Goal of Meditation

Currently writing a summary of Buddhism, I now have to write about the famous Samatha Bhavana meditation. Having explained *how* to practice Samatha Bhavana, I'm now proceeding to explain *why* practice Samatha Bhavana, and that's where I need your kind help. Many say that the point of Samatha Bhavana is to stop desire, and therefore suffering - as desire and suffering are indeed intimately connected. Is that true : is that the point ? And if yes, how does Samatha Bhavana stop desire ? If that's not true, what then is the **real** point of Samatha Bhavana ? I've come across many different views on that matter, really... That's why I need the help of seasoned Buddhists in order to answer it. Thank you in advance.