Originally Posted by Fidei Defensor

I disagree. Iraq was not in compliance with its obligations under the cease fire agreement. Hans Blix verified this. France could have taken a tough, principled and honest stance and said, "We will vote to approve use of force to remove the regime unless Iraq can be certified as materially compliant by __/__/__." I'm certain the U.S. would have considered that helpful, and, indeed, it might have prevented the eventual bloodshed if Saddam was made to believe there was no way out for him.