Sanctions failed for 12 years and only started working again when the US started a buildup. Yet you act like this was improper. It is quite easy for France, Russia, and China to support dragging out a process that was obviously not working because they weren't paying for the driving force for what little progress was actually being made. As mentioned elsehwere they were quite happy with the status quo of failing sanctions. Their self interest is obvious to anyone willing to look.

There is also evidence that France and Russia are seeking international status simply by opposing the US. Sorry, but I don't see that as justified given the US's more rational recent behavior on the international stage in supporting the spread of freedom and democracy. The Eastern Europeans appreciate this which prompted an irate response from France. That response is one of the clearest pieces of evidence his position was more about French status than a moral stance.

Regards,
Mark