re: Taking advantage
Yes, it's possible the french diplomacy succeeded in catching the attention of most of the world (by opposing the US position at the UN).
But I'm sure they must not be blamed for it. The european press knew before this happened, the US was going to start the war no matter what (because of the massive US troop concentrations assembled over there, even before any UN decision were made).
Starting a war with the lack of obvious threatening evidence from Iraq was very much opposed by public opinions all over the world.