I think the real motive is to “prove” that sales of guns in this country contribute to crime and civil war in Mexico. Then they will use that to justify harsh anti-gun laws in the U.S., esp. against semi-autos and so-called “assault rifles” which patriots could use if rebellion in this country becomes necessary.
If that was ATF’s reason and strategy, they lost when Issa nailed them as the arms dealers. I really think they were abetting the cartels. Clinton was into dealing drugs as Gov. of Arkansas. I would not doubt Obama’s and Holder’s “people” are into the same business.