Unfortunately the end game was to have the Security Council have our back. I think the Administration saw the writing on the wall and figured to cut a strong deal now unilaterally, and put NK on record for a future (Democrat?) administration. This way W takes credit if it works, and if it fails, can pull a Clinton/Albright - or maybe the US will finally unify the mainland.
Bolton said pretty much the same thing on the Glenn Beck Program Thursday.