What I believe actually happened was at first, because they were in bed with Iraq, France acted all macho and butch and threatened their veto. When this didn't stop the US' well formed plans, they realised that because of their initial attitude, the US was going to crap on them, so to speak. They also realised that NOW they'd be missing out on their tidy little money collections and oil deals. What a shame!

France, you should have joined the Coalition. Hindsight is a woeful experience.....