“... A small part of me can’t wait to see the response when the Muslims begin burning the French vineyards and distilleries”.
Um... white surrender flags, right? We are talking about the FRENCH!
Poor leadership.
Poor strategy.
They fought to the end.
http://www.dienbienphu.org/english/index.htm
"Not a single position remains in French hands since 11:00 this morning. Their garrisons were overrun; they did not surrender. Eliane 10 fell at dawn. There remained only two officers, entrenched on the roof of a shelter."