No need to resort to threats. Stick to the facts. I stand by my statement. Aside from defeatist, Popular-Front France getting whupped in 1940, I say they've done well. Even in 1870, Paris held out throughout the winter, and fresh armies were being raised in the provinces.
They were grossly outnumbered in Vietnam.
I'm weak on the history of the Algerian war, but I don't recall reading anything about the French regularly getting beat in the field. Were there even any pitched battles?
Re Algeria: The French sent in troops earlier this year (without a UN resolution!!!!!) to protect French citizens during the civil war there, and to set up a government friendly to the French.
More recently, France asked the U.N. to send in troops, because French troops are cornered and need rescuing. The U.S. vetoed the resolution! Hah!