/Irak scuffles, but for first Irak war Saddam visiting Kuwait was the big point. As oil probably was more important in decision making than people, I might have adjusted my mental filters back then...

I said selling point, not the same as decision making. Ever since Vietnam war (aka American war, if you ask the hosts), no US government wants the whole affair to be widely and uncontrolledly televised, so first a media campaign has to build up the public support. Even though it's not conscripts anymore, it's mercenaries (aka volunteers), the soldiers (a troop each) are still someone's children, relatives, spouses... so sell it. Staging a proper inhumane massacre works the best.