As to the thread title: I really doubt American tricks of any kind. I don't think we as Americans have a dog in the fight, plus we have a high level of ignorance regarding French politics, or should I say, ahem, affairs.

As to whether or not Strauss-Kahn can get out of it, not very long ago an American got out of shooting two Pakistanis via a "blood" payment. Maybe we can inaugurate some kind of similar principal.

Your job, come up with a suitable name for this . . .