User blog comment:Zathronas/Speculative author: What is Cinder's plan?/@comment-10390252-20140808112348

Semi-random idea:

Ironwood is, as well as being a soldier, also the spokesman for an arms firm. Living in an 'unprecedented time of peace' must be difficult for him. So... maybe he's decided to start his own war? He has his agent, Cinder, weakiening Vale's defences by reducing the Dust supply and encouraging the White Fang to greater lengths as well as possibly supplying them advanced weapons.

When the White Fang attack, Ironwood can then swoop in with his soldiers to save the day. It will be child's play to persuade the Kingdoms to let him take his soldiers and airships and hunt down The White Fang across the world - a war that will take years and give him all the glory he desires.

The problem? I'm not convinced that Cinder is loyal to him. I think she might be setting him up to take the fall and, in the process, discredit the military. This would be useful to her if her longer-term objective is to undermine and weaken the kingdoms for some purpose.