[Jorge]

It finally became apparent to him that Chirac would oppose ANY reasonable resolution. This has angered Blair to no end, and he believes that Chirac is trying to end his political career in order to become the “the voice” of the EU and elevate France’s stature. Chirac believes he has Blair trapped, thinking Tony can’t or won’t go to war without another UN resolution.

Chirac has unwittingly made it a no lose situation for Blair to go to war without the UN resolution. He will certainly be finished politically if he submits to Chirac's ploy...so Blair's best chances now are to join the US and have victory in Iraq.

I believe Chirac the worm has overplayed his hand.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Exactly. Now Blair can shift blame to the usual villian France. People forget the poll that showed good British support for war if the UN supported it. Chirac so obviously acting in bad faith won't be overlooked by the average Brit. His "Wellstone Memorial" moment.

[GLDNGUN]

Chirac has unwittingly made it a no lose situation for Blair to go to war without the UN resolution. He will certainly be finished politically if he submits to Chirac's ploy...so Blair's best chances now are to join the US and have victory in Iraq. I believe Chirac the worm has overplayed his hand

That is about the size of it. The Brits may want to go to war to put France in their place as much as to liberate Iraq.