although it's not been widely discussed, was that Iraq was developing a space program.
An expert in ballistics had proposed to the US the development of a super-artillery - one that could fire small (20lb approx) projectiles into space. The project was eventually shutdown (HARM?) and he went to where his services were needed.
The place - Iraq. Where he was developing same said super-artillery for Saddam Hussein. (In addition, he was help SH tie together SCUD missile to get longer ranges out of them.)
He was in Britain when Israel Intelligence meet with him. Hours later, he was shot and killed by unknown assailents. No one saw a thing, no one heard a thing.
Also - British force intercepted a shipment of parts for the super-artillery. (Unknown who tipped them.)
During Desert Storm, the UN forces did seize the super-artillery and blew it up.
My opinion --
Saddam Hussein probably never cared much for the super-artillery - he seemed more interested in the SCUDs. However the super-artillery was the life-long dream of the expert.
However, a gun that can fire a projectile into space can also fire a projectile into Israel...or even the US. The US (and others) could not allow that to happen.
Could we allow Kuwait to be attacked merely to get an excuse to go into Iraq and destroy a potential weapon against the US?