This is GOOD vs EVIL.
What would likely be a goal of the TRULY EVIL?
To fulfill as many apocalyptic signs as possible.
What is one apocalyptic sign?
The Destruction of Damascus.
What if EVIL FORCES were setting up to destroy Damascus.
The GOOD GUYS stage a GAS attack.
Why?
To justify the bombing campaign that just occurred.
What was really the bombing campaign about?
Blowing up EVIL targets that were setting up to destruct Damascus.