Iraq proposed to negotiate and pull out of Kuwait. Bush refused to negotiate or pursue a peaceful settlement, as required by the UN Charter. After all the carnage and Bush's bluster about Saddam's threat to the region, Hussein remains in power. This is not your grandfather's military. Presidents like Bush are not your grandfather's presidents.
Weapons manufacturers make money on arms trafficking.
A handful of wealthy individuals profit when wars are waged to protect their financial interests. The politicians who flack for those military-industrial leaders also gain power and money. However, today's arms trade and for-profit wars harm low ranking American military personnel. It took a while for Skaggs to realize the Silver Bullet that tore through his Bradley had sheared both feet from Kidd's legs. Skaggs, also a trained combat lifesaver, suddenly assumed the burdens of an overwhelmed physician as he treated wounded from two other Bradleys hit by friendly fire.