Actually the French have served a valuable purpose. All the surrendering Iraqis have a role model.
Seriously, France has been known as a terrorist softie for many years. They have pruchased immunity with weapons and political backing. They allow them to stay in France when on the run.
I don't think this is a case of both the US and the French having the same purpose but different methods. I think the French have had their butts kicked so often they are afraid to get involved. It serves their insecurity to insist other nations don't take courageous stands. It just shows how cowardly they have become. Now maybe if my country had WW1 fought on it's soil and had the Germans roll over us in WW2 and get kicked out of all our former colonies I would be a little insecure too.
BTW I have nothing against the French people. I know some and have some who are friends but their government is another story.