Well, that is consistent with the French character -- one thinks of 1870 and Clemenceau's remark around 1910 when it was suggested the French adopt a modern, inconspicuous uniform: Les Pantaloons rouge, c'est la France!.
Your posts are interesting and hopeful. I must say, it is difficult not to be frustrated at the debacle at the UN and the perfidiousness of the French, Germans and Russians. I am curious what you think we can realistically do to the French to make them pay, for surely we cannot let their treachery go unanswered. We should probably start, at the time the ultimatum is given, by all three of the US, UK and Spain recalling their ambassadors and giving the French embassy and consular staffs 72 hours to leave. While in the modern world that might seem small, it would be an unmistakable gesture in diplomatic protocol that the French could not miss. I should think we might follow with England and Spain closing their borders with France, and all of us requiring visas for French citizens to enter our countries.
Believe me, I'm as frustrated as anyone with the UN "charades". Paybacks can be a "Hillary" if you get my drift. ;-) We need to see just what all the ties were between Saddam and these major powers opposing us, especially France. As I said in another post, it is stunning to see the lengths to which they are willing to go to hinder our effort. They are now lobbying Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to not give us use of airspace, bases, etc. If it is discovered that they have been/are directly assisting Saddam, such as sharing intelligence, expect to see your scenario played out for starters.
When Iraqi oil is traded in dollars once again, the euro will take a dive.
That will be payment enough.